"Overtourism" during Japan's iconic blossom season makes life for locals in Fujiyoshida town unmanageable, authorities say.

TOKYO, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is seeking to secure her grip on power in a national election on Sunday, with polls suggesting a big win for her conservative party.

At least three deals, making plausible inroads into Japan’s overall commitment of $550bn, are now due to be unveiled once the election on February 8 is over, according to several people familiar with the matter. Their main purpose is to keep an implacable White House from slapping punitive tariffs back on its closest ally in Asia.

Japan’s age‑old frustration with money in politics and the broader push for political reform offer important insights into the issues informing the country’s 2026 election.

Hiroto Ogiwara of Japan has topped qualifying for men’s big air as snowboarding kicked off at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The chances of getting a replacement are poor, with Tokyo's relations with Beijing at their lowest point in years amid tensions over Taiwan.

By Kevin Buckland TOKYO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - A landslide win for Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at Sunday's election may be the best outcome for bonds and the yen, analysts say, even as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's spending pledges have repeatedly rocked markets.

Frustration with Japan’s ruling elite, among other things, has fuelled the growth of a party that began on the fringes. CNA’s Insight finds out why its right-wing message resonates with its supporters and what others are starting to fear.