The death toll from the recent earthquake in Japan has risen to 34, with significant damage reported to infrastructure, including nine ports experiencing liquefaction and cracks, and the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle sustaining damage. The Japanese Red Cross Society has begun accepting donations to aid recovery efforts, while some semiconductor-related businesses are resuming operations.
The Bank of Japan has kept its interest rates unchanged at 1% but issued a hawkish warning about underlying inflation potentially exceeding its 2% target. This decision comes amid speculation regarding potential yen intervention.
A magnitude 3 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan, with no tsunami warning issued. Residents described the tremor as intense, reminiscent of being on a turbulent sea.
Japan intervened in the forex market to strengthen the yen ahead of a Bank of Japan policy decision, with reports suggesting a sale of $58.97 billion. South Korea also conducted a rare dollar-selling intervention, reportedly alongside Japan, to support its currency.
Nearly half of those killed were caught up in two major incidents: Nippon Paper Industries' paper mill, which suffered major structural damage, and Aeon's shopping mall, where a possible gas explosion occurred
Floods in Assam, India, have claimed 80 lives and affected 200,000 people across four districts, while the Kumamoto earthquake in Japan has resulted in 34 deaths, including related incidents.
Several groups in the Philippines have urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate police arrests made during protests, including those at the recent State of the Nation Address (Sona) and previous rallies.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has unveiled a new digital platform for its Adopt-A-School Program, aiming to attract more private sector support and address resource gaps in public education.
US equity futures gained following a rebound in chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix, coupled with strong earnings reported by Amazon. The Bank of Japan maintained its policy rate, strengthening the yen.
A barangay employee, listed as a top regional drug target, was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, with over P1 million worth of suspected methamphetamine.
Police in George Town, Penang, have busted a fraud syndicate operating a call center from a luxury condominium that offered fake travel packages to Japan online.
Police in Osaka, Japan, have arrested two Vietnamese men suspected of illegally modifying e-bikes with throttles, allowing them to reach twice the speed without pedaling.
Taal Volcano in Batangas province, Philippines, registered 32 volcanic quakes in the past 24 hours as of Friday, July 31, indicating increased signs of volcanic unrest.
The Bank of Japan has decided to hold its interest rates steady while also upgrading its view on the economy. All eyes are now on any indications for a potential future rate hike.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering a food sales tax cut as part of a plan to address the high cost of living, following criticism over her government's perceived slow response.
The Tokyo District Court has ruled that hospitality company Shidax Corp.'s 2023 tender offer to go private undervalued its shares. This decision marks a rare instance in Japan where legal authorities resolve financial disputes between companies.
The Philippine government has approved a P60-billion incentives package to lure electric vehicle manufacturers, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for EV production.
The mayor of Capas, Tarlac, in the Philippines, has requested more information from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) regarding the planned Pax Silica initiative.
Levi Strauss President and CEO Michelle Gass stated that Asia, particularly India and Japan, is a crucial growth engine in the company's ambition to achieve $10 billion in annual revenue.
Japan's Defense Ministry announced the country conducted its first test launch of a ship-based cruise missile. The missile was fired from the destroyer JS Chokai in the Pacific Ocean.
Kangkong farmers along the Guiguinto River in the Philippines are facing significant challenges due to rising floodwalls, saltwater intrusion, and ongoing flood control projects impacting their livelihoods.
Technology has transformed rice farming in Japan, extending the careers of older farmers, but the country still faces a succession crisis in its agricultural fields, making the transfer of farms a matter of choice for younger generations.
The Department of Energy in the Philippines has established an inter-agency Joint Task Force with power sector regulators and distributors to implement the president's directive to eliminate system loss charges and their associated Value-Added Tax from monthly electricity bills.
A lawyer for a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official in Region IV-B stated that it would be 'impractical' for his client to inspect all projects in the entire region before signing documents. This statement was made on Thursday in Manila, Philippines.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has reiterated its strong opposition to mining and aggressive development projects, announcing plans to establish a dedicated ecology commission.
Authorities in General Santos City, Philippines, are considering long-term flood-control measures after recent flooding damaged homes of families already affected by a powerful June 8 earthquake.
President Marcos has issued a new policy to boost local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the Philippines, prompting the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to question who will cover the promised tax incentives for the industry.
The unchecked practice of tourists feeding rabbits on Japan's Okunoshima, known as Rabbit Island, has led to an overwhelming increase in their population, creating severe ecological concerns and altering animal behaviors.
Nearly 70% of public school sites across the Philippines remain untitled in the Department of Education's name, posing a long-standing ownership issue that could hinder government efforts to improve school infrastructure.
