Get your sugar and caffeine fix at this Hawaiian pancake cafe in Japan

Lunch time is a delight at Kona’s Coffee, a Hawaiian pancake cafe in Tokorozawa city that has locations in Tokyo and throughout Japan. The eatery combines coffee, pancakes and a great Hawaiian dining experience, and the inviting smell of brewing java made from Kona coffee beans will be irresistible.

Niigata shows off island delights in Tokyo’s Ginza district

The Niigata, an information center a short walk from Ginza Station in Tokyo, opened in August and includes a restaurant and sake and craft shops and hosts events promoting tourism in the western Japanese prefecture.

Trump calls for increase in NATO spending that could drive Pentagon budget beyond $1 trillion

The president said he is “going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP,” a sharp increase from the current benchmark of 2% that many member states already struggle to hit. Currently, the U.S. spends about 3.4% of GDP on the defense budget.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski to vote against Hegseth, first Republican to oppose a Trump Cabinet pick

Senate GOP leaders rushed to advance Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee in a crucial test vote Thursday. The Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Thursday announcement makes her the first Republican to oppose one of Trump’s Cabinet picks.

US Air Force looks to upgrade Cyprus airbase as humanitarian staging post for the Middle East

Experts from the U.S. Air Force are looking at ways to upgrade Cyprus’ premier air base for use as a humanitarian staging post in future operations in the Middle East, a Cypriot official told The Associated Press Thursday.

CISA funding at center of tough talk on countering China

Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday spoke out about the need for action against China’s threat to American infrastructure networks. That is despite as many as 100 GOP lawmakers voted to cut CISA’s funding in the last Congress over its efforts to combat online disinformation.

Pakistan’s parliament passes bill with sweeping controls on social media

Pakistan’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a controversial bill that will give the government sweeping controls on social media, including sending users to prison for spreading disinformation.

Cancer-linked chemicals linger near Air Force base in northeastern Japan

High levels of chemicals used in firefighting foam have been detected near a U.S. Air Force base in northeastern Japan, officials announced Wednesday.

Osan’s Warthogs fly final Buddy Squadron drills with South Korean air force

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in South Korea are making their final flights during an annual joint exercise before the sturdy ground attack aircraft are retired.

Marine receives Purple Hearts for brain injuries suffered nearly 15 years ago in Afghanistan

Marine William Faffler was two months into his only deployment to Afghanistan when his mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, or MRAP, rolled over a 120-pound roadside bomb.

Impeached South Korean leader’s supporters rally with US symbols amid political crisis

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are using American symbols to voice their allegiance following his arrest due to a failed attempt to impose martial law last month.

Marine veteran and estranged wife accused in toddler’s death at Florida military base

A Marine veteran and his estranged wife are charged in connection with the death of their 2-year-old daughter at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

Deep cuts in Army, EUCOM downsizing among plans pushed by 2 Trump defense strategists

President Donald Trump’s team of defense advisers is taking shape, this week adding two high-level officials who have called for slashing the American armed presence in Europe and broadly restructuring the military to deal with China.

China’s navy commissions new-generation frigate as competition rises with US and others

China has commissioned a new-generation frigate as competition rises with the U.S. and other regional powers, saying the ship will “play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness” of its forces.

Trump jokes about North Korean leader on inaugural ball call with Eighth Army commander

Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve and about 40 members of his staff took centerstage at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.

Mother of North Korean abductee hopes Trump can progress stalled kidnapping issue

The mother of a 13-year-old Japanese girl kidnapped by North Korean agents 47 years ago expressed hope Wednesday that President Donald Trump will help return all Japanese abductees.

Demand to see comedian Jo Koy at bases in Japan overwhelms USO website

Some comedy fans at U.S. military bases in and around Tokyo aren’t laughing after surging demand for tickets to see a popular performer left them empty handed.

China and US partners are moving closer as Trump returns to the White House

China’s relations are starting to improve with Japan, India and other countries that former U.S. President Joe Biden courted, just as Donald Trump brings his more unilateralist approach back to the White House.

Annual Frostbite Road Race draws thousands of chilly runners to Tokyo air base

Thousands of runners from across Japan visited Yokota Air Base for the annual Frostbite Road Race.