Japan’s Olympics Minister Yoshitaka Sakurada has resigned over comments that offended people affected by a huge tsunami and earthquake in 2011. At a fund-raising event, he suggested that backing the governing LDP member of parliament for the region was more…
People erect parades to praise the penis as part of Japan’s yearly fertility festival (Metro)
Erect your carefully crafted signs and erupt with all-consuming joy, for it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, friends, once again it is time to celebrate the wonders of the penis. Every year in March, residents and visitors…
‘Tiniest baby boy’ ever leaves Tokyo hospital (BBC)
A baby boy who weighed just 268g (9.45oz) at birth has been released from hospital in Japan, and is believed to be the smallest boy in the world to be sent home healthy. The baby was born by emergency C-section…
Japan’s Yoshitaka Sakurada apologises for being three minutes late (BBC)
Japan’s Olympics Minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, has publicly apologised after arriving three minutes late to a parliamentary meeting on Thursday. Opposition MPs said his tardiness showed disrespect for his office and boycotted a meeting of the budget committee for five hours…
Manchester City set to add third-tier Chinese club to global portfolio (Guardian)
Manchester City’s owner is set to announce the purchase of the Chinese third-tier club Sichuan Jiuniu, the latest acquisition to a growing portfolio of clubs around the world. The City Football Group (CFG) has been searching for a project in…
Railway offers commuters free food to ease crowding (Punch)
One of Tokyo’s most crowded subway lines is hoping the way to reach their customers’ hearts is through their stomachs, and offering free food to ease rush-hour congestion. Around 7.2 million people use Tokyo’s mammoth metro system every day, with…
The strangest Christmas traditions from around the world (TheWeek)
Christmas is a time for giving, a time for receiving, and in various parts of the world a time for tossing shoes, roller skating to church and feasting on KFC. Here are the strangest Christmas traditions from around the world:…
Carlos Ghosn: Court rejects request to extend detention (BBC)
In a surprise move, a court in Japan has rejected a request to extend the detention of Nissan’s former chairman Carlos Ghosn, paving the way for his release. Mr Ghosn has been charged with financial misconduct – accused of under-reporting…
Japan ‘to resume commercial whale hunt’ (BBC)
Japan plans to leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume commercial hunting, media reports say. The government told its MPs of the decision, NHK reports. There has been no official confirmation of the move. Commercial whaling was banned by…
Japan shuns Kagawa for bid to reclaim Asian Cup (Vanguard)
Japan dropped former Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa from the Blue Samurai’s bid to reclaim the Asian Cup, opting instead for a squad filled with young Europe-based talents. Coach Hajime Moriyasu on Wednesday selected several players with only a handful…