Anthony Kuhn

Some analysts are hopeful that Kim's increasingly confident diplomacy could eventually lead to a resumption of dialogue with the U.S.

Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Akita, Japan.

The ruling bloc's smaller Komei party has been uncomfortable with the larger Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP's new president, Sanae Takeuchi, and her hardline conservative policy positions since her election last week.

But in the end, Komei said it decided to leave the 26-year-long coalition over what they saw as Takeuchi's insincere response to a slush fund scandal within the LDP.

Takeichi will now have to forge a new coalition with opposition parties to maintain the LDP's hold on power and get the parliament to elect her as prime minister.

Japan's cabinet secretariat said U.S.

and Japanese officials have agreed to proceed with their trade deal during the political transition.

Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Tokyo.

Leader Kim Jong-un presided over mass games, artistic performances, and a ceremony marking the anniversary at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium on Thursday.

In a speech, Kim pledged to build North Korea into an affluent land and a socialist paradise.

He praised the country for developing both its economy and its international prestige while under the threat of foreign aggression.

Foreign leaders attending the celebration include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian-ruling Party Chief Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese-ruling Party Chief Tho Lam.

North Korea is expected to display its latest missiles and other weapons in a military parade.

Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Seoul.

Leader Kim Jong-un presided over mass games, artistic performances, and a ceremony marking the anniversary at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium on Thursday.

In a speech, Kim pledged to build North Korea into an affluent land and a socialist paradise.

He praised the country for developing both its economy and its international prestige while under the threat of foreign aggression.

Foreign leaders attending the celebration include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian-ruling Party Chief Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese-ruling Party Chief Tho Lam.

North Korea is expected to display its latest missiles and other weapons in a military parade.

Anthony Kuhn in PR News, Seoul.