Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will prohibit the use of mobile batteries on airplanes starting in April due to a series of incidents involving fires and smoke.

An NHK poll in Japan indicates that 57% of respondents support a two-year exemption of consumption tax on food items.

A leader of the 'Luffy' wide-area robbery group in Japan expressed regret to an NHK reporter before his sentencing for robbery resulting in death and other charges.