A ryokan in the sky? It sounds an unlikely prospect but Japan always delivers intriguing surprises. Who would expect ­tatami ...

The polar bears at the Buffalo Zoo are kept comfortable in the hottest months of the year with climate controlled habitats and always-cool swimming pools.

Early signs of a possible La Niña fall and winter are emerging in some climate models, federal forecasters announced Thursday July 10.

How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for July 11 to test your news knowledge. Ready?