World judo championships

World judo championships

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Japan's Masaaki Fukuoka (R) competes with Charles Chibana of Brazil for third place in the men's 66-kilogram class at the world judo championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 27, 2013. Fukuoka defeated Chibana to win bronze.

World judo championships

World judo championships

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Japan's Masashi Ebinuma (L) and Masaaki Fukuoka show off their medals after winning gold and bronze, respectively, in the men's 66-kilogram class at the world judo championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 27, 2013.

Nomura claims 6th title at national weight-class invit'l

Nomura claims 6th title at national weight-class invit'l

FUKUOKA, Japan - Three-time Olympic champion Tadahiro Nomura (L) beats Masaaki Fukuoka in the men's 60-kilogram final, winning his first title in three years at the national weight-class invitational tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on April 7.

Nomura claims 6th title at national weight-class invit'l

Nomura claims 6th title at national weight-class invit'l

FUKUOKA, Japan - Three-time Olympic champion Tadahiro Nomura (L) beats Masaaki Fukuoka in the men's 60-kilogram final, winning his first title in three years at the national weight-class invitational tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on April 7. (Kyodo)

Shirakawa reiterates BOJ focus on negative effects of rate cuts

Shirakawa reiterates BOJ focus on negative effects of rate cuts

FUKUOKA, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa speaks during a press conference in Fukuoka on Dec. 1. He again expressed his reluctance to cut interest rates, saying the central bank is concerned about the adverse effects of too much credit easing and that priority should be given to ensuring money markets work appropriately. (Kyodo)

Firms face growing difficulties in raising capital: Shirakawa

Firms face growing difficulties in raising capital: Shirakawa

FUKUOKA, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa gives a lecture at a hotel in Fukuoka on Dec. 1. Shirakawa said the ongoing global financial turmoil has made it increasingly difficult for Japanese firms to raise necessary operating capital and that the Bank of Japan will take every possible measure to address the problem. (Kyodo)