The number of Japanese holiday travelers heading overseas through Tokyo's Haneda airport peaked on Thursday.
With nearly 50 international flights departing from the airport, check-in counters were filled with people off to spend the New Year's holidays overseas, mainly in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian destinations.
Haneda Airport resumed regular international operations in October for the first time in 32 years.
Its international departure terminal features a shopping area designed to look like an old Tokyo street, called "Edo Koji alley."
Restaurants and souvenir shops on the street were crowded with travelers and those there to see them off.
A couple from Tokyo said they are going to spend their holidays in Taiwan instead of Europe, because they have fewer days off this year.
2010年12月31日金曜日
Huge rice cake placed at Atsuta Shrine
Huge rice cakes have been offered to Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya City to thank god for a safe year and pray for prosperity in 2011.
Some 350 farmers offered 5 rice cakes of different sizes on Thursday at the Shinto shrine's annual ceremony.
The largest was 1.5 meters in diameter and weighed more than 400 kilograms.
The farmers walked slowly for about 200 meters as they carried the rice cakes to the hall of worship.
The offering will be placed in the Shrine until the morning of January 8th. Then on the afternoon of that day, the cakes will be cut into pieces and distributed to shrine visitors.
One farmer who participated said he wished for a good harvest next year. 2010's long hot summer had a negative impact on Japan's rice crop.
More than 2 million people are expected to visit Atsuta Shrine during the first 3 days of the New Year.
Some 350 farmers offered 5 rice cakes of different sizes on Thursday at the Shinto shrine's annual ceremony.
The largest was 1.5 meters in diameter and weighed more than 400 kilograms.
The farmers walked slowly for about 200 meters as they carried the rice cakes to the hall of worship.
The offering will be placed in the Shrine until the morning of January 8th. Then on the afternoon of that day, the cakes will be cut into pieces and distributed to shrine visitors.
One farmer who participated said he wished for a good harvest next year. 2010's long hot summer had a negative impact on Japan's rice crop.
More than 2 million people are expected to visit Atsuta Shrine during the first 3 days of the New Year.
2010年12月28日火曜日
Ebizo reaches settlement in violent incident
Japan's popular kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo has announced that he has reached a settlement in a violent incident he was involved in last month.
He made the announcement at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, after prosecutors indicted a man earlier in the day for injuring the actor in a Tokyo bar in late November.
Ebizo said he agreed to a settlement with the man and a former motorcycle gang leader who was at the scene.
Ebizo's lawyer said that under the settlement, the actor will admit that his behavior toward the gang leader triggered the incident and will make an apology. The man who was indicted will also make an apology.
Ebizo said he deeply regrets that the incident was caused by his lack of social responsibility and his bad drinking habit, adding that he hopes the indicted man will make an early return to society.
In the presence of 300 reporters, Ebizo also said he was deeply sorry for troubling many people and the kabuki world.
Asked about the prospect of a comeback to the stage, the actor said he is not in a position to talk about the timing of a comeback.
The kabuki theater operator that organizes Ebizo's performances had announced that his stage appearances will be cancelled for an indefinite period.
He made the announcement at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, after prosecutors indicted a man earlier in the day for injuring the actor in a Tokyo bar in late November.
Ebizo said he agreed to a settlement with the man and a former motorcycle gang leader who was at the scene.
Ebizo's lawyer said that under the settlement, the actor will admit that his behavior toward the gang leader triggered the incident and will make an apology. The man who was indicted will also make an apology.
Ebizo said he deeply regrets that the incident was caused by his lack of social responsibility and his bad drinking habit, adding that he hopes the indicted man will make an early return to society.
In the presence of 300 reporters, Ebizo also said he was deeply sorry for troubling many people and the kabuki world.
Asked about the prospect of a comeback to the stage, the actor said he is not in a position to talk about the timing of a comeback.
The kabuki theater operator that organizes Ebizo's performances had announced that his stage appearances will be cancelled for an indefinite period.
Worsening employment situation
A survey by Japan's labor ministry shows that more than 300,000 non-regular workers lost or will lose their jobs between the October 2008 onset of the global financial crisis and March of next year.
The ministry found that as of December 17th, around 300,740 non-regular workers had lost their jobs or were expected to lose them because of the termination or expiration of their contracts.
