Sanae Takaichi, who took office office last October, hopes the vote will give her a stronger mandate.

Beijing has been trying hard to encourage more young people to marry and have children.

Beijing has been trying hard to encourage more young people to marry and have children.

Liu helped shape the landscape of modern Singapore with its distinctive public housing blocks.

The 12-year-old was jumping off a rock ledge in the Sydney Harbour when he was mauled by a shark.

To Lam, the current party general secretary, is seen as the lead contender for the top job.

The blast caused noticeable tremors in the area and sent large plumes of smoke into the sky.

Parts of the huge plaza in Karachi have collapsed as firefighters battle to extinguish the blaze.

Even the iPhone, long considered the preserve of the youth, has been recast as a tacky trademark of Young 40s.

Even the iPhone, long considered the preserve of the youth, has been recast as a tacky trademark of Young 40s.

Yokohama mayor Takeharu Yamanaka admits using the terms "idiot" and "human scum" to disparage staff.

Stargazing, once a niche hobby for astronomers and science clubs, has gone mainstream and is boosting astrotourism.

Stargazing, once a niche hobby for astronomers and science clubs, has gone mainstream and is boosting astrotourism.

Stargazing, once a niche hobby for astronomers and science clubs, has gone mainstream and is boosting astrotourism.

The city-state wants to stamp out e-cigarettes with harsh penalties including caning and fines.

The city-state wants to stamp out e-cigarettes with harsh penalties including caning and fines.

Carney says Canada's relationship with China has become "more predictable" than that with the US, as his country searches for trade certainty.

Myanmar says The Gambia has failed to provide enough evidence of genocide against the Muslim-minority people.

Myanmar says The Gambia has failed to provide enough evidence of genocide against the Muslim-minority people.

Canola oil and electric cars are at the centre of the deal agreed by Mark Carney and Xi Jinping after years of strained ties.