By Leika Kihara TOKYO, Jan 27 (Reuters) - A leading indicator of Japan's services sector prices rose 2.6% in December from a year earlier, data showed on Tuesday, backing up the central bank's view that labour shortages will continue to prod companies to pass on rising costs.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan will respond within legal limits should the US be attacked during a joint operation.

Japanese government bonds and the yen have sold off in recent weeks on concern over Takaichi's expansionary fiscal policy

TOKYO, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan's strategic alliance with the U.S. would collapse if Tokyo were to turn away from a conflict in Taiwan, but distanced herself from previous comments that suggested a possible military response in such an event.

The move by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalize on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years.

People across Japan will vote in a Lower House election on February 8. We asked NHK World Political Correspondent Igarashi Jun about some of the key issues.

ISHIGAKI, Japan, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Hitoshi Nakama, 76, sees himself as a frontline defender of Japan's claims to disputed islands in the East China Sea, where he regularly evades Chinese coast guard ships to harvest the bountiful waters.

Netflix has unveiled details of its 2026 Japan slate, highlighting partnerships with Toho Studios and animation powerhouse MAPPA.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi kicks off her election campaign with an overriding goal: Get past the Feb. 8 vote without markets blowing up.