The government plans to start landfill work for a new US base against fervent opposition by Okinawa Prefecture.

Prince Akishino makes waves questioning whether public funds should be spent to hold a religious court ritual.

10 traditional Japanese rituals are added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

An emergency exit for the maglev Shinkansen line is shown to the press for the first time.

An artist in northern Japan is working on handcrafted kites that are believed to bring good luck.

Japan's Imperial Couple visits a multicultural facility in central Japan.

A bamboo charcoal sauna experience is gaining followers in Japan.

A box of Noto-shika Korogaki dried persimmons sells for more than 1,320 dollars at the first auction of the season.

An ancient Japanese emperor's tomb is being jointly excavated by the Imperial Household Agency and the city of Sakai.

An annual Santa display in Kobe, Japan pays tribute to the year's hot topics.