The figure is up by about 2,200 from the previous month.
Around 152,000 of them were workers dispatched from staffing agencies, while about 74,000 were seasonal employees.
The ministry tracked down about 147,000 of the laid-off workers and found that only 67 percent of them had found new jobs.
The ministry also surveyed cases in which 100 or more full-time regular workers were dismissed or will be dismissed at one time between October 2008 and March 2011.
It found that the number of such workers stood at nearly 82,500, marking a month-on-month increase of about 1,700.
The ministry found that as of December 17th, around 300,740 non-regular workers had lost their jobs or were expected to lose them because of the termination or expiration of their contracts.
The figure is up by about 2,200 from the previous month.
Around 152,000 of them were workers dispatched from staffing agencies, while about 74,000 were seasonal employees.
The ministry tracked down about 147,000 of the laid-off workers and found that only 67 percent of them had found new jobs.
The ministry also surveyed cases in which 100 or more full-time regular workers were dismissed or will be dismissed at one time between October 2008 and March 2011.
It found that the number of such workers stood at nearly 82,500, marking a month-on-month increase of about 1,700.
Dazaifu shrine has year-end cleaning ritual
A shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, western Japan, held its annual year-end cleaning ritual on Tuesday.
The main hall in the Dazaifu-Tenmangu shrine is dusted every year on December 28th.
Seven priests dressed in ceremonial clothing used 4-meter long bamboo stalks to carefully dust the ceiling and other places without damaging the artfully lacquered pillars.
The shrine is dedicated to the 9th century scholar Sugawara Michizane, revered as a patron of learning and the arts. About 2 million people will visit the shrine over the first 3 days of the New Year to pray for good luck.
A visitor from Kagawa Prefecture said his grandchild was born just the previous day, and he hopes next year will be a happy one for children
The main hall in the Dazaifu-Tenmangu shrine is dusted every year on December 28th.
Seven priests dressed in ceremonial clothing used 4-meter long bamboo stalks to carefully dust the ceiling and other places without damaging the artfully lacquered pillars.
The shrine is dedicated to the 9th century scholar Sugawara Michizane, revered as a patron of learning and the arts. About 2 million people will visit the shrine over the first 3 days of the New Year to pray for good luck.
A visitor from Kagawa Prefecture said his grandchild was born just the previous day, and he hopes next year will be a happy one for children
2010年12月27日月曜日
Hard times for job changers
A survey by a major job placement agency shows that Japanese moving to other employers take an average of 5.7 months to start a new position. It is the longest period reported since the survey began 2 years ago.
The quarterly survey is based on data given by 2,000 to 3,000 people who succeeded in changing jobs. Results for the July to September period suggest it took an average of 5.7 months for people to find a new employer. That's up about three weeks from the same period last year, and is the longest ever.
12.9 percent of people took more than a year to find a new position, which is up 5 points.
Asked why they changed jobs, 48.3 percent said they were worried about the future of their firm. 24 percent were not satisfied with their pay. 19.6 percent were forced to change employer due to bankruptcy or restructuring.
Professor Naohiro Yashiro of International Christian University, a labor economics specialist, says firms are being cautious about hiring job changers and new graduates due to the sluggish economy. He says careful selection by firms is making it harder for people to change jobs.
The quarterly survey is based on data given by 2,000 to 3,000 people who succeeded in changing jobs. Results for the July to September period suggest it took an average of 5.7 months for people to find a new employer. That's up about three weeks from the same period last year, and is the longest ever.
12.9 percent of people took more than a year to find a new position, which is up 5 points.
Asked why they changed jobs, 48.3 percent said they were worried about the future of their firm. 24 percent were not satisfied with their pay. 19.6 percent were forced to change employer due to bankruptcy or restructuring.
Professor Naohiro Yashiro of International Christian University, a labor economics specialist, says firms are being cautious about hiring job changers and new graduates due to the sluggish economy. He says careful selection by firms is making it harder for people to change jobs.
2010年12月25日土曜日
Teachers with mental problems on the rise
A survey by the education ministry has found that the number of teachers who took leaves due to mental problems has reached a record high.
Eight-thousand-six-hundred-twenty-seven teachers at public elementary, junior high, high, and special-needs schools across the country took leaves due to illness last fiscal year, up 49 from the figure the previous year.
