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JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Japan wary of suspending KEDO

Japan called Friday for caution before a decision is taken to suspend a multinational project to build light-water nuclear reactors in North Korea because it could hinder a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis, Japanese government officials said.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Salaried households' spending down 1.8%

Spending by wage-earning households fell a real 1.8 percent in May from a year earlier for the eighth consecutive month of decline, the government said Friday.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

North Korean freighter sets sail

TOYAMA -- A North Korean freighter left a Japanese port on Friday, ending a two-week standoff with local authorities who refused to let it dock on the grounds the vessel failed to meet safety standards.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHEN EAST MARRIES WEST
Jun 28, 2003

Extinction ahead for odd Japanese beasts

A news item earlier this year cited the upcoming extinction of the banana, giving the slippery fruit a life expectancy of but 10 more years.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Make way for IAEA, Japan tells Iran

Japan is calling on Iran to give International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors full access to its nuclear facilities.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Three firms deemed eligible for public aid

Local corporate turnaround committees have mapped out rehabilitation plans for three small and midsize companies, making them eligible for public support, industry minister Takeo Hiranuma said Friday.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

8.4% more pass tough civil service exam

The number of candidates who passed the tough level-1 civil service exam rose to 1,750 in fiscal 2003, an increase of 135 from a year earlier, the National Personnel Authority said Friday.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Japan Telecom chief eyes end of talks

William Morrow, president of Japan Telecom Holdings Co., said Friday that the outcome of talks over the planned sale of fixed-line carrier Japan Telecom Co. to U.S. investment fund Ripplewood Holdings LLC is expected to emerge next month.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Government waste study targets school lunches

A Finance Ministry investigation into government spending has concluded that costs can be cut in such areas as school lunches and diplomatic facilities abroad.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

8.4% more pass tough civil service exam

The number of candidates who passed the tough level-1 civil service exam rose to 1,750 in fiscal 2003, an increase of 135 from a year earlier, the National Personnel Authority said Friday.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Koizumi tells ministers to follow 2003 economic blueprint

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi instructed his ministers Friday to flesh out concrete reform measures based on an economic blueprint for 2003 endorsed by the Cabinet, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Deep-sea germs useful in drugs

Bacteria that are effective in treating atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions have been discovered more than 10,000 meters under the sea.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Ogi to pitch bullet train in China

Transport minister Chikage Ogi indicated Friday that she plans to visit China next month in a bid to push Beijing into introducing Japan's bullet train system when it constructs an express railway linking Beijing and Shanghai.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

8.4% more pass tough civil service exam

The number of candidates who passed the tough level-1 civil service exam rose to 1,750 in fiscal 2003, an increase of 135 from a year earlier, the National Personnel Authority said Friday.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Ogi to pitch bullet train in China

Transport minister Chikage Ogi indicated Friday that she plans to visit China next month in a bid to push Beijing into introducing Japan's bullet train system when it constructs an express railway linking Beijing and Shanghai.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Ota's comment justifying gang rape draws condemnation from Koizumi

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday condemned remarks by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Seiichi Ota, who said that gang raping women by youngsters is evidence of their virility.
BASEBALL / MLB
Jun 28, 2003

Wada goes distance as Hawks soar past listless Lions

Rookie Tsuyoshi Wada tossed six-hit ball over the distance while striking out nine batters en route to his eighth win as the Pacific League-leading Daiei Hawks defeated the Seibu Lions 13-3 at Fukuoka Dome on Friday.
COMMENTARY
Jun 28, 2003

Appeasers selling India short

NEW DELHI -- Belgian scholar Pierre Ryckmans coined the phrase the "100 percenters" to describe Beijing's international fans who support whatever China says 100 percent. Publishing under the pen name Simon Leys, Ryckmans compiled the statements of these toadies in defense of Chinese actions, including...
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Hailing a cab easier for foreigners

Taxi companies have decided to give a helping hand to those who do not speak Japanese.
BUSINESS
Jun 28, 2003

Unemployment stuck at 5.4% for third consecutive month

The national unemployment rate stood at a near-record 5.4 percent for the third straight month in May, suggesting the deflation-stricken economy is weighing heavily on the job market.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 28, 2003

Asia's future leaders take center stage

SEOUL -- "If you've got it," as the saying goes, "flaunt it!" And Asia's "New Leaders" have got "the right stuff" in spades. But what to do with it?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Legacy of red-shoed girl lives on

The subject of the popular children's song "Akai Kutsu" ("Red Shoes") may have died many years ago, but she remains very much a symbol of friendship and a driving force behind charity events.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Kawashima to join Imperial agency

Former Vice Foreign Minister Yutaka Kawashima will take up the post of grand master of ceremonies at the Imperial Household Agency, government sources said Friday.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Ogi to pitch bullet train in China

Transport minister Chikage Ogi indicated Friday that she plans to visit China next month in a bid to push Beijing into introducing Japan's bullet train system when it constructs an express railway linking Beijing and Shanghai.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Pentagon requests SDF air, ground units for Iraq

The U.S. Defense Department has asked Japan to send Air Self-Defense Force C-130 transport planes to Iraq and to take part in ground transportation and escort services there, according to sources.
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2003

Ota's comment justifying gang rape draws condemnation from Koizumi

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday condemned remarks by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Seiichi Ota, who said that gang raping women by youngsters is evidence of their virility.

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