Shotaro Tani

TOKYO -- Japan has moved closer to creating a centralized national intelligence agency -- often described as its equivalent to the CIA -- after the

TOKYO -- Defense contractor IHI has started receiving imagery from its deployed observation satellites, as Japan attempts to boost the country's defensive capabilities by strengthening monitoring and counterstrike abilities.

TOKYO -- Japan and the Philippines have elevated their ties to one of the highest levels of diplomatic relations amid growing concerns over China's assertiveness in the region.

TOKYO -- Japan has approved a 3.1 trillion yen ($19.4 billion) supplementary budget to help cushion the impact on consumers of rising fuel costs, as tensions in the Middle East keep prices elevated.

Imports down 29% in May as refiners cut output; domestic consumption under pressure

TOKYO -- Japan and South Korea should continue to deepen their cooperation in areas including energy, supply chains and social issues to build a more resilient Asia, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

PM says interdependence becoming source of vulnerability for middle-ranking nations

Oil price surge on Iran crisis gives fresh impetus to drive to boost domestic energy supply

TOKYO/SYDNEY -- An agreement to develop the large, untapped gas reserves between East Timor and Australia is close to being signed, according to

TOKYO -- Commodity prices are expected to remain higher than they were in February, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, even after the latest