Japan earthquake: Death toll rises to 168

The number of deaths in Japan due to the recent earthquake on New Year continues to mount as the latest figure was recorded at 168, while the number to missing people jumped to 323.

The death toll has jumped to 168 from 128 overnight, AFP reported.

The report said the number of people unaccounted for after Japan's New Year's Day earthquake tripled to 323.

The number of missing people soared from 31 to 281 in Wajima, which is one of the worst-hit places in Japan due to the recent earthquake.