Close call at Naha Airport after ASDF chopper takes off without permission

An Air Self-Defense Force helicopter involved in a near-collision on Wednesday at Naha Airport in Okinawa had taken off against an order by the air traffic controllers to wait, transport ministry sources said. At about 1:20 p.m., a Boeing 737 operated by All Nippon Airways with 83 passengers and crew was forced to abort takeoff when the ASDF helicopter crossed in front of it.

Experts blast constitutional reinterpretation in Lower House session

It was an unexpected and embarrassing blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. During a hearing of a Lower House session on constitutional affairs Thursday, all three noted constitutional scholars summoned as witnesses — including one recommended by Abe’s own ruling camp — bashed the reinterpretation of war-renouncing Article 9.

BOJ Kuroda calls for forex stability as yen plunges

DRESDEN, GERMANY – Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda on Wednesday called for stability in the foreign exchange market as the dollar continues expanding its gains after topping ¥123 for the first time in nearly eight years the previous day.

McDonald's Japan announces new sales strategies

Executives at McDonald's Japan are trying to turn around their business by revamping their menus. They announced a strategy plan for boosting sales following a series of food-safety scandals. President and CEO Sarah Casanova announced the plan at a McDonald's restaurant in Tokyo.

2 Hokkaido melons auctioned for 1.5 million yen

A pair of premium melons from Hokkaido, northern Japan, has fetched a price of 1.5 million yen, or about 12,500 dollars, in this year's first auction for the fruit. They were among 42 Yubari brand melons auctioned at a wholesale market in Sapporo City on Friday. The melons are grown by farmers in Yubari City.