The Mito District Court on Monday handed down a prison term of up to 15 years to a boy, 18, over the murder of a woman and dumping of her body in Ryugasaki City last year, reports TV Asahi (tokyoreporter.com)

The Mito District Court on Tuesday handed down a prison term to a 39-year-old man over a crossbow attack of a male cyclist in Toride City two years ago, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun (tokyoreporter.com)

Japan's planned introduction of a "departure tax" on international travelers has received a mixed response, with many questions yet to be answered about how the revenues will be spent. (Kyodo)

Local assemblies around Japan are discussing or preparing to pass ordinances that will place strict limits on where minpaku (private lodging services) can be located, in advance of a national law that will go into effect in June regulating their use. (Japan Times)

Japanese central and local governments are to hold the first missile evacuation drill in central Tokyo next month. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police are searching for a man who fled a groping accusation by jumping onto rail tracks at a station in Itabashi Ward on Monday, reports TV Asahi (tokyoreporter.com)

The Tokyo metropolitan government plans to turn the Tsukiji wholesale market into the main vehicle depot for athletes and staff who take part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. (NHK)

Prosecutors have announced the non-prosecution of four men over the alleged molestation of a woman inside a train carriage in Tokyo earlier this year, reports NHK. (tokyoreporter.com)

As a part of the investigation into the rigging of arcade games, Osaka Prefectural Police have discovered a manual used by employees that detailed how to ensure that customers never won prizes, reports TBS News (tokyoreporter.com)

Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested a 92-year-old man for allegedly killing his son with a hammer at their residence in Fukaya City on Saturday, reports Fuji News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a male Pakistani who is suspected in multiple pickpocketing cases in the Ueno area of Taito Ward this year, reports TBS News (tokyoreporter.com)

Japan's Emperor Akihito turned 84 on Saturday. (NHK)

People in a town in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan, that got up early enough on Friday were treated to the sight of the sun rising over the peak of Mount Fuji. (NHK)

Police in Tokyo say a man died after being rescued from a charred men's room at the head office of a major business newspaper. (NHK)

Prosecutors have announced the non-prosecution of a barman in the Roppongi entertainment area of Minato Ward for allegedly stealing a waste collection truck earlier this year, reports Fuji News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

Airbnb and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance are teaming up to provide services meant to defuse trouble with home sharing in Japan, where many residents worry about problems with guests. (Nikkei)

A Japanese court has sentenced a Chinese man to 20 years in prison for killing his former girlfriend's female roommate. (NHK)

A Japanese government panel says a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 or more could occur off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. (NHK)

Even in a Japan that has clung to cash for 80% of payments, innovations like electronic money are making headway, changing both consumer habits and work patterns. (Nikkei)

Researchers, lawmakers and businesses are hoping to use rare earths in deep waters near the coast of Japan to produce LEDs, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. (the-japan-news.com)

The Emperor and Empress of Japan will switch residences with the Crown Prince's family after the Emperor's abdication. (NHK)

At the opening of his trial on Friday, an 18-year-old boy admitted to stabbing a woman to death before dumping her body in Ryugasaki City last year, reports Jiji Press (tokyoreporter.com)

Officials from a Japanese train operator say a crack was found near the welded joint of one of the key parts and the undercarriage of a Shinkansen bullet train. (NHK)

Kanagawa Prefectural Police have launched a manhunt after a stabbing in Sagamihara City on Tuesday left one man dead, reports TBS News (tokyoreporter.com)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 72-year-old man over the alleged molestation of a fourth-year middle school girl in a parking lot in Edogawa Ward earlier this year, reports the Sankei Shimbun (tokyoreporter.com)