The house and office of a politician critical of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to a war shrine burned down today, police said.

The head of East Japan Railway Company apologised today for a fatal train crash that killed at least five people on Christmas Day, saying he took full responsibility for the incident.

The train derailment death toll in northern Japan rose to five as rescuers searched the snow-covered wreck today, following reports that more passengers could be trapped inside.

The president of West Japan Railway is to resign following a horrific derailment that killed 107 people, it was announced today.

Police in Japan have confirmed that two people, both women, died after an express train derailed.