Shizuoka aims to reclaim top tea status with matcha focus
WorldSHIZUOKA -- The Shizuoka prefectural government has stepped up efforts to reclaim the region's status as Japan's leading green tea grower, after losing the top producer spot to Kagoshima Prefecture.
15 Japanese detained in Cambodia over suspected fraud
WorldBANGKOK -- Fifteen Japanese nationals have been detained in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, on suspicion of special fraud, people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
Lawson opens disaster response store near Tokyo
WorldFUTTSU, CHIBA PREF. -- Lawson Inc. opened a store designed to help residents at times of disasters in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Tuesday, the Japanese convenient store chain's first such outlet.
Rescuers search for missing after deluge kills 30 in Brazil
WorldOn Tuesday, Brazil officials said more than 20 people were dead and nearly 50 were missing after a deluge fell upon the Minas Gerais region.
Nearly an own gull! CPR performed on bird at Turkey football match
WorldA footballer acted on a wing and a prayer when he gave emergency CPR to a seagull after it was hit by a ball during a match in Istanbul this week -- reviving the bird.
Alexandria bids farewell to historic tram in latest urban upheaval
WorldALEXANDRIA, Egypt -- Along Egypt's Mediterranean coast, the oldest tram in Africa and the Middle East rumbles for a final few weeks before its removal -- the latest urban upheaval Alexandrians say is hollowing out their city's identity.
Matches postponed amid Guadalajara violence, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
WorldFour soccer games in Mexico were postponed after violence flared near Guadalajara in the wake of a military operation that left cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera dead, with FIFA monitoring the situation in the host city for the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico's violence-hit Guadalajara to host World Cup games
WorldThe city of Guadalajara erupted with cartel violence this past weekend, alongside other parts of Mexico, after an army raid left a notorious drug lord dead.
Japan eyes foray into Europe's defense market
WorldBERLIN -- The Japanese government is eager to promote Japanese companies' entry into Europe's thriving defense market through industrial partnerships as part of its efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa N-reactor restarted after scheduled halt
WorldTOKYO -- The No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, was brought back online on Tuesday after a scheduled brief halt.
