The overall number of crimes committed in Japan continued to drop in 2016, falling below the 1 million mark for the first time in the postwar era, according to the annual White Paper on Crime released Friday by the Justice Ministry. (Japan Times)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has told the head of the US Pacific Command that Japan wants to closely work with the United States to enhance deterrence and response capabilities of the bilateral alliance. (NHK)

Japan's Fair Trade Commission is investigating the local unit of the US vacation rental platform Airbnb on suspicion of violating the anti-monopoly law. (NHK)

The Nagoya District Court on Tuesday handed five women, including four Korean nationals, suspended prison terms for the smuggling of 30 kilograms of gold into the country from Korea last year, reports Nippon News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

The government plans to actively promote stays at farming villages geared toward foreign tourists. Supportive measures to begin next fiscal year will include sponsoring skilled chefs to hold cooking classes at women’s clubs to enhance local cuisine, and other steps to attract foreigners interested Japanese food and culture. (the-japan-news.com)

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have begun a three-day trip to remote islands in southwestern Japan. (NHK)

Japan's health ministry has drastically relaxed its planned regulations on indoor smoking at restaurants after a plan to tolerate smoking only at small eateries and bars met with opposition from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, government sources said Thursday. (Kyodo)

Happy Meal goodies even adults will want to get their hands on -- Uno, Game of Life, Pop-up Pirate and other games get the McDonald's treatment. (rocketnews24.com)

Japanese regional carrier Air Do becomes the latest airline struck by the global shortage of pilots, saying Thursday it has canceled 26 flights scheduled for February after already grounding 34 trips this month. (Nikkei)

A 3-meter-tall countdown clock for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was unveiled Thursday in the Japanese capital's Ginza district. (Kyodo)

The Beaujolais Nouveau 2017 vintage went on sale in Japan on Thursday, but with people's tastes maturing, the traditional celebration of the French wine's seasonal release is on the decline. (Kyodo)

It's impossible for Ichiro Kawanabe to order up an Uber in Japan. The ride-hailing company has banned him from having an account. (Japan Times)

Japan's economy marked a seven-quarter growth run through September --- the longest in 16 years --- but the outlook appears less rosy, as surprisingly strong private consumption before this summer may prove to have been just a blip. (Japan Times)

Japan's 3 major financial groups are reporting their earnings for the April-to-September period. Two saw their operating profits fall, as prolonged low interest rates ate into their earnings. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested the eldest son of Tokyo assemblyman Masatoshi Ibi, 54, over the alleged molestation of a woman in Chofu City last month, reports Nippon News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

Tokyo-based Showa Women's University (SWU) and Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) have announced a unique campus-sharing agreement that could offer a model to other Japanese schools. (Japan Times)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has urged Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to work toward the return of Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh. (NHK)

The first public exhibition of a giant panda cub born at a Tokyo zoo in 29 years will begin next month, with large numbers of visitors expected. (Japan Today)

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana, representing Indonesia, waves during the 57th Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo on Tuesday night. (Japan Today)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested four male Nigerian nationals as a part of a crackdown on unruly street touts who target women in the Roppongi entertainment area of Minato Ward, reports TV Asahi (tokyoreporter.com)

Japan's Education Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has officially approved a controversial plan to open a veterinary school in April of next year. (NHK)

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike says she wants to step down as president of the opposition party Hope. (NHK)

The Japan Sumo Association says it will look into allegations that Yokozuna grand champion Harumafuji assaulted a junior wrestler. (NHKã‚“)

Uber’s tie-up with SoftBank suggests the ride-hailing giant is set to come of age in the business world, but it still faces a long road ahead. (Japan Times)

A mini bus carrying mentally disabled people tumbled off a road and dropped about five meters into a wooded area Monday morning in western Japan, leaving 18 people slightly injured, police said. (Kyodo)