The Latest Breaking News from Tokyo

The Kuril Islands: how a visit from Putin reignited a 150-year-old dispute between Japan and Russia

The diplomatic spat continues to simmer as Moscow summons Tokyo’s ambassador after the Russian president’s trip to the disputed islands last week

The Guardian - AU · Aug 18

Tokyo festival turns streets into a giant water fight

Crowds drench mikoshi bearers with buckets, hoses and water pistols during Tokyo's triennial Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri on 16 August 2026.

Euronews · Aug 17

Japan dominates the world’s best cities for digital nomads, while Spain makes an impact

Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya all make the global top ten, while Barcelona and Madrid are the only European cities to feature in the ranking.

Euronews · Aug 17

Chiba under water after record rainfall in Japan

Record rainfall left thousands of travelers stranded at Tokyo's Narita airport on Friday (August 14) as flooding in the surrounding area disrupted transport, knocked out power to homes and claimed at least four lives. Japan's Chiba is flooded after more than 14 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in…

Bangkok Post · Aug 15

Why Putin’s first Kuril Islands visit has shocked Japan: Why did he go there now, and how is a WW2-era dispute pushing Russia and Japan further apart?

Putin’s Kuril Islands visit: Why did Russian President Vladimir Putin visit the disputed Kuril Islands now? Putin's first trip to the island chain has reignited a WW2-era territorial dispute with Japan, prompting Tokyo to call the visit “absolutely unacceptable” as tensions between Russia and Japan continue to deepen. Moscow quickly…

The Economic Times · Aug 14

US backs Japanese sovereignty over disputed islands after Putin visit

The US ambassador said Washington was "unwavering" in recognising Japanese sovereignty, after Putin's visit to the four islands occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945 prompted Japan to summon Moscow's ambassador and consider tightening sanctions against Russia.

Euronews · Aug 14

‘Murakami saw his book come alive!’: the Japanese company bringing the author’s science fiction masterpiece to the stage

A play based on the writer’s dreamlike novel Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is touring the world, riding a wave of interest in Japanese culture. Its creators talk about how they adapted the famously cryptic tale

The Guardian - UK · Aug 14

Japan's 'Unprecedented' Rain Strands 7,000 at Tokyo Airport, Turning It Into a Makeshift Shelter

Record-breaking rainfall in eastern Japan left thousands stranded at Narita Airport, with severe flooding causing fatalities and widespread disruption during the Bon holiday period.

International Business Times UK · Aug 14

Japan's Former Currency Diplomat Says the Yen Is 'Clearly Too Weak,' Warns More Intervention From Tokyo and Washington Could Come 'at Any Time'

Japan and the U.S. could step in to support the yen again “at any time,” according to Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Tokyo’s former top currency diplomat, who also said the Bank of Japan should signal faster interest rate hikes to stem the currency’s decline.

Benzinga · Aug 14

US backs Japan over Putin trip to disputed islands

TOKYO — The United States recognises Japan's sovereignty over islands visited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the US ambassador to Tokyo said Friday.

Bangkok Post · Aug 14