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COMMENTARY / World
Jan 16, 2003

Berlin-Paris partnership faces challenges as EU grows larger

LONDON -- Forty years ago this month, President Charles de Gaulle of France and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of West Germany signed a historic agreement to consecrate the end of 75 years of conflict between their two nations. The Franco-German Friendship Treaty came six years after the establishment of...
BUSINESS
Jan 16, 2003

Oracle Japan sees net profit decline 36% in first half

Oracle Corp. Japan, the Japan unit of U.S. software giant Oracle Corp., said Wednesday its unconsolidated net profit for the half year through Nov. 30 fell 36 percent from a year earlier to 6.08 billion yen, as corporate capital investment and consumer spending remained sluggish.
BUSINESS
Jan 16, 2003

Tokyo, Shenzhen bourses sign accord

The Tokyo Stock Exchange and China's Shenzhen Stock Exchange signed an agreement Wednesday on cooperation in developing financial markets in Japan and China, the TSE said.
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2003

Asylum brokers make cash demand

The Foreign Ministry has received a demand for a large sum of money from people claiming to be "helping" a 64-year-old Japanese woman married to a North Korean who recently fled to China from the reclusive state, government sources said Wednesday.
BUSINESS
Jan 16, 2003

Airfares to rise with landing fees

Japan Airlines System Corp. is considering raising fares on almost all domestic flights in April to reflect a planned increase in landing fees, company officials said Wednesday.
BUSINESS
Jan 16, 2003

Current account surplus grows 9% to 1.16 trillion yen

Japan's current account surplus grew for the second consecutive month in November, rising 9 percent from the same month in 2001 to 1.16 trillion yen, according to a preliminary report released Wednesday by the Finance Ministry.
SUMO
Jan 16, 2003

Asashoryu rolls on as Takanohana announces return

Mongolian ozeki Asashoryu delved into his arsenal to shoot down veteran Takanonami on Wednesday, maintaining his flawless start to the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on a day that also saw yokozuna Takanohana announce his umpteenth comeback bid.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2003

100,000 yen alternative to anonymous burial offered by temple

If someone dies whose name is not known, or who leaves behind no money or known kin, the person's ashes may end up in an anonymous grave with other "muen botoke" remains.
Japan Times
ENVIRONMENT / WILD WATCH
Jan 16, 2003

Shame in a 'showcase'

Second of two parts I ended my last story by saying, "If it is wolves, or winter wilderness, you want to see, don't waste time wondering -- get to Yellowstone! But please, when you're there, don't rent a two-stroke snowmobile! I'll explain why in my next column."
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2003

Pampered pets seen turning porky

People seem to be handing out too many treats to their cats and dogs, as there are growing signs that household pets are getting a bit chubby these days.
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2003

Imperial Couple attend New Year's 'waka' poetry event

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the annual New Year's poetry reading at the Imperial Palace on Wednesday.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / NAME OF THE GAME
Jan 16, 2003

LucasArts gives till it hurts

I have not finished the game "Star Wars Bounty Hunter," and I doubt many people will. But that doesn't make it a bad game.
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2003

Ministry plans to increase support to care providers

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to increase payments from the nursing-care insurance system to private care providers by 30 percent beginning April 1, according to a proposal unveiled earlier this week.
BASKETBALL / NBA / NBA REPORT
Jan 16, 2003

LeBron's new wheels really no big deal

NEW YORK -- What's all the frenzy and fury about LeBron James cruisin' around Akron in his new whip, a Hummer H2 purchased by mom, "To Son, With Love?"
BUSINESS
Jan 16, 2003

Seibu first in line for aid from new entity

Debt-swamped Seibu Department Stores Ltd. is expected to become the first company to seek rehabilitation under the planned government-backed industrial revival body, government and company sources said Wednesday.
JAPAN
Jan 15, 2003

Japan may bolster Taiwan ties

The head of Japan's unofficial mission in Taipei has indicated that Tokyo may further ease its restrictions on official exchanges with Taiwan and pave the way for a trip to the country by top bureaucrats from ministries and agencies, it was learned Tuesday.
SUMO
Jan 15, 2003

Takanohana drops out with sore shoulder

Ozeki Asashoryu remained unstoppable Tuesday in his quest for the ultimate rank of grand champion three days into the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, which lost yokozuna Takanohana to an injury.
JAPAN
Jan 15, 2003

Crested ibis may be freed into wilds of Sado by '07

After a comeback from the brink of extinction, Japan's crested ibis is being prepared to be reintroduced into the wild in four years, an official said.

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