U.S. wants Japan to reconsider Asian policies
January 2, 2006The United States has asked Japan to reconsider its policies on Asia because of concerns about deteriorating Sino-Japanese relationships after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, diplomatic sources have said.
Over 400 mail items burned in postbox
January 2, 2006TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo -- More than 400 mail items, mainly New Year's cards, were burned in a postbox here early Monday, police said.
Police investigating deadly derailment give go-ahead to repair work
January 2, 2006East Japan Railway Co.
Japan Emperor wishes for peace on earth, good health of New Year's visitors
January 2, 2006Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko offered their New Year's greetings to tens of thousands of well-wishers who visited the Imperial Palace on Monday.
Woman buried alive under snow sliding off roof
January 2, 2006GUJO, Gifu -- A woman died after being buried under snow that fell from the roof of a garage at her home here Sunday afternoon, police said.
3-year-old at home alone dies in New Year's Day blaze
January 2, 2006GIFU -- A 3-year-old boy died after a fire partially burned his home Sunday evening while he was staying there alone, police said.
Grandmother, grandson killed by car on way to pray at shrine
January 2, 2006HANDA, Aichi -- A woman and her grandson were fatally hit by a car Sunday night while they were on their way to a local shrine to pay their first visit of the year, police said.
Missing 17-year-old girl found frozen to death after family quarrel
January 2, 2006MATSUMOTO, Nagano -- A 17-year-old girl found dead here Sunday afternoon after running away from home on New Year's Eve apparently froze to death in the mountains, police said.
JR East clears remaining carriages of derailed train from tracks
January 2, 2006SHONAI, Yamagata -- East Japan Railway Co.
Samurai swords worth 1 million yen stolen from Hyogo home
January 2, 2006NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo -- A 78-year-old man had three Japanese-style swords stolen from his home here on New Year's Day, police said.
Attacks on prison workers soars over 300 percent in 3 years
January 2, 2006FUKUOKA -- The number of attacks against prison workers in Kyushu and Okinawa soared in 2005, with 12 of them reported to law enforcers.
Dad swings 4-year-old by legs, bashes her head against wardrobe for candy 'theft'
January 2, 2006A man was arrested for abusing her 4-year-old daughter at their home in Tokyo late last year, leaving her with serious injuries, police said.
New Zealand rugby champ busted for drunken rampage in Kobe
January 2, 2006KOBE -- A drunk rugby player belonging to the prestigious Kobe Steel, Ltd.