TOKYO, June 22 (UPI) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will visit Japan earlier than previously thought because of the North Korean situation, the government said Monday.

TOKYO, May 6 (UPI) -- The Japanese Health Ministry was ordered Wednesday to prepare in case the World Health Organization elevates its pandemic alert to its highest level.

TOKYO, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Japanese lawmakers expressed mixed reactions Wednesday to the first meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and U.S. President Barack Obama.

TOKYO, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Japan announced Friday it will play host to a summit next month with China and South Korea to discuss the current global financial turmoil.

TOKYO, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Japan will sign bilateral free trade agreements with Vietnam and Switzerland, the government said Monday, ending more than a year of talks.

TOKYO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Taro Aso was elected Japan's new prime minister Wednesday by the country's parliament, replacing Yasuo Fukuda, and he immediately announced his Cabinet.

TOKYO, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Japan, China and South Korea have agreed to hold the first ministerial meetings on Asian environmental issues in South Korea next April.

TOKYO, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Japan's education minister, Takeo Kawamura, Tuesday proposed major reforms in the nation's compulsory education system.