Japan's national debt sets record
NHK -- Feb 10
Japan's national debt has reached a new high, despite government efforts to restore fiscal health.
The Finance Ministry says at the end of last year, government debt topped 1,100 trillion yen -- about 10 trillion dollars -- for the first time.
The figure translates to about 79,000 dollars for each resident of Japan.
The bulk of the debt comes from government bonds, issued to cover ballooning social insurance costs due to the graying population. Loans and short-term securities also make up part of the debt.
More bonds are set to be issued in the fiscal year beginning April. The government's budget bill calls for about 296 billion dollars in bond issuance, aimed at covering a revenue shortfall.
Bullet train evacuated over suspicious liquid
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Panicked passengers on a Shinkansen bullet train were evacuated at a central Japan station on Friday night, after a plastic bag containing suspicious liquid was found onboard.
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A 29-year-old man has been arrested for meeting an underage teen girl, with sexual intent, after sending her messages, promising to make her "the happiest in the world".
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Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.
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News On Japan - Nov 25
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Northern Japan hit by heavy snowfall
News On Japan - Nov 25
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New Godzilla movie earns perfect Rotten Tomatoes score
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Japan's largest street dance festival held in Tokyo
News On Japan - Nov 23
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Russian diplomats ratchet up record unpaid parking fines in Japan
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Tourists flock to Kyoto's autumn hotspots
News On Japan - Nov 23
As Kyoto's autumn foliage reaches its peak, swarms of tourists have converged on the ancient capital, captivated by stunning displays like Wednesday evening's illumination at Kiyomizu Temple.
