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CULTURE / Books / THE ASIAN BOOKSHELF
Nov 25, 2001

A spark that ignited social change

ORGANIZING THE SPONTANEOUS: Citizen Protest in Postwar Japan, by Wesley Sasaki-Uemura. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2001, 293 pp., $27.95 (paper) The events accompanying the revision of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty in 1960 aroused strong emotions among those involved, making it difficult for...
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 22, 2001

Banker sees smooth euro cash start, no 'black fund'

FRANKFURT -- Japanese investors should have full confidence in the stability and strength of the euro as the currency is launched in its physical form at the start of next year, according to the European central banker coordinating the project.
EDITORIALS
Nov 20, 2001

'Make no haste' makes way

Facing its worst economic crisis in the postwar era, Taiwan has opted for deeper engagement with the mainland. The government of President Chen Shui-bian has lifted limits on investment in China in an attempt to boost the island's faltering economy. The move was applauded by Taiwanese businesses eager...
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 19, 2001

Turning victory into permanent success

LONDON -- Four out of five: Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kabul and Jalalabad. All but one of Afghanistan's major cities have been lost by the Taliban and captured by the Northern Alliance in less than a week, and the last, Kandahar, is likely to fall at any time. Neither Washington nor anyone else expected...
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 18, 2001

Dismal outlook for Sri Lanka's president

The political crisis is Sri Lanka appears to be worsening, and in the latest government's call for a ceasefire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam -- fighting a long and bloody battle for the independence of the island's minority Tamil-speaking population -- one can sense a state of near panic,...
CULTURE / Books / THE ASIAN BOOKSHELF
Nov 18, 2001

Aiming for the heart

ONE FOOT IN LAOS, by Dervla Murphy. Overlook Press, 2001, 284 pp., $27.95 (cloth) Dervla Murphy's journeys as a travel writer, usually in the remoter, poorer parts of the world, are made, appropriately enough, in the old manner -- on foot, by donkey or mule, or on decrepit trucks or buses on their last...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 15, 2001

Japan makes pitch for Afghan peace role

The United States has high expectations of Japan's role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan after Taliban rule ends, and Tokyo should engage in the peace process from an early stage, former Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Shunji Yanai said.
SOCCER / World cup
Nov 10, 2001

Troussier happy with team's progress

By KUMI KINOHARA
SOCCER / J. League / ON THE BALL
Nov 6, 2001

Ten years old and counting

Last Thursday, the J. League celebrated its 10th anniversary at a Tokyo hotel, inviting about 500 soccer officials, sponsors and past and present players.
JAPAN
Nov 3, 2001

Tanaka faces fresh hailstorm

Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka attracted another barrage of criticism from across the political spectrum Friday after she pushed back a meeting with a foreign dignitary by 40 minutes the night before.
CULTURE / Music / HIGH NOTES
Oct 24, 2001

Bill Callahan: 'Rain on Lens'

Bill Callahan isn't known for his bright, cheery outlook on life. Nor is he known for making slick, glossy overtures with his musical vehicle, Smog. With "Rain on Lens," his latest release, Callahan remains true to form, delivering the stripped-down, somber rock that made him one of the founders of the...
ENVIRONMENT / IN BLOOM
Oct 18, 2001

Chikarashiba (Fountain grass)

JAPAN
Oct 13, 2001

Second mad cow case reported

Initial tests on the brain of a cow that was butchered at Tokyo's central wholesale market indicate it had mad cow disease, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Friday. If confirmed, it would be the second case of the disease in Japan.
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2001

El Nino found to affect typhoons

Japanese researchers said Tuesday that the El Nino effect strengthens typhoons and thus increases typhoon-related damage in Japan.
CULTURE / Film
Oct 10, 2001

Composer plays musical chairs

Quartet Rating: * * 1/2 Director: Joe Hisashi Running time: 113 minutes Language: Japanese Now showing
CULTURE / Music
Oct 10, 2001

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Radiohead's ascent to superstardom presents an interesting paradox. The English quintet's talent for creating infectiously melancholy pop was undermined by a clear ambivalence toward the value of such a talent. "This is our new song," singer-lyricist Thom Yorke sang in 1995, "Just like the last one/A...
ENVIRONMENT / WILD WATCH
Oct 4, 2001

