Despite continued economic growth and record profits, a recent labor ministry report showing a drop in average real wages in 2006 underscores the reality that workers are not reaping any of the benefits.</PARAGRAPH> <PHOTO> <TABLE WIDTH='250' ALIGN='RIGHT' BORDER='0'> <TR> <TD><IMG ALT='News photo' BORDER='0' SRC='../images/photos2007/nn20070208f1a.jpg' WIDTH='250' HEIGHT='386'/></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><FONT SIZE='1'><B>Tsuyoshi Takagi, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation –

, is interviewed in Rengo's head office in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. SATOKO KAWASAKI PHOTO

To get a bigger piece of the pie in this year's "shunto" (spring wage offensive), unions are gearing up to seek monthly raises higher than they won last year, said Tsuyoshi Takagi, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), which represents about 6.5 million workers.

Two of America’s biggest debt holders are dumping Treasurys
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Japan ranks last in romance satisfaction for second straight year
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Japan, U.K. and Italy discuss inviting more countries to joint fighter project
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Japanese expats in Asia find community through rugby
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Our Planet

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

mission sustainability vol.12 : Kose Corp.Kose takes pride in creating beauty in the world
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