A record 5,458, or 63.3 percent of them, were absent due to mental illness, such as adjustment disorder.
The number was 58 higher than the figure in the previous fiscal year.
School boards where those teachers work say stress caused by increased workload, burden of responding to various requests from parents, and, in the case of young teachers, the gap between the image they had of the job and the reality, are among the causes of the mental problems.
The ministry says that, although more and more education boards and schools are starting to understand the teachers' mental problems, further steps need to be taken to prevent illness and help those who have returned to work.
Eight-thousand-six-hundred-twenty-seven teachers at public elementary, junior high, high, and special-needs schools across the country took leaves due to illness last fiscal year, up 49 from the figure the previous year.
A record 5,458, or 63.3 percent of them, were absent due to mental illness, such as adjustment disorder.
The number was 58 higher than the figure in the previous fiscal year.
School boards where those teachers work say stress caused by increased workload, burden of responding to various requests from parents, and, in the case of young teachers, the gap between the image they had of the job and the reality, are among the causes of the mental problems.
The ministry says that, although more and more education boards and schools are starting to understand the teachers' mental problems, further steps need to be taken to prevent illness and help those who have returned to work.
2010年12月21日火曜日
Kabuki theater memorabilia on display
Memorabilia from the historic Kabuki-za theater has gone on display in Tokyo. The theater, famous for its elaborate facade, was a popular attraction in the Ginza district before being razed earlier this year to be rebuilt as a skyscraper.
200 items, including lobby furniture and roof tiles, are being displayed in a department store in central Tokyo.
The theater's famed runway has been replicated using a curtain and wooden floor boards from the old building.
Visitors can view the nameplates of Kabuki actors who took part in the theater's final performance in April. Photographs of 19th and 20th century Kabuki actors are also being exhibited.
The new theater is scheduled for completion in 2013.
200 items, including lobby furniture and roof tiles, are being displayed in a department store in central Tokyo.
The theater's famed runway has been replicated using a curtain and wooden floor boards from the old building.
Visitors can view the nameplates of Kabuki actors who took part in the theater's final performance in April. Photographs of 19th and 20th century Kabuki actors are also being exhibited.
The new theater is scheduled for completion in 2013.
Nebuta giant float set up in shrine near Tokyo
A giant paper float has been illuminated at a shrine near Tokyo in preparation for worshippers during the New Year.
The wooden-framed float was placed into Samukawa Shrine, south of Tokyo. It is featured in one of Japan's most famous summer events, the Nebuta festival, held annually in Aomori Prefecture. The float was brought from Aomori, and measures 2 meters tall and 8-and-a-half meters wide.
The painted shapes are the main characters of a 10th century Japanese folktale known as the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
This scene shows the protagonist, Princess Kaguya, on her way back to the Moon while a young aristocratic suitor tries to stop her.
The Princess is holding a rabbit, which is the zodiac sign for 2011.
On Monday night, shrine officials tested the 400 light bulbs inside the float, to the delight of visitors.
One woman said the float was very colorful and beautiful.
The shrine will illuminate the float every night from New Year's Day through February 3rd.
The wooden-framed float was placed into Samukawa Shrine, south of Tokyo. It is featured in one of Japan's most famous summer events, the Nebuta festival, held annually in Aomori Prefecture. The float was brought from Aomori, and measures 2 meters tall and 8-and-a-half meters wide.
The painted shapes are the main characters of a 10th century Japanese folktale known as the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
This scene shows the protagonist, Princess Kaguya, on her way back to the Moon while a young aristocratic suitor tries to stop her.
The Princess is holding a rabbit, which is the zodiac sign for 2011.
On Monday night, shrine officials tested the 400 light bulbs inside the float, to the delight of visitors.
One woman said the float was very colorful and beautiful.
The shrine will illuminate the float every night from New Year's Day through February 3rd.
2010年12月16日木曜日
Sanctuary to be set for rare fish in Yamanashi
Local authorities and fishermen will create a sanctuary in a lake near Tokyo where a rare fish has been discovered 70 years after it was declared extinct in Japan.
The decision was made on Wednesday after the Kunimasu, a subspecies of sockeye salmon, was confirmed to inhabit Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Local officials and fisheries cooperatives agreed to make part of the lake a preserve for the fish after the end of December. That's when the fishing season closes for the Himemasu, a local specialty.
