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Japan news from Japan Times

• Iran conflict could divert U.S. weapons from Ukraine

  Most of the ballistic missiles and drones Iran has fired have been intercepted, including with PAC-3 Patriot missile interceptors Ukraine relies on to defend its infrastructure.

• U.S. Senate backs Trump on Iran strikes, blocks bid to limit his war powers

  The Senate voted 53 to 47 not to advance the resolution, largely along party lines.

• U.S. sinks Iranian warship, NATO downs Iranian missile heading for Turkey

  The escalation came as the powerful son of Iran's slain supreme leader emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him.

• Nearly 150 missing after Iranian warship sinks off Sri Lanka

  Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 sailors but hopes were fading for 148 other sailors, the island's Foreign minister and defense officials said.

• Government outlines new national intelligence committee

  To be chaired by the prime minister, the new committee will be responsible for countering espionage activities by foreign agents.

• Three arrested over illegal hiring of Vietnamese workers in Japan

  The incident came to light last May following an investigation into a 26-year-old Vietnamese man who was arrested on suspicion of illegal stay.

• Japan hopes the tea leaves prove auspicious ahead of the WBC

  “We’re communicating more, little by little,” Shohei Ohtani said of the Japan team at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday.

• Nuclear power project could be added to investment package, sources say

  The project is designed to strengthen energy supply chains for the U.S. and Japan as war in the Middle East renews concerns about energy security.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• Taiwan indicts 62 people linked to suspected scam center operator Prince Group

  Taipei prosecutors say Taiwan was one of the locations where the group's chairman had funneled funds via shell companies, buying luxury goods, sports cars and real estate.

• Philippine lawmakers advance impeachment of Vice President Duterte

  Seen as a frontrunner for the 2028 presidential elections, she survived a similar impeachment bid last year.

• AI disinformation turns Nepal polls into 'digital battleground'

  Parties across the political divide are tapping social media to push their agendas and woo voters.

• Taiwan’s FM calls for Taipei to be part of 'first island chain' security framework

  Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said working with partners in the strategic string of islands that stretch from Japan to Borneo is crucial to deterring China.

• Thailand seeks arrest of foreigner accused of $30 million cross-border fraud

  A Thai court issued arrest warrants for a foreign businessman and his wife accused of investment fraud and money laundering dating back to 2016.

• China showing few signs it will directly supply arms to Iran

  In a conflict in which Iran’s retaliation has centered on waves of small attack drones, such support could prove to be crucial.

• U.S. and China trade chiefs to meet mid-March before Trump-Xi summit

  U.S. strikes on Iran and the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stoked tensions with Beijing in recent days, complicating summit preparations.

• Taiwan opposition force open to passing special defense budget if U.S. OKs new arms package

  The chair of the Taiwan People’s Party has ruled out writing a “blank check” for the government by passing the $40 billion in funding without a commitment from Washington.

Culture news from Japan Times

• Mari Katayama wins inaugural Mori Art Prize

  The biennial Mori Art Award, among the largest payouts for a single contemporary artist in Japan, was established in 2025.

• From clicks to claps: Online comics seek the stage

  Ricchaado, a comic from a generation that builds its humor in cyberspace, is the latest to try a transition to classic stand-up on stage.

• ‘Kaneko Fumiko’: Firebrand behind bars shows unyielding resolve

  Actor Nahana delivers a passionate performance as the poet and activist who lived a life against authority without regret.

• ‘#Viral’: A Faustian tale about internet fame and anti-vax anxiety

  King Bai’s bold but muddled post-pandemic drama skewers how bad actors manipulate online discourse.

• What is Zipangu? Inside J-pop’s first-of-its-kind Los Angeles festival

  A new Stateside event tests whether viral success can become a lasting international presence.

• Kishida Prize crowns wordsmiths in the theater world

  The 70th iteration of the annual Kunio Kishida Prize for Playwriting announces two winners.

• ‘The Traveling Tree’: Essays from Alaska offer lessons from the edge of the wild

  Michio Hoshino’s Alaska essays, now translated into English, reflect on fragility, risk and living close to nature.

• Yoshitoshi Shinomiya emerges as anime’s new auteur with ‘A New Dawn’ in Berlin

  A handcrafted debut blends tradition, reinvention and ecological urgency on the international stage.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Japan hopes the tea leaves prove auspicious ahead of the WBC

  “We’re communicating more, little by little,” Shohei Ohtani said of the Japan team at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday.

• Rennie appointed Robertson's successor as All Blacks coach

  The 62-year-old former Wallabies coach beat out Jamie Joseph for one of the biggest jobs in world rugby after an extensive recruitment process.

• WTA players divided on five-set matches proposal at Grand Slams

  USTA CEO Craig Tiley has argued that research shows interest grows as a match goes on.

• Miho Takagi, Japan's most decorated Winter Olympian, announces retirement

  The speedskater made her Olympic debut at 15 at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

• Former No. 1 MLB draft pick Travis Bazzana ready for first taste of WBC

  The Cleveland Guardian will play to open the tournament Thursday in Australia’s match against Taiwan.

• Murakami and Okamoto put MLB prep on hold to answer the call for Samurai Japan

  The players, who were pivotal to Japan winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic, flew in from spring training to help defend the title.

• Samurai Japan’s path to a WBC repeat starts with Pool C in Tokyo

  The sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic is set to kick off on Thursday, with Japan facing Australia, the Czech Republic, South Korea and Taiwan in the first round.

• Aaron Judge and U.S. stars eye Japan revenge in World Baseball Classic

  The last edition in 2023 saw Japan edge the U.S. in a nail-biting thriller for a record third crown.

Life news from Japan Times

• From Italy to Japan: Vannelli Coffee opens in Tokyo

  With fancy gadgets and fragrant brews, the Italian specialty coffee brand brings some pizzazz to an already sophisticated java scene in the Japanese capital.

• Inside a Japanese bookshop: Words you need to browse in Jimbocho

  Decode shelving systems, publisher groupings and reader slang before making the most of Tokyo’s famed literary district.

• In bilingual homes, raising hearing-impaired kids is a long road toward a ‘normal life’

  Early screening, financial assistance and emotional support from wider communities help multilingual families navigate an uncertain process.

• On westernmost Yonaguni, geopolitics can’t spoil the island’s aura

  Residents are split on plans for development and militarization, but a visit to the island reveals an enduring atmosphere of peace above all else.

• Where Tokyoites go for Chinese hot pot

  The fiery alternative to Japanese hot pot, "huoguo" is a tongue-numbing Sichuan staple that has found many fans in the Japanese capital.

• At Choma, drinks come with a shot of folklore

  Rosewood Miyakojima's new beachfront bar shakes up inventive cocktails inspired by the island's myths and traditions.

• 5,200% price hike on fonts has Japan’s indie game devs scrambling

  The new pricing structure from Tokyo-based Fontworks, which is owned by U.S.-based Monotype, also includes caps on users that would incur even more fees.

• Bean by bean, coffee cultivation in Okinawa defies the odds

  From setting up greenhouses to padding up soil beds with grass, coffee producers on the island are finding ways to work around climate challenges to promote their sweet brew.

 

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