Japan reported its first annual trade deficit since 1980 as it imported expensive energy to offset shortfalls caused by the devastating tsunami and manufacturers shifted production overseas to avoid the damage inflicted by the strong yen.

Michio Matsumura triumphed in a three-way play-off to win the Coca-Cola Tokai Classic today.

Japan’s current account surplus in July fell 19.4% from a year earlier as exports tumbled amid a slowing recovery in the global economy, the finance ministry said today.

THE Japanese parliament voted down a no-confidence motion against the cabinet of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi yesterday, clearing the way for final-stage debate on a bill allowing troops to be sent to Iraq.