Japanese messaging service Line Corp is expanding its reach into financial technology, or fintech, with a new company that offers a cryptocurrency exchange, loans and insurance. (cnbc.com)

Japan's plans to acquire cruise missiles for its combat aircraft are a step forward in its ability to provide for its own defence. But these weapons won't give the country the capacity to pre-emptively destroy North Korea's ballistic missiles because of the major weaknesses in Japan's ability to locate mobile targets. (The Strategist)

The Tokyo High Court on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling that sentenced a 29-year-man to 26 years in prison for killing a 2-year-old boy he baby-sat in 2014. (Japan Today)

A 5-year-old boy suffocated to death after apparently getting locked in a washer dryer at his family's apartment in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, police said Sunday. (Japan Today)

As many as 4,000 homeless people may be finding shelter at 24-hour internet and manga cafes in Tokyo on any given weekday, the first survey on the issue by the metropolitan government showed Monday. (Japan Today)

Saitama Prefectural Police on Sunday arrested a 46-year-old man who wielded an ice pick during a stabbing incident that left two people injured at a train station in Gyoda City on Sunday, reports TV Asahi. (tokyoreporter.com)

Japan is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations to visit these days. Maybe you're looking into flights to Japan and wondered where the best place to stay is? Forget Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and journey to the heart of the Japanese countryside where fantasy-like scenery and legendary Japanese cuisine is prepared. Slumber in tatami rooms with views of the rivers, mountains, lakes and forests! Open air baths with waterfalls in snow! This could be you, too! (ONLY in JAPAN)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police last week arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly broadcasting live footage of women engaging in acts deemed obscene on a live streaming site, reports Nikkan Sports (tokyoreporter.com)

All Nippon Airways has decorated one of its planes for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (NHK)

Two trade groups in Japan's booming cryptocurrency sector have decided to merge into a self-regulatory body in the wake of the biggest virtual currency disappearance to date, taking a step they had hesitated to before. (Nikkei)

A sumo wrestler from Georgia has clinched his first ever title in the sport's grand tournament. (NHK)

The defense chiefs of Japan and France have agreed to boost defense cooperation. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a 48-year-old man who allegedly slashed the manager of a convenience store in Toshima Ward during the theft of two rice balls on Friday, reports Nippon News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

Japanese officials are warning of continued volcanic activity at Mount Kusatsu-Shirane in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo. (NHK)

E-commerce giant Rakuten and retail behemoth Walmart are taking aim at Amazon in a partnership that will see the two companies launch an online grocery delivery service in Japan while offering e-readers, e-books and audiobooks to American Walmart customers. (Japan Times)

NHK has learned that satellite imagery shows possible newly formed craters on a volcano in Japan that erupted on Tuesday. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested seven Chinese nationals believed to be members of the so-called "Pink Panda" gang in the theft of jewels at an exposition in Koto Ward this week, reports TBS News. (tokyoreporter.com)

Tokyo’s ambulance service experienced its busiest day in more than 80 years, officials said Thursday, amid icy conditions as the Japanese capital shivers through its coldest temperatures in decades. (Japan Times)

Japan will relax hotel regulations later this month to kill two birds with one stone -- catering to international tourists' desire to experience Japanese life and culture and making use of vacant old homes. (Nikkei)

The Japanese and Chinese governments are in the final stage of discussions on a social security agreement aimed at resolving the issue of double payments of pension premiums by Japanese and Chinese employees dispatched to each other’s countries, it has been learned. (the-japan-news.com)

Starting Monday, Tokyo Metro Co. will experiment with playing background music on their trains in a bid to provide a more comfortable travel experience for passengers. (Japan Times)

Tokyo prosecutors have served the president of a supercomputer venture with a fresh arrest warrant on suspicion of corporate tax evasion. (NHK)

Japan has released images of a suspected violation of UN Security Council resolutions by a North Korea-registered tanker. (NHK)

It’s often said that the three most important things in real estate are location, location, and location. That goes double for land-scarce Japan, making location the top six priorities, but the important question then becomes what makes a good location? (Japan Today)

Tokyo experienced its coldest day in 48 years on Thursday when the temperature fell to minus 4 degrees in the morning. (Japan Today)