Osaka, Japan News

Leaders of Japan's opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai or JRP are facing pressure to act and regain voter support amid recent statements by Osaka Mayor and JRP co-leader Toru Hashimoto justifying the use of the so-called "comfort women" during World War II in countries invaded by Japan.

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, a founder and co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party, speaks to journalists in Osaka, Japan, on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

Osaka mayor Toru Hashimito remarked that "comfort women" back in World War II was a "necessary" action to provide rest and comfort to The United States condemned mayor's comment as "outrageous and offensive" for reasoning out Japanese military brothels back in World War II which provides respite among Japanese soldiers.

US President Barack Obama has nominated an expert on Japanese affairs as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, in a sign of his administration's emphasis on ties with Japan.

An outspoken Japanese mayor who outraged many with remarks about Japan's wartime and modern sexual services stood by his comments Thursday, but said he may have lacked "international sensitivity." Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto said his lack of sensitivity to America's perception of prostitution might have caused outrage to his suggestion earlier this ... (more)

The South Korean ambassador to Japan slams Toru Hashimoto for his remarks justifying Japan's wartime sex slave system, saying the Osaka mayor lacks historical knowledge and regard for the rights of women.

Tensions between China and Japan have diminished since last year's spats over a remote island chain, but recent remarks by a Japanese mayor has sparked another round of political wrangling.

The proximity of the battlefield gave rise to the 'comfort women' system on Japanese-occupied territories in the 1930s, according a Japanese politician.

Japanese officials have distanced themselves from comments made by a prominent nationalist politician that suggested women forced to become prostitutes to entertain Japanese troops during World War II were "necessary." Toru Hashimoto, who serves as the mayor of Osaka, told reporters at his weekly press conference Monday that "anyone would ... (more)

The local boys of FTIsland and CNBlue are joining an all-star music line-up for this year's Summer Sonic rock festival in Japan.

Japanese electronics giant Sharp on Tuesday posted a record annual loss for the second year in a row, and announced plans to replace its current chief after just one year on the job.

New Orleans police hope a $10,000 reward and blurry surveillance camera images will lead to arrests in a Mother's Day shooting that wounded 19 people and showed again how far the city has to go to shake a... Police late Monday identified a 19-year-old man as a suspect in the shooting of about 20 people during a Mother's Day parade in New Orleans, ... (more)

Osaka's outspoken mayor has said the system in which Asian women were forced to become wartime prostitutes before and during World War II was necessary to "maintain discipline" in the Japanese military.

The Nikkei share average is expected to extend gains into a third day on Tuesday as the weak-yen trend continues to lift exporters, but gains may be limited as investors turn cautious over the rapid pace of the latest rally.

When New York-based designer Phillip Lim showed up in Tokyo last week, it brought out major fashion players but raised eyebrows at the same time.

This bilingual thing they say that it's a both curse and a blessing. Watakushigotode kyA shukudesuga , but I think of it more like a stigma.

New accounting rules effective this year are prompting a growing number of companies in Japan to add defined contribution plans to their retirement programs or to expand existing ones.

IF you're looking for an archetypal, homegrown Osaka 'product', look no further than Graf, a design collective started by six buddies from the Kansai region.

Serene space: Kise designed and built his showroom, which is reminiscent of warehouseconverted lofts in New York's SoHo district.

Little did the Shinto priest who brought Kinzanji miso to Japan know, a byproduct called soy sauce would become one of the most beloved condiments in the world.