The Japan Times

1 day ago | japantimes.co.jp | Tomohiro Osaki

Gripping paintbrush and crayon, the artist known as "Thumbelina" splodges and splats with merry abandon, the 1-year-old star of a Tokyo exhibition that goes on way past her bedtime. Abstract paintings by the toddler are on sale for ¥33,000 ($230) at her debut show at the Decameron gallery, tucked above a bar in the red-light district Kabukicho. Thumbelina's vivid style is "babyish but mysteriously dexterous," says gallery director Dan Isomura, who also played matchmaker to the toddler's parents.

2 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Japan joined the world in mourning after the Vatican proclaimed Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, commending the pontiff’s lifelong efforts in delivering the message of peace, which included a trip to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a statement issued Monday night, said he was extremely saddened to hear the news of the pope’s death.

2 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Luc Cohen

A U.S. judge expressed skepticism on Monday that the notice the White House pledged to give Venezuelan migrants before deporting them under a wartime law complied with the U.S. Supreme Court's order that they be given a chance to mount legal challenges against their removals.

2 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Ambereen Choudhury |Chris Bourke

Nomura agreed to purchase Macquarie’s U.S. and European public asset management business for $1.8 billion (¥254 billion), marking the Japanese brokerage’s most significant overseas acquisition since it bought Lehman Brothers assets in 2008. The all-cash deal, subject to approvals, will give Nomura about $180 billion in client assets across equities, fixed income and multi-asset strategies, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

2 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Phil Stewart |Idrees Ali

Pete Hegseth wanted to make waves at the Pentagon. But less than 90 days since being sworn in as U.S. defense secretary, he appears put off balance by the very turbulence he himself created. An ex-Fox News host, Hegseth on Monday accused his former trusted advisers of turning against him following revelations that he texted sensitive U.S. military strike plans from his personal phone to his wife, brother, attorney and others.