While the world looks at Japan and thinks that a recovery is underway, the reality is that up 25% of Japan's functioning (versus dormant) companies are instead tottering on the edge of insolvency.

The percentage of non-regular to full-time workers is now a record 28.75%, almost 18m people (there are 62m in the workforce), and this is not just a temporary trend.

Shock waves went through the Japanese share market last week after ratings of Sony and Panasonic, two of Japan's bedrock electronics manufacturing companies, have been cut to junk grade.

Over the last 3 months, the trend of fewer bankruptcies is gathering momentum and under normal circumstances one might might be forgiven for thinking that the economy is recovering.

PM Naoto Kan announced to bring Japan into the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.

More and more seniors being driven to shoplifting because of the economy and other factors.

Our top 10 news items for the year, accompanied by a short analysis of why we think they are important.

When bombarding South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island, North Korea reminded how irrational and dangerous it can be.