It is the highest level since October 2008 as the economy makes steady progress toward the bank’s goal of stable 2% inflation and wage-backed growth.

“It’s DeepSeek for sure,” said one Tokyo-based fund manager of the sudden drop in Japanese tech shares, adding that the market was readjusting to the idea that hardware spending on AI — a theme that had benefited certain Japanese companies — could be a lot lower than current estimates.

And if walking around the small streets of Ginza doesn’t help hit your daily step goal, there’s always the small 24-hour gym in the hotel. For more facilities like access to a swimming pool or spa, guests are also welcome to visit The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, which is located about 3.6km away.

South Korean president Yoon's declaration of martial law not only stress tested South Korea's democracy, it may also contribute to destabilising the fragile US-Japan-South Korea trilateral.

MITO, Japan -- On a winter afternoon at JR Hitachi-Daigo Station located just north of Tokyo in Ibaraki prefecture, a bus pulls up ready to serve beer and whisky to the thirsty passengers boarding for their tour of local breweries.

Consumer inflation in Tokyo likely accelerated in January, underlining persistent pressure on living costs, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

"Japan-US leadership is essential to strengthen the free and open Indo-Pacific by establishing multi-layered security networks including Japan-US-Australia-India, Japan-US-South Korea, and Japan-US-Philippines," Ishiba added.

On Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japanese base workers shared their vibrant culture with their U.S. counterparts.

Japan positions itself as a key regional stabilizer amid growing security concerns, potential U.S. diplomatic shifts, analysts said.

Japan's concerns over a potential U.S. retreat from the region have grown amid China's increasingly assertive military posture.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Thousands of runners from across Japan descended on this airlift hub in western Tokyo this week for an annual mid-winter classic, the Frostbite Road Race.

Japan PM Ishiba is seeking to arrange a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Read more at straitstimes.com.