Advertisement

Image: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty ImagesImage: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Japan

For centuries, the Land of the Rising Sun was a very closed society. Today, the economic powerhouse blends a distinctly Western lifestyle with ancient religion and traditions that go back thousands of years.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

A US Air Force B-1B Bomber flies during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held at Seoul Air Base

A US Air Force B-1B Bomber flies during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held at Seoul Air Base

US long-range bomber joins air drill with South Korea, Japan

The United States conducted drills with South Korea and Japan, flying a B-1B bomber near the Korean Peninsula.

People at a train station in Seoul watch a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test on October 31

People at a train station in Seoul watch a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test on October 31

North Korea ballistic missile launch draws condemnation

Japan's Coast Guard and Pyongyang say North Korea has fired what seemed to be a ballistic missile.

Japan Tokio 2024 | Shinjiro Koizumi spricht zur Unterhauswahl

Japan Tokio 2024 | Shinjiro Koizumi spricht zur Unterhauswahl

Japan's snap election backfires on ruling party

Japan's prime minister had hoped a snap election would galvanize support. Instead, Japanese voters punished his party.

Ballot boxes being dumped out for counting in Japan

Ballot boxes being dumped out for counting in Japan

Japan faces political uncertainty after LDP election rout

Japan's ruling LDP is looking for answers after losing its parliamentary majority in a snap election.

Japanese Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party

Japanese Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba vows to stay, despite election flop

Ishiba's gamble on snap elections has backfired. He promised to carry out strict reforms within the longtime ruling LDP.

A man walks past placards ahead of the election in Tokyo, Japan

A man walks past placards ahead of the election in Tokyo, Japan

Japan election: Ruling party loses majority, says NHK

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is facing an election defeat after decades in power.

A police officer takes photographs of an object outside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in central Tokyo

A police officer takes photographs of an object outside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in central Tokyo

Japan: Man targets ruling party headquarters with firebombs

The incident comes only days ahead of a general election in Japan.

Chinese flag

Chinese flag

Exiled Chinese in Japan encounter the long arm of Beijing

Dozens of Chinese who have settled in Japan say they are the target of threatening phone calls and messages.

Chinese police and security check a delivery rider who arrived with what appeared to be a bouquet of flowers at the entrance of the Japanese embassy in Beijing

Chinese police and security check a delivery rider who arrived with what appeared to be a bouquet of flowers at the entrance of the Japanese embassy in Beijing

Attacks on Japanese citizens in China stir security concerns

Japanese nationals have become increasingly jittery over visiting China following a series of violent attacks.

People offer prayers at the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

People offer prayers at the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Anti-nuclear group wins 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Nihon Hidankyo represents the survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.

View into a deep shaft, a man in blue wearing a hard hat looking down into it

View into a deep shaft, a man in blue wearing a hard hat looking down into it

Japan's 'underground temple' protects Tokyo from floods

Faced with an increased risk of flooding due to climate change, Tokyo is modernizing its flood protection systems.

An aerial view taken from a helicopter shows a crater from an explosion after a likely WW2-era bomb exploded

An aerial view taken from a helicopter shows a crater from an explosion after a likely WW2-era bomb exploded

Japan airport restarts flights after WWII bomb blast

Flights resume at a Japanese airport after a World War II bomb exploded seconds after a passenger jet taxied past it.

Shigeru Ishiba speaking at a podium

Shigeru Ishiba speaking at a podium

Japan: Election looms as key test for new PM

PM Shigeru Ishiba must convince the public that the economy is safer in his hands. If he fails, his rule may be brief.

Shigeru Ishiba, the 65th prime minister of Japan

Shigeru Ishiba, the 65th prime minister of Japan

Japan's Shigeru Ishiba confirmed as prime minister

The 67-year-old replaces outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Ishiba speaks at a press conference at LDP headquarters in Tokyo.

Ishiba speaks at a press conference at LDP headquarters in Tokyo.

Japan: Incoming PM Ishiba to call snap election for Oct. 27

Japanese stocks fell on Monday as incoming PM Shigeru Ishiba called for snap elections on October 27.

Giant panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Ueno Zoo

Giant panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Ueno Zoo

Fans bid farewell to Tokyo pandas before return to China

Over 2,000 people lined up outside of the zoo hours before the final appearance of pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin.