The Kunimasu was originally thought to live only in Lake Tazawa in the northern prefecture of Akita. The fish is believed to have become extinct there.
But a research group led by Professor Tetsuji Nakabo of the Kyoto University Museum examined fish found in Lake Saiko and determined that they were the Kunimasu.
Officials and the fishermen will meet the researcher next week to learn about the ecology of the fish and work out a specific plan on where in the lake fishing should be banned.
Lake Saiko is one of the 5 lakes at the foot of Mt Fuji.
It is said to be preserved in a relatively unspoiled condition.
The decision was made on Wednesday after the Kunimasu, a subspecies of sockeye salmon, was confirmed to inhabit Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Local officials and fisheries cooperatives agreed to make part of the lake a preserve for the fish after the end of December. That's when the fishing season closes for the Himemasu, a local specialty.
The Kunimasu was originally thought to live only in Lake Tazawa in the northern prefecture of Akita. The fish is believed to have become extinct there.
But a research group led by Professor Tetsuji Nakabo of the Kyoto University Museum examined fish found in Lake Saiko and determined that they were the Kunimasu.
Officials and the fishermen will meet the researcher next week to learn about the ecology of the fish and work out a specific plan on where in the lake fishing should be banned.
Lake Saiko is one of the 5 lakes at the foot of Mt Fuji.
It is said to be preserved in a relatively unspoiled condition.
2010年12月14日火曜日
Japanese publishers: Apple helps illegal acts
Japanese publishers have urged US consumer electronics maker Apple to stop selling pirated copies of novels by popular Japanese writers through its online distribution service.
A joint statement issued on Tuesday by 4 industry groups, including the Japan Book Publishers Association, says many illegal copies are still available for download on Apple's online store.
The statement says the App Store's distribution of content that clearly violates copyrights is illegal and tantamount to assisting in illegal acts. It also says the distributer bears responsibility for the problem.
The publishers say unauthorized editions of popular novels by Haruki Murakami and Keigo Higashino had been distributed through the service.
They urge the App Store to screen materials for copyright status before distributing them, and demand full disclosure of information on pirated items from the store.
Apple's Japanese branch replies that it fully understands the importance of copyrights, and that it will promptly respond to any request on copyright violations.
A joint statement issued on Tuesday by 4 industry groups, including the Japan Book Publishers Association, says many illegal copies are still available for download on Apple's online store.
The statement says the App Store's distribution of content that clearly violates copyrights is illegal and tantamount to assisting in illegal acts. It also says the distributer bears responsibility for the problem.
The publishers say unauthorized editions of popular novels by Haruki Murakami and Keigo Higashino had been distributed through the service.
They urge the App Store to screen materials for copyright status before distributing them, and demand full disclosure of information on pirated items from the store.
Apple's Japanese branch replies that it fully understands the importance of copyrights, and that it will promptly respond to any request on copyright violations.
2010年12月13日月曜日
Year-end cleaning at shrine and temple
Shrines and temples across Japan began their annual cleaning rituals on Monday ahead of the New Year.
At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, about 150 priests and shrine officials used five-meter long bamboo stalks to dust the beams and the upper parts of the shrine's pillars. The bamboo stalks were cut on a nearby mountain.
A shrine official says about 2.5 million visitors are expected during the first 3 days of the New Year.
In Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, Buddhist monks also cleaned the Kashozan Mirokuji temple in Numata.
It is known as the temple of the teng -- long-nosed goblin-like creatures in Japanese folklore.
The temple houses many tengu masks that come in a variety of sizes from 10 centimeters up to more than 6 meters.
At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, about 150 priests and shrine officials used five-meter long bamboo stalks to dust the beams and the upper parts of the shrine's pillars. The bamboo stalks were cut on a nearby mountain.
A shrine official says about 2.5 million visitors are expected during the first 3 days of the New Year.
In Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, Buddhist monks also cleaned the Kashozan Mirokuji temple in Numata.
It is known as the temple of the teng -- long-nosed goblin-like creatures in Japanese folklore.
The temple houses many tengu masks that come in a variety of sizes from 10 centimeters up to more than 6 meters.
Kyoto Geiko offer early New Year greetings
In the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto, traditional female entertainers made courtesy calls on their dance masters ahead of the New Year.
