Japan's benchmark Nikkei index lost nearly 4 per cent at the end of Thursday trading on renewed concerns over the US economy, snapping a seven-day winning streak.

The Japanese labour ministry on Monday announced it would provide shelters and food for about 500 people who lost their homes and jobs as a result of recent economic recession that led many Japanese b

Tokyo's stock market started trading for the New Year in a positive mood on Monday. The Nikkei Index of 225 leading stocks rose over 9,000 for the first time in nearly two months as the market opened.

Authorities in Japan have issued snowstorm warnings for the north of the country and certain coastal areas, Japanese media reported Friday.

Stocks in Tokyo gained ground Friday despite a government report saying industry output recorded its sharpest fall in history.

Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso ordered a probe into the possibility of having the Japanese navy join the international fight against piracy off the Somalia coast, news reports said.

Japan is considering dispatching warships to the Gulf of Aden to join international efforts to combat piracy in the region, officials said Thursday.

Thousands of Japanese greeted Japan's Emperor Akihito Tuesday on the occasion of his 75th birthday, as he reassured his subjects that his health was improving.