Russia and China have regularly dispatched forces to waters and airspace around Japanese territory.

Japan did not win an Olympic figure skating medal until 1992 but it is now among the sport's world powers, with kids dreaming of becoming the next Yuzuru Hanyu or Mao Asada. Japan's first Olympic figure skating medal came when Midori Ito won silver at the Albertville Games.

Japanese government bonds and the yen have sold off in recent weeks on concern over Takaichi's expansionary fiscal policy

The move by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalize on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years.

The spectre of coordinated yen buying by Tokyo and Washington has propped up Japan's currency, but history suggests the impact of an actual intervention could be limited, especially because Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is basing her snap election campaign on expanded stimulus measures.

Core inflation touched its lowest level since October 2024, and was in line with expectations

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house of Parliament, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election

As the country hurtles towards the snap election called by Prime Minister Takaichi, more unpredictable and violent price swings are expected