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Japan news from Japan Times

• Bodies of two Japanese men killed in Manila arrive at Haneda Airport

  The two were robbed on the night of Aug. 15, shortly after leaving a taxi near their hotel. They were shot and their belongings were stolen.

• Niinami, a tough and respected leader, remains at helm of Keizai Doyukai for now

  He has championed fast wage increases and a tough approach to wrongdoing.

• Ex-Suntory CEO Niinami says he is confident he has 'broken no laws'

  His comments came a day after Tuesday’s shocking revelation that he is the target of a police investigation over illegal drugs.

• Akazawa likely to leave Thursday for 10th round of tariff talks with U.S.: report

  Akazawa abruptly canceled a to the United States just before departure last week, raising concern that the trade deal reached by the two countries on July 22 was in danger.

• Vogue appoints Chloe Malle to replace fashion doyenne Anna Wintour

  After months of speculation, Vogue named Malle as its new editor, taking over from Wintour, who led the magazine for more than 40 years.

• From Coldplay kiss cam to Nestle, office romances are costing CEOs their jobs

  The firing of Nestle CEO Laurent Freixe this week puts the spotlight on office relationships, and their ubiquity.

• Lotte’s sweet deal aims to capitalize on Japan’s tourism boom

  Confectionery giants Lotte Holdings and Lotte Corporation plan to draw on South Korea expertise and in-house products to create more hotels in Japan.

• Injured Olympic 200-meter champion Thomas to miss Tokyo worlds

  As she battled through injury, Thomas looked short of her best form at the U.S. trials in Eugene, Oregon, earlier this summer.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• Xi — joined by Kim and Putin — delivers stark warning at military parade

  Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned in a speech that the world is facing a choice of war or peace, as his country marked 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II.

• At parade, China shows off powerful new weaponry to keep rivals at bay

  From hypersonic “carrier killer” missiles to new fifth-generation fighter jets, Wednesday’s military spectacle highlighted Beijing’s growing prowess.

• Three killed in stabbing at Seoul pizza restaurant

  The attack in the city's Gwanak district was carried out by the restaurant's owner, police said.

• Rights group says 10 killed in Indonesia protests

  The disturbances that rocked the country last week were sparked by discontent over economic inequality and lavish perks for lawmakers.

• Thailand's ruling party seeks house dissolution as opposition backs rival's PM bid

  Thai politics were in chaos as the ruling Pheu Thai party said it had sought royal approval to dissolve the parliament for a new election.

• Prabowo jets to meet Xi in China after deadly Indonesia protests

  The pivot to global diplomacy shows the Indonesian leader is confidant the situation in his country has been defused.

• North Korea’s Kim arrives in Beijing for debut on multilateral stage

  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to join Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a military parade on Wednesday.

• Government gestures leave roots of Indonesia protests intact

  Experts say little has been done to address the economic inequality fueling the unrest, leaving deep resentment to linger and flare up again.

Culture news from Japan Times

• ChatGPT controversy is the least interesting part of 'Sympathy Tower Tokyo'

  In Rie Qudan’s futuristic Tokyo, AI and architects take on the prison system.

• YouTube Music Weekend is where Japan’s internet-born performers go global

  YouTube's three-day weekend of online performances features a medley of Vocaloid, hyperpop, rock and pop artists in a supportive, cultural festival atmosphere.

• Sakurazaka46 wants the world to dance along

  The 33-member idol group takes its spectacle-heavy performances on the road — and abroad.

• In pictures: Koenji Awa Odori 2025

  At Koenji Awa Odori, performers and crowds blur together in sound, sweat and laughter — a summer festival that thrives on shared energy and joy.

• Virtual singer Kaf's music becomes magic in 'Kamitsubaki City Under Construction'

  After evolving from an online presence into a live performer, Kaf has now stepped into voice acting as part of a multimedia project built around a supergroup of virtual artists.

• From foil to fan favorite, Kuromi embodies Sanrio’s darker side of cute

  Once My Melody’s mischievous antagonist, Kuromi is now outshining her pastel-pink counterpart, with a rebellious personality that resonates with today’s audiences.

• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement after two-year romance

  The singer and football player posted their news on social media, there's no wedding date set as of yet.

• Healing Oshima Island's history of disease with a touch of art

  Min Tanaka opened the Setouchi Triennale’s summer session on Oshima, Kagawa Prefecture, with a site-specific dance at Nikita Kadan’s sculpture, an allegory for support.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Injured Olympic 200-meter champion Thomas to miss Tokyo worlds

  As she battled through injury, Thomas looked short of her best form at the U.S. trials in Eugene, Oregon, earlier this summer.

• London’s calling and sumo’s top division — along with Hello Kitty — are ready to answer

  Ahead of professional sumo's highly anticipated return to Europe, the release of the September rankings confirms who will be on the plane to England.

• Djokovic sets up Alcaraz blockbuster at U.S. Open as Sabalenka advances

  Djokovic snuffed out Taylor Fritz's hopes of becoming the first U.S. man to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2003 and will now face Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the final.

• Inoue says taunts 'missed the target' ahead of world title clash

  The undefeated Inoue is facing one of the most dangerous opponents of his career when he takes on Akhmadaliev on Sept. 14 with all four belts on the line.

• Venus Williams exits U.S. Open in style after age-defying run

  The seven-time Grand Slam singles winner said she intends to keep playing for the foreseeable future, opportunities permitting.

• Eagles eye Super Bowl repeat as NFL season kicks off with global push

  The Eagles, who denied the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat in February with a 40-22 rout, kick off the regular season on Thursday at home against the Cowboys.

• FIFA silence on sanction for errant South Africa a mystery

  South Africa erroneously fielded midfielder Tebeho Mokoena in a 2-0 home win over neighbors Lesotho but insists it should not face a points deduction.

• Padres All-Star reliever Jason Adam ruptures quadriceps tendon

  Adam will undergo an MRI to confirm the rupture, which would end his outstanding 2025 season.

Life news from Japan Times

• Vogue appoints Chloe Malle to replace fashion doyenne Anna Wintour

  After months of speculation, Vogue named Malle as its new editor, taking over from Wintour, who led the magazine for more than 40 years.

• Mark Japan’s Sleep Day by making some lifestyle changes

  The Japanese are not getting enough sleep. Luckily, everyone from scientists to Shohei Ohtani are offering solutions.

• A fuss-free Okinawan stir-fry to boost your energy in the heat

  While they are usually eaten cold this season, thin “sōmen” noodles offer a delicious, savory alternative when fried with a pork and vegetable mixture.

• Japan is warming up to tattoos — just not permanent ones

  Tokyo’s tattoo artists say natural dyes and ‘made-to-fade’ inks are helping to push back on the long-held stigma against body art.

• Sip a bespoke coffee for ¥4,000

  Always wanted to have a barista customize your brew? Make a beeline for Kuro Mame cafe.

• How to complain politely: Lessons from the McDonald’s Pokemon debacle

  In Japan, the right phrasing can mean the difference between a request and harassment.

• Sega's ninja-themed Shinobi series is back from the dead

  The long-running series hasn’t had a console release since 2003, but the new title is nearly enjoyable enough to make the wait worth it.

• Retired Tokyo trains live on as upcycled table lamps

  Former railcars on the Den-en-toshi Line have been refashioned into table lamps available for purchase from Aug. 25.

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