Tokyo

Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu wins first ever world athletics gold

Photo: TOKYO, Sept. 15, 2025 (Xinhua/Jiang Han) - Gold medalist Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu has won the country’s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The victory marks a historic achievement for Tanzania at the global competition. Simbu’s performance secured the nation’s place on the championships’ medal table for the first time. Isaac Lukando reports.

16 September, 2025

World

Challenges persist to rescue man trapped in sinkhole near Tokyo

Hopes are fading of rescuing a truck driver who has been trapped in a sinkhole near Tokyo for days. Worsening ground conditions have complicated rescue operations. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Tokyo.

31 January, 2025

World

Japan’s foreign minister tells Trump Tokyo has no choice but to strengthen defence

Japan plans to continue to boost its defence capabilities amid the security challenges in East Asia, the country's foreign minister told his US counterpart. Donald Trump's return as president has triggered expectations that the US could put pressure on allies to increase defence spending. Rebecca Bundhun reports.

22 January, 2025

World

Japanese mafia boss pleads guilty to trafficking nuclear materials

US authorities say a member of Japan's criminal underworld has pleaded guilty to trafficking nuclear materials from Myanmar. 60-year-old Takeshi Ebisawa also pleaded guilty to international narcotics trafficking and weapons charges. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Tokyo.

9 January, 2025

Business / Economics

Nippon Steel and US Steel sue Biden Administration over blocked merger

Nippon Steel and US Steel are suing the Biden administration over the president's decision to block the Japanese company's proposed takeover of the American firm. This comes as US secretary of state Antony Blinken is visiting Japan. Rebecca Bundhun is our reporter from Tokyo.

7 January, 2025

Business / Economics

BOJ keeps rates unchanged

Japan’s central bank is leaving interest rates unchanged in a move widely expected by the market. Its chief, Kazuo Ueda, says a lack of clarity over wage trends and uncertainty over the U.S. economy is behind the decision. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo:

20 December, 2024

World

Japan to provide defense equipment to Asia partners

Japan is planning to provide defense equipment to partners in Asia under its Official Security Assistance scheme. The program provides grants to the armed forces of like minded countries. Chris Gilbert has more from Tokyo.

2 December, 2024

World

US prepares ‘contingency’ to spread missiles from Japan to Taiwan

The US military is planning to spread missile bases throughout western Japan in the event of a “Taiwan contingency”. It’s part of the US and Japan’s plan to deal with a conflict situation in the region. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

25 November, 2024

World

Japan PM says Trump team shot down meeting request

Japan’s new prime minister says he will not meet with Donald Trump on his return from the G20 summit in Brazil. Shigeru Ishiba had expressed a desire to meet with the US president-elect as soon as possible. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

18 November, 2024