JAPAN

Asian shares rose Wednesday as strong overnight performances in global equities and firmer economic sentiment in Germany buoyed sentiment.

North Korea launched its second long-range rocket of 2012. Unlike the first, it succeeded and apparently put a satellite into space.

There is ninth Harry Potter movie being filmed, but it will only be shown at Universal Studios.

Nintendo’s (PINK: NTDOY) Wii U failed to surpass sales of its immediate predecessor on its opening weekend in Japan.

Also this week, China's policymakers are expected to meet on Dec. 12-14 for the annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) to set the policy framework for 2013.

Shinzo Abe has promised large-scale spending increases and a 2 percent inflation target.

The Japanese Army abducted at least 200,000 women of all ages across East Asia to serve as “comfort women.”

China's rebound continues, but it appears to be losing some strength.

In 2001, Masako gave birth to princess Aiko, who as a girl, according to Japanese imperial law, cannot inherit the crown.

Japan Atomic Power Company may be forced to permanently shut down one of its two reactors in Tsuruga nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture, as a study by experts from the country’s Nuclear Regulation Authority has concluded that the plant is sitting on an active fault line.

Japan's gross domestic product contracted in the third quarter in comparison to that in the previous quarter.

One year after the death of Kim Jong Il, does his son envision a more open, tourist-friendly North Korea?

Torres brace sees Chelsea overcome Sunderland, 3-1.

Benitez seeks first Premier League win as Chelsea boss.

Asian markets are expected to open on a positive note as better-than-expected U.S. non-farm payroll data eased fears.

Friday was an earthshaking day around the Pacific Rim, as the U.S. Geological Survey reported 14 earthquakes of at least magnitude 5.0 hit the Asia-Pacific region.

With South Korea’s economy continuing to falter, market participants have renewed their call for urgent policy easing measures.

Asian markets rose in the week as investor sentiment was lifted with China's manufacturing and service activity expanding in November.

Pictures of Pearl Harbor were posted on Twitter and Instagram 71 years after Dec. 7, 1941.

China's new visa policy allows citizens from 45 countries to enter for 72 hours without a visa. But Norway remains off the list.

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan on Friday.