Latest from Japan

Environmental group ready to defend whaling activist
Japanese lawyers are lined up to defend incarcerated anti-whaling protester Peter Bethune, but an environmental group still hopes Japanese authorities will send him home.

Japanese media express frustration at NZ activist
Japanese media have expressed frustration at a NZ activist's anti-whaling protests, with one top newspaper accusing him of terrorism.

Aussie politician backing fight to free NZ activist
The leader of Australia's Green Party is backing a campaign to free anti-whaling protester Peter Bethune.

Women students demand action over pay gap survey
Women students are demanding government action after a survey showed men with the same tertiary qualifications start earning more after one year.

Whaling solution would be put to public - McCully
Any deal with Japan to allow whaling would have to be very attractive to get New Zealand support, Foreign Minister Murray McCully says.

Tsunami gauges 'stabilising'
Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

<i>Eric Thompson</i>: Why women are pants at motor racing
This week I want to explain why women are pants at motor racing.

Toyota recall: Is Corolla next?
New Zealand's favourite car - the Toyota Corolla - should not be affected by the steering problems reported in the United States, says a Toyota spokesperson.

Toyota to recall 437,000 hybrids
Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems.

Toyota's recall troubles shock hometown
Residents of Toyota say they were surprised by the safety problems that have led to a mass recall of Toyota vehicles.

3D TV: The shape of things to come
From sport to soaps, its disciples believe it will revolutionise the way we watch. But is 3D TV really a giant leap forward in entertainment - or could it be an expensive flop?