Asian markets have advanced, with Japan's benchmark approaching the symbolically important 50,000 level for the first time as conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi was poised to become the country's first female prime minister.

The possible appointment of Satsuki Katayama as Japan's next finance minister could give markets cause to rethink pushing the yen too low but might also help the country's new leader find fresh ways to fund bold economic stimulus plans.

Japan’s trade minister reiterated that the country aims to curb dependence on Russian liquefied natural gas, but can’t immediately halt imports.

A moderately strong, 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck in Japan on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The temblor happened at 4:04 a.m. Japan time about 7 miles southwest of Takahama, Japan, data from the agency shows.

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's likely next prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has finalised a plan to appoint former regional revitalisation minister, Satsuki Katayama, as finance minister, broadcaster FNN reported on Tuesday.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party have effectively agreed to form a coalition government, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday, citing a source familiar

The Grand Sumo Tournament is rumbling London's iconic Royal Albert Hall in a rare foreign foray for Japan's centuries-old sport.

The Innovation Party’s backing looks set to make Sanae Takaichi Japan’s first female PM, but analysts don’t expect their alliance to last.