Japan buys disputed islands, China sends patrol ships

TOKYO: Japan brushed off stern warnings by China on Tuesday and bought a group of islands that both sides claim in a growing dispute that threatens to deepen strains between Asia's two biggest economies.

Japan urges Israel 'patience' on Iran sanctions

JERUSALEM: Japan's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has urged Israel to exercise "patience" on Iran's nuclear programme and give sanctions a chance to work, his spokesman said on Wednesday.