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COMMENTARY
Jul 2, 2003

Drive for European unity gets a boost from Iraq war

PARIS -- Two months ago, the European Union seemed bound to be one of the major casualties of the trans-Atlantic rift generated by the Iraqi war. Now, however, the climate is improving.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music / HIGH NOTES
Jul 2, 2003

Burnt Sugar: "The Rites"

"I had come up with the idea of adapting motifs from 'Le Sacre du Printemps' for a series of improvisations," says Burnt Sugar's Greg Tate. "Given how many sick bass lines there are in his writing, Stravinsky makes perfect sense for a band that loves to vamp as much as we do."
BUSINESS
Jul 2, 2003

Latest 'tankan' survey shows surprising rise in sentiment

Business sentiment at Japanese companies improved during the April-June period, a closely watched Bank of Japan survey showed Tuesday, surprising bears who had braced for a reality check on the markets.
COMMENTARY
Jul 2, 2003

Pyongyang: keep the gloves on for now

LONDON -- There is no question that the anachronistic communist regime in North Korea threatens the peace in Northeast Asia. In the absence of good intelligence, however, it is difficult to estimate the extent of the threat. American intelligence on Iraq was faulty, and it is doubtful whether the CIA...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Stage
Jul 2, 2003

Two European time-and-emotion studies

It's my pleasure to introduce two plays you really must see this month, if not today. Well, one today, and one tomorrow, perhaps, so as not to be too greedy.
BUSINESS
Jul 2, 2003

Gas firms tie up on power generation

Tokyo Gas Co., Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. and Shell Gas & Power Japan Ltd. said Tuesday they will establish a joint venture on Aug. 1, hoping to launch a power generation project by 2009.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 2, 2003

On a director's storyboard far, far away

Is there a person in the Western world -- or even globally, given Hollywood's cultural reach -- who is unaware of "Star Wars"? In a society increasingly described as amnesiac, in which pop culture seems to come with an expiry date, George Lucas' movie trilogy (now with two -- soon to be three -- "prequels")...
BUSINESS
Jul 2, 2003

Tobacco tax hike seen as wasted effort

The tobacco tax hike that took effect Tuesday will probably not boost government revenue because some smokers will kick the habit, Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa said Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2003

U.S.-style law schools to offer practical approach

More than five years of study -- at cram schools, not universities -- has been the norm to pass Japan's extremely competitive bar exam.
EDITORIALS
Jul 2, 2003

'Big-boned' changes require leadership

The Cabinet last week approved a new set of guidelines for structural reform, dubbed the "big-boned" program. It is the third of its kind since Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi took office in April 2001. In a nutshell, the latest program gives the impression that his reform drive is running out of steam....
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2003

Students conclude Japan should learn from its brutal past

The Japanese public needs to be educated about the use of sex slaves by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II to ensure such atrocities never happen again, a group of Japanese and South Korean students said Tuesday.
BUSINESS
Jul 2, 2003

Thailand and Japan bear down on FTA

Japan and Thailand will launch an expanded working group meeting later this month to conclude an economic partnership accord that includes a bilateral free-trade agreement, Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said Tuesday.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 2, 2003

Off the wall

"My most favorite artist? The problem with that question," says Frank Stella, settling back in his chair, "is what's the point of it?"
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music / HIGH NOTES
Jul 2, 2003

Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson is living proof that it is more difficult to be wed to genius than it is to possess it. Her 10-year marriage to the flinty, cynical singer-guitarist Richard Thompson that ended in 1982 was by all accounts, including hers, a tumultuous affair that produced three children, at least four...
JAPAN
Jul 1, 2003

TV = money for politicians

National lawmakers who regularly appear on television to give their opinions on various matters saw their miscellaneous income jump in 2002, according to income data released Monday by the Diet.
EDITORIALS
Jul 1, 2003

Another nudge for the U.S. economy

The stars are beginning to line up for the U.S. economy. The war in Iraq ended quickly, the Bush tax cut has become law, economic indicators point to growth in the second half of the year and the dollar is declining against other currencies, boosting the prospects for exports. To help nudge things along,...
JAPAN
Jul 1, 2003

Foreigners' war-redress battles rage on

For many elderly foreigners who were victims of Japanese prewar and wartime aggression and occupation, the fighting continues.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FRONT-RUNNERS
Jul 1, 2003

Apparel firm teaches teenagers to like its fashions

For teenage girls, brightly colored clothing from Angel Blue, Daisy Lovers and Mezzo Piano are all the rage -- especially for those aspiring to be models.
JAPAN
Jul 1, 2003

Smokers get hit with an extra 20 yen per pack

The cost of a pack of cigarettes will increase by 20 yen for most brands on Tuesday as a tobacco tax hike takes effect.
BUSINESS
Jul 1, 2003

Insurance chief says no progress on terror fund

No progress has been made in talks to obtain government assistance to set up a pool of funds to help insure businesses against potential terrorist attacks, the newly appointed chairman of the Marine and Fire Insurance Association of Japan said Monday during his first news conference as the industry head....
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE ZEIT GIST
Jul 1, 2003

Treasure hunting in Japan

If you happen to be bit of a pack-rat, are looking for a unique souvenir from Japan, or just enjoy "window" shopping, then a visit to a Japanese flea market is an experience not to be missed.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 1, 2003

Hong Kong strives to end SARS stigma

As the principal representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, I am pleased to share the challenges and achievements of Hong Kong with our friends in Japan on the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
BUSINESS
Jul 1, 2003

ANA orders 45 Boeing 737-700s

All Nippon Airways Co. said Monday it has placed orders Saturday with Boeing Co. of the United States for 45 142-seat Boeing 737-700s.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 1, 2003

Auto English, penguin suits and frugality

Driving in English Dear Lifelines: I would like information on driving schools in Tokyo that give instructions in English. -- Lalila

Longform

Members of the nonprofit group Japan Youth Memorial Association search for the remains of dead soldiers in a cave in Okinawa Prefecture in February.
The long search for Japan’s lost soldiers