Japan
Michael Baker: 'Staging the Olympics is a very bad idea'
Professor Michael Baker is back to look at a few different Covid-19 stories doing the rounds, including the prospect of an 'Olympic coronavirus' strain being created if the Games go ahead in Tokyo as… Audio
Japan extends state of emergency, Olympics backlash rises
Less than two months from the start of the Olympics Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas as the Covid-19 pandemic shows no signs of easing.
Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles
Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to look at research out of Japan that found mammals can use their intestines to help them breathe, an analysis of the skull and teeth of the extinct… Audio
Brown leaves the Highlanders early
Highlanders coach Tony Brown is leaving for Japan earlier than expected and won't lead the side during the Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.
Unprecedented safety measures in the lead up to the Olympics
With 81 days to go until the Olympic Games get underway in Tokyo, unprecedented measures are in place to get the New Zealand team to Japan in the midst of a global pandemic. Organisers are working… Audio
My Current Song: Stewart Allan, 'Shall We Dance'
Stewart Allan is an Auckland-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His new track 'Shall We Dance' is the first single from his forthcoming album '9 Rooms', with the music video featuring 109… Audio
North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into sea near Japan
North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles into the sea near Japan, Japan's prime minister says, fuelling tensions ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
Rush on Aussie travel expected if trans-Tasman bubble opens
Travel agents are expecting a surge in demand for overseas trips if the government opens up a two-way travel bubble with Australia.
10th anniversary of Japan's tsunami
Ten years ago today a powerful earthquake to the north east of Japan's Honshu Island triggered a massive tsunami that devastated coastal Japan. Audio
Strong quake hits off Japan coast, injuring dozens and triggering blackouts
A strong earthquake has hit off the coast of eastern Japan, injuring dozens of people and triggering widespread power outages, but there appeared to be no major damage and no tsunami warning was…
Niwa McIlroy: from lucha libre to Lower Hutt
Niwa McIroy became a star in Mexico's iconic lucha libre wrestling scene soon after after landing there in 2016. But earlier this year he was forced to put his international career on hold and head… Audio
Calling Home: Mark Coles on the Sunshine Coast
These days cricket coach Mark Coles calls the Sunshine Coast home, but this time last year he was on the other side of the world coaching the Pakistan women's team and living under armed guard. Audio
Fiji seeks Japanese help to build more schools amid crises
Fiji's Education Ministry is working with Japanese counterparts to help in a rehabilitation programme for schools across the country.
Japan's ruling party to vote on new President
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is holding its election today, and whoever is voted President will become the next Prime Minister of the country.
Shinzo Abe, the incumbent, is stepping down… Audio
Asia correspondent Elizabeth Beattie
The latest on the Japan Coastguard's search for a missing cattle export ship. The Gulf Livestock 1 has 43 people onboard, including two New Zealanders and two Australians. One survivor has been… Audio
Japan's PM resigns for health reasons
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced his resignation on health grounds after a resurgence of a chronic disease.
'Taiwan is a bigger problem than Hong Kong for China'
Taiwan appears to be at risk of being caught up in the power struggle between China and the US. Richard McGregor is the author of Xi Jinping: The Backlash. He joins us to discuss Taiwan issue and the… Audio
Nga Taonga Sound Archives: 75 Years since Hiroshima
This week Nga Taonga Sound and Vision archives looks back 75 years to the bombing of Hiroshima. Audio, Gallery
'There can be no affront to China's national dignity'
A research poll has shown that negative views of China are continuing to grow in the U.S. Meanwhile, China's satisfaction with its government continues to grow. China correspondent Nathan van der… Audio
Calling Home: Jessica Gerrity in Saitama, Japan
Jessica Gerrity moved to Japan 18 years ago, without any Japanese language skills. After learning the language, thanks largely to watching TV, it wasn't long before she found herself working as a TV… Audio, Gallery
