The monster 8.9-magnitude earthquake which hit Japan on Friday was the country's biggest ever and the seventh largest on record, according to US Geological Survey data.

The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the Northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-meter tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire.

Japanese giant Sony has appointed Kazuo Hirai, the head of its playstation game business, to a new key position in a move seen as the first step in anointing him as successor to CEO Howard Stringer.

Japan's latest bullet train, the thin-nosed 'Hayabusa' or Falcon, made its 300 kilometre per hour (186 mph) debut on Saturday, boasting a luxury carriage modelled on airline business class.

Japan's centre-left Premier Naoto Kan, in power just seven months, faced a mutiny from a small group of party lawmakers on Thursday that threatened his reform agenda and weakened his leadership.

Japan lost its 42-year ranking as the world's second-biggest economy to China in 2010, with data on Monday showing a contraction in the last quarter due to weak consumer spending and a strong yen.

Ever wondered about the political uses of a kiss, the kiss’ changing status or legendary movie kisses? Do you find yourself needing to say the word in Albanian, Icelandic or even, perchance, Maori?

A Japanese rocket successfully took an unmanned cargo transporter to the International Space Station into orbit on Saturday, Japan's space agency said.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Thursday reiterated concerns about China’s defence spending and maritime activities, while pledging to take the lead in setting up rules on maritime disputes.

Defence secretary Robert Gates on Thursday suggested Japan should consider buying US fighter jets, during talks in Tokyo, as the country plans for new warplanes, a US official said.