Tokyo  - Japan's current account surplus shrank for the seventh-straight month in September, slipping 48.8 per cent to 1.5 trillion yen (15.17 billion dollars) as higher energy prices boosted imports, the Finance Ministry said Tuesday.

Exports in September increased 2.1 per cent from the same month a year earlier to 7 trillion yen, and imports jumped 32.7 per cent to 6.79 trillion yen.

The goods and services trade surplus narrowed 94 per cent to 96.1 billion yen as overseas demand weakened.

Tokyo - Tokyo stocks fell in Tuesday morning trading after the US market declined overnight on grim earnings outlooks and the yen's advance against other currencies.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 299.98 points, or 3.3 per cent, to 8,781.45.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues also fell 24.34 points, or 2.66 per cent, to 892.31.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc, technology giant Google Inc and automaker General Motors Corp all suffered downgraded outlooks the day before.

Kyoto - The 24th Annual Kyoto Prizes, Japan's highest private awards for lifetime achievement, were awarded to three North Americans on Monday, said the Inamori Foundation.

The three were recognized for their contributions to computerized problem solving; understanding how cancer cells form and grow; and developing a more peaceful world by promoting harmony among diverse cultures.

Tokyo - Asian stock markets staged strong rallies Monday, with Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average closing above the 9,000-point threshold, following the announcement of an economic stimulus packa

Tokyo - Asian stock markets staged strong rallies Monday, with Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average closing above the 9,000-point threshold, following the announcement of an economic stimulus packa

Tokyo  - Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average Monday crossed the 9,000-point threshold, up more than 5 per cent thanks to a strong rally on Wall Street last week and the US dollar's advance against the yen.

The Nikkei index soared 498.43 points, or 5.81 per cent, to close at 9,081.43.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was also up 37.65 points, or 4.28 per cent, to 916.65.