search

 
 
JAPAN
Oct 23, 2007

MSDF knew of oil error since '03

The Defense Ministry admitted Monday that some Maritime Self-Defense Force officers were aware of an underreporting "mistake" concerning the amount of fuel Japan provided to the U.S. in 2003 but failed to report it to their seniors for more than four years.
EDITORIALS
Oct 23, 2007

Quality care with less

A government plan to save on medical costs by reducing the number of hospital beds dedicated to long-term convalescence is causing anxiety for patients and their families. If the health ministry carries out the plan carelessly, it could lead to the loss of people's trust in the nation's medical system....
Reader Mail
Oct 23, 2007

A month away to bigger hassles

Thank you, Hong Kong Immigration. Last week I received a "HKIA Frequent Visitor Card" that lets me use the special, facilitated-entry immigration channel when I visit Hong Kong on business. By contrast, in Japan, I will be suddenly treated like a suspected criminal and/or terrorist from Nov. 20 -- even...
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Oct 23, 2007

Ships out at sea or troops in a war zone?

The special antiterrorism law that expires Nov. 1 is the hottest dispute in domestic politics and could even determine the fate of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his administration.
EDITORIALS
Oct 23, 2007

Minamata claims still on hold

In September 2006, an experts' forum submitted a report to the environment minister, stressing the urgent need for the central government to take the initiative in setting up a new, permanent framework to aid all victims of Minamata disease, including unrecognized and latent victims.
JAPAN
Oct 23, 2007

Fugitive gets 15 years for killing partner

would die," they stated, adding that Maeda bore great responsibility for "using pseudonyms for two years to remain at large and rebuffing the advice of friends to turn herself in."
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 23, 2007

Toyota loses sales race to GM in third quarter

Toyota said Monday it sold 2.34 million vehicles globally in the July-September quarter, fewer than General Motors' tally, as its U.S. rival regained the lead in the race to be the world's top automaker.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WORDS TO LIVE BY
Oct 23, 2007

Kazuhiko Hashiguchi

JUDIT KAWAGUCHI
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Oct 23, 2007

A deep dive in with Vipassana

I guiltily sneak a peak at my watch and then at the woman meditating by my side. She seems so peaceful, so focused on her meditation practice. With her straight back and calm expression I start to wonder how she is "clearing her mind of thoughts" and if her mind, like mine, ever strays. Only five minutes...
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 23, 2007

NHK: To pay or not to pay?

Mrs. P has stopped paying her fees to national broadcaster NHK.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE ZEIT GIST
Oct 23, 2007

Human rights survey stinks

On Aug. 25, the Japanese government released findings from a Cabinet poll conducted every four years. Called the "Public Survey on the Defense of Human Rights" ( www8.cao.go.jp/survey/h19/h19-jinken ), it sparked media attention with some apparently good news.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Oct 23, 2007

Which minority groups face the worst discrimination in Japan?

Stephanie CittarelliTeacher, 22 (Australian)Chinese and Koreans are worst off. I've heard Japanese people say bad things about them in conversation. However, they also say they love Chinese and Korean food.
BUSINESS
Oct 23, 2007

Permira plans to buy Arysta

Permira Advisers LLP, Europe's biggest buyout firm, said Monday it will purchase Arysta LifeScience Corp., the world's largest closely held farm chemicals maker, for about ¥250 billion in its first buyout in Japan.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 23, 2007

Carmakers look to emerging India to drive sales

With the 40th Tokyo Motor Show officially opening Saturday, Japanese automakers are hoping the biennial event will encourage visitors to buy new cars and help curb the domestic sales slump.
MORE SPORTS
Oct 22, 2007

Asakusa Kings finishes strong en route to Kikka-sho victory

KYOTO — Asakusa Kings made amends for his Derby second, finishing strongly in the final 100 meters to win the 68th Kikka-sho at Kyoto Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
BUSINESS / JAPANESE PERSPECTIVES
Oct 22, 2007

Japan should study U.S. housing crisis, end land price stagnation

On Sept. 19, just as global financial markets were getting jittery about the U.S. subprime mortgage loan problem, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry released its survey of Japanese land prices.
COMMENTARY
Oct 22, 2007

Potential for Korean progress

HONOLULU — "It could have been worse, a lot worse!" This was my initial reaction to the Oct. 2-4 summit meeting in Pyongyang between South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun and North Korea's "Dear Leader" Kim Jong Il.
EDITORIALS
Oct 22, 2007

Battle line over supply lines

The government has submitted to the Diet a bill to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of U.S.-led antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan. This sets the stage for a confrontation between the ruling and opposition blocs. Deliberations...
EDITORIALS
Oct 22, 2007

Rooting out fraud over the phone

A bill aimed at helping victims of telephone fraud recoup their financial losses is on the Lower House floor. Although the bill, submitted by lawmakers, is well-intended, it is hoped that improvements in the bill will better help victims prevent their money from falling into fraudsters' hands.

Longform

The byzantine process for converting a foreign driver’s license into a Japanese one entails mountains of paperwork and significant stamina — unless you're a lucky license holder from a country or region where these requirements are waived.
Driving in Japan isn’t hard. Getting the license is.