Apprentice geisha, called geiko and maiko, traditionally visit their masters on December 13th to thank them for the past year and to offer early New Year's greetings.
Yachiyo Inoue was among the masters receiving such visit.
Inoue offered her apprentices words of encouragement and presented each of them with a new fan to use when they dance.
Apprentice geisha, called geiko and maiko, traditionally visit their masters on December 13th to thank them for the past year and to offer early New Year's greetings.
Yachiyo Inoue was among the masters receiving such visit.
Inoue offered her apprentices words of encouragement and presented each of them with a new fan to use when they dance.
2010年12月12日日曜日
Survey to cover indigenous Ainu nationwide
The Japanese government is going to conduct a survey on the living conditions of the indigenous Ainu people ahead of drawing up a new law aimed at providing them with nationwide support.
The central and prefectural government in Hokkaido have been providing support for the Ainu, most of who live in Hokkaido. But, outside of Hokkaido, public assistance for the Ainu lags behind.
The central government will survey about 300 Ainu, living outside Hokkaido, and their offspring aged 15 or older. Their ancestors are believed to have left Hokkaido during the 1800s or later. They were identified in a recent study.
The new survey will study their living conditions including education, employment and annual salaries, and will investigate whether they suffer discrimination.
The results will be complied by March and will serve as the basis for a new law to support the Ainu throughout the country.
The central and prefectural government in Hokkaido have been providing support for the Ainu, most of who live in Hokkaido. But, outside of Hokkaido, public assistance for the Ainu lags behind.
The central government will survey about 300 Ainu, living outside Hokkaido, and their offspring aged 15 or older. Their ancestors are believed to have left Hokkaido during the 1800s or later. They were identified in a recent study.
The new survey will study their living conditions including education, employment and annual salaries, and will investigate whether they suffer discrimination.
The results will be complied by March and will serve as the basis for a new law to support the Ainu throughout the country.
World Heritage bridge cleaned for New Year
A bridge registered as a World Heritage site in Nikko, north of Tokyo, has undergone thorough cleaning to prepare for the New Year.
The arch-shaped, vermillion-lacquered "shinkyo", or "god's bridge", is 28 meters long, and lies at the entrance to Futarasan shrine and Toshogu shrine.
On Sunday, priests at Futarasan shrine carried out a ritual to extend gratitude for safety during the year.
Priests and priestesses wearing masks and gloves dusted off the bridge railings with bamboo branches that are about 3 meters long.
Tourists took photos of the cleaning being performed under clear skies.
Year-end cleaning will also be conducted at Toshogu shrine and Rinnoji temple to prepare for worshippers during the New Year holidays.
The arch-shaped, vermillion-lacquered "shinkyo", or "god's bridge", is 28 meters long, and lies at the entrance to Futarasan shrine and Toshogu shrine.
On Sunday, priests at Futarasan shrine carried out a ritual to extend gratitude for safety during the year.
Priests and priestesses wearing masks and gloves dusted off the bridge railings with bamboo branches that are about 3 meters long.
Tourists took photos of the cleaning being performed under clear skies.
Year-end cleaning will also be conducted at Toshogu shrine and Rinnoji temple to prepare for worshippers during the New Year holidays.
2010年12月11日土曜日
Influenza outbreak may spread nationwide
Japanese authorities are warning that an influenza outbreak may spread nationwide this winter.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says that 3,333 influenza cases were reported by about 5,000 medical institutions across Japan in the week that ended on Sunday. That's up more than 1,200 from the previous week and is the biggest increase so far this season.
The institute says 69 percent of the patients have seasonal type A influenza, and 27 percent are infected with the H1N1 strain. Japan had a major outbreak of H1N1 influenza last winter.
The institute is advising people to take precautionary measures such as washing their hands and having vaccinations.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says that 3,333 influenza cases were reported by about 5,000 medical institutions across Japan in the week that ended on Sunday. That's up more than 1,200 from the previous week and is the biggest increase so far this season.
The institute says 69 percent of the patients have seasonal type A influenza, and 27 percent are infected with the H1N1 strain. Japan had a major outbreak of H1N1 influenza last winter.
The institute is advising people to take precautionary measures such as washing their hands and having vaccinations.
