David Smyth joined team RW to experience the first UK Ekiden and delves into the history, culture and significance of the ...

Emperor Naruhito and his family greeted throngs of New Year’s well-wishers from a balcony window at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. Some shouted banzai — “live long” — while others waved ...

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The ...

TOKYO — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and his family greeted throngs of New Year’s well-wishers from a balcony window at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. Some shouted “banzai ...

the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the anniversary of Japan's surrender. He was the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around 200 years, succeeded by his eldest ...

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko did not attend the celebrations because the princess is unwell. The Imperial Household Agency says the health of the Emperor ...