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JAPAN

Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 8, 2018
Nara announces record number of deer bites as tourists flood in
Famed wild deer in the city of Nara appear to be growing increasingly frustrated with tourists who make them wait to munch on crackers while trying to frame the perfect photo.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 8, 2018
Japan to survey mercury use in batteries and other products, in line with Minamata Convention and domestic law
Environment Ministry will start investigating possible uses of mercury in commercial products, such as button cells and fluorescent lights, from April, sources with knowledge of the matter have said.
Japan Times
Japan doctors tap health-monitoring app to help diabetics keep dialysis at bay
In September 2016, freelance journalist Yutaka Hasegawa touched off a firestorm of criticism after writing in his blog that diabetes patients receiving dialysis should pay for the treatment themselves instead of using public health insurance. He argued that it was their "corrupt" lifestyles that spawned...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 8, 2018
Amid Olympic detente, Pence talks tough
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence talks up the Japan-U.S. alliance and Washington's resolve to dismantle North Korea's arsenal, during a visit to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Feb 8, 2018
Couple held over bogus hepatitis C drug served fresh warrant over fake Harvoni tablets
A couple were arrested anew Wednesday on suspicion of selling a counterfeit version of the hepatitis C drug Harvoni to a wholesaler.
Japan Times
Korean hibakusha in Hiroshima recalls dual discrimination he secretly endured
For much of his life, Lee Jong Keun felt he had to hide two aspects of his identity: his status as a second-generation Korean in Japan and his history as an A-bomb survivor.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 8, 2018
Japan's cherry blossom viewing may come early this year, says weather forecasting firm
Tokyo and many parts of central Japan should prepare for the cherry blossom season to arrive early this year, according to a forecast that says winter's icy grip may loosen sooner than usual.

ASIA PACIFIC

Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Feb 8, 2018
Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee named as suspect in $7.5 million tax evasion case
Samsung Electronics' ailing chairman, Lee Kun-hee, was named by South Korean police on Thursday as a suspect in an 8.2 billion won ($7.5 million) tax evasion case that involved the use of bank accounts held by employees.
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 8, 2018
In apparent first, Chinese air force deploys advanced fighter jets to South China Sea
The Chinese air force has made public for the first time a deployment of advanced fighter jets for a "joint combat patrol" over the disputed South China Sea.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 8, 2018
Olympic diplomacy: VIP seating plan a headache for Pyeongchang's opening party
The neighbors don't get along but you are still obliged to invite them all to the party. So where do they all sit?
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 8, 2018
North Korea says it has no plans to meet U.S. officials at Olympics
North Korea has no intention of meeting U.S officials during the Winter Olympics that start on Friday in the South, the KCNA news agency reported, dampening hopes the games will help resolve a tense standoff over the Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

WORLD

Japan Times
WORLD
Feb 8, 2018
U.N. chief plans major disarmament push but U.S. skeptical
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to launch a major push for disarmament talks covering everything from nuclear and cyber war to small arms, braving certain U.S. resistance to such bold initiatives, officials and experts said.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Feb 8, 2018
Merkel's conservatives make big concessions in coalition deal
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday her conservatives had made painful concessions to the Social Democrats (SPD) to secure a coalition deal that should give Europe's powerhouse a new government after months of political paralysis.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Feb 8, 2018
Bat's surprising genetic trait holds secrets to longevity
Bats are the longest-living mammals relative to body size, and a species called the greater mouse-eared bat lives especially long. Researchers now have unlocked some of this bat's longevity secrets, with hints for fighting the effects of aging in people.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Feb 8, 2018
Top Democrat cites 'pattern' of U.S. administration refusals to testify in Russia probe
The top Democrat on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee described on Wednesday "a developing pattern" in which witnesses have declined to discuss events occurring after President Donald Trump's election in the panel's probe of Russia and the 2016 vote.

BUSINESS

Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 8, 2018
ARM embraces tech revolution under SoftBank and loses money
It's an accepted belief among tech startups that it's OK to grow fast at the sake of profits. But what if the company is 27 years old?
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 8, 2018
Better employee training needed to prepare for 'fourth industrial revolution,' Suntory chief says
Takeshi Niinami, chief executive officer of Suntory Holdings Ltd., believes that companies and governments need to offer proper training and education to their employees with a long-term view toward new technologies as people still lack the skills needed for "the fourth industrial revolution."
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Feb 8, 2018
Nomura apologizes to investors burned in bet against VIX ‘fear index’
Nomura Holdings Inc. issued an apology after investors in a $300 million product betting on low volatility were all but wiped out during this week's stock market turmoil.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 8, 2018
SoftBank in talks to buy one-third stake in reinsurer Swiss Re as domestic rivals report record profits
SoftBank Group Corp. CEO Masayoshi Son is warming to an industry that's long been a favorite of billionaires looking to diversify their business empires.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 8, 2018
HondaJet foresees huge demand in China and Southeast Asia
HondaJet, the business plane developed by Honda Motor Co., sees big prospects in China and Southeast Asia as wealthy individuals seek out the lightweight plane as an efficiency tool.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 8, 2018
First baby with Down syndrome is Gerber's 'Spokesbaby' of the year
An 18-month-old boy with Down syndrome has been named by baby food maker Gerber as its "Spokesbaby" for 2018, the company said on Wednesday, an action hailed by advocates for people with the genetic condition.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 8, 2018
California vows to ban crude from Trump offshore drilling plan
California will block the transport of petroleum from new offshore oil rigs through its state, officials told Reuters, a move meant to hobble the Trump administration's effort to vastly expand drilling in U.S. federal waters.

Opinion

EDITORIALS
Feb 8, 2018
A new world, a new Nuclear Posture Review
The world is more dangerous than it has been for a long time, but there are justifiable concerns that the Trump administration's nuclear weapons policy could magnify dangers, not reduce them.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 8, 2018
Thaw won't warm South Koreans to unity
Younger South Koreans are either apathetic about or hostile toward North Korea.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Feb 8, 2018
Bank of Japan is missing a golden opportunity
Investors think things are looking up — central bankers should stop telling them they're wrong

Sports

Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Feb 8, 2018
Teen phenom Chikara Tanaka looking to make mark with national team
Chikara Tanaka is Japanese basketball's latest boy wonder.
OLYMPICS
Feb 8, 2018
Noriaki Kasai, three compatriots qualify for men's normal hill jump finals
Ski jumping legend Noriaki Kasai, competing in his eighth Winter Olympics, placed 20th in the qualifying round of the men's normal hill jump on Thursday night at the Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre to clinch a spot in Saturday night's finals.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Feb 8, 2018
Bode Miller says Mikaela Shiffrin's exceptional fitness will lead her back to Olympic glory
Mikaela Shiffrin's results may have dipped slightly since he recently described her as the "best ski racer I've ever seen," but former Olympic champion Bode Miller believes the American will be back to her best when the Pyeongchang Games kick off on Friday.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Feb 8, 2018
Shoma Uno looks sharp in workout; Brian Orser weighs in on Yuzuru Hanyu's training
Shoma Uno looked in good form in a run-through of his short program to "Winter" during an official practice at the training rink beneath Gangneung Ice Arena on Thursday afternoon. The young star landed several crisp quadruple jumps while coming through the session unscathed.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Feb 8, 2018
Japan uses old and new to promote 2020 Tokyo Games in Pyeongchang
Traditional paper cranes and some of the latest technology are on offer as Japan seeks to promote itself as the host of the next Olympic Games in 2020, with organizers hoping to inherit the enthusiasm and fervor of Pyeongchang 2018 hosts.

LIFE

LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Feb 8, 2018
Dining event bridges Tokyo, Milan flavors
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho — the first hotel in Tokyo to be recognized as part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection — will be hosting a three-day premium dinner event Tokyo Meets Milan from March 22 to 24 at the All-Day Dining Oasis Garden on the top floor of the hotel.

CULTURE

Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
Feb 8, 2018
'Ainori' teaches lessons in love ... and soft power
Netflix Japan's reboot of the reality show "Ainori" features plenty of drama — most of it interpersonal, but some geopolitical.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Stage
Feb 8, 2018
TPAM's magic happens in front of and behind the curtain
Back in 1995, some of the movers and shakers of the domestic theater scene got together at various venues around the capital for an event called the Tokyo Performing Arts Market. The aim was simple: connect up-and-coming Japanese artists to the producers and theater buffs who might be able to support...

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji