American sailor reported to prosecutors over hit-and-run of little boys

January 31, 2006

Japanese police on Tuesday referred the case of a U.S.

Aso denies Japan mulling troop withdrawal from Iraq

January 31, 2006

The Japanese foreign minister on Tuesday denied reports that Japan will withdraw its troops from Iraq by May, saying Japan's priority was to bring security back to the war-torn country.

Vandal hurls sandbags from Yokohama Bank's 9th floor rooftop

January 31, 2006

YOKOHAMA -- A vandal appears to have hurled sandbags some 30 meters to the ground from atop a 9-story bank building here, police said, adding that nobody was hurt in the incident.

Jobless man busted for using counterfeit money at sex shop

January 31, 2006

OBIHIRO, Hokkaido -- An unemployed man who used a bogus 10,000 yen note at a sex shop and was in possession of a stolen car has been arrested, police said.

Stationmaster nabbed for molesting schoolgirl

January 31, 2006

SAITAMA -- A local stationmaster has been arrested for molesting a junior high school girl near farmland, police said.

Woman fatally clubs son, bungles own suicide

January 31, 2006

DAISEN, Akita -- A woman remains clinging to her life in a hospital here after she apparently clubbed her 2-year-old boy to death, then botched an attempt to take her own life, police said.

Despite financial chief's confession, Horie still refuses to admit guilt

January 31, 2006

Two former Livedoor Co.

'Samurai' kites set to soar

January 31, 2006

GOSHOGAWARA, Aomori -- Workers are busy producing traditional "samurai" kites as the flying season approaches nationwide.

Court rules English language school Nova billed student illegally

January 31, 2006

KYOTO -- English language conversation school operator Nova Co.