Capital of Japan and a global megacity
Godzilla Minus Zero has topped the US and Canadian box office with an estimated $31.6m on opening weekend, generating $63m worldwide. The Japanese-language sequel to Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One has set a North American record for a live-action foreign-language opening and has broken opening-day records in Japan.
A US Marine has been arrested in Naha on suspicion of murdering a 39-year-old Japanese woman and stealing her belongings. Governments demand full cooperation, insist stricter discipline, and Okinawa residents rally as protests widen. Authorities are coordinating with Japanese prosecutors as the US forces face renewed scrutiny over crime linked to personnel.
Regulators have begun examining Japan’s top beer makers over alleged cartel-like price coordination. Officials have raided Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory, while all four firms acknowledge cooperation with investigators and say they will respond fully.
What happened has prompted Japan and the U.S. to reassess security measures on Okinawa after a Marine's alleged killing of a local woman sparked protests, a 48-hour pause, and a 30-day curfew for troops. Governors, ministers, and diplomats are pushing for preventive steps amid calls to reduce the base burden.
Lumentum has acknowledged it cannot meet about 70% of demand for certain products next year and 30% through 2028, despite a $2 billion investment from Nvidia that is supporting capacity expansion and data-transmission tech.
Russian authorities have arrested a Japanese reporter identified as Yuki Imai of the Hokkaido Shimbun on Sakhalin and flown him to Moscow on suspicion of gathering information on Russia's defence capabilities for Japanese intelligence. Tokyo has demanded consular access, summoned Russia's ambassador and called for the reporter's fair treatment; Moscow says the case is not isolated.
Winnie-the-Pooh marks 100 years since the first Milne tale, celebrated with stamps, exhibitions, and a New York Public Library show. UK and US outlets highlight Pooh’s enduring popularity and the cross‑Atlantic tug‑of‑war over the bear’s home.
Japan and the United States are conducting Keen Sword 27, a biennial exercise involving about 45,000 Japanese troops and 12,000 American service members, plus participants from seven other nations. The drills focus on defending Japan’s southwestern islands and nearby waters amid tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia, with new missiles and systems deployed to Yonaguni and surrounding areas.
Japan-led MMX mission has launched to study Phobos and Deimos, with a lander and rover designed to fetch samples from Phobos and return them to Earth by 2031. The mission involves multiple international partners including NASA and ESA.
Japan has been balancing plans for a sales tax cut with higher defense spending, while debt remains a central worry for markets. The government has signaled it will push ahead with fiscal adjustments even as yields rise for a decade-high debt profile.
The FIFA president has apologized to the FIFA Council for missteps in a private World Cup sell-off plan that was later scrapped. European critics demand documents and clarity ahead of the March presidential election, with UEFA pressing for answers to 42 questions by November 2.
Two Japanese firms have cleared final steps to begin China operations as Beijing welcomes a trade delegation. BPCE’s banking arm plans to buy Tokyo advisory firm Sangyo Sosei, while other moves show continued cross-border investment.
Japan has repeatedly demanded consular access and the journalist’s immediate release after a Japanese national working for Hokkaido Shimbun was detained on Sakhalin Island on espionage suspicions. Tokyo cites a consular-right protocol and a long-running Kuril dispute as context for Moscow's handling.
Teruaki Sato has expressed his intent to pursue a move to Major League Baseball via posting, after winning the Central League Triple Crown with a .306 average, 39 homers and 106 RBIs. Matsui has replaced Hashigami as Tigers’ manager after the interim spell.
The AFC has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a fourth FIFA term at an extraordinary congress in Tokyo. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has pledged full support, signaling a potential majority in the 211 FIFA member federations. The endorsement follows a period of tension over Infantino’s World Cup funding plan and leadership style. The election is set for March, with candidates due by November 18.
The Bank of Japan has kept its policy rate at 1.25% and is signaling a December or January hike could follow as inflation and wages rise. Analysts see a terminal rate around 1.75%–2%, with the yen and yields responding to policy shifts, energy costs, and wage growth.
Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended after an out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya returned an adverse analytical finding for EPO. The Athletics Integrity Unit has opened an investigation; Jepchirchir’s Sydney Marathon win in August was affected. Kenya’s distance-running programme is facing intensified scrutiny ahead of the 2029 world championships in Nairobi.