Japan | Der ehemalige Verteidigungsminister Shigeru Ishiba ist Kandidat für die Präsidentschaftswahlen

Japan | Der ehemalige Verteidigungsminister Shigeru Ishiba ist Kandidat für die Präsidentschaftswahlen

Former Defense Minister Ishiba set to become Japan's new PM

Fumio Kishida said he would not stand again after financial and political scandals rocked his party.

Shigeru Ishiba casts his ballot in Tokyo in the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election on September 27

Shigeru Ishiba casts his ballot in Tokyo in the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election on September 27

Shigeru Ishiba to be Japan's next prime minister

Shigeru Ishiba won the race to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Iwao Hakamada

Iwao Hakamada

Japan acquits world's longest-serving death row prisoner

A man who was sentenced to death in 1968 — and spent most of his life on death row — was cleared of all charges.

Ships sailing near China on August 16

Ships sailing near China on August 16

Japan sends warship into Taiwan Strait for first time

Japan's media said that Tokyo sent a warship to patrol the Taiwan Strait, which China claims to hold jurisdiction over.

Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square in China

Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square in China

China test-fires ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean

Australia has asked for an explanation of the ICBM test, while Japan claims it did not receive a warning from China.

Chichi-jima Island of Ogasawara archipelago, a remote part of Tokyo

Chichi-jima Island of Ogasawara archipelago, a remote part of Tokyo

Japan: Tsunami advisory lifted after earthquake

After a strong earthquake, Japan issued a tsunami advisory for the remote Izu and Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo.

This aerial photo shows the flooded Kawarada river and submerged area after heavy rain in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan

This aerial photo shows the flooded Kawarada river and submerged area after heavy rain in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan

Floods, landslides ravage central Japan after heavy rains

Unprecedented rainfall caused flooding in central Japan, leaving at least one dead and eleven missing.

People push a car in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture on September 21

People push a car in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture on September 21

Japan: Heavy rains trigger evacuation in quake-hit region

Rivers have burst their banks in a region still recovering from a devastating earthquake earlier in the year.

Justin Marks, Hiroyuki Sanada, and the team of “Shogun” accept the award for Outstanding Drama Series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater.

Justin Marks, Hiroyuki Sanada, and the team of “Shogun” accept the award for Outstanding Drama Series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater.

Emmys: Japanese-language show 'Shogun' breaks record

Japanese-language historical drama "Shogun" smashed Emmy records, winning 18 trophies at the 76th edition of the awards.

Japan China Militär

Japan China Militär

More than a dispute over islands — Japan's fear of China

China's growing military might and aggressive foreign policy have prompted Japan to massively increase military spending

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

Japan's fear of China — Global Us

Japan eyes China’s growing ambitions with concern. Plus: How can waste landfills be made more climate friendly?

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un speaks at the nation's founding anniversary ceremony on September 9

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un speaks at the nation's founding anniversary ceremony on September 9

Kim Jong Un vows to ready nuclear force for combat with US

Experts say North Korea is likely to perform provocative weapon tests ahead of the US presidential elections.

JSK Robotics Laboratory I Robot

JSK Robotics Laboratory I Robot

A robot at the wheel

Researchers at the University of Tokyo are testing how well humanoid robots can drive.

Bottles of perfume on sale at a department store in Yokohama, Japan

Bottles of perfume on sale at a department store in Yokohama, Japan

Japan's youth break tradition by embracing perfume

Once seen as unnecessary in a culture that famously enjoys bathing, perfumes are finally trending among young Japanese.

Passersby holding umbrellas walk on the street in the rains and winds in Fukuoka, Japan August 30, 2024.

Passersby holding umbrellas walk on the street in the rains and winds in Fukuoka, Japan August 30, 2024.

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan brings heavy rains, halts transport

The intensity of the typhoon has decreased on the second day, but rains and winds still continue.

People walk while strong wind as Typhoon Shanshan passes over Kyushu Island in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

People walk while strong wind as Typhoon Shanshan passes over Kyushu Island in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Japan in the grip of Typhoon Shanshan

Typhoon Shanshan is pounding south Japan with strong winds and torrential rain. Millions have been advised to evacuate.

Reactor building number 2 at the Fukushima nuclear power plant

Reactor building number 2 at the Fukushima nuclear power plant

Japan: Difficult Fukushima debris clean-up put on hold

Removing radioactive debris is critical to the clean-up. But operator Tepco says it's a difficult and uprecedented job.

Flooding from Typhoon Shanshan covers trees and cars

Flooding from Typhoon Shanshan covers trees and cars

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan kills at least three

Millions have been evacuated, factories have shut down and thousands of households are without power.

