Crime
Philippine burner phones under scrutiny in Japan robbery ring
Alleged ringleader 'Luffy' may have sent instructions while held at detention center
Society
International relations
China leads the world in counterfeit, pirated products: U.S. report
WeChat flagged as 'one of the largest platforms' for fakes
Society
U.S. freestyle skier Kyle Smaine believed killed in Japan avalanche
Former world champion reportedly among 2 confirmed dead by local police
Coronavirus
WHO maintains highest alert over COVID but sees hope ahead
Pandemic is likely at a 'transition point,' World Health Organization says
Politics
Kishida walks back comment on 'reskilling' during maternity leave
Japan PM clarifies remark after backlash from opposition, netizens
Crime
Philippines hopes to deport robbery suspects to Japan in February
Justice secretary responds to request for transfer men detained in Manila
Economy
U.S. pushes Vietnam on union rights, Xinjiang forced labor
Envoy acknowledges issues in America, too, where employers are said to resist unions
Society
Two foreign skiers hit by avalanche found in Japan; no vital signs
Three groups skied in backcountry near Nagano's Tsugaike resort despite advisory
Society
Speeding Pakistan bus falls off bridge, burns; 40 out of 44 dead
In northwest, at least 10 students on picnic drown when boat capsizes; 9 missing
Opinion
Japan's 'Miss Contests' reflect society's high demands on women
Nation is not alone in expecting superwomen with both brains and beauty
Business trends
Japan's Kose develops projection mapping simulator for makeup
Device gains popularity as COVID-19 makes people leery of contact
Economy
Japan's capital pours $13bn into child care support as births fall
Measures include monthly payments and egg-freezing subsidy
Pharmaceuticals
Japan's 1st abortion pill takes step closer to approval
Treatment would give women option other than surgical procedure
Crime
Philippines connection suspected in spree of Japan home invasions
Tokyo police seek extradition of four suspects, including possible ringleader
Crime
Man held in Manila allegedly gave robbery orders in Japan via app
'Luffy' suspected of using Telegram from immigration facility: Philippine secretary
Politics
Japan internet watchdog empowered to request removal of violent content
Police update online surveillance guidelines starting March after Abe killing
Myanmar Crisis
Myanmar opium production nearly doubles to 9-year high: U.N.
Economic and security challenges push farmers to grow illicit crop as prices soar
Caixin
China shivers through Lunar New Year as temperatures tumble
Cold snap threatens agriculture, water and energy supplies as well as travel
Japan immigration
Tokyo considers national standards for Japanese language schools
Unified certification for teachers also recommended by panel
The Big Story
Inside Japan's gender problem: The men tasked with empowering women
Pay gap and low numbers of women in politics persist as Kishida assumes G-7 leadership