2010年12月10日金曜日
Super low-cost carrier starts service at Haneda
Tokyo's Haneda airport has allowed a foreign low-cost airliner access to the facilities for the first time since the transport hub resumed its international operations last month.
The low-cost Malaysian carrier AirAsia X on Thursday started a shuttle service linking the country's capital Kuala Lumpur with Haneda 3 times a week.
The first flight with 320 passengers on board arrived at the airport on schedule at 10:30 pm local time.
The company's CEO Azran Osman-Rani welcomed the passengers at the airport.
The Malaysian carrier has set discount fares at around 60 dollars and regular economy seats at 165 dollars, one way. These fares are much cheaper than those of major carriers.
The carrier says it has made efforts to cut expenses by omitting some services on board and raising operation rates.
One of the travelers said the fare was less than half of what she used to pay, and her seat was comfortable with enough space.
Increasing numbers of foreign-based air carriers are expanding their services to Japan. Japan's All Nippon Airways will also establish a low-cost carrier next month.
Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:03:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
The low-cost Malaysian carrier AirAsia X on Thursday started a shuttle service linking the country's capital Kuala Lumpur with Haneda 3 times a week.
The first flight with 320 passengers on board arrived at the airport on schedule at 10:30 pm local time.
The company's CEO Azran Osman-Rani welcomed the passengers at the airport.
The Malaysian carrier has set discount fares at around 60 dollars and regular economy seats at 165 dollars, one way. These fares are much cheaper than those of major carriers.
The carrier says it has made efforts to cut expenses by omitting some services on board and raising operation rates.
One of the travelers said the fare was less than half of what she used to pay, and her seat was comfortable with enough space.
Increasing numbers of foreign-based air carriers are expanding their services to Japan. Japan's All Nippon Airways will also establish a low-cost carrier next month.
Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:03:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
Character meaning "hot" is kanji of the year
People in Japan have chosen the kanji Chinese character meaning "hot" as the one that best symbolizes the year 2010.
An organization promoting the use of kanji characters announced its annual poll results on Friday.
The character for hot was chosen from about 280,000 entries, the most ever submitted since the poll began in 1995.
At the announcement event, the chief priest of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto wrote the character on a large board with a calligraphy brush.
The organization says people who voted for the kanji had in mind the unusually hot summer that made many people ill and caused vegetable prices to soar.
The 33 Chilean miners who survived searing temperatures underground for more than 2 months also seem to have inspired voters.
Others cited Japan's unmanned space probe Hayabusa as the reason for their choice.
Hayabusa, which brought back to Earth the first-ever asteroid samples in June, burnt up in the 10,000-degrees Celsius heat of its re-entry. But a capsule containing the samples survived the trip.
The second most popular character this year is one meaning "center". It is the first character in the Japanese word for "China". The country drew much attention this year with the Shanghai Expo and bilateral friction with Japan.
The third-most popular character is the pictogram used for such words as "unstable" and "unaccounted".
The choice may reflect the tenuous political and economic environment, as well as revelations this year that the whereabouts of a large number of senior citizens is unknown.
An organization promoting the use of kanji characters announced its annual poll results on Friday.
The character for hot was chosen from about 280,000 entries, the most ever submitted since the poll began in 1995.
At the announcement event, the chief priest of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto wrote the character on a large board with a calligraphy brush.
The organization says people who voted for the kanji had in mind the unusually hot summer that made many people ill and caused vegetable prices to soar.
The 33 Chilean miners who survived searing temperatures underground for more than 2 months also seem to have inspired voters.
Others cited Japan's unmanned space probe Hayabusa as the reason for their choice.
Hayabusa, which brought back to Earth the first-ever asteroid samples in June, burnt up in the 10,000-degrees Celsius heat of its re-entry. But a capsule containing the samples survived the trip.
The second most popular character this year is one meaning "center". It is the first character in the Japanese word for "China". The country drew much attention this year with the Shanghai Expo and bilateral friction with Japan.
The third-most popular character is the pictogram used for such words as "unstable" and "unaccounted".
The choice may reflect the tenuous political and economic environment, as well as revelations this year that the whereabouts of a large number of senior citizens is unknown.
2010年12月8日水曜日
Ebizo denies any allegations on violence
Japan's popular kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo has apologized for his involvement in a bar fight but denied he used violence during the clash. The kabuki theater operator says Ebizo's stage appearances will be cancelled for an indefinite period.
