The Japanese stock market is entering a new phase as investors look ahead to 2026 following a volatile but ultimately strong year in 2025, when the Nikkei index briefly approached the 50,000-yen level. (News On Japan)

Japan’s auto industry, already facing mounting pressure, is preparing for another major challenge in 2026 as Taiwan-based manufacturing giant Foxconn steps up its push into the Japanese market. Following its earlier focus on Chinese electric vehicle makers, the company is now turning its attention to Japan, raising questions over whether it will become a partner or a rival to domestic automakers. (News On Japan)

A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a female esthetic salon manager in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward on August 29, with investigators revealing that the suspect had previously used the salon multiple times and had been involved in a dispute over unpaid fees. (News On Japan)

The final trading session of the year concluded at the Osaka Exchange in Kitahama, Osaka, where the traditional year-end ceremony known as the “Dainokai” was held to mark the close of trading. (News On Japan)

Tetsuzo Fuwa, former chairman of the Japanese Communist Party and a central figure in the party for decades, died on December 30, the party announced. He was 95. (News On Japan)

The move was criticised by foreign ministers from from 10 countries including the UK, who said the new rules were "restrictive" and "unacceptable".

Two of the main sticking points involve territory and the fate of Europe's biggest nuclear plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.

Gelsenkirchen Police say thieves used the "quiet" days after Christmas to break into the high street branch.

The protests began on Sunday after shopkeepers in Tehran staged a strike when the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar.

TikTok, YouTube and Facebook are down, as the nation awaits the final result from the presidential poll.

The UAE denies Saudi claims it sent a shipment of weapons to separatists and pushed them to launch offensives against the Yemeni government.

The UAE denies Saudi claims it sent a shipment of weapons to separatists and pushed them to launch offensives against the Yemeni government.

Le Shuttle has also had to suspend services between Folkestone and Calais over a "power supply issue".

Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting a presidential residence, which President Zelensky called "typical Russian lies".

A petition for a national homage to Brigitte Bardot - who died on Sunday - attracts more than 23,000 signatures.

The arrests come just a day after three police officers were killed during a siege in the town of Yalova.

The arrests come just a day after three police officers were killed during a siege in the town of Yalova.

The British heavyweight boxer suffered minor injuries in the crash, which killed two team members and close friends.

For decades, Zia and ousted PM Sheikh Hasina were bitter rivals - and their feud defined Bangladesh's politics.

The US president also warns Hamas will have "hell to pay" if it does not disarm, after talks with Netanyahu.