Topic: Osaka

As world dials back death penalty, Japan heads in opposite direction

Two gangsters were hanged in Japan last week. More executions are likely under new Prime Minister Abe, who has expressed strong support for the death penalty – and says the public backs him.

In Gear Nissan Leaf electric taxis launch in New York

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg joined with Nissan officials Monday to announce that six Nissan Leaf taxis would go into service this spring. Nissan Leaf taxis already operate in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Osaka, Japan,

Japan discovers cheap flights, 3 low-cost carriers lead the way

Airline tickets are plunging in Japan, as Japanese embrace quick weekend flights to visit friends and family. Three new efficient low-cost carriers have seen growth this year.

Apple's iPhone 5 sales surge circles the globe (+video)

iPhone 5 buyers lined up outside of stores from Hong Kong to London to New York. The iPhone 5 goes on sale in 9 countries Friday, and 22 more next week.

Little League World Series: Japan crushes Tennessee in championship final

Little League World Series: Noriatsu Osaka's three home runs propelled the Japanese squad to their second Little League World Series title in three years.

An American's key role as Hiroshima commemorates atomic bombing (+video)

Steven Leeper oversees Hiroshima's commemoration of the Aug. 6, 1945, dropping of the atomic bomb. The US presence at the memorial ceremony has grown, with even President Truman's grandson in attendance this year.

Japanese panel: Fukushima a 'man-made' disaster (+video)

The panel's report on the Fukushima nuclear disaster could fuel complaints that Japan is restarting nuclear reactors before key reforms are in place.

Japan shuts down last nuclear reactor for tests. End of nuclear power?

If Japan survives the summer without power blackouts, citizens may pressure the government to make the temporary nuclear shutdown permanent.

Will Japan hold a referendum to scrap nuclear power?

A year an earthquake and a tsunami caused the world's worst nuclear disaster in a quarter century, a group of activists in Osaka, Japan, are seeking to hold a referendum that would ban nuclear power for Osaka. 

Despite Fukushima disaster, anti-nuclear activists fight uphill battle in Japan

Even though most Japanese now oppose nuclear power, activists say building a strong movement has proven difficult.

A hard-hit Japanese city sees signs of hope in road repair, reopened shops

Workers in Ishinomaki, Japan, have cleared thousands of tons of debris from streets and buildings inundated by the March 11 tsunami. A long-time shopkeeper says customers are starting to return.

Airlines with Japan destinations anxiously watch radiation levels – and ticket sales

Airlines operating flights to Japan are balancing concerns about their ability to keep to their schedules, keep their crew safe from radiation, and avoid losing too much money.

GOP critic calls Joe Biden's $53 billion high-speed rail plan 'insanity'

Vice President Joe Biden proposes spending $53 billion on a national high-speed rail network, but important Republicans in the House are less than enthused.

Japan’s robot revolution moves from factory to the home

The world’s leader in robotic technology is creating machines that do everything from cooking pancakes to guiding shoppers at malls.

Who will survive the solar energy shakeout?

The recession is squeezing solar energy firms. These four could thrive.

Japan: A booming 'Koreatown'

Shanghai's 2010 Expo: the 'Economic Olympics'

World Expos have been a snooze in the West for decades. But China's first one ever next year will be a wake-up call.

A father's international flair

As Japan opened up after World War I, he seized opportunities to travel and found love.

From Japanese blogger to global novelist

Mieko Kawakami: From blogger to global novelist

Her latest novel won Japan's top prize for new fiction writers. Kawakami is one of an emerging group of young Japanese women writers.

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