Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Aug. 6 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Kyodo)

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Norikazu Suzuki (front, L) being briefed about damage to a pear farm in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, caused by a powerful earthquake that struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28. Many Japanese pears were shaken from the trees by the quake ahead of the harvest season.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Norikazu Suzuki (front, L) being briefed about damage to a pear farm in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, caused by a powerful earthquake that struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28. Many Japanese pears were shaken from the trees by the quake ahead of the harvest season.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Norikazu Suzuki (front, L) being briefed about damage to a pear farm in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, caused by a powerful earthquake that struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28. Many Japanese pears were shaken from the trees by the quake ahead of the harvest season.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during her visit to a nursing home for atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) presents a bouquet to an atomic bomb survivor at a nursing home for survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing (R), attends a welcome ceremony with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 6, 2026.

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing (C), attends a welcome ceremony with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (R) at the Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 6, 2026.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Kunihiko Sakuma (L), head of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, shakes hands with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. Hiroshima A-bomb survivors' groups, including Sakuma's, complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Kunihiko Sakuma, head of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. Hiroshima A-bomb survivors' groups, including Sakuma's, complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

U.S.-based indoor vertical farming startup opens Japan facility

U.S.-based indoor vertical farming startup opens Japan facility

Hiroki Koga (C), co-founder and CEO of Oishii Farm Corp., a U.S.-based startup that operates indoor vertical strawberry farms, attends an opening ceremony of its research and development facility in Hamura in western Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, alongside Japanese farm minister Norikazu Suzuki (L) and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Photo shows a message, "Praying for peace," left by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the guestbook at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signs a guestbook at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front, L) visits Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi observes a moment of silence at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2026, the exact time of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city 81 years earlier, during a ceremony marking the anniversary.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, during a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city, with the World Heritage-listed Atomic Bomb Dome seen in the background. (Pool photo)

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

[Breaking News]Japan, U.S. intervene in currency market to strengthen yen

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 3 Kyodo - Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks to reporters at the Finance Ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, commenting on a coordinated yen-buying intervention by Japan and the United States in the currency market to strengthen the Japanese currency. (Kyodo)

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a plaque to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi at a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title. The four-time Olympian, 32, won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (R) receives a bouquet from Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026, after attending a ceremony at which she was conferred the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office earlier in the day.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (R) receives a bouquet from Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026, after attending a ceremony at which she was conferred the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office earlier in the day.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.