The swap - the first since October - sees 157 Ukrainians and 160 Russians returned home.

A hunter in his 70s has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly killing a bear without permission at a golf course, with police sending papers on suspicion of violations of the Wildlife Protection and Management Law, including unpermitted capture, also implicating a golf course manager in his 40s and the company operating the facility. (News On Japan)

The Tokyo High Court on February 5th dismissed an appeal by the state in a lawsuit over the remains and hair of Matsumoto Chizuo, a former death row inmate and leader of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, and ordered the government to hand them over to his second daughter. (News On Japan)

Influenza is once again spreading rapidly across the Kansai region, with Osaka Prefecture reaching an advisory-level outbreak for the second time in a single season for the first time in 15 years as infections surge again after the New Year. (News On Japan)

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after allegedly leading a group attack that left another festival official seriously injured during a danjiri festival in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, in October last year. (News On Japan)

A new wave of high-end hotel development in Nara is accelerating as Kintetsu Miyako Hotels announced plans to open a luxury accommodation facility on former grounds of Todaiji Temple, aiming for an autumn 2028 launch. (News On Japan)

Israel declines to comment on the allegation its planes sprayed glyphosate over an area with extensive farmland.

Israel declines to comment on the allegation its planes sprayed glyphosate over an area with extensive farmland.

The Ukrainian president also said a large number of people were "officially missing", meaning the total death toll is thought to be much higher.

The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters.

The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters.

"Overtourism" during Japan's iconic blossom season makes life for locals in Fujiyoshida town unmanageable, authorities say.

"Overtourism" during Japan's iconic blossom season makes life for locals in Fujiyoshida town unmanageable, authorities say.

MSF says a government air strike hit its hospital after another of its health facilities was looted.

The Ukrainian president also said a large number of people were "officially missing", meaning the total death toll is thought to be much higher.

Their call comes in the wake of a flurry of visits by Western leaders to China in recent months.

Gus Lamont was last seen playing outside his home on a remote sheep station on 27 September.

Gus Lamont was last seen playing outside his home on a remote sheep station on 27 September.

Accused allegedly threw a homemade bomb at a crowd which had gathered to protest Australia Day.

Four images seen by BBC Verify show partially clothed women with their faces and bodies unredacted.