Japan dropped its highest-level tsunami alert, issued following a series of major earthquakes, but told residents of coastal areas not to return to their homes as deadly waves could still come.
Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party replaced two of its top executives as part of a purge related to investigations into alleged political slush funds.
Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations adopted a joint vision that emphasizes security and economic cooperation, amid growing tensions with China.
Some of these traditions' origin stories and how they are implemented can vary by region or households, but they nonetheless help bring holiday cheer to those who celebrate.
The decision to release the movie profiling the American scientist follows criticism that the film largely ignored the impact of the bombings that killed more than 200,000 people in Japan.
Air Force Special Operations Command has identified the eight service members lost when their Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan last week. The crew ranged in ages from 24 to 36 years old and came from eight states, including U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia.
Japan's government has asked a court to remove the legal standing and tax breaks of the Unification Church, which was tied to the shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last year.
Scientists in Japan are leaders in the development of IVG, new technology that could make sperm and eggs from practically any cell in the body. The results could transform human reproduction.
The water comes from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Although most scientists agree it does not pose an immediate environmental threat, some are worried about the long-term consequences.
Local fishermen and the government of neighboring China are among the critics of Japan's decision to release water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement after meeting with his cabinet. Water will be released through an underground tunnel beginning Thursday, weather conditions permitting, Kishida said.