Scotland strive to avoid slip-ups by training with shampoo-soaked balls
Scotland have brushed up their act ahead of Sunday’s wet and wild World Cup opener with Ireland – by practising with balls soaked in shampoo.
Japan
England will have the edge in heat and humidity of Japan – Jones
Eddie Jones believes England have an edge over their World Cup rivals because of the steps taken to ensure they are ready to play in the sweltering heat and humidity of Japan.
Pope to call for nuclear disarmament during November visit to Thailand and Japan
Pope Francis will travel to Thailand and Japan in November for a visit expected to highlight his call for complete nuclear disarmament and honour the small Catholic communities in each country.
Neil Drysdale: Nobody is going to guess Townsend’s final 31
Decisions, decisions, eh!
Ted Baker signs partnership deal to expand in Japan
Ted Baker has ended its solo efforts to break into the Japanese market, by signing a five-year licensing deal with local operator Sojitz Infinity to expand across the Asian country.
Northampton’s Franks misses out as New Zealand aim for third straight World Cup
A recent drop in form has seen Northampton Saints prop Owen Franks miss out on selection as New Zealand named the squad tasked to win an unprecedented third straight Rugby World Cup.
New documents reveal Japanese wartime emperor’s ‘deep regrets’
Newly unearthed documents have revealed that former Japanese emperor Hirohito repeatedly felt sorry about the Second World War and tried, unsuccessfully, to express his feelings by using the word “remorse” in a 1952 speech.
Prince of Wales to go on official visit to Japan in autumn
The Prince of Wales will go on a two-day trip to Japan later this year.
North Korea says Kim Jong Un supervised latest tests of weapons systems
North Korea has said leader Kim Jong Un supervised test-firings of an unspecified new weapons system.
North Korea fires two missiles into the sea, claims South
North Korea has fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, according to South Korea’s military.
Japan starts construction work on shrines for new emperor’s succession rituals
Japan has held a groundbreaking ceremony at the imperial palace, where Shinto priests prayed for safe and successful construction of a pair of shrines for Emperor Naruhito’s key succession rituals later this year.
Nissan to axe 12,500 jobs in bid to cut costs
Nissan is slashing 12,500 jobs, or about 9% of its global workforce, in an effort to cut costs and achieve a turnaround amid tumbling profits.
Japan’s ruling coalition secures upper house majority
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition has secured a majority in Japan’s upper house of parliament, according to vote counts by public television and other media.
Japanese animation studio fire suspect named by police
Japanese police have named a man suspected of starting a fire that killed 34 people in an animation studio.
Anime fans share favourite Kyoto Animation work following arson attack that left dozens feared dead
Anime fans have been sharing their favourite Kyoto Animation work in the wake of a fire at the studio that has left around 30 people feared dead.
Suspected arson in Japan animation studio kills one and injures dozens
A man burst into a famous animation production studio in Kyoto and started a fire early on Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and 35 others injured, some critically, Japanese authorities said.
Nine deer at Japanese park die after swallowing plastic bags
Nine deer have died after swallowing plastic bags at a park in western Japan.
Nine deer at Japanese park die after eating plastic bags
Nine deer at a famed park in western Japan have died recently after swallowing plastic bags.
Heavy rain in Japan causes floods, mudslides and a blackout
Heavy rain has caused flooding and mudslides in southern Japan.
Japan resumes commercial whaling after three-decade break
Japan has resumed commercial whaling after 31 years, meeting a long-cherished goal of traditionalists that is seen as a largely lost cause.
Johnson repeats criticism of Putin’s claim liberalism has become ‘obsolete’
Boris Johnson has again criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that liberalism is dead, with the potential Prime Minister saying Britain was the best modern example of the “triumph of liberal values”.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agree truce to allow fresh trade talks
Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have hit the reset button in trade talks between the world’s two biggest economies, at least delaying an escalation in tension between the US and China that had financial markets on edge and cast a cloud over the global economy.
Duke of Sussex to promote Invictus as Yankees take on Red Sox in London
The Duke of Sussex will help mark a moment in history when he attends the first Major League Baseball (MLB) game played in Europe.
May condemns ‘irresponsible’ Putin at frosty face-to-face meeting
Theresa May condemned Vladimir Putin’s “irresponsible” actions in a frosty meeting between the two leaders dominated by exchanges about the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
Firms will be wanting to consider impact of Trump’s Huawei ban, says Theresa May
Donald Trump’s ban on Huawei could influence UK firms’ decisions about using the Chinese telecoms giant’s technology, Theresa May has suggested.
Try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, Japan’s foreign minister urges
Japan’s foreign minister Taro Kono has warned against a no-deal Brexit.
Japan’s crown prince says dwindling royal family may have to scale down duties
Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother says the royal family can perform only as much because its membership is declining.
Japanese calmness to be brought to ARI art space
A section of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is to be given a Japanese flavour to bring calmness to the busy hospital.
Scotland condemned to second World Cup defeat despite late flurry against Japan
Scotland's World Cup hopes hang by a thread after a 2-1 defeat to Japan.
Scotland head coach hits back at flak attack ahead of Japan clash
Both Scotland and Japan have taken a surprising amount of criticism for their opening World Cup results.
Academics recognised at Scottish Samurai Awards
The work of five north-east academics has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony attended by the Consul General of Japan.
Fleur East engaged after romantic proposal in Japan
Fleur East and her partner of nearly a decade are engaged.