Man nabbed for posing as twin brother after traffic accident

February 16, 2006

CHIBA -- A man who posed as his twin brother while police investigated him over a traffic accident was arrested after he caused a second accident and police found out he had been lying, law enforcers said.

Celebrity Chiharu Niiyama pregnant

February 16, 2006

Celebrity Chiharu Niiyama, the wife of Yomiuri Giants player Sotoshi Kuroda, is pregnant, she announced to the press on Thursday.

Doctor arrested for murder told police wife committed suicide

February 16, 2006

KUSHIRO, Hokkaido -- A doctor arrested on suspicion of killing his 55-year-old wife apparently tried to make it appear as if she had hanged herself, police investigators said.

Tainted Japanese firm also sold software for illegally exported nuclear instruments

February 16, 2006

Mitutoyo Corp., raided by law enforcers for illegally exporting precision instruments that were found at a Libyan nuclear facility, also sold high-performance software for the instruments to the customers via a subsidiary in Germany, investigators said.

Kobe Airport opens as third airport in Kansai region

February 16, 2006

KOBE -- Kobe Airport opened on Thursday morning, marking the third airport in the Kansai region.

SDF to begin withdrawing from Iraq in March

February 16, 2006

Self-Defense Forces troops deployed to Samawa in southern Iraq to extend humanitarian assistance to the local community are set to begin withdrawing in March, government sources said.

Major Tokyo quake could kill 4,700, trap thousands more

February 16, 2006

A strong earthquake centered directly below Tokyo would kill about 4,700 people and leave thousands more trapped in elevators in the capital's skyscrapers, the city said Thursday in a report.

Opinions split over people taking photos of the deceased at funeral services

February 16, 2006

A growing number of people are taking photos of deceased family members or friends during funeral services.

Horie accused of ordering 30 million yen payment to LDP lawmaker's son

February 16, 2006

Arrested former Livedoor Co.

Official mistakenly shows porn video to drivers during road rule lecture

February 16, 2006

FUKUOKA -- A prefectural government traffic safety official mistakenly showed a pornographic video during a lecture on road rules at a driver's license center, police officials revealed.

Celebrity Bobby Ologun faces charges for beating up agency president

February 16, 2006

Police on Thursday reported celebrity Bobby Ologun to prosecutors on suspicion of assault after he allegedly attacked the president of his talent agency in January.

80% of crime victims involving matchmaking websites are girls under 18

February 16, 2006

About 80 percent of the victims of crimes involving matchmaking websites are girls aged below 18, the National Police Agency (NPA) said Thursday.

Short-track offers hapless Japan some hope

February 16, 2006

Japan's fruitless foray for medals gained some hope Wednesday as the women's speed skating pursuit team moved into the semi-finals at the Turin Winter Olympic Games.