Europe looks old and broke to its lenders, but it’s not the only region with problems
Lenders must choose between countries behaving like a bingeing entrepreneur, an elderly but reputable business owner and an indebted aristocrat
Japan
‘Very unfortunate’: the phrase that captures Japan’s Trump dilemma
Tokyo’s muted response to US sanctions on its most senior international judge highlights its dependence on Washington
Yayoi Kusama, Japanese artist who became a global superstar, dies aged 97
The artist became one of the world’s best-known contemporary figures after decades living in a psychiatric hospital
Trump’s Kim gambit deepens doubts over US reliability at a key moment for Asia
US cancels another military exercise with South Korea scheduled for next month, citing constraints on forces due to the Iran war
Books in brief: The Princess of Connemara, The Judges of Ireland 1866-1921 and Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future
New books from Alan Esslemont, Daire Hogan and Tom Feiling
War memories awaken old row in Japan, China and South Korea
China and South Korea noted what Japan’s prime minister didn’t say
Japan’s defence minister arrives in Australia amid ‘melongate’ controversy
Anthony Albanese embroiled in unlikely scandal about pricey fruit gifted by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi
Virtual holidays: Eight video-game destinations offering a break from the real world
Haven’t managed to get away this summer? Time on your own private island is just one of the virtual changes of scene that might make up for it
‘Absolutely unacceptable’: Japan condemns visit by Putin to disputed islands
Japan claims the Kuril Islands as its own, which it says is recognised by international law
Taiwan prepares for war, but China has other options
‘Blockade by fire’ could cut off supplies to the island while minimising disruption to others
Yen intervention lays bare the dangers of monetary experiments
Tokyo and Washington’s desire to maintain stability may be creating long-term danger
Japan’s nuclear taboo faces its sternest test in decades
On the anniversary of Hiroshima, the only country to experience atomic attack is confronting calls to revisit assumptions about national security
The Irish Times view on the Hiroshima anniversary: A worldwide call to action
Eighty-one years on, the scientists behind the ‘Doomsday Clock’ say humanity has never been so close to self-extinction
Japan ‘races against time’ to reach people trapped after powerful earthquake
Some 260,000 people across Kunamoto prefecture told to go to evacuation centres
Japan’s earthquake death toll could have been far higher. Here is why it was not
Strict building codes, innovation and learning from past disasters make the country an earthquake-resilient society
Japan earthquake kills at least two, injures 100, with ‘many people’ trapped in shopping mall
Around 300,000 people told to go to evacuation centres with warns of further quakes and landslides in coming days
Japan working holiday: ‘Lots go to Australia - this is a different experience’
‘Even though Tokyo’s very busy with people, it’s very peaceful,’ says David Garvey (24)
‘Éire abú’: How Ireland could yet again taste football glory on the world stage
Alternative to Fifa runs own global tournament and has accepted Cumann Sacair Gaeilge, an all-island team for Irish speakers
Reporting on the Ireland rugby team is a glimpse into a world of luxury
Exclusive training settings and high-end hotels are the order of the hour – and it’s not too shabby for the journalists either
Gordon D’Arcy: Whatever the All Blacks result, let’s avoid the error of wishful thinking
Supporters in danger of wanting something out of Andy Farrell’s Ireland team that may not be there
Ireland v Japan, James Lowe’s departure and Leinster’s hunt for new head coach
The Counter Ruck Podcast
New Zealand clash will be extra special for breakout Ireland star Sean Jansen
Born and reared in Dunedin, Jansen will have plenty of family and friends watching on at Eden Park
China evacuates more than one million people as region braces for Typhoon Bavi
At least 17 killed in landslides set off by intense rains in southern Philippines
Opportunity knocks for Ireland players to stake their claim against Japan
Andy Farrell says Saturday’s game in Newcastle is a chance for player to ‘prove they’re here to stay’
Matt Williams: If sport exists to teach us about values, rugby beat football last weekend
Ireland should beat Japan in Nations Championship, but a mauling by the Kiwis could be round the corner
Eddie Jones expects Japan to ‘dominate’ Irish scrum in Nations Championship clash
Jones returns from suspension with just one change after Japan's win over Italy as Ireland include two uncapped front-row replacements.
‘We’ve brought them over to see what they’re made of’: John Fogarty on giving youth a chance
Scrum coach pinpoints qualities younger players can bring as Ireland prepare to play Japan
Billy Bohan and Sam Illo in line to make Ireland debuts against Japan
Jeremy Loughman out of this week’s action following head injury against Australia
China test fires ballistic missile from nuclear submarine amid rising security concerns
Japan expresses ‘grave concern’ over China’s increasingly active military activities
Rugby’s new bonkers era dawns with tries galore in perfect conditions
Opening round of Nations Championship show that reports of game’s demise are greatly exaggerated
Martinelli strikes in stoppage time as Brazil break Japan hearts
Brazilians through to last 16 after entertaining first knockout game
World Cup 2026, Day 10: History for Curaçao; Germany strike late; and Gary Lineker on ITV?
Room breaks tournament record, while Undav scores an equaliser against Ivory Coast
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
The GlossOpens in new window
Read the digital edition of The Gloss magazine now
Family NoticesOpens in new window
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices