Japan
With nearly nude women, the Joker and pets, a Tokyo election descends into madness
Personal publicity stunts have hijacked Tokyo’s vote for a new governor, with nearly nude women, an AI character and a man practising his golf swing among the candidates.
- by Mari Yamaguchi
Latest
★★★★½
Airport reviews
This cramped, daggy airport is my new favourite
This isn’t a flashy, modern airport, and it doesn’t have many exciting facilities, but I love New Chitose with all of my stomach and heart.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Food and wine
Businesses charging foreigners more than locals? So they should
Some Japanese businesses are controversially charging tourists more than locals. Here’s why I have no problem with that.
- by Ben Groundwater
Exclusive
Detained citizens
Detained Perth grandmother’s family speak with foreign minister in bid for ‘love scam’ trial to speed up
The family of Donna Nelson have spoken with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a bid to speed up the 58-year-old’s trial in Japan after it was delayed again due to last-minute evidence submitted by the prosecution.
- by Michael Genovese
Exclusive
Abducted in Japan
‘Heartbreaking’: Penny Wong condemns abduction of Australian children in Japan
Parents warn Tokyo’s two-year delay in implementing new laws could trigger a “dash to the finish line” to abduct more children.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Natalie Clancy
Six times more: Call for higher prices for foreigners amid Japan tourism boom
A mayor suggesting tourists should pay up to six times more than locals to enter attractions is gaining support.
- by Akemi Terukina
Editorial
Trump's White House
Trump redux a clear and present challenge to our foreign policy
The problem facing Australia’s foreign policy under another Donald Trump presidency? Many of his utterances seem shaped by 1950s American daytime games shows.
- The Herald's View
What most visitors miss on Kyoto’s bucket-list trail
Kyoto could easily entrap you in bucket-list busyness. Rush and you’ll wonder what the fuss is about.
- by Brian Johnston
Newly built Tokyo units to be demolished for obscuring Mt Fuji view
The 10-storey apartment building on Fujimi Street – which translates to “Fuji view” – has 18 housing units ranging from $670,000 to nearly $1million.
- by Sarah Hilton and Mia Glass
Exclusive
Renting
Perth now one of hardest cities in the world to find a rental
Exclusive data shows Perth has one of the most diabolical rental vacancy rates in the developed world – but there are signs the situation may be about to ease.
- by Sarah Brookes
Two of Australia’s great artists lead exhibition full of echoes
Cutting Through Time explores affinities between Cressida Campbell, Margaret Preston, and Japanese printmakers.
- by John McDonald