The decision not to sell alcohol at Olympic venues was portrayed by organizers as an anti-coronavirus measure.

Anger at the government's insistence on pushing ahead with the games remains intense, but Japan's ramped-up vaccination campaign may be helping to ease some safety fears.

President Biden meets with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday, his first in-person summit since taking office. Talks are expected to focus on shared concerns about China.

As the U.S. tries to enlist allies to help meet the challenges posed by China, perhaps no nation is more central than Japan. Suga is the first foreign leader to meet face-to-face with President Biden.

Despite Tokyo's assurances that it will not pose a threat to people or the environment, the decision has been criticized by the local fishing community, environmental groups and Japan's neighbors.

The torch relay shows the organizers' determination to proceed with the Games, despite public skepticism. It is set to crisscross the country and arrive at the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23.

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan Thursday, in its first provocation of the Biden White House.

Tokyo organizers on Saturday announced that foreign spectators will be barred from attending this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games due to concerns over COVID-19.

Advocates hope the decision will set a precedent for marriage equality lawsuits now pending across the country, and help pave the way for same-sex marriage in Japan — the only G-7 nation without it.

The first Cabinet-level trip abroad of the Biden administration is squarely focused on the challenge presented by China to U.S. primacy. Blinken will also meet with his Chinese counterpart in Alaska.

The president was joined virtually by the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, in his first multilateral leaders' meeting. They launched a plan to boost vaccine production and distribution in Asia.

The father and son arrived in Tokyo after fighting extradition. They're accused of helping former Nissan Motors Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan as he awaited trial.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Myanmar's coup leaders. For Japan, among the most influential countries in Myanmar, it's not so simple.

The Tokyo Organizing Committee are urging spectators to only clap, not cheer, when the Olympic torchbearers make their way through Japan starting March 25.

The Tokyo Olympic committee head plans to resign Friday amid a firestorm of criticism about his comments disparaging women's participation in organizing the Tokyo Games, say Japanese outlets.