India and Japan have adopted an action plan targeting the exchange of 500,000 personnel, as part of their Joint Vision for the Next Decade. This initiative was announced during their annual summit in Tokyo last year.
Japanese official Takaichi has expressed keenness to resume grave visits to Russian-held islands off Hokkaido, emphasizing it as a humanitarian issue and a top priority in Japan-Russia relations.
The death toll from the recent earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, with rescuers continuing to search damaged areas. The quake has also led to the suspension of operations at several auto and chip factories.
The Japanese yen experienced a significant surge against the dollar, leading to widespread speculation that Japan's authorities intervened in the market. This suspected intervention occurred ahead of a Bank of Japan meeting.
A recent earthquake in Japan's 'Silicon Valley' region has caused significant disruptions to the global automotive and chip supply chains. Sony is set to begin a phased restart of its quake-hit sensor plant, as the death toll from the quake reaches 34.
The death toll from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture remains at 34, with rescuers continuing to search for survivors and authorities warning of potential aftershocks.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has defended the Pax Silica industrial tech hub project, emphasizing its importance for national resilience. Vice President Sara Duterte also reacted to the proposed AI hub, while an opinion piece explores the opportunities for the Philippines to participate in creating future technologies through the project.
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck south-eastern Japan on Tuesday has risen to 34, authorities announced today, with thousands of residents now also facing sweltering heat. The disaster management office in Kumamoto prefecture, where the earthquake struck, said seven more bodies had been pulled from the rubble of a shopping centre in […]
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Police in Pangasinan, Philippines, reported that troubled students with family issues were responsible for threats made against seven schools in the province.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. is advocating for reforms in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ recruitment and personnel policies to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities.
The new Department of Health chief, Brix Pujalte, has been accused of gambling at casinos in a letter sent to the Palace. The Department of Health denies the allegations, stating Pujalte was at a hotel for a meeting with provincial officials.
Deepa Paul, originally from the Philippines, shares her experience and affection for Amsterdam, where she has lived for nearly 15 years after her husband took a job in the city.
The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the extension of the "Piso Fare Cashback" promotion for cashless payments on Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) until August 31, 2026.
Prices for over 2,300 food products are set to increase in Japan in August, an 83.1% rise from the previous year, driven by escalating material and logistics costs, partly due to Middle East tensions.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is finalizing rules and guidelines for the 'Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (Gida) Schools Act' to ensure equal access to education.
Lawmakers in the Philippines are calling for a congressional investigation into an illegal open dumpsite that allegedly operated for seven years within the ancestral domain of an Aeta community in Subic, Zambales.
The Philippines' 'tingi' culture, which involves buying products in small, affordable quantities, is being explored as a potential solution to reduce plastic waste. A zero-waste shop set up by a district council provides plastic-free products at accessible prices in a country that uses 164 million sachets daily.
The Philippines plans to alter its local-currency bond pricing method by removing the impact of withholding tax, a move that could result in losses for some existing investors in its $230 billion market.
North Korea's state media, KCNA, has issued a warning that the expansion of U.S. Forces Japan increases the risk of a clash on the Korean peninsula. The editorial accused Washington of preparing for conflict, labeling the increased personnel as a 'war command'.
The significant roles played by Japan and South Korea in this year’s Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) military exercises, led by the US, have sparked speculation about deepening defense cooperation between the two neighbors despite historical differences.
Three years after its establishment, the Philippines' Maharlika Investment Fund has most of its capital sitting in banks, though it has begun cautious investments in sectors like ports, power, and mining.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines has extended the validity of vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, and other permits expiring from July 1, 2026, due to ongoing technical problems with its online system.
A talent manager has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila, Philippines, for alleged human trafficking involving female talents and politicians.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven individuals in Taguig, Philippines, who allegedly posed as property owners and lawyers to swindle victims out of millions of pesos in a 'sangla-kolekta' (pawn-and-collect) scheme.
The Department of Justice in the Philippines announced a new policy to decongest illegal drug cases, with its anti-illegal drug task force now handling only syndicate-level crimes and cases involving public officers.
A rare dead oarfish was found washed ashore in Davao Occidental, Philippines, leading some residents to express concerns about potential earthquakes due to the fish's traditional association with seismic activity.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. is advocating for an audit of revenues earned by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from the use of former military bases, intended for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization fund.
Japan is grappling with an overlooked language crisis, where conversational fluency differs significantly from the advanced language skills required for academic settings and abstract comprehension.
A 55-year-old woman in Bukidnon, Philippines, is recuperating in stable condition after surviving a gunshot to the face, allegedly fired by her neighbor.