In the November incident, the 33-year-old actor suffered serious facial injuries from the brawl.
After he left a hospital on Tuesday, Ebizo appeared at a news conference, packed with 500 media crew, for the first time since the incident.
With a bloody left eye and puffy eye lids, he bowed deeply and apologized for troubling Kabuki fans and others concerned, while at moments choking with tears.
Ebizo said he met the people he was drinking with, and his assailants, for the first time that night. He stated that he was hit after trying to help his drinking friend who fell down. The actor said he thought he would die while being beaten and running away from the attackers.
The police have an arrest warrant for a 26-year-old man on charges of inflicting injury to the kabuki actor.
The kabuki theater operator president, Jun-ichi Sakomoto, said Ebizo's drinking habit is one of the reasons for the incident and banned him from appearing on stage indefinitely.
In the November incident, the 33-year-old actor suffered serious facial injuries from the brawl.
After he left a hospital on Tuesday, Ebizo appeared at a news conference, packed with 500 media crew, for the first time since the incident.
With a bloody left eye and puffy eye lids, he bowed deeply and apologized for troubling Kabuki fans and others concerned, while at moments choking with tears.
Ebizo said he met the people he was drinking with, and his assailants, for the first time that night. He stated that he was hit after trying to help his drinking friend who fell down. The actor said he thought he would die while being beaten and running away from the attackers.
The police have an arrest warrant for a 26-year-old man on charges of inflicting injury to the kabuki actor.
The kabuki theater operator president, Jun-ichi Sakomoto, said Ebizo's drinking habit is one of the reasons for the incident and banned him from appearing on stage indefinitely.
Horyuji Buddhist statues cleaned for New Year
The annual year-end dusting of Buddhist statues took place at Horyuji temple in Nara Prefecture, western Japan.
On Wednesday morning, monks wearing masks recited a sutra before setting to work in the main hall of the temple.
Using brushes and dusters made of traditional Japanese paper, the monks cleaned the heads and shoulders of the Shaka-sanzon and the sitting Yakushi-nyorai statues, all designated national treasures.
For a while, the ancient hall was filled with white dust.
Worshippers arrived later to offer prayers to the cleaned statues.
On Wednesday morning, monks wearing masks recited a sutra before setting to work in the main hall of the temple.
Using brushes and dusters made of traditional Japanese paper, the monks cleaned the heads and shoulders of the Shaka-sanzon and the sitting Yakushi-nyorai statues, all designated national treasures.
For a while, the ancient hall was filled with white dust.
Worshippers arrived later to offer prayers to the cleaned statues.
2010年12月7日火曜日
Annual year-end clean-up at Dogo Hot Spring
A historic hot spring facility in Matsuyama city, western Japan, has undergone its traditional annual cleaning ahead of the busy holiday season.
The Dogo Hot Spring main building, which is designated an important cultural asset, is one of the city's top tourist attractions. The facility receives more than 700,000 bathers a year. During the year-end and New Year holidays, it draws a whopping 6,000 people a day --- triple the usual average.
Every year in December, the building is shut down for one day for a top-to-bottom scouring.
On Tuesday, 80 municipal employees and staff at local inns carried out tatami mats for airing, and dusted the ceiling and lights.
They also cleaned the roof and under the eaves using brooms tied to 6-meter-long bamboo poles.
A tourist from Osaka said she was surprised by the scale of the clean-up, but that she felt lucky to have witnessed an event held only once a year.
2010年12月4日土曜日
Shimotsuki festival starts in Nagano
The annual Shimotsuki Festival has begun in a remote mountain village in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan.
Nine Shinto shrines in the Toyama-go area of Iida City take turns to host the event in the lunar month of November. Water is boiled on a furnace and splashed to pray for good health. The festival has been designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan.
Nichigetsu Shrine hosted the event on Wednesday.
Elementary school students performed festival music with flutes while adults played drums. A shrine worker wearing a long-nosed tengu mask splashed boiling water, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
A pupil in the musical troupe joined a dance performed by adults taking the role of gods.
The festival continues until December 15th.
Nine Shinto shrines in the Toyama-go area of Iida City take turns to host the event in the lunar month of November. Water is boiled on a furnace and splashed to pray for good health. The festival has been designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan.
