The Latest Breaking News from Japan

Tokyo issues angry response as Putin visits disputed islands near Japan

The four islands, occupied by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the war's end, providing the Kremlin with strategic military bases.

Euronews · Aug 13

Global Market: Japan wholesale inflation stays elevated, bolstering September rate hike bets

Japan’s wholesale inflation stayed elevated in July, with producer prices rising 7.2% year-on-year, reinforcing expectations of a September Bank of Japan rate hike. Broad-based cost pressures, higher import prices and yen weakness are raising inflation risks, while stronger metal and raw-material costs could further pressure consumer prices and accelerate monetary…

The Economic Times · Aug 13

Global Market: Japanese bond yields hold near highs as markets brace for BOJ rate hike

Japanese government bond yields remained broadly steady as investors increased bets on a possible Bank of Japan rate hike in September. Short-term yields stayed near multi-year highs, while longer-term yields rose amid fiscal concerns and expected government spending. Markets now largely anticipate further monetary tightening, though fiscal risks could limit…

The Economic Times · Aug 13

Why Putin’s first Kuril Islands visit matters as Russia-Japan ties hit new low

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands for the first time. This visit occurred amid deeply strained relations between Russia and Japan. Japan strongly protests the visit, reiterating its territorial claims over the islands. The long-standing dispute has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This territorial disagreement prevents…

The Times of India · Aug 13

Key Japan war shrine bans military cosplay ahead of second world war anniversary

Ban at Yasukuni shrine comes amid increasing visits by nationalist groups appearing in military style dress

The Guardian - AU · Aug 13

Japan summons Russian ambassador after Putin visits disputed Kuril islands

Japan’s foreign minister summoned the Russian ambassador in Tokyo to lodge a “strong protest” against President Vladimir Putin’s surprise visit to the Kuril islands on Thursday. Tokyo maintains its claim to the disputed islands near Japan's northernmost Hokkaido island since they were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.

France 24 · Aug 13

Potatoes 'boiling' in ground, livestock dead: Record heat ruins harvest in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong

South Korea recorded its hottest summer on record this year, with the southeastern city of Yangsan reaching 42.5°C on August 2, the highest temperature recorded in the country since modern weather observations began in 1904.

The Times of India · Aug 13

Overwatch World Cup 2026: Schedule, results, teams, and format

The World Cup is back.

Dot Esports · Aug 13

Kumamoto Castle reopens after safety checks following M7.1 quake

Kumamoto Castle reopened to visitors on Thursday, just over two weeks after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, following safety checks by the city.

Bangkok Post · Aug 13

Strong majority of Japanese firms have yet to fully embrace AI: Reuters poll

About 60% of respondents said AI is being used only in some parts of their companies or in other limited ways. Another 18% said they have not decided whether to introduce AI into the workplace while 6% are not ‌even considering AI ⁠adoption.

The Economic Times · Aug 13