DNA on knife matches that of murdered Osaka sisters
December 27, 2005OSAKA -- The DNA of blood found on a knife hidden near where two sisters were stabbed to death matches that of the two victims, Osaka Prefectural Police investigators have found.
Another body found in badly damaged front carriage of derailed train in Yamagata
December 27, 2005SHONAI, Yamagata -- Another body was found Tuesday in the badly damaged front carriage of a limited express train that derailed here Sunday night, bringing the death toll in the accident to five, police said.
Matsui pulls out of Japan team for World Baseball Classic
December 27, 2005New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui said on Tuesday that he has decided not to join Japan's team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Gov't introduces plans to help crime victims
December 27, 2005The government on Tuesday decided on plans to assist victims of crimes and accidents over the next five years, leaving the decision over whether to release the names of victims up to police.
Police resume search for 3 passengers believed trapped in derailed train
December 27, 2005SHONAI, Yamagata -- Police on Tuesday resumed their search of a train that derailed here Sunday night after receiving information that three people are still trapped in its badly damaged front car, police officials said.
Fatal train derailment believed caused by winds compressed by manmade bank
December 27, 2005SHONAI, Yamagata -- The limited express train that derailed while traveling on a manmade bank is likely to have been blown by strong side winds that were compressed and made stronger after they hit the bank, railway experts said.
Sales of new CD by B'z hit 1 million mark
December 27, 2005CD sales of "B'z The Best 'Pleasure'2" hit the one million mark only four weeks after its release, show-biz information service Oricon said on Tuesday.
Japan's top 2005 stories: Murders of young girls horrify Japan
December 27, 2005The nation was horrified in November and December as two 7-year-old girls were brutally murdered within two weeks.
Japan's 2005 population declines by 19,000
December 27, 2005Japan's population declined by 19,000 in 2005, the government said in an annual report Tuesday, fueling concerns about the nation's low birthrate and aging population.
Japanese railway operator president to resign over fatal derailment in April
December 27, 2005The president of Japanese train operator West Japan Railway Co.
Comedian Koriki, singing group Hinoi Team join hands in Internet broadcasts
December 27, 2005Female singing group Hinoi Team has teamed up with comedian Koriki Choshu to appear in free Internet broadcasts following a CD and DVD sales event.
Post office to redeliver New Year's postcards that arrived too early
December 27, 2005UTSUNOMIYA -- A post office here is planning to collect New Year's postcards that were delivered too early and redeliver them on New Year's Day.
Ex-ANA President Wakasa dies at 91
December 27, 2005Former All Nippon Airways (ANA) President Tokuji Wakasa, who played a leading role in developing ANA into a major airline but was convicted over a bribery scandal in the 1970s, died Tuesday of pneumonia, his family said.
Police withhold incident in which ex-aide to foreign minister was fatally bashed by son
December 27, 2005IIZUKA, Fukuoka -- Police have withheld an incident in which a former aide to Foreign Minister Taro Aso was fatally bashed by his son, it was learned Tuesday.