A dusting ceremony was conducted at Shinkyo Bridge of Nikko Futarasan Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (News On Japan)

Seibu Holdings announced plans to sell the mixed-use building on the site of the former Akasaka Prince Hotel, affectionately known as 'Aka-Puri,' to a U.S. investment fund for approximately 400 billion yen ($2.62 billion). (News On Japan)

The government is revising its energy policy framework for the first time in three years. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the policy has included a commitment to "reduce dependency on nuclear power as much as possible." However, it has been revealed that discussions are underway to remove this wording. (News On Japan)

Coincheck Group, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange, has listed its shares on the tech-heavy Nasdaq in the United States. (NHK)

As the year-end season approaches, opportunities to consume alcohol, such as at year-end parties, increase. Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of women drinking alcohol. (News On Japan)

Japanese beverage giant Suntory Holdings has picked the great-grandson of its founder to be its new president. (NHK)

Renowned ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige’s depictions of Edo have become the focus of a journey retracing the historical landmarks captured in his works. (News On Japan)

A freight train has gone off the tracks in southwestern Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture. Services on the Kagoshima Main Line remain partially suspended. (NHK)

The kanji representing this year's societal trends, 'Kanji of the Year,' was announced at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, with 'Gold' chosen for 2024, highlighting Paris Olympics and Ohtani's stellar achievements. (News On Japan)

The Wakayama District Court delivered a not-guilty verdict on December 12th in the trial of the former wife of a Wakayama-based wealthy man, popularly known as the ‘Don Juan of Kishu,’ who had been accused of murder and other charges. (News On Japan)

Concern about the growing use of cannabis in Japan, particularly among young people, has prompted new legislation banning the use of cannabis, starting from December 12th. (News On Japan)

Four teenagers in Nara Prefecture, aged 14 to 18, have been arrested on suspicion of driving without licenses. (News On Japan)

A man in his 40s was arrested in Tokyo on December 4th for riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, marking the first arrest in the city since stricter penalties for bicycle DUI came into effect in November. (News On Japan)

Nippon Life Insurance says it will acquire Resolution Life Group Holdings for 8.2 billion dollars. It's the largest takeover by a Japanese insurer. Bermuda-based Resolution runs insurance businesses globally, including the US, Europe and Australia. (NHK)

Uber's Japanese subsidiary announced on December 11th the launch of 'Uber Teens,' a ride-hailing service designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17. (News On Japan)

A strong winter cold front has blanketed Japan, bringing snow to eagerly awaited regions. At the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, located at an altitude of about 1,300 meters, snow continues to fall daily after significant snowfall last weekend. (News On Japan)

Local media in the United States reported that President Joe Biden plans to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns. Following this report, Nippon Steel announced that it would provide a one-time bonus to US Steel employees if the acquisition is completed. (News On Japan)

Mitsubishi Electric has revealed the new HTV-X unmanned supply vehicle, designed to transport goods to the International Space Station (ISS). (News On Japan)

A section of Osaka's Umeda district has been revamped to tackle street solicitation, a persistent issue in the area. The initiative included painting roads bright yellow and adding streetlights to discourage such activities. (News On Japan)

The company operating the major medical hair removal chain Alicia Clinic has been declared bankrupt by the court. (News On Japan)