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EDITORIALS
Aug 4, 2009

LDP manifesto falls short

In its manifesto for the Aug. 30 Lower House election, the Liberal Democratic Party has obviously tried to distinguish itself from the Democratic Party of Japan in some areas. But the party's priorities remain vague.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Aug 4, 2009

What's your definition of happiness?

BUSINESS
Aug 4, 2009

Panasonic shaves loss forecast

Panasonic Corp. raised its earnings forecast for the fiscal first half, citing a stabilizing global economy, increased savings and a more favorable currency exchange rate.
BUSINESS
Aug 4, 2009

DPJ sees no problem with dollar reserves

The Democratic Party of Japan shouldn't follow a push by China to diversify foreign-currency reserves away from the dollar if it wins this month's election, DPJ Policy Chief Masayuki Naoshima said.
COMMUNITY / Issues / JUST BE CAUSE
Aug 4, 2009

Unlike humans, swine flu is indiscriminate

The biggest news a few months ago, now affecting every prefecture in Japan, has blipped off our radar screens. For the time being.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 3, 2009

Angst over opposition rule

There is a palpable sense of anxiety in some quarters in Japan at the prospects of a Democratic Party of Japan-led majority emerging from the Aug. 30 Lower House elections.
Reader Mail
Aug 2, 2009

Lower-caste benefits squeezed

Regarding Gautaman Bhaskaran's July 7 article, "Battles with racism in India's own backyard": I understand that the Dalits in India have suffered a lot through no fault of their own. Even after the many years since India got its independence and despite the efforts afoot to improve the lot of Dalits...
Reader Mail
Aug 2, 2009

Constant death wish toward Israel

Cesar Chelala's July 27 article, "Threats against Iran feed off modern myths," does not reveal anything new to anybody with the faintest interest in politics. The world has known for years about the pros and cons of the topics dealt with in the article. Moreover, while explaining his point of view on...
EDITORIALS
Aug 2, 2009

The Un-Cool Biz

Pity the poor Japanese office worker slaving away in the 28-degree heat. This year's Cool Biz program has swung into full gear just as summer temperatures and humidity hit their peaks. The voluntary program to have office workers dress lightly to accommodate the government standard 28 degrees sounds...
Reader Mail
Aug 2, 2009

The wealthy don't create wealth

N.R. Williams' July 23 letter,"A guiding light for the economy," states an interesting opinion with which I agree. After World War II, the governments of most Western countries intervened in the control and management of their national economies. This contributed to maintaining stable economic growth...
JAPAN / History
Aug 2, 2009

Allied POW war dead honored in Yokohama

YOKOHAMA — About 100 people participated in the 15th annual memorial service at the British Commonwealth War Cemetery on Saturday to pay their respects to soldiers and others from Allied nations who died in Japan as prisoners of war during World War II.
Reader Mail
Aug 2, 2009

Questions fly over arrest of tourist

Brian Hedge's July 28 letter, "Pocket knife lands tourist, 74, in lockup," presented in the Hotline to Nagatacho column, relates what seems to be an unfortunate incident stemming from police being overly zealous to enforce a new law. However, the article also raises a number of questions.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Aug 2, 2009

Walking Osaka's 'aquapolis' ways

Osaka: the Venice of the East!
COMMENTARY
Aug 1, 2009

Tough times for politicians

Democratic governments everywhere are in trouble. In Britain, the Labour government is tottering. In Japan, defeat looms for Prime Minister Taro Aso's Liberal Democratic Party. In Italy, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is clinging on amid a sea of scandal. In France, hyperactive President Nicolas Sarkozy...
BUSINESS
Aug 1, 2009

Oil imports tumbled 8.3% in June

Japan, the world's largest consumer of oil after the U.S. and China, said crude imports plunged for a ninth consecutive month in June, as Nippon Oil Corp. and other refiners continued to cut output on weak demand.
BUSINESS
Aug 1, 2009

Nippon Life may log 10% hedge-fund gain

Nippon Life Insurance Co., the nation's biggest life insurer, may post a 10 percent return on hedge-fund investments this year as it shifts to strategies better suited to a market recovery.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 31, 2009

Sake returns to its organic roots

The sake world is looking greener as an increasing number of producers invest more time and resources in developing organic lines. In 2004, Niigata-based giant Kikusui attracted attention for opening the Sake Culture Institute, an immaculate facility dedicated to organic sake research, and small producers...
COMMENTARY
Jul 31, 2009

Gay ruling takes Delhi back to where it was

CHENNAI, India — The Delhi High Court's recent ruling that decriminalized sex between two consenting men or women is widely seen in India as a move toward a healthier sexual climate. Though confined to Delhi now, the law could eventually be adopted by the country's other regions.
EDITORIALS
Jul 31, 2009

U.S. and China step forward

Both sides are calling the first meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue a success. Of course, success is in the eyes of the beholder and both governments have strong reasons to wear rose-colored glasses. Although the concrete results of this meeting are less impressive, establishing...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 31, 2009

Mimi Gates brings Seattle Art Museum's Asian collection back home

When Mimi Gates moved to Seattle in 1994 to be director of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), it was the museum's superb Asian collection that had lured her away from the Yale University Art Gallery after 19 years working there, 12 as curator and seven as director). At Yale, she had championed Oriental art...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 31, 2009

Escape from propaganda

Artist, architect, designer, photographer, curator, writer, editor, activist — Ai Weiwei is many things. This multiplicity of means all serve a united end that centers on the existential question: What does human freedom mean in China today?
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jul 31, 2009

Going to the country for a bit of Fuji Rock

Whether or not you believe Kiyoshiro Imawano, who died in May, was Japan's King of Rock, he was the Mayor of Fuji Rock, having appeared almost every year until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

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