![Nikkei closes down 3%](/englishnews/user_images/base.00_00_17_19.Still001.jpg)
Nikkei closes down 3%
The Nikkei 225 closes at 19,561.96 i nits first trading session of the year.
read more![Feudal battle redux](/englishnews/user_images/0104Feature_NBC.00_02_20_25.Still001.jpg)
Feudal battle redux
100 people don armor and wield weapons to reenact the Battle of Kawanakajima, a legendary feudal Japanese fight.
read more![Ancient New Year rite enlivens shrine](/englishnews/user_images/s3conv_img_4039.png)
Ancient New Year rite enlivens shrine
Crowds of men in only sumo belts scramble for a ball in an ancient New Year's tradition in southwest Japan.
read more![Fire ritual at Narita temple](/englishnews/user_images/1228_IMG_2FIRE.jpg)
Fire ritual at Narita temple
The annual year-end fire ritual takes place at Naritasan Temple.
read more![Zodiac baton relayed from dog to boar](/englishnews/user_images/1227_SHOT_ZODIAC.jpg)
Zodiac baton relayed from dog to boar
An annual zodiac handover ceremony is held in Osaka ahead of the New Year.
read more![Japan to restart commercial whaling next July](/englishnews/user_images/1226whale.jpg)
Japan to restart commercial whaling next July
Japan officially declares to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission and will restart commercial whaling next...
read more![Deck the trees for the New Year](/englishnews/user_images/1226newyear.jpg)
Deck the trees for the New Year
Special types of trees are being decorated for New Year's to bring good luck.
read more![Reclining Buddha gets brushed up before New Year](/englishnews/user_images/1226bhudda.jpg)
Reclining Buddha gets brushed up before New Year
A reclining Buddha gets a clean-up before the new year.
read more![Japan approves policies to help foreign workers](/englishnews/user_images/1225labor.jpg)
Japan approves policies to help foreign workers
Japan approves a set of policies to make life easier for prospective foreign workers.
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