Offspring of religious group followers in Japan, who claim to have suffered due to the compulsion of the groups' teachings, have set up a body to raise awareness about their plight.

The religious groups include the former Unification Church.

Three death row inmates in Japan are seeking an injunction against their executions, claiming the death penalty by hanging is cruel and unconstitutional.

The three convicts held at the Osaka Detention House in western Japan filed a lawsuit demanding such an injunction. They were convicted more than a decade ago. Two are seeking a retrial.

Japanese automakers are stepping up efforts to develop software for self-driving vehicles. Many are establishing offices in Tokyo, away from production plants, to attract the IT specialists needed for autonomous vehicles.

Subaru opened an office in Shibuya in central Tokyo this month. It will specialize in the development of artificial intelligence for their cars.

NHK has learned that Tokyo prosecutors have asked to question former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo over annual parties held for his supporters.

Abe's supporters gathered for parties at Tokyo hotels on the eve of his annual cherry blossom viewing events.

TOKYO — Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan would seek reimbursement from Britain if the government fails to agree an EU trade deal, the Nikkei financial daily reported on Monday.

The companies are bracing for an additional 10% EU tax on automobile imports from Britain and are demanding that the government pays for such additional customs costs, the report said, without citing sources.

Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors is planning to seek early retirement for about 500 domestic workers as it tries to rebuild its business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sources say Mitsubishi plans to call for the workers to voluntarily retire as early as November. The measure will apply to those aged 45 or older, including staff at the head office and factories in Aichi and Okayama prefectures.

On the first weekend since they announced their candidacy in the race to lead Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party, the three lawmakers reached out to local party members for their support.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide has already picked up support from most of the party's largest factions. He returned to his electoral district in Kanagawa Prefecture.

A group of Japanese lawmakers is looking to place restrictions on Chinese-made apps out of concern that user data could end up in the hands of the Chinese government.

The lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party say they will urge Japan's government to take legislative steps to limit the use of video-sharing app TikTok and others offered by Chinese firms.

Japan's minister in charge of the coronavirus response says the government will seek expert advice on whether to further ease the restrictions on public events.

Nishimura Yasutoshi took up the issue during a video conference with the leaders of three major business organizations.

The Japanese government plans to seek opinions from experts on a package of measures to stimulate consumption for an economic recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

The government plans to launch its "Go To" campaign on Wednesday next week. It covers tourism, restaurant and other industries hit by the outbreak.

Japan's government is will call on companies to help address the shortage of masks and other medical supplies designed to protect medical professionals treating coronavirus patients .

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo will make the call at a teleconference on Wednesday with medical product makers and firms interested in starting to produce such items. He is to ask for the increased production of face masks, sanitizers, ventilators and other products.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to request the closure of entertainment facilities if the prime minister declares a state of emergency based on a coronavirus-related law.

The declaration would allow governors of designated prefectures to take various measures to fight the virus.

Foreign residents in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo are turning to a medical facility offering service in six languages for help amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Staff at the Kobayashi International Clinic in Yamato City can respond to patients in six languages, including English, Korean and Tagalog.

SILVERSTONE, England – Not so long ago the Toyota range seemed like a sea of beige. Then came the 86. Sure, Toyota was chasing Le Mans glory, there was World Rally Championship heritage and Lexus was doing some cool stuff, but the 86 is where things began to turn around. There's even a TRD-tuned Camry now.

But diehards never lost faith, hanging onto their beloved old Celicas, Supras and MR2s to tune and customize. That's readily apparent going by the turn-out for the Toyota Parallel Pomeroy Trophy. Californians can chuckle at the idea of car meets being conducted under anything other than blue skies but, here in the U.K., enthusiasts are a tougher bunch and events go ahead even in 50-mph winds and horizontal rain. No matter what you're driving.