Japan

Colombo extends state of emergency – Sri Lanka attacks

President Maithripala Sirisena orders emergency for another 30 days, citing "public security," a month after deadly Easter bombings killed 258 people.

Taiwan approves same-sex marriage in first for Asia

Lawmakers pressured by LGBT groups as well as by church organisations opposed to the move approved most of a government-sponsored bill.

EU rich-poor gap widens but still lowest in world

Scores of various countries within the European Union differ markedly, with some of those of the former communist states in Eastern Europe bringing down the average.

Otto Warmbier's father calls Kim Jong-un 'criminal Kim'

He said the truth is that North Korea's leader is telling his people that they have to limit rations to 300 grams per day — the equivalent of five slices of white bread — "at the same time he's begging for food from the (UN) World Food Program."

North Korea fires several short-range missiles into sea

Pyongyang fires "several projectiles" from its east coast, South Korea's military says, as the country appears to step up pressure against US after February's failed nuclear summit in Hanoi.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito pledges to work as symbol of the people

Emperor Naruhito inherited Imperial regalia and seals as proof of his succession and pledged in his first public address to follow his father's example in devoting himself to peace and staying close to the people.

Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito becomes emperor

Naruhito, 59, becomes 126th emperor at the stroke of midnight, ushering in "Reiwa" imperial era, following his father Akihito's historic abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world's oldest monarchy.

Emperor announces abdication as Japan marks end of era

Akihito's reign runs through midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes the new emperor.

Japan’s emperor to abdicate, first time in 200 years

Japan’s Emperor Akihito, 85, stunned the Japanese nation in 2016 when he signalled his desire to take a back seat, citing his age and health problems.

Trump: Japan will invest $40 billion in US car factories

US President Donald Trump told a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said his country would invest $40 billion in US car factories.

Nissan ex-chair Ghosn released from Japanese detention

The second bail enables Carlos Ghosn to better prepare for criminal trial expected later this year. He faces a total of four financial misconduct charges and denies all.

Japan passes a law to compensate victims of forced sterilisations

They were sterilised as part of a Eugenics Protection Law that was in effect from 1948 to 1996. Some of the victims were physically or cognitively disabled, according to the board that approved their sterilisation. Others had behavioural issues.