Japan's economy shrank an annualised 1.3 per cent in the latest quarter, beating market expectations of a 2.7-per cent contraction.

From bonfire celebrations to dance displays, summer in Japan sees the staging of some unusual festivals.

The NZ stock exchange has fallen 2.5 per cent on opening, following a big slump on world markets overnight. The NZX 50 Index shed 80.89 points to 3297.86, the lowest level since December.

The Independent's Yasmin Alibhai-Brown on the shocking realities of human trafficking.

Lady Gaga has branded claims she tried to profit from her charity wristbands as "misguided".

Lady Gaga is being sued for $5 million (NZ$6.2 million) over her charity wristbands.

Frank Liew discovers the history and hysteria of a Tokyo sumo wrestling tournament.