Japan's top 2005 stories: Princess Sayako weds, embarks on commoner's life
December 24, 2005A congratulatory mood prevailed throughout Japan in November as Princess Sayako, the only daughter of Emperor Akihito, married 40-year-old Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee Yoshiki Kuroda.
Arakawa leads at Japan figure skating championships
December 24, 2005Former world champion Shizuka Arakawa took the lead at the Japanese national figure skating championships on Saturday, improving her chances of securing one of three spots for Japan at the Turin Winter Olympics.
Chinese jet entered western Japan airport runway without clearance
December 24, 2005A China Eastern Airlines jet entered the runway of Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture before takeoff in October without clearance from the air traffic control tower, government officials have revealed.
Dead man found in ditch run over by own car
December 24, 2005MUROU, Nara -- A man found dead in a ditch here was apparently run over by his own car after it slid down an icy slope on which he had parked, investigators said Saturday.
Smart thieves net 18 mil. yen using spy cameras to film PIN numbers
December 24, 2005SAITAMA -- A total of some 18 million yen has been illegally withdrawn from a local bank's automatic teller machines (ATMs) after culprits installed hidden cameras to film its customers entering their pin numbers, officials said.
Japan hopes progress on abduction as envoy leave for Beijing for talks with N. Korea
December 24, 2005A top Japanese official on Saturday urged North Korea to act sincerely when delegates from the two sides meet in Beijing this weekend to discuss the communist country's abductions of Japanese citizens, nuclear weapons development and other issues.
Japan teams up with US to develop missile interceptor
December 24, 2005The Japanese government decided Saturday to join hands with the United States in the development of a missile interceptor as part of a missile defense program, a top official said.
Stupid thief drops rail pass at scene of crime, reports loss to police
December 24, 2005NAGOYA -- An elderly man was arrested for theft after reporting to police that he dropped his free pass to Nagoya subway trains and buses at the scene of the crime, investigators said.
Father claims responsibility for killer daughter's actions
December 24, 2005SASEBO -- The father of an elementary school girl who fatally stabbed a classmate has said that he feels responsible for the killing because he failed to raise his daughter properly.
Soccer star Naohiro Takahara announces imminent marriage
December 24, 2005Naohiro Takahara, a member of the All Japan soccer team, will marry a 23-year-old woman and hold a wedding reception on Monday, his management office announced.
Powerful quake jolts Aichi, Mie
December 24, 2005A fairly strong earthquake jolted Aichi and Mie prefectures Saturday morning, the Meteorological Agency said.
Record no. of international travelers to leave from Narita over holiday period
December 24, 2005NARITA -- A record 730,500 people are expected to leave Narita Airport for overseas trips over the year-end and New Year holiday period, reflecting Japan's economic recovery, the operator of the airport said.
Part-timer bashes roommate colleague to death with hammer
December 24, 2005YAIZU, Shizuoka -- A part-timer was arrested Saturday for fatally bashing a colleague he was living with at an apartment here, police said.
Scooter thief snatches cash bag containing 1.4 mil. yen
December 24, 2005YOKOHAMA -- A thief riding a motorcycle snatched a bag containing about 1.4 million yen in cash from a woman on the street here early Saturday morning, police said.
Rikkyo University Campus Queen becomes 'Miss of the Misses'
December 24, 2005A 19-year-old beauty who was named "Miss Rikkyo University" earlier this year won Japan's "Miss of Miss Campus Queen Contest 2005" held at a hotel in Tokyo.
Japan's top 2005 stories: Asashoryu's record-breaking dominance of sumo
December 24, 2005After a record-breaking season in 2005, the big question among sumo fans is whether Yokozuna Asashoryu is the best grappler of all time.