In first address as PM, Fumio Kishida vows 'to never repeat tragedy of the war' but does not mention Japan's responsibility, war's victims -- a precedent set by late Shinzo Abe

Small ceremony, attended only by family, prime minister and senior officials, is held days after former leader gunned down

Governing coalition sets sights on amending Japan's pacifist constitution to strengthen military, faces uphill battle to convince moderate partners to support changes

Japanese media predicts governing parties on track to win majority of seats in upper house of parliament, in vote overshadowed by killing of Shinzo Abe

US president compares potential actions to Russian invasion of Ukraine in light of Beijing's increased military provocation against democratic island

European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says Russia is in 'violation of the basic principles of human coexistence; Brussels will seek to block Russian access to markets

South Korea's presidential national security team holds emergency conference, urges return to talks to resolve tensions; Japan says continued rocket testing 'regrettable'

After winning party leadership, former diplomat to lead country in economic crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic