Bears have been increasingly encroaching into Japan's towns due to factors ranging from a declining human population to climate change.

Just days after taking office, Japan's new leader faces a series of back-to-back foreign policy tests, with a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo sandwiched between Asia-region summits in Malaysia and South Korea.

The Japanese government is reportedly considering purchasing Ford F-150s ahead of a visit next week by President Donald Trump, who has pushed for greater sales of U.S. vehicles.

A fascinating blend of cultural and historical influences, the Japanese archipelago feels a world apart from Tokyo, Kyoto and other tourist hot spots in the country. That’s why it’s worth the trip.

Japan ranks low in gender equality among developed nations. The first woman to lead the country is an ultraconservative who cites Margaret Thatcher as a role model. She also loves heavy metal.

Though her election is a milestone in a country that struggles with gender equality, critics say hard-line conservative Sanae Takaichi won’t necessarily help women advance.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first major policy speech on Friday, pledged to further accelerate Japan’s military buildup and spending, and an early upgrading of the country's security strategy to allow more offensive roles and arms exports as tensions rise with China,

Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama signaled that it may be necessary to issue additional debt to fund Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming economic package, if existing resources prove insufficient.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued an emergency alert at the time of the quake, predicting strong shaking in the area.