Japan tourism agency eyes panel on dual pricing
WorldTOKYO -- The Japan Tourism Agency plans to set up an expert panel to draft guidelines for a dual pricing system charging higher fees at tourist facilities for foreign nationals and visitors from outside the local areas, Jiji Press learned Thursday.
Japan resumes gasoline subsidies amid Middle East tensions
WorldTOKYO -- The Japanese government resumed subsidies for oil wholesalers on Thursday, aiming to lower retail gasoline prices to around 170 yen per liter amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
6 dead after tunnel accident in Japan's Mie pref.
WorldKAMEYAMA, MIE PREF., -- Six people, including three children, were confirmed dead in an accident involving four vehicles that occurred early Friday in the Nonobori Tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, police said.
Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says
WorldPARIS -- The International Energy Agency (IEA), which this month agreed a record release of oil from strategic stockpiles to deal with the effects of the U.S-Israeli war with Iran, outlined on Friday proposals to ease oil price pressures on consumers, such as working-from-home and avoiding air travel.
WTO reform deadlock may prompt some countries to seek other options on free trade
WorldGENEVA - Failure to chart a viable reform path for the World Trade Organization at a meeting next week will nudge members to pursue other options to set rules and advance free trade, diplomats and officials told Reuters.
Soccer's world governing body FIFA mandates female coaches in all of their women's competitions
WorldMANCHESTER, England -- Every team in a FIFA women's competition will be required to have at least one female head or assistant coach, part of sweeping new regulations from soccer's governing body aimed at boosting the number of women coaching at the highest levels.
Hosts Australia chase rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan
WorldMELBOURNE -- Australia coach Joe Montemurro will demand bravery from his players and hope for more Sam Kerr magic when the Matildas take on strong favourites and familiar foes Japan in the Women's Asian Cup final in Sydney on Saturday.
BTS to drop new album ahead of comeback mega-gig
WorldK-pop megastars BTS release a new album Friday a day ahead of a huge comeback concert in Seoul, a record billed as reflecting the maturing boy band's "beginnings and identity".
NASA rover detects some of the oldest evidence of water flowing on Mars
WorldWASHINGTON -- Using ground-penetrating radar, NASA's Perseverance rover has detected underground remains of an ancient river delta on Mars in some of the oldest evidence yet obtained showing how water once flowed on the surface of Earth's planetary neighbor.
Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern and Atletico reach Champions League quarter-finals
WorldPARIS (FRANCE) -- Barcelona hit Newcastle United for seven to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, while Liverpool overturned a first-leg deficit to beat Galatasaray in their last-16 tie and both Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid advanced to the next round.
