TOKYO – Japan’s revenue from its international tourism tax was likely to have tripled in fiscal 2023 from a year earlier to around 40 billion yen, buoyed by a sharp increase in foreign tourists after the removal of coronavirus-related restrictions, government officials said Monday.

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) is suffering from coral bleaching due to prolonged heat brought by the El Niño phenomenon, a report from the Tubbataha Management Office said.

TOKYO – A group working under the U.N. Human Rights Council has issued a wide-ranging report about rights in Japan, including discrimination against minorities and unhealthy working conditions.

KYOTO – Japanese researchers said Tuesday that they have successfully constructed the world’s first wooden satellite, with the tiny cube-shaped object expected to be sent into space aboard a SpaceX rocket launched from the United States, possibly in September.

TOKYO – Vehicle manufacturer Toyota is set to end its massive sponsorship deal with the International Olympic Committee after this year’s Paris Olympics, according to reports in Japan.

SEOUL – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Sunday to make efforts to further develop relations with South Korea ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties next year during his talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol.

TOKYO – A survey of major Japanese firms showed they offered their highest monthly wage increases in 32 years at over 5 percent in the spring wage negotiations, as many sought to respond to elevated prices while trying to avoid brain drains, the country’s biggest business lobby said Monday.

TOKYO – A survey of major Japanese firms showed they offered their highest monthly wage increases in 32 years at over 5 percent in the spring wage negotiations, as many sought to respond to elevated prices while trying to avoid brain drains, the country’s biggest business lobby said Monday.

TOKYO – Dealing with irate customers can be extremely stressful for call center workers but Japan’s SoftBank Corp thinks it has a solution: artificial intelligence-enabled software that softens the tone of customers’ voices.

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA—The civilian-led supply convoy on Thursday aborted plans to sail closer to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, although organizers declared the success of their mission after another boat was able to deliver provisions to 144 Filipino fishers despite the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the area.