The yields on Japan's long-term debt pulled back early on Wednesday after Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama urged investors to remain calm.

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The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said it is building up defense capabilities to enhance deterrence and response.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may struggle to calm a bond market jolted by her vow to cut the consumption tax rate, a taboo even her mentor and former premier Shinzo Abe - known for his "Abenomics" stimulus policies - dared not break.

Residents have raised concerns about the risk of a serious accident, citing frequent cover-up scandals, minor accidents and evacuation plans that they say are inadequate.

In August, the U.S. deployed its mid-range Typhon missile system to one of its bases in Japan for the first time, part of Washington’s effort to increase its presence and strengthen its military posture in the Asia-Pacific to counter China, its great power rival.

One of the many capabilities of the new SSM is the ability to spiral during its attack run to help evade close-in gun systems.