Moscow’s sushi obsession is set to survive the current dispute between Russia and Japan over the remote Kuril Islands. While the authorities squabble of the wind-swept rocks, the ever-growing passion for Japanese cuisine continues apace.

Vietnam and Japan on October 31 issued a joint statement on the comprehensive development of strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia during Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s visit to Vietnam.

China has pulled out of the 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival due to a sovereignty issue over Taiwan and announced it will boycott other festival-related events. The head of the Chinese delegation, Jiang Ping, told festival organizers that the Taiwanese delegation must not attend the festival under the name Taiwan, but as "Chinese Taipei"...

A group of 1,000 Japanese youngsters will be visiting the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai from Oct 27 to 30, another step toward restoring soured bilateral relations. Originally scheduled on Sept 21, the trip had to be postponed due to the rift between the two countries caused by a boat collision and consequent diplomatic rows.

Like many Japanese compatriots of his age, Eiji Hattori, 66, turned to volunteer work in his hometown of Kani in Gifu Prefecture after retirement in 2009. But last month, the former drink factory manager jumped on a plane to South Korea, drawn by his newfound interest in an ancient Korean kingdom that was once close with Japan but now is little known beyond its borders.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said they wanted to open a new field in diplomacy called "Science Diplomacy"...We decided to establish "Science Diplomacy" to improve Turkey's scientific image and bring high technology to Turkey in a shorter period of time, Davutoglu stressed.

As a spat between Beijing and Tokyo rumbles on, China on Wednesday opted for a bit of panda diplomacy, naming a Japanese woman as one of six winners of a contest to care for the endangered animals.

Air China yesterday ( September 22, 2010) launched a direct route from Chengdu to Tokyo. Air China is the first airline to launch a direct route to Japan from Southwest China.