The cost of living in Tokyo cooled for a second month on the back of some temporary factors even as food inflation stayed hot, keeping pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after voter frustration over high prices led to his historic election setback Sunday.

Tokyo Core CPI, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, grew 2.9% year-on-year in July, compared to expectations of 3.0%, and cooled from the 3.1% seen in the prior month, government data showed on Friday.

JGB futures consolidated in the morning Tokyo session, but may be supported by cooling inflation in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Japan's chief negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, had been working on a deal since April. He's made eight trips to Washington, pressing the case in person. After the deal news broke, he tweeted a photo of himself at the White House: "Mission complete. Sincere thanks to all involved."

Randy’s Donuts opened in May 2025 in Tokyo with a wide selection of delicious treats for sweet-toothed individuals. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes) Randy’s Donuts, a Los Angeles-based chain more popular in some quarters than Krispy Kreme, has at last landed in Tokyo.

Renton-based Joshua Woodcock's first feature is an intimate, character-driven story that takes place over a single night in the capitol of Japan.

Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest in Japan and is surrounded by 10 ornately decorated gates. It’s tempting to get lost in the maze of dim sum and fortune tellers, under red paper lanterns swinging over tiny alleys. “I love going there for the casual atmosphere,” says Makoto. "Chinatown feels the same as it did when I went 30 years ago.”

When Kodai Senga takes the mound at Citi Field, he’s not just pitching for the New York Mets. He’s part of a rising wave of Japanese talent that’s breathing new life into America’s pastime – and drawing millions of new eyes on both sides of the Pacific.