Tokyo prosecutors have charged a former director of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee with bribery for the third time.
Takahashi Haruyuki was indicted along with his acquaintance, Fukami Kazumasa, former head of a Tokyo-based consulting firm, on charges of taking bribes.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he will instruct the government to submit bills aimed at providing relief to the victims of the shady practices of the former Unification Church, possibly during the current session of the Diet.
The religious group is under close scrutiny for alleged shady marketing practices, including the solicitation of large donations from followers.
The making of calendars for the coming year, using traditional paper, is in full swing at a workshop in central Japan.
The locally produced paper, known as "Yatsuo washi," is sturdy and brightly patterned. It has been used throughout history for wrapping.
A group of Japanese port cities has kicked off events in Paris aimed to expand their local farm produce exports to France and attract more tourists from the country.
Representatives of cities from along the Sea of Japan coast held an opening ceremony on Monday by the Seine. Participants hoisted long bamboo poles adorned with paper lanterns and performed traditional dances.
A Russian national ballet company has performed in Tokyo. The tour has drawn mixed responses amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance began its Japan tour on Monday, as part of the Festival of Russian Culture. About 80 dancers performed a fusion of folk dance and classic ballet in an almost packed hall.
The Japanese yen accelerated its slide against the dollar on Monday, reaching the 149 level for the first time in more than three decades.
Investors are selling the yen and buying the dollar on expectations that the Federal Reserve's efforts to tame inflation by lifting rates will lead to a wider interest-rate gap between the US and Japan.
The Japanese government plans to launch an inquiry into alleged shady marketing practices by the former Unification Church by the end of this year. If it finds evidence that warrants disbanding the group, the government will promptly seek a court order to that effect.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio instructed Culture Minister Nagaoka Keiko to open the probe by using "the right to ask questions" under the Religious Corporations Act.
Government sources say arrangements are underway for Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to issue a new joint declaration on security cooperation. The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Australia this weekend.
Kishida said during a meeting of executives of his ruling party on Monday that he intends to discuss security, energy and food supplies with Albanese.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has instructed the culture minister to launch an investigation into the former Unification Church based on "the right to ask questions" under the Religious Corporations Act.
It will be the first time for the government to exercise the right.
Foreign tourists were visible in shopping and entertainment areas in Japan for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began as the country eased COVID border controls last week.
Tokyo's Akihabara district is well-known for electronics shops and manga culture. Tourists are enjoying shopping with the advantage of a weak Japanese yen.
A half marathon was held in Tokyo on Sunday to commemorate last year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About 14,000 people, including top Japanese and foreign runners and Paralympic athletes, took part in the first "Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon."
Japan's Princess Kako has expressed her hope for the realization of gender equality at an event marking the International Day of the Girl Child.
The younger daughter of Crown Prince Akishino gave a speech at a girl scouts' event in Tokyo on Sunday. It was held to observe the day, which was on October 11.
Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Michishita Misato came first in a half marathon for female athletes with visual impairments on Sunday, but was disqualified because her guide crossed the finishing line before she did.
Michishita's time of 1 hour, 23 minutes and 34 seconds in the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon would have been a new world record.
The governor of the Bank of Japan has said that the bank will maintain its ultra-easy monetary policy to support the country's economy and encourage wage growth.
Kuroda Haruhiko spoke at a seminar in Washington on Saturday. The meeting was attended by financial officials from central banks and international organizations.