Heavy snow claims 67 lives, Kitagawa visits affected area
January 8, 2006The death toll from snow-related incidents since the start of the snow season in early December rose to 67 when a 58-year-old man was found dead under a 2-meter pile of snow beside his home in the city of Hirakawa, Aomori Prefecture, on Sunday. He had been missing since Dec. 30 last year, police said.
Basketball: Fujitsu tame Chanson to win women's national title
January 8, 2006Fujitsu Red Wave came from behind to beat Chanson V-Magic 51-49 in the women's final to claim their first title at the basketball national championships on Sunday. Ai Mitani had 15 points and Ryoko Yano 12 at Yoyogi national gymnasium annex in Tokyo to lead Fujitsu, which mounted a late charge with a three-point onslaught after trailing 31-26 at the break.
Doctors meet on how to proceed with ailing Sharon's treatment
January 8, 2006Doctors held consultations Sunday to determine how best to proceed with treatment for ailing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who is in a medically induced coma. A hospital official said doctors will perform another brain scan to help them determine when to try to wake him.
Sumo: Asa on song, Kotooshu stunned on ozeki debut
January 8, 2006Yokozuna Asashoryu kicked off 2006 with a routine win but Bulgarian bulldozer Kotooshu made a nightmare start on his ozeki debut after a shock loss to Roho on the opening day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday. Asashoryu, who won all six titles last year, continued where he left off in 2005, making mincemeat out of Tamanoshima but Kaio was defeated at the hands of Miyabiyama in another upset for ozeki at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.