Documentary focuses on man behind a cruelly bizarre 1990s Japanese reality show
TOKYO (AP) — Naked and frail, a shaggy-haired man films himself as he endures solitude in a tiny room for months, and months more.
Asian news from Tokyo
Japan’s ruling party loses special election in blow to PM Kishida
Japan’s ruling party lost a special election Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had described in part as a judgment on himself, months ahead of a party leadership vote.
Japan’s ruling party loses all 3 seats in special vote, seen as punishment for corruption scandal
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s governing party, stung by an extensive slush funds scandal, lost all three seats in parliamentary by-elections Sunday in a major setback for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in seeking reelection as his party’s leader in the autumn.
G7 aims to boost power storage capacity sixfold by 2030
TOKYO -- The Group of Seven major industrialized economies aim to increase global electricity storage capacity 6.5-fold by 2030, according to a draft joint statement of energy ministers, in a push to support the wider use of renewable energy.
Vietnam's tourism hot spot becomes foreign investment hub
TOKYO -- With its emerald green ocean and moss-covered islets, the world heritage site of Halong Bay in northern Vietnam is one of the country's most popular destinations, attracting tourists from around the world. In 2023, it welcomed about 2.6 million foreign visitors, accounting for 21% of Vietnam's total inbound tourists.
Japan PM's LDP loses three Diet seats to main opposition party
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, headed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, lost three seats in House of Representatives by-elections Sunday, including Shimane Prefecture, known as a conservative stronghold, delivering a harsh indictment on the scandal-hit LDP.
Tokyo startup devises AI system to help with endoscopic surgery
TOKYO -- A system that uses artificial intelligence to analyze endoscopic images and assist surgeons in real-time during surgical procedures is now in practical use in Japan. The new technology is expected to improve the precision of procedures and make surgeons' jobs easier.
How escalating tensions in Middle East threaten Asia's security
TOKYO -- The ominous shadow of war is covering the entire Middle East, with Iran and Israel hitting each other directly. How much these tensions will escalate is anybody's guess.