Hitachi and Toshiba have marked the shipment of a new N700ST high-speed train to Taiwan. The train, featuring orange and black lines on a white body, was displayed at a ceremony in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Philippines has started deliberating on pending fare hike petitions submitted by various transport groups.
Twenty-five cats were successfully rescued from a shopping mall in southern Japan that was damaged by an earthquake and subsequent explosion. The survival of the cats brought relief after the incident, which gutted a significant portion of the mall.
Earthquakes have been reported in multiple locations, including a magnitude 4 tremor in Unzen, Nagasaki, Japan, a magnitude 3.6 near Sisak, Croatia, and a magnitude 5.9 in the Kermadec Islands region.
Japan plans to reduce the sales tax on food and non-alcoholic beverages to 1% starting next April. This policy aims to mitigate the impact on the Japanese economy and consumers.
Japan is set to launch a new intelligence bureau as part of a significant security reset, which also includes higher defense spending and lethal arms exports. This move reflects a push for enhanced national security under Takaichi's leadership.
Japan's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.5% in June, while Cyprus saw its unemployment rate drop to 3% in the same month, matching the lowest in the EU.
Heavy rains caused flooding in Crossing Curva, Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato, leading to the evacuation of 41 families or 116 individuals on Thursday afternoon.
A University of the Philippines associate professor has warned that the electricity consumption of global data centers, which already exceeds the entire Philippine economy's usage, could further strain the country's power grid.
The Italian Ambassador to Japan, Mario Vattani, traveled to Fukuoka to express Italy's solidarity following a violent 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern island of Kyushu, particularly affecting the Kumamoto prefecture.
The Governor of the Bank of Japan hinted at a potentially faster interest rate increase, vowing not to 'fall behind the curve' amidst speculation that Tokyo intervened to support the yen.
For Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has sought to modernize Japan's intelligence system, the upgrade represents a political win and the foundation for a broader overhaul.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines will subpoena Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste and former Rep. Jing Paras. This action follows an affidavit from a nabbed talent manager alleging they planned to frame Executive Secretary Recto.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced Japan's adoption of a new cybersecurity policy aimed at early threat detection, expressing hopes for the country to achieve 'one of the world's highest levels of cyber defense.'
A magnitude 4.3 tectonic earthquake struck the island municipality of Burdeos in Quezon province, Philippines, on Thursday afternoon (July 30), according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that Beijing must alter its behavior in the West Philippine Sea before any reset of bilateral ties can occur. He emphasized that the Philippines will not compromise on its sovereignty and sovereign rights.
A new study, the World Giving Report, indicates that 78 percent of Filipinos donated money last year, affirming the Philippines' position as one of the most generous countries globally despite various challenges.
Japan's economic data for June presented a mixed picture, with factory output exceeding expectations while retail growth softened. Tokyo's inflation rate also saw an increase, picking up to 1.9%.
Thousands of survivors of a recent earthquake in Japan, particularly near the epicenter in places like Yatsushiro, continue to grapple with enduring psychological and financial trauma.
Classes at Pook Integrated School in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, have been suspended after an online bomb threat prompted security concerns and an investigation by authorities.
Japan has announced a new immigration plan that emphasizes tighter regulations, as the country grapples with record numbers of foreign residents, a shrinking population, and labor shortages.
Posts have framed legal developments surrounding Senator Bato dela Rosa in the Philippines as attacks on sovereignty, turning Senate events into narratives of a 'constitutional crisis' and 'siege'.
Japan's decision to exclude women from imperial succession, based on a partially invented tradition, sets it apart from European monarchies and has contributed to a decline in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's popularity.
Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP–ACG) arrested two suspects for allegedly selling P6 million worth of fake gold discs to foreign businessmen in Manila.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines is targeting partial operations for the Unified Grand Central Station, also known as the Common Station, by the first quarter of 2028.
A woman was safely rescued by the crew of a domestic passenger vessel after falling overboard in the waters off Batangas City, Philippines, early Thursday.
The Department of Education in the Philippines is getting ready to implement the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (Gida) Schools Act, which aims to enhance access to quality education in remote and underserved communities.
Six violent extremists yielded and 24 high-powered firearms were formally surrendered to authorities in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, as part of an intensified campaign against loose firearms.
Borussia Dortmund's pre-season tour of Japan is reportedly generating significant financial returns for the club, with earnings estimated around €5 million.
Taiwanese President Lai has announced a donation of ¥1 million to Kumamoto, Japan, following an earthquake, with convenience stores and the Red Cross Society in Taiwan also accepting public donations.
Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that deaths during her father's anti-drug campaign were primarily caused by rampant gun violence in the Philippines.