High waves are observed along the shore as Typhoon Shanshan approaches southwestern Japan in Makurazaki.

High waves are observed along the shore as Typhoon Shanshan approaches southwestern Japan in Makurazaki.

Japan already hit by precursors of Typhoon Shanshan

Japan is bracing for the arrival of a powerful typhoon that is already bringing heavy rains and winds to its south.

High waves hit a coastal area in Ibusuki, Kagoshima prefecture, western Japan

High waves hit a coastal area in Ibusuki, Kagoshima prefecture, western Japan

Japan issues emergency alert, braces for Typhoon Shanshan

As powerful Typhoon Shanshan slowly approaches southwestern Japan, the country is bracing for a powerful storm.

A Chinese military Y9 intelligence-gathering aircraft that Japan's defence ministry said "violated" Japanese airspace.

A Chinese military Y9 intelligence-gathering aircraft that Japan's defence ministry said "violated" Japanese airspace.

Japan condemns Chinese aircraft violation of its airspace

Tokyo said the Chinese military plane's incursion was a "serious violation of our sovereignty."

Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024

Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024

Will German warships pass through the Taiwan Strait?

The German government remains tight-lipped over whether it will send two of its warships into the Taiwan Strait.

People wearing raincoats or holding umbrellas to shield from the heavy rain are seen outside Tokyo Station on August 16, 2024

People wearing raincoats or holding umbrellas to shield from the heavy rain are seen outside Tokyo Station on August 16, 2024

Japan's Tokyo region braces for Typhoon Ampil

Authorities in Japan are urging people in the country's east to evacuate their homes as Typhoon Ampil approaches.

Japanese authorities have asked people to steer clear of beaches when Typhoon Ampi bears down

Japanese authorities have asked people to steer clear of beaches when Typhoon Ampi bears down

Japan: Typhoon Ampil intensifies near Tokyo region

Typhoon Ampil is set to bring heavy rains to the greater Tokyo area, with authorities having already canceled flights.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Why is Japanese PM Fumio Kishida stepping down?

Kishida will not contest a party leadership vote in September despite his strong performance on the international stage.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers a speech on July 5, 2024

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers a speech on July 5, 2024

Fumio Kishida: Japan's LDP prime minister to quit next month

Fumio Kishida has confirmed he will not run for his party's upcoming presidential election.

Doves soar over the Peace Statue during an event to remember the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 2024

Doves soar over the Peace Statue during an event to remember the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 2024

Japan holds ceremony on 79th anniversary of Nagasaki bombing

This year's event was boycotted by the US and UK after organizers decided not to invite the Israeli ambassador.

An electronic display shows the closing price of the Nikkei stock average in Tokyo, Japan, on August 5, 2024

An electronic display shows the closing price of the Nikkei stock average in Tokyo, Japan, on August 5, 2024

What next for investors after global stock market rout?

Financial markets have taken a battering, spooked by a weaker US jobs report and moves by Japan's central bank.

Aerial view of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park during ceremony

Aerial view of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park during ceremony

Japan marks Hiroshima anniversary as regional conflicts rage

Officials in Hiroshima have urged the abolition of nuclear arms to reduce the risk of atomic war amid global tensions.

A woman walks in front of the Nikkei building in Tokyo

A woman walks in front of the Nikkei building in Tokyo

Japan's Nikkei sees biggest tumble since 1987 crash

The Nikkei index plummeted 12.4% on Monday as global investors digest shaky economic data from the US.

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

New paths & old ways

Lithium plays a key role in the shift to green power. Plus: climate change causes disease in Iraq.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa during a bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry's Iikura guesthouse in Tokyo, Sunday, July 28, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa during a bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry's Iikura guesthouse in Tokyo, Sunday, July 28, 2024

Quad foreign ministers decry South China Sea militarization

The group voiced serious concerns over "destabilizing" actions by Beijing and North Korea in the region.

Antony Blinken in Japan shaking hands with Yoko Kamikawa

Antony Blinken in Japan shaking hands with Yoko Kamikawa

US, Japan to boost miltary ties with new command center

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken is visiting Japan with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for high-level talks on defense.

A female free diver, who harvests sea life from the ocean, adjusts her attire as she looks at mirrors

A female free diver, who harvests sea life from the ocean, adjusts her attire as she looks at mirrors

Japan's female free divers are dwindling

These famed free divers harvest seafood without scuba gear or air tanks. But few young women are choosing this job.