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Kazuaki Nagata

JAPAN

Nov 4, 2008

Ozawa takes to Net to woo young

Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa made a fresh attempt Monday to appeal to young voters and Internet users, fielding questions on a Net live talk show in Tokyo ranging from his choice in underwear to Japan's claim to Takeshima.

JAPAN

Oct 27, 2008

Aso vows to cure economic woes

Self-described "manga" enthusiast Prime Minister Taro Aso returned to Tokyo's Akihabara district Sunday to deliver a speech concentrating on the economy.

JAPAN

Oct 24, 2008

Opposition now to drag feet on MSDF bill

In an apparent change of tactics, three opposition parties agreed Thursday to allow for more time to deliberate on the antiterrorism bill in the Upper House as they draft their own response to the global financial turmoil.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Oct 23, 2008

New health insurance system draws protest

Dozens of protesters outside the Diet called Wednesday for abolishment of the controversial health-care insurance system covering the "later-stage elderly" aged 75 and older.

JAPAN

Oct 20, 2008

Ozawa uses Internet show to seek out young voters

Opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa tried to present a softer public image Sunday by speaking to young people about his favorite tofu, women's fashions — and even his unrequited first love.

JAPAN

Oct 17, 2008

DPJ opts to cooperate; extra budget clears Diet

The ¥1.8 trillion fiscal 2008 extra budget aimed at easing the impact of rising oil prices cleared the Diet on Thursday with backing by the opposition-dominated Upper House.

JAPAN

Oct 16, 2008

New round of health-care deductions riles seniors

About 3 million people aged 75 or older had their health insurance premiums automatically deducted from their pension benefits for the first time Wednesday under the controversial medical system for seniors that has increasingly become a hot political topic.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Oct 10, 2008

Morning Musume: Japan's TV talents

Hearing the buzz surrounding TV programs such as "American Idol," "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent" (all originating in the U.K. but franchised internationally), it is clear that TV talent shows are booming.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Oct 10, 2008

Potts' luck: the rise of a superstar

It's a cliche to say "don't take things for granted" or "you never know what's going to happen in life." But it sounds more convincing from the mouths of certain people.

JAPAN

Oct 9, 2008

Supplementary budget clears Lower House

The House of Representatives passed the ¥1.8 trillion supplementary budget bill Wednesday to finance an emergency economic stimulus package.

JAPAN

Oct 8, 2008

LDP info management is 'censorship,' DPJ says

The Democratic Party of Japan on Tuesday accused the Liberal Democratic Party of de facto censorship for pressing ministries to consult the ruling party before deciding whether to disclose internal documents requested by the opposition parties.

Japan Times

JAPAN / EXPLAINER

Oct 7, 2008

Survival now arcades' most pressing game

Once viewed as dens of delinquency, game center arcades are diversifying their entertainment fare, and in the process, attracting not only youths but families, high school girls, couples and video game fans.

JAPAN

Oct 2, 2008

Ozawa reveals DPJ policy pledges, admonishes Aso

Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa kicked off the Diet debate Wednesday by concentrating on his party's policy pledges and lambasted Prime Minister Taro Aso for directing questions to the DPJ in his policy speech earlier in the week.

Japan Times

JAPAN / CABINET INTERVIEW

Sep 27, 2008

Lower House majority is minimum goal: Hosoda

The Liberal Democratic Party and its partner, New Komeito, have set their sights on securing at least a majority in the Lower House in the next general election, LDP Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda said Friday.

JAPAN

Sep 26, 2008

Koizumi to exit political stage

Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, one of the most popular and influential politicians in the nation, expressed his intention Thursday to retire from politics once his current term in the Lower House ends.

JAPAN

Sep 25, 2008

Aso gets quick start, names new Cabinet

Hawkish Liberal Democratic Party President Taro Aso was elected prime minister Wednesday and immediately formed his new Cabinet.

JAPAN

Sep 25, 2008

Aso team likened to school classroom

Prime Minister Taro Aso's Cabinet lineup may look a bit subdued, but there's good reason for that: He deliberately picked low-profile politicians instead of factional bigwigs so he can lead them around like a "school teacher," experts said Wednesday.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Sep 23, 2008

Passing supplementary budget may take priority over snap election

Newly elected Liberal Democratic Party President Taro Aso vowed Monday to do his utmost to solve problems that range from revitalizing the economy to improving the health care system.

JAPAN

Sep 22, 2008

Ozawa, DPJ have to prove they can govern

Now that Ichiro Ozawa has officially been handed a third term as president of the Democratic Party of Japan, the DPJ is gearing up for the upcoming general election in hopes of taking control of the government under Ozawa's leadership.

JAPAN

Sep 20, 2008

DPJ, Kokumin Shinto ditch merger for now

Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party) said Friday it agreed with the Democratic Party of Japan to shelve a plan to merge the two parties before the Lower House election.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

The sun shines from behind a waving Philippine flag at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Eighty years after the Battle of Manila, old foes forge new ties

By Anton L. Delgado

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