Marveling at mammalian masters of flight

I have dreamed of flying since childhood, and perhaps that is why I am obsessed with flying creatures. As ground-hugging humans, we readily identify with our fellow terrestrial mammals, assuming, easily enough, that being earthbound is a natural state for life on earth. But, think again. Even among the...
CULTURE / TV & Streaming / CHANNEL SURF
Sep 30, 2001

Take a ride on the travel food choo-choo

TBS withdrew from the morning wide-show sweepstakes in 1996 after it was revealed that a wide-show producer had secretly shown members of Aum Shinrikyo a tape of an interview with anti-Aum lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto in 1989 as a means of gaining favor with the cult. Sakamoto was subsequently murdered by...
CULTURE / Art
Sep 26, 2001

Revisiting his ancestors' art

Taro Okamoto (1911-96) is perhaps Japan's most famous post-war artist. With his trademark artistic style, his eccentric, media-friendly personality and ready catchphrases, he presented the perfect picture of the inspired artist brimming with original ideas.
COMMUNITY
Sep 9, 2001

Still healthy, after all these years

FUKUOKA -- Passing your twilight years in Japan used to entail long days of contemplation and an austere diet of tofu. Sound dull? The good news is that doctors these days recommend an active social life for a happy, healthy old age. The bad news is, according to medical practitioner Magoe Ando, you'll...
CULTURE / Books
Sep 9, 2001

This is the season of our national discontent

Last week's edition of Aera (Sept. 3) looked at the current "Age of Discontent," while Bungei Shunju published a special issue in August on ways to find happiness. Both themes currently feature on the shelves of Japanese bookstores as well.
JAPAN
Sep 7, 2001

Lens maker shines brightly in economic gloom

When Yasuo Ikuta saw the light focused by his unique lens erupt in a streak of smoke on a paved road about a decade ago, he was stunned by its potential.
MORE SPORTS
Sep 3, 2001

World team tops locals in JOMO Cup soccer

The World Dreams team coasted to a 4-2 victory over the Japan Dreams in the annual JOMO Cup at Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday.
SOCCER / J. League / ON THE BALL
Aug 28, 2001

J. League bosses don't always get enough support from front office

Before the start of the J. League Division One second stage earlier this month, four clubs -- the Yokohama F. Marinos, Kashiwa Reysol, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Tokyo Verdy 1969 -- changed their managers. Last week Cerezo Osaka also changed its boss with the departure of Hiroshi Soejima and the arrival...
CULTURE / TV & Streaming / CHANNEL SURF
Aug 26, 2001

Dogs and penguins and affairs, oh my!

If you have a dog who doesn't do what you say, you might want to tune in this morning to Asahi TV's Sunday talk show "Tokusuru TV (Beneficial TV)" (9:30 a.m.), where actors Masayuki Watanabe and Wakako Shinozaki play-act at being a couple who entertain guests with interesting tips for everyday life....
LIFE / Food & Drink
Aug 26, 2001

Sips of high-grade tranquillity

In parts of Asia, tea is more than a mere beverage: It is a social lubricant, a sacrament of complex rituals and a vital part of national identity. Throughout history, farmers and philosophers alike have treasured a steaming cup of cha. While there is some evidence of tea's health benefits, there is...
EDITORIALS
Aug 25, 2001

A step in the wrong direction

Japan has a resident litigation system modeled on America's taxpayer suits. It allows residents to file suits to correct financial irregularities on the part of local officials, such as use of public money for private wining and dining. Now, a bill to change that system is pending in the Diet. The measure...
COMMENTARY
Aug 23, 2001

Japan not innately militaristic

At any time of the year, evaluating Japan and its military intentions is like looking through a telescope. From one end, everything appears bigger than it actually is. From the other, everything looks smaller.
ENVIRONMENT / GARDENING FOR ALL
Aug 23, 2001

Get that tropical feeling with hibiscus on your balcony

Summers just wouldn't be the same without hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus create the feeling of some tropical paradise -- even in city centers. Those of you who have balcony gardens can easily cultivate a number of hibiscus species.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan