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BUSINESS
Aug 9, 2007

Merchant index hits 2 1/2-year low

Sentiment among barbers, shopkeepers and other merchants on the front lines of the economy fell to a 2 1/2-year low as falling wages and a stock-market plunge discouraged consumers from spending.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Aug 8, 2007

Unheralded Giovani leads Barcelona squad past F. Marinos

YOKOHAMA — Japanese fans caught a glimpse of Barcelona's dazzling attacking triumvirate of Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, but it was little-known Mexican Giovani who did what the crowd craved from the three superstars with a late second-half goal in a 1-0 friendly win over Yokohama F....
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Photo of corpse added nothing

The photo that accompanied the Aug. 1 front-page article "South Korea reacts with outrage at murder of second hostage" was disturbing and distasteful. I cannot imagine how Shim Sung Min's family reacted to the image of his corpse. The publication of the Reuters photo comforted no one and contributed...
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Who can say no to tetrapods?

The reporting for the July 22 article "Tetrapods" was top-notch. When in Japan, I always found tetrapods quite a puzzling hubristic sight -- all the more because they defeat any possibility of lying down for a sunbathe. Although I am not a geologist or a structural engineer, and I see the point...
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Fees hold back Kansai Airport

I am glad to see a second runway at Kansai Airport. But as stated in a recent article, the high cost of landing fees is keeping airlines from continuing to operate at KIX. I used to enjoy a flight to Chicago, where I could catch a connecting flight to my home state of Florida. That flight no longer...
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Russia looking for respect

Recent articles suggest that Russia poses a new threat to the West. I would like to add that practically all Russians want good relations with the United Kingdom and the European Union. But this kind of relationship should be based on mutual respect.
BASKETBALL
Aug 8, 2007

All-Star Game to be held in Niigata

The second annual bj-league All-Star Game will be played on Dec. 29 in Niigata, the league announced Monday. The league showcase will pit two teams — East vs. West — in a game at Toki Messe (the Niigata Convention Center), the home gym of the Niigata Albirex BB, a playoff squad in each of the league's...
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Aug 8, 2007

Kadokura records first win of season

Making his first start for the Yomiuri Giants since April 14, Ken Kadokura wasn't dominant but he was good. Though with Shinnosuke Abe backing him up, that was good enough.
EDITORIALS
Aug 8, 2007

Opportunities for baby boomers

The first group of 6.7 million baby boomers, born in the years 1947-49, have reached or will reach the retirement age of 60 this year. About 3.6 million of them — almost equivalent to the population of Yokohama — are expected to retire as salaried workers in 2007-09. As they reach the age of 60,...
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 8, 2007

Should Abe stay or go? Japan debates the LDP's electoral defeat

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has told the Japanese public that despite his ruling coalition government's devastating defeat in the July 29 Upper House elections, he will do "the responsible thing": He will stay on as the party's leader and as Japan's prime minister.
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Japan, U.S. natural allies

Chan Chang Eng's July 25 letter, "U.S.- Japan ties of convenience," is a typical outpouring from a citizen of Singapore. Safe in the prosperity that the U.S. security umbrella has provided since World War II, Eng spouts the Sino-apologia sanctioned by Singapore's patriarchal government.
Reader Mail
Aug 8, 2007

Another quack therapy let loose

The July 31 article "Lymph-drainage therapy uses massage to cleanse the body" promotes a "therapy" that does not have one shred of scientific evidence behind it. It is practiced by people who "listen to the flow of lymph" as if it can actually be heard.
JAPAN
Aug 8, 2007

Eda takes helm of Upper House

For the first time in nearly half a century, the House of Councilors has an opposition lawmaker as its president.
EDITORIALS
Aug 8, 2007

Strengthening the Antimonopoly Law

A private advisory body to the chief Cabinet secretary has recommended strengthening the Antimonopoly Law. Such a move that will benefit consumers and businesses — by assuring the supply of good-quality products and services at reasonable prices — is welcome. The Fair Trade Commission and the ruling...

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