Yoshihide Suga

Japan ruling party elects Yoshihide Suga as new leader

Yoshihide Suga is expected to easily win a parliamentary vote for prime minister after becoming the Liberal Democratic Party's new leader with 377 of a total of 534 valid votes.

Potential contenders: Who will lead Japan after Abe?

A popular ex-defence minister and a colourful Twitter user are among the list of potential contenders to lead Japan following Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation due to health problems.

Nearly 40 people feared dead as torrential rains hit southwest Japan

Helicopters and boats have rescued more people from their homes in the Kumamoto region. More than 40,000 defense troops, the coast guard and fire brigades have been taking part in the operation.

Why is Japan sending naval forces to the Gulf?

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s government decided to send a warship and patrol planes to the region to protect its commercial tankers amid high tension in the region.

Japan's Abe drafts rising star Koizumi, allies in broad cabinet reshuffle

The spectacular appointment as environment minister of the telegenic Shinjiro Koizumi, the 38-year-old son of much-loved former PM Junichiro Koizumi, set tongues wagging in Tokyo political classes as the Abe era draws to a close.

South Korea cancels intelligence deal with Japan amid trade dispute

South Korea said it would stop exchanging intelligence on North Korea with Japan amid a bitter trade dispute. Japan's foreign minister Tokyo "strongly" protested against the decision, calling it "extremely regrettable".

South Korea says fired warning shots at intruding Russian warplane

Seoul said a Russian A-50 warplane twice entered South Korean airspace near the disputed Dokdo islets – which Japan calls Takeshima.

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.

Japan says name for new era of Naruhito will be 'Reiwa'

The era name, or "gengo," is used widely in Japan - on coins, calendars, newspapers and in official paperwork.

World reacts to terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand

At least 50 people were killed after a shooter opened fire inside two mosques in Christchurch. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was "one of New Zealand's darkest days."

Japan to recognise indigenous Ainu people for first time

The Ainu minority has long suffered discrimination. The Japanese government in the 19th century banned them from practising their customs and using their language. Although there has been gradual change, the Ainu say much more needs to be done.

Macron says France wants to keep Renault-Nissan 'balance'

Macron said he had discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the situation surrounding the arrest of Franco-Brazilian-Lebanese executive, Carlos Ghosn.