Search - u_times

 
 
JAPAN
Jun 9, 1997

Sansei cop urges revival of traditional Japanese values

Good, old Japanese values are dying out in Japan but still thrive outside the country, says a former Los Angeles police detective who led an international probe into a 1981 murder case widely known here as "L.A. suspicion."
JAPAN
Jun 6, 1997

Aoki praises Japan's handling of hostage crisis

The Japanese government's commitment to peacefully resolving the Lima hostage crisis probably saved many hostages' lives during the daring rescue mission, former Ambassador Morihisa Aoki said in an interview June 6.
JAPAN
Jun 5, 1997

Perishing Isahaya marine life looks to court for salvation

ISAHAYA, Nagasaki Pref. -- As authorities stand idle and let the entire ecosystem on this tideland perish by the day, marine creatures on the brink of extinction are fighting back against the human race -- in court.
JAPAN
Jun 4, 1997

Indian ambassador proud of reform successes

India's economic reforms launched six years ago have made smooth progress and are producing satisfactory results despite a few changes of government in the past year, new Indian Ambassador Siddharth Singh said June 4.
JAPAN
Jun 4, 1997

'Info-structure' next key to economic growth, expert says

People used to say that a nation needs infrastructure for its economy to grow. But today, according to a former head of a Canadian telecommunications equipment company, it is "info-structure" that plays a key role in a country's economic development.
JAPAN
Jun 3, 1997

Outdoor gear: love of nature or fashion craze?

Outdoor products originally designed for taking on a trip to the wilderness have become a common sight in the big city. During the past few years, the fashion-driven young -- clad in colorful outdoor jackets and sporting brand-name day-packs and hiking boots -- have given the concrete jungle a new look....
JAPAN
May 23, 1997

Survey of foreigners leaves Tokyo officials amazed

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled May 23 the results of its first comprehensive poll on living conditions for foreign residents in Tokyo, which it says is one of the largest ever conducted on foreigners in Japan.
JAPAN
May 12, 1997

Disaster info network takes root in wake of Hanshin quake

OSAKA -- Lifeline suppliers and television and radio broadcasters based in the Kansai region on May 12 announced the creation of a network to enable smooth collection of information at times of disasters.
JAPAN
May 12, 1997

Callback services draw telecom giants' ire

Callback services, though introduced in Japan almost five years ago, continue to thrive under a certain veil of mystery.
JAPAN
May 8, 1997

Health insurance reform passed by Lower House

A bill that would more than double medical costs for the public starting Sept. 1 cleared the Lower House on May 8 with the support of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its two non-Cabinet allies.
JAPAN
May 7, 1997

Tokyo ready to set up non-Japanese advisory council

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will launch this fall a council of about 25 foreign residents.
JAPAN
Apr 29, 1997

Nurse recounts sex slave system of Imperial Navy

Chiyo Nakazato, 71, a former nurse for the Imperial Japanese Navy, remembers that during the war, her male colleagues at the navy hospital on Hainan Island in the South China Sea were so anxious to go out at night they queued up by the door even before 6 p.m., when they were officially off duty.
JAPAN
Apr 29, 1997

Chief determined to build JR West into truly private enterprise

While Masataka Ide, the former president of West Japan Railway Co., was seen as a man of action, Shojiro Nanya, 55, who took over the JR West helm on April 1, is seen as a man of quiet resolve.
JAPAN
Apr 25, 1997

Businesswomen discuss challenges of 21st century

Although the Japanese word for wife is "kanai," literally meaning "in the home," it should be changed to "kasoto," or "outside the home," said former Olympic gymnast and Upper House Councilor Kiyoko Ono in a speech April 25 to members of the 5th World Congress of Women Entrepreneurs.
JAPAN
Apr 25, 1997

Diet gives go-ahead for combat-ready reserve force

The Diet approved on April 25 the creation of a combat-ready military reserve force capable of joining frontline missions in emergencies.
JAPAN
Apr 24, 1997

