Sports

Verstappen takes 2nd straight drivers' title with Japan win

SUZUKA, Oct 09 (AP) - Max Verstappen is now a two-time Formula One world champion, both titles awarded under bizarre and unprecedented circumstances long after he crossed the finish line.

The Red Bull driver won the rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and didn't learn he was champion until F1's governing body penalized Charles Leclerc after the race.

“The championship obviously did not come the way this time around,” Verstappen initially said after climbing from his car following his 12th victory of the season. The Dutchman even apologized to the crowd on the track’s public address system.

Seconds later, Verstappen was told he was a two-time world champion and crew members and friends suffocated him with hugs. ...continue reading

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

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World-Renowned Okinawan Karate Traces 90-Year Legacy

Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

Japan Claims Gold in New International Climbing Event

Japan became the first champion in the newly established international team climbing competition held in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, after securing a decisive victory in the bouldering finals on October 25th.

[SoftBank vs. Hanshin] Japan Series Game 1

The Hanshin Tigers opened the 2025 Japan Series with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on October 25th.

Japan Series Opens on Saturday as Hawks Aim for First Championship in Five Years

The Japan Series will open on October 25th, with the Pacific League champion Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks facing off against the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers. As the Hawks seek their first championship in five years, not only the players but also the people of Fukuoka are charged with excitement.

Sadaharu Oh Receives Order of Culture,

Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, 85, chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, has been awarded this year’s Order of Culture, while voice actress Masako Nozawa, 88, known for voicing the protagonist Son Goku in the anime "Dragon Ball," has been named a Person of Cultural Merit — the first voice actor ever to receive the distinction.