More people are struggling with what to do about family graves, as the number of people choosing to close ancestral burial plots continues to rise across Japan. (News On Japan)

According to population estimates released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on January 1, the number of 18-year-olds reaching adulthood this year stands at 1.09 million, the second-lowest figure since records began in 1968. (News On Japan)

The Imperial Family welcomed the New Year on January 1, with the Emperor releasing a message through the Imperial Household Agency expressing his hopes that the year ahead will be one in which people in Japan and around the world can move forward with hope. (News On Japan)

Nearly three decades after the end of World War II, one man finally returned to Japan. He was Hiroo Onoda, known as the last Japanese soldier, who had remained hidden in the jungles of the Philippines for 29 years after the war ended. (News On Japan)

Three men broke into a card shop in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward on the night of December 31, stealing Pokemon cards and other items worth about 30 million yen before fleeing the scene, according to police. (News On Japan)

More than 20 million Americans are preparing for steeper healthcare costs in the New Year because of expiring subsidies.

Dr Dirk Brandherm and his colleagues have identified more than 600 suspected house platforms in the Brusselstown Ring.

To succeed in office he will need to keep his supporters engaged with day-to-day governing, experts say.

Reports of fireworks and other explosives being thrown are widespread across the country.

Several dozen people are presumed to have died in the fire at a New Year party in the resort of Crans-Montana.

Around 100 are also injured in fire at Crans-Montana Swiss ski resort bar Le Constellation.

The latest strike comes as the US Coast Guard searches for survivors of another that happened a day earlier.

The latest strike comes as the US Coast Guard searches for survivors of another that happened a day earlier.

Fans gathered at premieres in cities across the US and Canada to watch the finale on the big screen.

Fans gathered at premieres in cities across the US and Canada to watch the finale on the big screen.

Dozens of people are believed to have died after a fire broke out during New Year's Eve celebrations.

A currency collapse has led to protests breaking out across the country, with unrest reported in several cities.

The blaze was thought to have started just after midnight and was swiftly declared a major fire

The blaze was thought to have started just after midnight and was swiftly declared a major fire

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is "recovering well" after undergoing what he describes as "a preventative medical procedure".