Okinawa, surplus, and Koreas to dominate U.S. summit

Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and U.S. President Bill Clinton are expected to reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the security field, when they meet April 25 in Washington.
JAPAN
Apr 23, 1997

Questions raised over Japan's crisis management system

The hostage crisis in Lima ended with the release of all but one of the hostages by Peruvian forces, but questions have been raised about Japan's readiness to deal with a similar situation in the future.
JAPAN
Apr 22, 1997

Yokoyama faces up to Osaka's cash woes

OSAKA -- Two years since he became governor of Osaka Prefecture on a wave of public outrage over political corruption involving his predecessor, former comedian "Knock" Yokoyama finds himself the target of discontent over the prefecture's financial problems.
JAPAN
Apr 18, 1997

JR firms doing just fine without government

Masatake Matsuda, president of East Japan Railway Co., recalls how his company, along with Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) and West Japan Railway Co., rejected the government's plan in December to have the three JR group firms shoulder a greater financial burden for building new bullet train lines....
JAPAN
Apr 16, 1997

Aid views: 'Abductions a frame-up; food comes first'

Allegations that North Korean agents have abducted Japanese are a frame-up and Tokyo should pledge money to the United Nations to help the state's starving citizens, according to a former senior U.N. official who teaches at Saitama University.
JAPAN
Apr 11, 1997

OECD outlines steps for regulatory reform

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has drafted a report recommending eight policy principles for regulatory reform in member countries to help spur their economic growth and promote international trade and investment.
JAPAN
Apr 11, 1997

Polls show Okinawans oppose lease bill

NAHA, Okinawa Pref. -- A majority of Okinawa residents are against a bill aimed at giving the central government the power to continue leasing land for U.S. military bases, even if landowners refuse to renew the contracts, according to opinion polls conducted by two of the prefecture's local newspapers....
JAPAN
Apr 10, 1997

Flying farmer not licensed: police

URAWA, Saitama Pref. -- Police have sent papers to prosecutors regarding a farmer suspected of flying an unlicensed airplane for eight years, it was learned April 10.
JAPAN
Apr 9, 1997

Talks on U.S.-Japan ties focus on China instead

Distinguished American and Japanese financial, media and foreign policy experts, including former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce Jeffrey Garten and former Ambassador to the U.S. Yoshio Okawara, met in Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier this week for a symposium on bilateral relations, but instead spent...
JAPAN
Apr 8, 1997

LDP needs new partners: Nakasone

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party should consider cooperating with opposition forces over such policy issues as security and administrative reforms, instead of confining itself to its current loose alliance with two small parties, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone said April 8.
JAPAN
Apr 4, 1997

High tin levels found in tuna

A joint research team has discovered that tuna and bonito in the seas around Japan have high concentrations of organic tin from paints used on ship hulls and material used to protect fish nets.
JAPAN
Apr 4, 1997

Upper House plans bill on war tragedies

A nonpartisan group of Upper House members will introduce a bill aimed at unearthing tragedies caused by Japan before and during World War II and assessing the damage of such events, Diet sources said Apr. 4.
JAPAN
Apr 3, 1997

Mobile computing seminar planned

Professional Training Services and Global OnLine Japan will jointly host a seminar in their Corporate Solution Seminar Series with the support of The Japan Times on April 17 at the Westin Tokyo, at Yebisu Garden Place.
JAPAN
Apr 3, 1997

Man guilty of killing violent son

A 55-year-old man who fled his home with his wife and two daughters out of fear of his violent son was sentenced to five years in prison for killing the 22-year-old son.
JAPAN
Apr 2, 1997

Orix chief urges government to 'climb the next mountain'

The nation's move toward deregulation is at a turning point and the government must continue easing regulations to "climb the next mountain," says the deputy chairman of an Administrative Reform Committee branch.

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