Team visits Guam for inspections, amid U.S. negotiations on troop relocation

February 12, 2006

A team of Japanese officials left for Guam on Sunday to inspect military facilities as Washington and Tokyo haggle over the price of moving about 7,000 Marines there from a controversial base in southern Japan.

Ethiopia's Ambesse Tolossa wins Tokyo International Marathon

February 12, 2006

Ethiopia's Ambesse Tolossa won the Tokyo International Marathon on Sunday, edging second-place Toshinari Takaoka by less than a minute to rob the Japanese runner of repeat victory before a home crowd.

Trade between North Korea, Japan drops to record low in 2005

February 12, 2006

SEOUL -- Trade between North Korea and Japan dropped to a record low last year, marking the fourth consecutive year-on-year decline, a South Korean trade promoter reported Sunday.

Tokyo Stock Exchange likely to delist Livedoor after fraud arrests, report says

February 12, 2006

The Tokyo Stock Exchange will probably delist disgraced Internet startup Livedoor Co.

Disappointing day for Japanese competitors in Turin

February 12, 2006

The first day of competition was a disappointing one for Japanese competitors at the Turin Winter Olympic Games on Saturday, with sentimental favorites unceremoniously dumped and medal hopes shattered.

China and Japan conclude talks over disputes, promise to keep dialogue going

February 12, 2006

Japan and China concluded high-level meetings this weekend aimed at resolving key disputes that have chilled relations between the neighbors, but wrapped up discussions only with promises to keep talking.

Nobel laureate Maathai arrives in Japan to promote environmental protection

February 12, 2006

NARITA -- Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai arrived in Japan Sunday for a series of events aimed at promoting environmental preservation.

Voters adopt wait and see approach to Imperial succession issue, Mainichi poll shows

February 12, 2006

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's decision to withdraw from the current Diet session a bill that would allow women to succeed the Imperial Throne has received the backing of voters, a Mainichi polled showed Sunday.