Japan
RWC: Japanese fans get behind Samoa
Manu Samoa may not have got the result they were hoping for against Japan but they still managed to attract some new local fans, who switched their allegiance, albeit briefly, from red to blue.
Keith Quinn: Watching the Rugby World Cup unfurl
The All Blacks opening pool clash with South Africa drew a cloud of criticism on social media, which repeated when Steve Hansen named the team to play Canada in Beppu on Monday and struck again over… Audio
Rugby World Cup: Samoa believe they can beat Brave Blossoms
Samoa are embracing the challenge of playing a red-hot Japanese team in their own backyard.
Japan riding a wave of rugby fever
Japan are riding a wave of support from their fans similar to the kind of adulation the All Blacks receive in New Zealand, according to Brave Blossoms scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka.
Rugby World Cup: A Kiwi's life in Japan
They have a dog named "Beaudy", love Sevu Reece and watch every All Black game they can. There is a little part of All Black culture deep in Oita in southern Japan. Video, Audio
Pico Iyer: why I love Japan
Japan is a country of beauty, depth and surprises, says English-American writer Pico Iyer who has lived there for 32 years. Video, Audio
Rugby World Cup playing role in reviving tsunami-hit city
Kiwi rugby coach Scott Pierce is part of an incredible revival happening in the Japanese city of Kamaishi, which was devastated by the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit the area in 2011. Audio
Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks off in Tokyo
Fans at Tokyo Stadium in Japan along with hundreds of millions watching television around the world will be captivated by the spectacular and unique opening ceremony as the Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks… Audio
Japan still hunts whales - it's just moved its hunting grounds
Japan has returned to commercial whaling for the first time in 30 years - but it's sticking to its own territorial waters. Is this why the world's gone quiet over it? Audio
Japan still hunts whales - it's just moved its hunting grounds
Japan has returned to commercial whaling for the first time in 30 years - but it's sticking to its own territorial waters. Is this why the world's gone quiet over it?
AudioWringing more than silverware from RWC 2019
Win or lose, the Rugby World Cup is being seen as a great opportunity to boost our economy. Audio
Japanese stories for English readers
Our next guest has been based in Japan for 20 years, teaching translation studies and literature. Richard Donovan has just finished a book translating modern Japanese short stories into English for… Audio
Taking toast to new height
The latest culinary craze in Japan is to perfect the art of making toast. In Japan it's made from shokupan - which is a soft, white loaf. Mitsubishi has brought out a $400 toaster..well it's more… Audio
Kyoto anime studio fire: At least 33 dead
At least 33 people are dead and dozens injured after a man set fire to an animation studio in the Japanese city of Kyoto, officials say.
All Black jersey reveal pulls the wool over fans' eyes
The latest World Cup jersey was unveiled with a comprehensive All Blacks PR blitz this week - and a premium price tag.. The media marvelled at its cutting edge design, but it wasn’t clear whether…
Japan whale meat sells at premium prices
Whale meat in Japan has been sold at auction for sky-high prices following the first commercial hunt since a ban was lifted.
Japan re-starts commercial whaling
Japan is resuming its commercial whaling activities from today, following a three-decade hiatus, but to do this legally Japan's fleet will now be confined to is own waters, up to 200 miles offshore… Audio
Support for import ban on unsafe cars
A proposal to ban some used car models from being imported into New Zealand is being welcomed by the Motor Industry Association, which says Japan's scraps are being sent here for waste disposal. Audio
Overseas Correspondent - Japan
Motoko Kakubayashi joins us once again from Tokyo with the latest from Japan. Audio
Sport: PNG cricketers facing ban after being caught shoplifting
Suspended PNG cricketers facing further sanctions after shoplifting in Japan. Audio
