The time inspection officers take to process foreign visitors at the desks at the Japanese airports was cut by 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

Scientists say it's not beyond the realms of possibility that New Zealand could have a sophisticated earthquake early warning (EEW) system - alerting people seconds before a big disaster hits.

Thanks to this research, there has never been a better excuse to eat ice cream for breakfast.

A participant at a speed-eating contest has choked to death.

Yesterday's earthquake off the coast of Japan brought back memories of the 2011 disaster for many locals.

Residents were urged to "evacuate immediately" after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Fukushima prefecture in Japan, sparking a tsunami warning.

Victoria University earthquake scientist Dr John Townend says Kiwis shouldn't draw any connections between the Japan quake and last Monday's 7.8 Kaikoura quake.

'Early wake-up call' for former All Black Cory Jane as quake hits Japan.

WATCH: Tsunami warning lifted in Japan after major earthquake hits same region devastated by 2011 quake.

COMMENT: The navies of the United States, Australia and Canada are joining New Zealand's earthquake relief effort.

Japanese lawmakers are revisiting a plan to build a $6.7 billion natural gas pipeline from Russia ahead of a visit by President Vladimir Putin.

The shrines of Tokyo work wonders for the Warriors and Leicester, but not the locals, writes Dean Parker.

A young Kiwi entrepreneur has put his study skills to the test and set up a business to help other students pass their exams.

Two Japanese tourists were attacked in Rotorua by three men on Saturday.

For as far back as people can remember, they've been there in boardrooms across Japan, the lingering ghosts of past regimes.

Expoland was once a must-see theme park, but everything changed when a woman died there. Look at it now.

Thought you worked long hours? Try moving to Japan, where the work culture is so intense it can cost you your life.

Hot sand presses down on my chest and legs causing a tingling hot sensation to pulse through my legs, arms and back.

Imagine confining yourself to your bedroom every moment of your waking life. For a huge number of young Japanese men, it's their reality.

An increasing number of foreign tourists are visiting Japanese distilleries, as the country's whisky exports grow.

Japanese food is one of our favourite cuisines so we were really looking forward to visiting the country.

COMMENT: The Bank of Japan would have been better off sticking to something closer to its traditional caution.

Head away from the hustle and bustle to find a different side to Tokyo, suggests Linda Lombardi.

Amelia Langford takes on Japan's 'Shimanami Kaido' cycleway, and finds it's not all downhill.

The service has gradually resumed since the volcanic alert level for Mount Hakone was raised in May 2015.

A Japanese hotel fit for Marilyn Monroe is seeing signs of spending from foreign tourists starting to wane.

Tokyo is a city lit up with technology, where public transport is refreshingly efficient.

COMMENT: Low inflation, low wage growth is creating asset bubbles, exacerbating inequality and driving instability, writes Liam Dann.

The Japanese emperor has expressed concern about his ability to carry out his duties fully as he ages.

Moe than 100 people gathered at the Auckland Domain Wintergardens last night for a ceremony in remembrance of the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs.