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Junko Takahashi

For Junko Takahashi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

JAPAN

Jul 11, 2003

State ready to move on new SDF bill

The government appears to be on the verge of expediting a bill that would give it permanent authority to send Self-Defense Forces on postconflict missions abroad.

JAPAN

Jul 8, 2003

Koizumi affirms timing of LDP vote

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi affirmed Monday that the timing of his Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election is fixed for late September.

JAPAN

Jul 5, 2003

October House dissolution likely

Speculation is rising that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will dissolve the House of Representatives as early as October now that the ruling coalition has basically agreed to hold an extraordinary Diet session in mid-September.

JAPAN

Jul 5, 2003

Dispatch bill passes the lower chamber

The House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that would allow the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces elements to Iraq.

JAPAN

Jul 5, 2003

Fast-moving dispatch bill needs some explanation

The House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that paves the way for elements of the Self-Defense Forces to go on a mission in Iraq.

JAPAN

Jul 4, 2003

Path cleared for SDF-Iraq bill

A government-proposed bill to allow the Self-Defense Forces to be dispatched to Iraq to assist in reconstruction efforts cleared a special committee of the House of Representatives on Thursday.

JAPAN

Jul 2, 2003

Is Baghdad safe enough for SDF? Depends on which party you ask

The ruling bloc and the opposition parties are presenting completely conflicting reports on their respective fact-finding missions to Iraq, with the opposition arguing the Self-Defense Forces should not be dispatched to the area due to deteriorating security.

JAPAN

Jun 28, 2003

Ota's comment justifying gang rape draws condemnation from Koizumi

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday condemned remarks by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Seiichi Ota, who said that gang raping women by youngsters is evidence of their virility.

JAPAN

Jun 28, 2003

Ota's comment justifying gang rape draws condemnation from Koizumi

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday condemned remarks by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Seiichi Ota, who said that gang raping women by youngsters is evidence of their virility.

JAPAN

Jun 26, 2003

Koizumi eyes permanent SDF rules, slams short-term approach

Japan should consider implementing a permanent law that stipulates the principles under which the Self-Defense Forces can be dispatched overseas, rather than drawing up sunset legislation every time the need arises, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday.

JAPAN

Jun 26, 2003

Koizumi eyes permanent SDF rules, slams short-term approach

Japan should consider implementing a permanent law that stipulates the principles under which the Self-Defense Forces can be dispatched overseas, rather than drawing up sunset legislation every time the need arises, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday.

JAPAN

Jun 26, 2003

Koizumi eyes permanent SDF rules, slams short-term approach

Japan should consider implementing a permanent law that stipulates the principles under which the Self-Defense Forces can be dispatched overseas, rather than drawing up sunset legislation every time the need arises, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday.

JAPAN

Jun 25, 2003

Diet begins debate on sending SDF to Iraq

The House of Representatives on Tuesday began deliberating a government-proposed bill to send the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq.

JAPAN

Jun 17, 2003

'Worn out' Fukuda hints at fall Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi may reshuffle his Cabinet in the fall if he is re-elected LDP president in September, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated Monday.

JAPAN

Jun 17, 2003

'Worn out' Fukuda hints at fall Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi may reshuffle his Cabinet in the fall if he is re-elected LDP president in September, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated Monday.

JAPAN

Jun 14, 2003

SDF-Iraq bill is sent to Diet after WMD clause excised

The government submitted a revised bill to the Diet on Friday that would enable the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces personnel to Iraq to carry out reconstruction work, after excising the disposal of weapons of mass destruction from the SDF's mission from the initial draft.

JAPAN

Jun 13, 2003

LDP drags feet on endorsement of Iraq legislation

The Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday put off a decision on whether to endorse the government's draft of a new Iraqi reconstruction bill, as some members questioned the rules on weapons use by the Self-Defense Forces.

JAPAN

Jun 13, 2003

LDP drags feet on endorsement of Iraq legislation

The Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday put off a decision on whether to endorse the government's draft of a new Iraqi reconstruction bill, as some members questioned the rules on weapons use by the Self-Defense Forces.

JAPAN

Jun 13, 2003

LDP drags feet on endorsement of Iraq legislation

The Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday put off a decision on whether to endorse the government's draft of a new Iraqi reconstruction bill, as some members questioned the rules on weapons use by the Self-Defense Forces.

JAPAN

Jun 10, 2003

Bill outline defines role of SDF troops in Iraq

The Self-Defense Forces personnel to be dispatched to Iraq will engage in logistic support for security, humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and disposal of weapons of mass destruction, according to the government's outline of a new bill unveiled Monday.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.

The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces

By Stephen Mansfield

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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