The Latest Breaking News from The Japan News/Yomiuri

Russia's Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued Monday, said it will suspend peace treaty negotiations with Japan. As Russia has unilaterally refused to continue the treaty negotiations, the road toward improving bilateral relations, including in regard to the issue of the northern territories, has become more difficult.

The public will see heavier, more agile twin giant panda cubs when they are put back on display at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on Friday.

Hit by a cold wave, the Kanto region has fallen into the worst power crisis since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The government and electric power companies need to seriously reflect on their over-optimistic outlook and take countermeasures.

Russia bears full responsibility for the suspension of negotiations. The Japanese government must stick to its principle of demanding the return of the illegally occupied northern territories and enhance the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia.