Japan

Japan marks the 78th anniversary of the US atomic bombing on Hiroshima, where its mayor urges the abolition of nuclear weapons and calls the Group of Seven leaders' notion of nuclear deterrence a "folly".

The story of the first nuclear weapons is, in some respects, the story of a human chain reaction behind an atomic one. With scientists sharing information about the feasibility of a bomb, a crucial moment occurred in 1941, when Australian scientist Mark Oliphant met with American physicists in California.

Thousands of years before it was a modern Western fashion statement, tattooing happened for a very different reason.

A long-awaited trial of over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptives is underway in Japan, but activists worry access to this essential medicine might only be temporary. 

A WA town is reviewing its five international relationships after a council flagged a "no-value" issue with a Chinese city, but a local government expert says they still have a place.

Huge waves battered the Japan's Okinawa prefecture as the nation prepares for typhoon Khanun.

The Japanese distributor for Barbie apologises for its US parent company's reaction to memes that some say trivialise the atomic bombings on Japan.

"We need women and young girls to see female coaches, to believe that they too can achieve positions of responsibility and influence."

Australia equals its record gold medal tally at a world titles, as Cameron McEvoy wins the men's 50m freestyle, Kaylee McKeown wins another backstroke world title and another world record falls in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

Kyle Chalmers and Kaylee McKeown add more gold to Australia's tally at the World Aquatics Championships, while the women's team in the 4x200m freestyle relay continues its record-breaking heroics.

At just 19, Mollie O'Callaghan writes herself into the record books at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, winning gold ahead of Australian teammate Ariarne Titmus in the women's 200 metres freestyle.

An amazing duel at the World Aquatics Championships in Japan, as Mollie O'Callaghan wins Australia's sixth gold of the week, breaking the world record and edging out teammate Ariarne Titmus. 

Kaylee McKeown seals her place as the queen of the 100m backstroke, claiming Australia's fifth gold of the World Aquatics Championships in Japan.

Ariarne Titmus produces a breathtaking performance at the World Aquatics Championships, while Australia sets a new global mark in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay and creates history by winning a staggering four gold medals on the opening night of swimming finals.

What do you get if you put the defending world champion, defending Olympic champion and current world record holder together in the pool? Arguably one of the most anticipated races of all time.

After China won gold in the opening 12 diving events at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Australia's Cassiel Rousseau bucks the trend with victory in the men's 10-metre platform.

The country's sole custody laws have long been criticised, but the system may be about to change, with Australia playing a key role behind the scenes.

Japan's top military officer General Yoshihide Yoshida is in Australia inspecting his country's most advanced anti-ship weapon as part of his country's largest ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Australia's passport just became more powerful. Here's where it, and other countries, rank according to The Henley Passport Index.

Officials are preparing for two Chinese "spy ships" to arrive off Australia's coast next week to monitor the multinational Talisman Sabre military exercises opening in Sydney this morning.

Inflation might be softening in some places around the world, but the price of things like groceries remains high.

Japan's sole custody laws have long been criticised for incentivising child abduction, but the system may be about to change, with Australia playing a key role behind the scenes. 

Tensions between North Korea and West are further complicated by the reported launch of two missiles, and by the reclusive state's detention of a US soldier who crossed the border from South Korea.

Visiting members of Japan's Self Defence Force will this week conduct live firing of its most advanced anti-ship missile in Jervis Bay south of Sydney, ahead of large-scale international military exercises in Queensland.

South Korea has been hit with torrential rains since July 9, resulting in 41 deaths, nine missing individuals, and 35 injuries. Meanwhile, China is dealing with floods caused by the first typhoon to hit the country this year.