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Japan

Watch: Bear captured after roaming through Japanese city

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North Korea

North Korea fires ballistic missile into Yellow Sea, Seoul says

The North has also repeatedly shunned efforts by the South Korean government to improve relations, repeatedly calling Seoul its most "hostile" adversary.

Kazakhstan

Tokyo governor urges capitals to share best practices on Astana visit

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike discussed hydrogen energy, AI cooperation and urban resilience during visits to the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.

Japan

Around 20 people injured after spraying incident in Tokyo mall

Roads around the building in the shopping district of Ginza, where the mall is located, were blocked off following the incident, and fire trucks lined the street.

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Ancient Buddhist hall with 1,000-year-old ‘eternal flame’ burns in Japan

A Buddhist hall on Japan’s Miyajima Island that housed an “eternal flame” believed to have burned for more than 1,000 years was destroyed in a fire, with aerial footage showing the building engulfed in flames.

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Japan

Japan arrests Americans over stunt at baby monkey Punch's zoo

The baby monkey became an internet star this year after the zoo posted photos of Punch clutching an IKEA plush orangutan for comfort after being rejected by his mother.

Travel News

Japan’s Pokémon travel trend flies high with new themed airport

A regional airport in Japan is getting a Pokémon-inspired makeover as part of post-earthquake recovery efforts.

Art

The fantastic four: Stand-out pavilions at the 2026 Venice Biennale

The national pavilions that chime with Kouoh’s core values of nurture, intimacy and reflection are those that quietly steal this year’s spotlight.

Japan

Japanese man arrested after wife's remains found in zoo incinerator

The victim once told her relatives that her husband was threatening to "burn you until no trace of you will be left," public broadcaster NHK said, citing investigative sources.

Residences

See inside this Japanese hotel brand’s expanded Pokémon room range

Every stay includes special-edition MIMARU-original merchandise, such as themed fabric bags and collectable items.

Residences

New hotels in Japan: The standout openings to book in 2026

From Kyoto heritage stays to a converted prison in Nara, Japan’s newest hotels reflect a shift towards design, identity and experience-led travel.

No Comment

A robot Sony built with AI is defeating human pros at table tennis

Japanese electronics giant Sony built the robotic arm it calls Project Ace and pitted it against professional athletes.

Japan

Japan issues tsunami warning after powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake

Authorities have urged residents of the affected areas to seek higher ground, heed safety instructions and exercise caution.

Travel News

'Don’t Hike Naked in Switzerland': Top tips for first-time travellers

Think twice before you tip, throw coins in ponds or miss out on an opportunity to chat with a local. Lonely Planet and other experts share the unwritten rules of travelling abroad for the first time.

Moments

Europe has some of the world’s most eye-catching train journeys

Japan’s Sagano Romantic Train takes the crown, while three of the top five routes are in Europe.

Travel News

Travelling to Japan? All the changes to tourist taxes and fees in 2026

Some of the increased fees apply to all travellers, but some can be avoided depending on when you visit and where you stay.

Economy

Japan passes biggest ever budget at €664bn amid spending push

The upper house of the Japanese parliament has enacted a state budget of ¥122.3 trillion (€664bn), the largest allocation in the country's history. The move reflects PM Takaichi's goal of an expansionary fiscal policy.