Japan

World News

In Hokkaido, Being In North Korea's Missile Flight Path Means Cold War-Era Drills

9:13am September 08, 2017

by Elise Hu

Last week, a North Korean missile flew over Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Normally a peaceful place known for its ski resorts, its residents are rethinking the threat.

Queue Listen Now

Passers-by look at the North Korean missile's path over Japan, displayed on a huge screen in Tokyo on Wednesday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he and President Trump have agreed to increase pressure on Kim Jong Un's regime after it launched a ba

'All Options Are On The Table': Unease Reigns After North Korean Missile Test

9:35pm August 29, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Some people in Japan woke with unease to a text saying: "Seek shelter," while in South Korea, the response was defiant. In the U.S., President Trump said Pyongyang's message landed "loud and clear."

The ship Steve Irwin, from the fleet of environmental activist group Sea Shepherd, sits at anchor near Perth, Australia, in 2011.

Sea Shepherd Says This Year It Won't Send Ships To Disrupt Japanese Whalers

3:11pm August 29, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The U.S.-based environmental activist group says it will not send ships because Japan has improved technology to avoid the vessels and has toughened its anti-terrorism laws.

President Trump speaks to reporters before a security briefing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., on Thursday.

Trump Renews Harsh Rhetoric Against North Korea

6:58pm August 10, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Asked whether his "fire and fury" comments on North Korea went too far, the president responded that maybe they weren't "tough enough."

Video: Japan Created Easy-To-Swallow Foods To Prevent Senior Choking Deaths

12:57pm July 12, 2017

by Elise Hu

In NPR's Elise Tries series, correspondent Elise Hu tries out different experiences in East Asia. In rapidly aging Japan, an edible innovation is helping seniors enjoy meals without fear of choking.

Queue Listen Now

European Council President Donald Tusk (left), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (center) and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker meet at the European Council on Thursday in Brussels.

EU And Japan Strike Trade Deal, Call It 'Strong Message To The World'

4:14pm July 06, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The European Union and Japan have reached an agreement in principle for a new free trade deal. It would lower barriers to trade between two of the world's most important economic areas.

South Korean soldiers in Seoul walk by a TV news program showing a file image of a missile being test-launched. North Korea on Tuesday test- launched another ballistic missile in the direction of Japan, U.S. and South Korean officials said.

World News

North Korea's Latest Missile Test Prompts A Tweeted Response From Trump

11:32pm July 03, 2017

by Elise Hu

South Korea and Japan said North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile that flew about 40 minutes before landing in the sea. Trump suggested that North Korea's neighbors may have had enough.

Elise Tries purikura, the original Snapchat.

Video: Japan's 'Purikura' Photo Booths Offer Snapchat-Like Filters

1:59pm July 03, 2017

by Elise Hu

In NPR's Elise Tries series, correspondent Elise Hu tries out new experiences in East Asia. In Tokyo, she checks out Japanese purikura photo booths, which produce selfies to decorate and print out.

Queue Listen Now

A team of 14 Japanese elementary school students has set a new record for jumping rope, with 225 skips in one minute.

Jump Rope Heroes: Watch School Kids Set A One-Minute Guinness World Record

10:56am June 21, 2017

by Bill Chappell

In a blur of coordination, a team of 14 students blew away the old record for most skips through a single jump rope in one minute.

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald, seen sailing in the Sea of Japan earlier this month.

Seven U.S. Sailors Missing in Navy Destroyer Collision With Merchant Vessel

10:18pm June 16, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with the Philippine-flagged vessel off the coast of Japan early Saturday local time. The Japanese coast guard has been assisting the destroyer.