Rinnai Corp. did not recall gas water heaters involved in fatal accidents even though it knew they had a structural defect, company sources said Saturday.</PARAGRAPH> <PHOTO> <TABLE WIDTH='250' ALIGN='RIGHT' BORDER='0'> <TR> <TD><IMG ALT='News photo' BORDER='0' SRC='../images/photos2007/nn20070211a1a.jpg' WIDTH='250' HEIGHT='188'/></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><FONT SIZE='1'><B>Rinnai Corp. President Hiroyasu Naito –

and other officials bow at the start of a news conference in the company's headquarters early Saturday. KYODO PHOTO

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced Friday that Rinnai's RUS-5RX and RUS-51BT models have caused five cases of carbon monoxide poisoning since 2000, killing three people and sickening 12 others. Ventilation is needed for these models because they release exhaust gas into rooms.

Hypothermia in the land of the rising Sanae
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After plenty of ups and downs, Osaka Expo concludes with message of unity
The sun sets on the Grand Ring on the final day of the Osaka Expo on Monday.
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Number of scenarios now on the table for who might be Japan’s next prime minister
Newly-elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Sanae Takaichi (right) celebrates with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo on October 4.
Pace eyes great strides for Japan’s art market
Pace Japan Vice President Kyoko Hattori, the de facto head of the nation’s business, believes a larger, more lucrative art market will allow Japan to be more attractive for collectors.
A frenetic diplomatic schedule looms for Japan’s next leader — whomever that may be
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Ghost of Yotei’s bloodstained fun sidesteps Ainu identity
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At Osaka Expo, gas giants promote a greener future. But is it a lot of hot air?
The Gas Pavilion had welcomed around 500,000 visitors by the end of August, making it one of the most popular exhibits at the Osaka Expo.

Our Planet

The Gas Pavilion had welcomed around 500,000 visitors by the end of August, making it one of the most popular exhibits at the Osaka Expo.
At Osaka Expo, gas giants promote a greener future. But is it a lot of hot air?
By Joel Tansey

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Inside Japan’s arena boom: Sports, sound and city-building
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