Home page

 
Menu
Search
 
Menu
Search
Tokyo Weather 13℃
TOKYO
April 13, 2025
The Independent Voice in Asia
April 13, 2025
Trump tariffs
Shigeru Ishiba
Osaka Expo
Latest News
Deep Dive
 

Today's print edition

Home Delivery
Subscribe for more access
The opening ceremony for the Osaka Expo on Saturday.
JAPAN
Ishiba warns of divided world at futuristic Osaka Expo opening ceremony
"Having overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, the world now faces the crisis over many different divisions," Ishiba told the opening ceremony.

More coverage

Osaka Expo-bound? Take your pick of the city’s new luxury hotels.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.
After a tumultuous buildup, a first look at the Osaka Expo
The opening ceremony for the Osaka Expo on Saturday.
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito are increasingly divided over economic measures to deal with inflation and U.S. tariffs.
JAPAN / Politics
Ruling coalition divided over consumption tax cut
While some are leaning toward a tax cut, LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama and others are seeking a cash handout instead.
Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda speaks during a news conference Friday afternoon at the Diet building in Tokyo.
JAPAN / Politics
CDP kicks off discussions on cutting consumption tax
While party leader Yoshihiko Noda has been cautious, calls for a cut are growing within the party, especially in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's onerous tariff policies.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrive prior to a meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, in July 2017.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Trump-Xi truce appears elusive as China prepares to dig in
Authorities in Beijing seem intent on proving that they can withstand even more trade pain from the Trump administration.
While Unzen Onsen's "hells" can be visually striking, locals describe them and their effects as "a source of emotional healing."
LIFE / Travel
Heaven from hells: The sulfuric pleasure of Unzen Onsen
By Erik Augustin Palm
Located deep within Kyushu’s Shimabara Peninsula, this hot spring town offers dramatic scenery worth the effort it takes to get there.
While Unzen Onsen's "hells" can be visually striking, locals describe them and their effects as "a source of emotional healing."

JAPAN

Barbosa Anderson Robson
Brazilian man to face jury trial over murder of wife, child in Japan
The suspect, Barbosa Anderson Robson, is said to have stabbed his wife, Manami Aramaki, then 29, and their then 3-year-old daughter to death after discussing a divorce.
Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.
By Tomoko Otake
On a man-made island in Osaka Bay, Japan stages a grand vision of the future — and a quiet test of relevance.
Police say they are ready to ensure security for six-month Osaka Expo
Japan's foreign minister to attend NPT review prep meeting
Japan, U.S. to hold joint patrol after Okinawa sexual assaults
Tokyo hopeful's campaign team accused of election law violation
By Yukana Inoue

BUSINESS

U.S. President Donald Trump wants Apple to begin building iPhones in the United States. But Apple is unlikely to move production to the country in the foreseeable future for a variety of reasons.
Why Trump’s dream of made-in-the-USA iPhones isn’t going to happen
By Mark Gurman
Apple is unlikely to move production to the U.S. in the foreseeable future for a variety of reasons, including a shortage of facilities and labor.
U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he steps off Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday.
Trump defends policy as White House says he's 'optimistic' on China deal
President Donald Trump has insisted that his tariff policy is "doing really well," with the White House saying that 15 countries have offers "on the table."
Survey forecasts 12% rise in inflation in Japan over coming year
What Samsung and Vietnam stand to lose in Trump's tariff war
Argentina lands $20 billion IMF agreement and eases FX rules
Jolted by Trump, EU woos new partners from Asia to Latin America

WORLD

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 28.
Trump carves up world and international order with it
By Fabien Zamora
Russia wants Ukraine, China demands Taiwan and now the U.S. president seems to be following suit, whether by coveting Canada, Greenland or the Panama Canal.
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks during a news conference on his presidential bid for the June election at the National Assembly in Seoul on Friday.
South Koreans’ support for liberal Lee Jae-myung rises ahead of election
The latest Gallup Poll released Friday showed that the left-leaning Lee’s support has risen to 37%, up 3 percentage points from last week’s survey.
Germany wants to be a military powerhouse. Can it pull it off?
By William Wilkes and Laura Alviz
Trump envoy suggests allied zones of control in Ukraine
Europe to present Trump with Ukraine force plan within weeks
'Several hundred' Chinese fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says

Sports

Tony Blanco played in Japan for eight seasons and hit 181 home runs in NPB. The Dominican slugger was among the over 200 killed when the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic.
Tony Blanco remembered in Japan and Dominican Republic after nightclub tragedy
By Jason Coskrey
Blanco, who spent eight seasons in Japan with three NPB clubs, slugging 181 home runs and winning a batting title, is remembered as 'great guy' with a tremendous sense of humor.
Japan's Uchijima and Shibahara end Romania's run in Billie Jean King Cup
Athletes frustrated as France mulls Muslim headscarf ban in sport
NBA keen to tap into deep European talent pool
By Amy Tennery, Vincent Daheron and Lori Ewing
Yoshinobu Yamamoto fans nine as Dodgers shut out Cubs

Opinion

The flags of participating countries are displayed near the entrance during a media preview day for the 2025 Osaka Expo on Wednesday.
Japan’s second city is hosting a $66 billion coming-out party
Gearoid Reidy
First held in London in 1851, world expos have been promoted as venues to bring nations together and foster global coordination.
Is China overproducing highly qualified talent?
By Kenichi Doi
Japan and NATO strengthen links amid rising security fears
Why buy the dollar if the U.S. becomes an economic island?
By Shuli Ren
Navigating the Trump storm
By Michael Spence

ENVIRONMENT

The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Pennsylvania, in October. Microsoft is set to use energy from new reactors at the plant.
AI surge to double data center electricity demand by 2030, report says
By Nathalie ALONSO
AI can also unlock opportunities to produce and consume electricity more efficiently, the International Energy Agency said in its first report on the technology's implications.
Clean streets versus business woes: Pollution charge divides Londoners
By Akshata Kapoor
Once-dying Mexican river delta slowly nursed back to life by conservationists
By Daniel Rook
As Chile revs up lithium plans, Indigenous people demand more control
By Daina Beth Solomon
Global temperatures at near-historic highs in March, says EU monitor

CULTURE

"Giselle” is a ballet telling the story of a peasant girl that dies from a broken heart and the supernatural revenge and haunting that follow.
National Ballet of Japan takes its 'Giselle' to Royal Opera House in London
By Kris Kosaka
First staged in 2022 to celebrate the NBJ’s 25th anniversary season, Miyako Yoshida's production is revived for the first time with several Tokyo shows in April.
The band that turned a pandemic lockdown into a Tokyo dream
By Patrick St. Michel
‘The Brothers Kitaura’: A sordid tale of filial impropriety
By James Hadfield
‘Ghost Killer’: Spirited action and sharp humor make for deadly fun combo
By Mark Schilling
Online art scene eager to go offline, at least for the moment
By Zoria Petkoska

LIFE

Signs advertising the upcoming World Expo in Osaka have proliferated in the city's different neighborhood for the past few years.
I’ve only just come back from Osaka, but I’m ready to hit the Expo
By Yuko Tamura
The term “bakari” can be used in several different ways to emphasize and define the limit of a range.
Why Japan is running out of rice — and farmers to grow it
By Alex K.T. Martin
‘Japanese pastry has matured into its own distinct identity’
By Haru Beaufort
In Los Angeles, Courtney Kaplan says sake is having a moment
By Melinda Joe
Can Japan's take on fandom help drive spending?
By Satoshi Sugiyama

COMMUNITY

Noriko Shakti has been living in Goa, India, since 2020 and specializes in the tabla, a traditional hand drum from the Indian subcontinent.
Noriko Shakti: ‘Music reflects my journey and learnings’
By Miikka J. Lehtonen
The India-based DJ and producer talks about bridging Indian and Japanese traditions in electronic music and advocating for women’s representation in the industry.
Tokyo Humanities Cafe feeds hungry minds
By Jessica Kozuka
Montessori head educates Tokyo’s children for life
By Louise George Kittaka
How to navigate Japan’s e-commerce platforms and online flea markets
By Jessica Speed
Shogo Yamaguchi: ‘Traditional culture thrives in a peaceful society’
By Laura Pollacco

Editors' Picks

JAPAN
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.
By Tomoko Otake
Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
BUSINESS
A trip to remember: Japan answers the demand for curated luxury travel
By Elizabeth Beattie
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture in 2017. Travel agencies catering to luxury tourists often include areas outside well-known cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto in their itineraries offered.
JAPAN
Can anyone deal with Trump better than Ishiba?
By Eric Johnston
Having had two meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is slowly building a personal relationship with him, which matters greatly to the U.S. president and in resolving bilateral issues.
BUSINESS
After two years in top job, BOJ's Ueda faces his biggest challenge yet 
By Kazuaki Nagata
Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda at a news conference in January. He has been in the top position for two years.
JAPAN
How police are cracking down on 'scout' sex broker groups
By Karin Kaneko
The skyline during sunset in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Japan's new underground criminal groups operate under a highly organized and brutal system.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.
By Tomoko Otake

JT Directory Service

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS note

Read more

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

Ex.Portal By Synergy Media Specialists

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

BOARDING & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DAY 2025 (Sunday, April 20)
BOARDING & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DAY 2025 (Sunday, April 20)

WHAT’S TRENDING

JAPAN
Can anyone deal with Trump better than Ishiba?
By Eric Johnston
Having had two meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is slowly building a personal relationship with him, which matters greatly to the U.S. president and in resolving bilateral issues.
JAPAN
Ishiba warns of divided world at futuristic Osaka Expo opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Osaka Expo on Saturday.
BUSINESS
A trip to remember: Japan answers the demand for curated luxury travel
By Elizabeth Beattie
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture in 2017. Travel agencies catering to luxury tourists often include areas outside well-known cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto in their itineraries offered.
JAPAN
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.
By Tomoko Otake
Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
JAPAN
Japan Post employee arrested for mailing used condom to post office
The Osaka Prefectural Police headquarters in the city of Osaka