End of an era: Japan's Emperor Akihito abdicates

The long-reigning monarch is the first to abdicate his throne in nearly 200 years. IMAGE: Japan's Emperor Akihito bows as he leaves a ritual called Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi, a ceremony for the......

Japan gets ready for a new Emperor

The emperor has no political power, yet he enjoys a unique place in Japanese society, notes Dr Rajaram Panda. IMAGE: Japanese Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown......

Sharapova, Hingis sweep into Tokyo semis

World number one Maria Sharapova battled her way into the semi-finals of the Pan Pacific Open with a 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Japan's Ai Sugiyama on Friday. The Russian, who won the Tokyo title......