Storm clouds are gathering above the beloved Japanese sport of sumo.

Photos of the action between Netherlands and Japan at Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa.

Yurika Arai explains the Japanese attitude to whale meat.

Conservationists want Australia to lead the anti-whaling charge at a major summit next week, in response to footage of a whale being hit by an exploding harpoon.

A Japanese space capsule may contain the first-ever asteroid samples that could provide clues into the creation of the solar system.

Alan Bollard says a pickup in sales of 'uridashi' bonds to Japanese investors would be useful.

Japanese prosecutors are demanding two years jail for NZ anti-whaling activist Peter Bethune, on trial for assault and charges after the boarding of a harpoon ship in Antarctic waters.

Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd banning NZ activist Pete Bethune has caused bemusement in Japan ahead of his last day of trial in Tokyo today.

Tokyo rivals Paris as a epicurean paradise so expect more than sushi, says Karyn Scherer.

Sea Shepherd banned Kiwi anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune from future protests in an effort to help him avoid jail time.

Pete Bethune's defence in court that he thought firing acid bottles at a Japanese whaling ship was safe has sparked widespread reaction in Japan.

NZ will join Australia in taking legal action over Japan's whaling programme if last minute diplomatic solutions are not found.

The NZ anti-whaling activist has been called a "fascist" and a "terrorist" by a jeering spectator during his court appearance in Tokyo.

Revised turbo-diesel firmly regains most powerful Japanese ute title for Nissan, says Phil Hanson.

Australia will initiate action in the International Court of Justice, seeking to prevent Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Peter Bethune is not expected to plead guilty to an assault charge when he faces court in Tokyo tomorrow.