Smokyo

All the news, sports and feature stories from The Japan Times Online

Japan’s department stores gear up for summer-gift season
Some have rolled out merchandise tailored to the 2026 World Cup, which is set to kick off on June 11.
How Cubans keep going, despite U.S. pressure and fuel blockade
Despite Trump's prediction in January that Cuba was "ready to fall" and despite rationed power and the decimation of its tourism industry, the government is still in charge.
Ueda says BOJ needs to keep raising rates to contain inflation
Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda's remarks Wednesday at a forum in Tokyo indicate there's a good chance of a rate hike this month.
Taiwan says Japan and Philippines must respect its rights in maritime border talks
Taiwan's foreign ministry said it calls on Japan and the Philippines to fully consider ‌Taiwan's rights and interests and engage in talks.
Japan promotes preconception care amid falling birthrates
Preconception care, an initiative aimed at encouraging people to acquire knowledge on pregnancy and childbirth, has been part of government policy since 2018.