JAPAN

Two missiles flew about 500 miles into the Sea of Japan early Friday, but were not considered a threat, U.S. officials said.

The officer could face disciplinary action for a controversial Facebook post that was seen to incite violence against Muslims.

The rise in commodity prices, including crude oil, and loose monetary policy from many central banks contributed to positive sentiment across much of Asia.

Germany, Japan and France are believed to be the front-runners for a contract to build 12 conventional submarines for Australia, at an estimated cost of at least $43 billion.

The Japanese conglomerate had admitted last year to inflating its reported profits by $1.3 billion over seven years.

Local media reported that freelance journalist Junpei Yasuda may be held by al Qaeda’s Syria wing, the Nusra Front, possibly for ransom.

Global growth concerns, particularly regarding China, have rattled markets through much of this year.

The Federal Reserve opted Wednesday to hold interest rates steady, projecting slower growth and forecasting fewer rate hikes in years to come.

The denser chip designs could be used to pack more power into a smaller package.

With growing threats in the region and a shrinking population, Japan is expanding positions for women in the defense forces.

Housing Minister Chen Zhenggao told reporters that despite soaring prices in big cities, China does not risk a Japan-style property bubble.

The Japanese central bank, which took the unexpected decision of adopting negative interest rates in January, held the reserves deposit rate at -0.1 percent Tuesday.

Shares rise in Europe and Asia, adding to gains chalked up after last week’s stimulus package from the European Central Bank, as investors turn their attention to policy decisions from Washington, Tokyo and London.

Justin Castellanos, a U.S. Navy seaman, was arrested at Camp Schwab in Okinawa Sunday for allegedly raping a 40-year-old tourist in a hotel.

Investors are awaiting several policy meetings by major central banks around the world this week — looking for insight into the overall state of the economy.

With the economy shrinking again and prices flat, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to consider fresh stimulus.

China’s increasingly assertive claims in the South China Sea, along with its rapidly modernizing navy, have rattled nerves around the region.

The call comes as policymakers the world over are struggling to revive their economies, which have been buffeted by slowing productivity and high debt.

This week's stimulus moves by the European Central Bank could steer the continent toward Japan-style stagnation, critics say.

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi unveiled a slew of growth-boosting measures like rate cuts and an extended asset-buying program.

A moment of silence was observed across Japan to mark the fifth anniversary of the March 11 tsunami that devastated the country's northeast.