News On Japan

Police in Tokyo have arrested a 15-year-old boy for posting an online message allegedly hinting he would fly a drone at a major festival. (NHK)

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums has issued a statement welcoming a Japanese body's decision to ban the acquisition of dolphins caught by drive hunting. (NHK)

Japan's Nikkei share average ended flat on Thursday after hitting a fresh 15-year high as investors took profits ahead of the Bank of Japan's two-day policy meeting on Friday. (thehindubusinessline.com)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Thursday announced the arrest of an organized crime member for threatening the head of a taxi firm in Nerima Ward, reports TV Asahi (May 21). (Tokyo Reporter)

Some 350 Tokyoites clad in yellow raincoats set a world record Thursday for the largest human image of PAC-MAN, in honor of the video game character's 35th birthday. (NHK)

Pedestrian crosswalk laws are all over the place no matter where you go. What's considered jaywalking varies by country, and in the U.S. each state has its own laws for exactly how far the pedestrian needs to have crossed on the crosswalk before you have to stop. (rocketnews24.com)

Police in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward have arrested the 82-year-old owner of six dogs after they got loose on April 12 and bit two pedestrians, inflicting minor injuries. (Japan Today)

Public prosecutors indicted three male teenagers Thursday over the high-profile murder of a 13-year-old boy in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. (Jiji Press)

Executives at McDonald's Japan are trying to turn around their business by revamping their menus. They announced a strategy plan for boosting sales following a series of food-safety scandals. (NHK)

The Japanese Defense Ministry said Thursday that two Chinese bombers flew over open seas between Okinawa Prefecture's main island and the island of Miyakojima, prompting the Air Self-Defense Force to scramble fighter jets. (Jiji Press)

Police said Thursday they have arrested an unemployed 43-year-old man on suspicion of posting an online threat against Princess Kako. (Japan Today)

A health ministry research group found Thursday that four of the nine electronic cigarettes sold in Japan produce vapor with high levels of formaldehyde, known as a carcinogen. (Kyodo)

Japan will provide a total of 110 billion dollars over the next five years to boost by 30 pct financial assistance for promoting infrastructure development in other Asian countries, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday. (Jiji Press)

The Bank of Japan decided Friday to maintain its current monetary easing policy and assessment of the economy as recovering moderately, while upgrading views on personal consumption and housing investment after waning of adverse effects of last year's sales tax hike. (Kyodo)

Tokyo shares ended higher on Friday with the benchmark Nikkei index logging a sixth straight day of gaining on the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its ultra- loose monetary policy. (shanghaidaily.com)

In a crackdown on overcharging of customers, Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Friday announced the bust of two hostess clubs in Shinjuku Ward for overcharging customers, reports the TBS News (May 22). (Tokyo Reporter)

Jetstar Asia Airways apologized Thursday for refusing to allow a 38-year-old man with cerebral palsy to board a flight from Bangkok to Japan last year. ()

A pair of premium melons from Hokkaido, northern Japan, has fetched a price of 1.5 million yen, or about 12,500 dollars, in this year's first auction for the fruit. (NHK)

China expressed displeasure on Friday with a visit to war-related Yasukuni Shrine by Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (Jiji Press)

After disappointing many visitors by blocking access during windy weather, the operator of Tokyo Skytree decided to beef up the elevators to keep the attraction open even when it gets gusty. (Nikkei)

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