Gifu Prefecture officials have urged climbers heading into the Northern Alps over the year-end and New Year holiday period to submit climbing plans and ensure they are fully equipped, as part of efforts to prevent mountain accidents. (News On Japan)

Police detained the male suspect after shooting him in the leg, while two others are seriously injured.

Police detained the male suspect after shooting him in the leg, while two others are seriously injured.

In September last year, the sudden acquisition of Spa Resort Hawaiians — long known as “Japan’s Hawaii” — sent shockwaves through the industry. The buyer was Fortress Investment Group, a U.S. investment firm that also made headlines two years ago with its purchase of Sogo & Seibu. How a foreign fund plans to rebuild one of Japan’s most iconic resort facilities is now drawing close scrutiny, as management, former hula dancers, and local residents watch the transformation unfold. (News On Japan)

The annual food fight festival ''Els Enfarinats'' has left the Spanish town of Ibi covered in flour and egg shells.

The annual food fight festival ''Els Enfarinats'' has left the Spanish town of Ibi covered in flour and egg shells.

The annual food fight festival ''Els Enfarinats'' has left the Spanish town of Ibi covered in flour and egg shells.

The 70-year-old had suffered with the spasms for nine months, his wife says, and was already in hospital for hernia surgery.

The 70-year-old had suffered with the spasms for nine months, his wife says, and was already in hospital for hernia surgery.

The actress was a symbol of sexual liberation in the 1950s but became increasingly controversial after making homophobic and racist slurs.

The actress was a symbol of sexual liberation in the 1950s but became increasingly controversial after making homophobic and racist slurs.

Thousands of homes in parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway have been left without power.

A restored copy of his film, Bashu, the Little Stranger, won an award at this year's Venice Film Festival.

The Iran Human Rights (IHR) group says it has verified at least 1,500 executions up until the start of December.

The Iran Human Rights (IHR) group says it has verified at least 1,500 executions up until the start of December.

The French model and actress has died at the age of 91.

The cocktail of kittenish charm and continental sensuality who swept away the cinematic cobwebs of the 1950s.

The cocktail of kittenish charm and continental sensuality who swept away the cinematic cobwebs of the 1950s.

The French actress redefined cinematic allure, captivating the world before championing animal rights.

Thousands of homes in parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway have been left without power.