Snow-capped, symmetrically cone-shaped and awe-inspiringly tall, Mount Fuji has for centuries provided Japanese with something of a spiritual backbone, attracting hundreds of thousands of climbers every year. (Japan Times)

The government is considering designating highly skilled masters of Japanese cuisine and sake brewing as “living national treasures,” a title currently limited to performers and experts skilled in traditional arts and crafts, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. (Japan Times)

Tokyo’s oldest subway line got a brand-new station Friday in the tourism and nightlife hub of Shibuya, which is rapidly transforming ahead of the Olympics this summer. (Japan Times)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito said he is praying for the happiness of people in Japan and the world in his first New Year greetings of the Reiwa era. (NHK)

Lebanon's caretaker justice minister says his country has received an international wanted notice for former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn from Interpol. (NHK)

NHK’s “Kohaku” song festival on New Year’s Eve saw its viewer share fall to a record low despite special appearances by stars including comedian Takeshi Kitano and American rock band Kiss, a survey by a TV research firm showed Thursday. (Japan Times)

Online sports betting is a favorite pastime for many as it adds an extra thrill to the excitement of watching different games. (newsonjapan.com)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday pledged to promote reforms in Japan, ranging from social security to the Constitution, while expressing his hope the country will successfully host the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics later this summer. (Japan Times)

In his New Year’s address released Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito said he hopes that 2020 will be a happy year free of any major disasters. The message was released as he begins his first full year as the symbol of state after ascending the chrysanthemum throne last year. (Japan Times)

Hundreds of people in Osaka watched the first sunrise of the year from the top of the country's tallest building. (NHK)

The usually staid Japanese media lambasted the “cowardly” Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday, after the tycoon jumped bail and fled to Lebanon to avoid trial in Japan. (Japan Times)

Visitors are flocking to an observation facility here designed by a famed architect and offering a stunning view of iconic Mount Fuji. (Asahi)

(nytimes.com)

As Japan enters a six-day New Year break, a sense of anxiety over the possibility of another flash crash is gripping currency traders. (straitstimes.com)

Driving in Japan is a wonder experience for those who want to escape the touristy areas over-visited by JR Rail Pass holders. (ONLY in JAPAN)

Sources say the Tokyo District Court has decided to revoke the bail of former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn. (NHK)

Giant-sized rice cakes have been offered to a shrine in central Japan to ensure good health and an abundant harvest in the coming year. (NHK)

The last quarter of 2019 has been painful for yen bulls, but if history is any guide, good times may be just around the corner. (Japan Times)

Japan’s superlow altitude satellite Tsubame has been registered by Guinness World Records as having achieved the “lowest altitude by an Earth observation satellite in orbit,” the nation’s space agency has announced. (Japan Times)

With another Japanese Christmas in the books, we’ve often talked about the unique holiday custom here of eating fried chicken, particularly that of Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, there is another KFC-related ritual in Japan that even those who live here are surprised exists. (soranews24.com)

Even after the 1929 U.S. stock market crash, which triggered the Great Depression, share prices regained their pre-collapse highs in 25 years. (Nikkei)

Japan's Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, turned 25 on Sunday. (NHK)

Concerns are growing for tourism in Sapporo due to a serious shortage of snow in Hokkaido this year. (Japan Times)

Highways, airports and train stations around Japan are busy on Saturday as year-end travelers head for their hometowns and holiday destinations. (NHK)

The heads of Japan Post Holdings Co Ltd and two affiliates said on Friday they will resign over the improper sales of insurance policies, after the regulator announced administrative punishments against the companies. (Japan Today)