Abe says Japan to contribute more to U.N. peacekeeping missions

Abe says Japan to contribute more to U.N. peacekeeping missions

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 19 Kyodo - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a symposium in Tokyo commemorating 60 years of Japan's membership in the United Nations on Dec. 19, 2016. Abe said Japan will expand its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the future, with its Ground Self-Defense Force personnel already participating in a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

East Japan city to mark 1,300 yrs of ties with ancient Korea

East Japan city to mark 1,300 yrs of ties with ancient Korea

SAITAMA, Japan, Dec. 1 Kyodo - Fumiyasu Koma, chief priest of Koma Shrine in Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, poses for a photo on Nov. 19, 2015. Hidaka city is hosting a series of events for the 1,300th anniversary, to be marked in 2016, of the formation of the former Koma township where descendants of Koguryo, one of the ancient Three Kingdoms of Korea, moved and settled before and after the fall of the monarchy.

Arena under construction for '16 Olympics

Arena under construction for '16 Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Photo shows construction of a sports arena under way in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 19, 2014, for fencing and other events of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

Tennis courts under construction for '16 Olympics

Tennis courts under construction for '16 Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Photos shows construction of tennis courts under way in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 19, 2014, for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

Toyota suppliers to integrate business to boost efficiency

Toyota suppliers to integrate business to boost efficiency

NAGOYA, Japan - Fumio Fujimori (L), president of Aisin Seiki Co., shakes hands with Takuo Matsui, president of Shiroki Corp., at a press conference in Nagoya on Dec. 19, 2014. The two companies, which both supply parts to Toyota Motor Corp., said they will integrate their businesses in April 2016.