Keiichiro Koyama, 34, and Shigeaki Kato, 30, members of popular group News, promoted by Johnny & Associates, are in hot water for allegedly encouraging an underage girl to drink at a party. (Japan Today)

In the vast ecosystem of costumed mascots in Japan, the Kumamoto Prefectural character Kumamon probably stands at the top of the food chain. His empire has been estimated well into the billions of yen annually and he has even gained a following in China. (Japan Today)

Tokyo police have arrested a woman on suspicion of abandoning the body of her baby daughter in a coin-operated locker. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested three persons for the illegal recruitment of female pedestrians to work at hostess clubs in the capital, reports the Sankei Shimbun. (tokyoreporter.com)

As Japan’s most popular showbiz personality, Takuya Kimura, 45, more commonly known as Kimutaku, has been in the public eye since 1988, when he was chosen to be one of six boys to form the new boy band SMAP, which became a Japanese phenomenon beloved by all ages. (Japan Today)

As a nation, Japan is more connected to the internet than almost any other country in the world. According to statistics from Statista, 91% of the country's 104 million internet users are going online every day. (newsonjapan.com)

Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who has appeared in a number of American films including the 2003 period drama "The Last Samurai," has split with his actress wife Kaho Minami, their agencies said Thursday. (Japan Today)

The Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau has filed a criminal complaint against the former owner of a high-end club in the Roppongi entertainment area of Minato Ward over alleged tax evasion, it was learned on Tuesday, reports NHK (tokyoreporter.com)

Tatsuya Yamaguchi, a member of Japanese all-male pop group Tokio, has expressed his intent to leave the five-member band after coming under fire for kissing a high school student against her will, other group members revealed Wednesday. (Japan Today)

Last year, “YouTuber” was the fourth most desired future job prospect for elementary-school aged Japanese boys. But with YouTube being increasingly oversaturated with content creators all vying to make a living from the still somewhat unconventional career choice, the role is starting to look just a little bit less appealing. (soranews24.com)

The Tokyo-based Yano Research Institute recently released the results of its analysis of the pachinko industry, and some of the numbers don’t look so good . (soranews24.com)

A member of the Japanese all-girl idol group AKB48 suffered a head injury on Sunday after tripping off the stage during a concert in Saitama near Tokyo, its management agency said. (Japan Today)

The Tokyo Midtown Hibiya shopping and entertainment complex opened for business Thursday in the capital’s arts district, connecting Japan’s key business, fashion and political areas. (Japan Times)

Many foreign tourists to Japan often wonder why public transportation, especially in areas of Tokyo renowned for their nightlife, is so limited after the last trains of the night. (Kyodo)

Prizewinning Japanese actress Rie Miyazawa and Go Morita, member of Japanese male idol group V6, announced Friday that they have married. (Japan Today)

Wynn Resorts has agreed to pay $2.4 billion in a settlement with a Tokyo casino game maker and its U.S. unit over the forced redemption of their shares in the Las Vegas-based casino operating company in 2012. (Japan Today)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested four persons, including three street scouts, over the alleged illegal luring a female college student into the adult video (AV) industry two years ago, reports the Asahi Shimbun (tokyoreporter.com)

As residents and tourists in Kyoto complain more about higher prices, hotel shortages and crowds at train stations, shrines and temples, Kansai’s corporate leaders are searching for ways to keep visitors coming. (Japan Times)

Osaka Prefectural Police have raided four so-called 'girl's bar' establishments in Osaka for licensing violations that are believed to have employed minors, reports TV Asahi. (tokyoreporter.com)

Prosecutors have announced the non-prosecution of a male socialite over the alleged threats of a partner in a sex business last year, reports TV Asahi (tokyoreporter.com)

YouTube has temporarily suspended all ads from video star Logan Paul's channels after what it calls a pattern of behavior unsuitable for advertisers. (Japan Today)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have busted a so-called "delivery health" business that is believed to have exploited a legal loophole in employing high school girls to provide sex services, reports Sankei Sports. (tokyoreporter.com)

A former teen model has accused illusionist David Copperfield of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1988 after he judged a modeling competition in Japan that she took part in. (Japan Today)

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)

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)