The Nikkei 225 closes at 19,561.96 i nits first trading session of the year.

100 people don armor and wield weapons to reenact the Battle of Kawanakajima, a legendary feudal Japanese fight.

Crowds of men in only sumo belts scramble for a ball in an ancient New Year's tradition in southwest Japan.

The annual year-end fire ritual takes place at Naritasan Temple.

A robot may create a new way to mourn in Japan.

An annual zodiac handover ceremony is held in Osaka ahead of the New Year.

Japan officially declares to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission and will restart commercial whaling next...

Special types of trees are being decorated for New Year's to bring good luck.

A reclining Buddha gets a clean-up before the new year.

Japan approves a set of policies to make life easier for prospective foreign workers.