Japan has revised imperial succession laws, allowing distant male relatives raised as commoners to join the royal line through male-only lineage. Princess Aiko remains excluded from succession. Critics warn of a new class structure and constitutional questions as the government pushes male-only succession.
Elena Rybakina has reached the Ningbo Open final after defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, with Shnaider in the other semifinal. The US Open champion will defend her title in a final set to determine the Ningbo Open champion, as Eala exits in the last 16 and Jovic advances.
The FIFA president has maintained broad support as calls for reform of governance grow louder. European, Asian and African confederations are pressing for greater transparency while Infantino warns that football belongs to all member associations. Potential challengers have yet to emerge ahead of the November deadline.
Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old Lance Corporal stationed at MCAS Futenma, has been indicted on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, in a Naha hotel and stealing her backpack and wallet. Prosecutors say he denies the charges; investigations include surveillance footage. Protests have followed the case, intensifying scrutiny of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa.
Asian Cup organizers have confirmed kickoff times and venues for the 2027 tournament across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alkhobar, with a Feb. 5 final at King Fahd Sports City Stadium. The schedule aims to satisfy commercial and broadcast needs as regional tensions persist.
Renowned manga artist Chiba has died at 87. His work, especially Ashita no Joe, inspired generations, blending sports drama with anti-war themes. Born in Tokyo in 1939, his early life in China during occupation shaped his storytelling. Kodansha confirms the death, with no cause disclosed.
Briton Stojsavljevic has defeated former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin in Hong Kong, reaching the second round after a dramatic 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory. The 17-year-old Briton, ranked 411, overcame a late challenge to secure a notable win and will meet Zeynep Sonmez next.
AMD has reported better-than-expected earnings driven by data center demand, with revenue up 45% year over year and data center sales nearly doubling. The company forecasts fourth-quarter revenue around $17 billion, with a gross margin near 55%. Analyst concern centers on demand trends and Intel’s guidance, as the AI chip race accelerates.
New science shows Manx shearwaters’ internal clocks drift when they cross longitudes, shifting their sun-based navigation and causing minor course errors. Adults correct in flight; first-time migrants may drift hundreds of kilometres, especially when returning east across the Atlantic. The finding uses two decades of GPS data to reveal how timing affects wild navigation.
Japan has announced a 10 billion yen package to strengthen cyber defense, enhance active cyber defense capabilities, and establish a dedicated “top gun” team within METI to counter hackers. The government will mobilize a Cyber Rescue Team and coordinate with private sector allies as cyber threats grow.
Japan has established the National Disaster Management Agency to coordinate preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction. Officials say the move will address megaquake risks along the Nankai Trough and in Tokyo, improve evacuation centers, and boost cross-ministry coordination.
Emma Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells, saying she is "not physically ready to compete" and will rest for the 2027 season. The WTA has cited a viral illness as the official reason. Marta Kostyuk will replace her in Group 1 and will open against Linda Noskova on Sunday.
Japan aims to boost five-year defence spending to around 70–80 trillion yen (about US$457–508 billion), up from roughly 43 trillion yen. The plan centers on long-range missiles, drones, AI, space tech and logistics to deter or counter regional threats, with final figures subject to budget revisions and coalition negotiations.
The Nasdaq 100 has fallen sharply, erasing trillions in value as AI-heavy tech leads the sell-off. Nasdaq down for the session; Nvidia and Tesla are among the hardest hit as regional and global markets wobble amid regulatory and growth concerns.
Russia has placed four JTI subsidiaries in Russia under temporary administration, drawing protests from Japan. Tokyo warns Moscow to reverse the decree, while experts say the move tests Tokyo’s resolve amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine and regional security.
A magnitude 5.5–5.7 earthquake has struck western Shizuoka Prefecture, injuring more than 20 people and causing train delays. The quake struck at 1:04 a.m. local time, with its effects felt across Aichi, Kyoto, Nara and nearby prefectures. Authorities warn of possible aftershocks and mudslides in the coming days.
Japan and Vietnam have expanded strategic ties, pledging 10 deals and aiming for $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The pace of talks centers on energy security, technology, and defense, with human-rights concerns raised over Vietnam’s reforms during a four-day Tokyo visit.