Japan gets its oldest ever boxing world champion as Koshimoto claims title
January 29, 2006FUKUOKA -- Challenger Takashi Koshimoto of Japan defeated South Korea's Injin Chi on Sunday to capture the WBC featherweight title.
Food safety boss demands stricter inspection of U.S. beef
January 29, 2006The head of Japan's beef safety panel said Tokyo should only import U.S.
Kenya's Ndereba wins Osaka marathon
January 29, 2006OSAKA -- Catherine Ndereba of Kenya cruised to victory on Sunday in the Osaka International Women's Marathon.
Aso urges Emperor to visit Yasukuni Shrine
January 29, 2006Foreign Minister Taro Aso has urged Emperor Akihito to visit Yasukuni Shrine, which China and South Korea say glorifies Japanese aggression in Asia during the first half of the last century, a news report said.
Tokyo jeweler creates 500 million yen slab of chocolate
January 29, 2006A Tokyo jewelry retailer has gone out of its way to make the traditional Valentine's Day gift of chocolate special this year -- by creating a huge slab of chocolate studded with over 2000 diamonds.
Kissing fish wins hearts at Ibaraki aquarium
January 29, 2006OARAI, Ibaraki -- A fish that has a reputation for "kissing" objects has been put on display at an aquarium here as part of an event leading up to Valentine's Day.
JR West offers prepaid cards praying for success in entrance exams
January 29, 2006YAMAGUCHI -- The local branch of West Japan Railway Co.
Race horses in harsh Hokkaido go for winter run to reduce stres
January 29, 2006OTOFUKE, Hokkaido -- Dozens of race horses locked away in stables for the harsh winter here were recently given a gallop as part of an exercise program.