The Japan Times editors selected these world stories as the most important of 2015.
1 Paris terrorist attacks: Islamic State gunman and suicide bombers kill 130 people and injure scores throughout the French capital in November in attacks that send shock waves across Europe and the globe, showing the terrorist group's increased reach.
2 Climate deal reached: In marathon negotiations, officials from 196 developed and developing countries reach a deal in December to limit their emissions to relatively safe levels of 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspiration of 1.5 degrees Celsius and regular reviews.