Nichigetsu Shrine hosted the event on Wednesday.
Elementary school students performed festival music with flutes while adults played drums. A shrine worker wearing a long-nosed tengu mask splashed boiling water, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
A pupil in the musical troupe joined a dance performed by adults taking the role of gods.
The festival continues until December 15th.
Mixi suspends social search service
Japan's leading social networking site, mixi, has suspended its new search service in the face of growing concerns about violations of privacy.
Mixi, which boasts around 22 million subscribers in Japan, halted the service on Thursday due to a number of complaints by users.
The search service, launched on Tuesday, allows users to find out whether someone else is also a mixi user by merely entering the person's e-mail address.
But the operator of the site was flooded with complaints that third parties are abusing the service by entering whatever e-mail addresses are available on the Internet.
The operator says it will resume the service after modifying it to prevent abuse.
Similar services have already been introduced by major social networking sites overseas.
Mixi, which boasts around 22 million subscribers in Japan, halted the service on Thursday due to a number of complaints by users.
The search service, launched on Tuesday, allows users to find out whether someone else is also a mixi user by merely entering the person's e-mail address.
But the operator of the site was flooded with complaints that third parties are abusing the service by entering whatever e-mail addresses are available on the Internet.
The operator says it will resume the service after modifying it to prevent abuse.
Similar services have already been introduced by major social networking sites overseas.
2010年12月1日水曜日
50% more college students visit public job centers
Of the current crop of college students due to graduate from Japan's universities next March, far more than usual are visiting a large public job center in Tokyo as the tough employment situation continues.
The Shinagawa job center has a consultation counter exclusively for college students who will graduate next year and those who graduated in the past three years.
On Wednesday, the first day of December, many college students looking for jobs visited the center, where they can find out about vacancies at companies or receive advice on how to handle job interviews.
The center says the number of students who used its services during the seven months through to October rose 50 percent from a year earlier.
One senior at a university in Tokyo says the employment situation is so severe that almost no friends have secured jobs so far and that any job opportunities should not be missed.
A man who graduated from university in March this year says he did not consider working for a small to midsized company last year but that he has had to expand his search to include such firms this year.
The head of the job center says students who are unable to find a job after visiting several dozens or even hundreds of companies come to his center. He says he wants to be able to continue helping those students.
The Shinagawa job center has a consultation counter exclusively for college students who will graduate next year and those who graduated in the past three years.
On Wednesday, the first day of December, many college students looking for jobs visited the center, where they can find out about vacancies at companies or receive advice on how to handle job interviews.
The center says the number of students who used its services during the seven months through to October rose 50 percent from a year earlier.
One senior at a university in Tokyo says the employment situation is so severe that almost no friends have secured jobs so far and that any job opportunities should not be missed.
A man who graduated from university in March this year says he did not consider working for a small to midsized company last year but that he has had to expand his search to include such firms this year.
The head of the job center says students who are unable to find a job after visiting several dozens or even hundreds of companies come to his center. He says he wants to be able to continue helping those students.
2010年11月30日火曜日
Chickens at bird flu-hit farm destroyed
Officials in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, have begun destroying some 23,000 chickens at a poultry farm that's been hit by bird flu.
The highly virulent H5 strain of the avian flu virus was detected in 5 chickens that were found dead at the farm in Yasugi city on Monday.
On Tuesday, dozens of officials in protective gear arrived at the farm to destroy all its chickens.
In addition, movement of chickens and eggs has been restricted at 4 other poultry farms within 10 kilometers of the site.
Officials say no other suspected cases of bird flu have been reported in Shimane or in neighboring Tottori Prefecture.
The Environment Ministry has begun an emergency survey of areas around the infected farm to see if there are any dead wild birds. No abnormalities have been reported so far.
The ministry has also decided to postpone the transfer of 4 Japanese crested ibises to Izumo city, in Shimane Prefecture, from Sado Island, in Niigata Prefecture, that had been planned for Friday this week.
The transfer is part of a scheme to breed the endangered birds at different locations to lower the risk of decimation from disease.
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:33:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
The highly virulent H5 strain of the avian flu virus was detected in 5 chickens that were found dead at the farm in Yasugi city on Monday.
On Tuesday, dozens of officials in protective gear arrived at the farm to destroy all its chickens.
In addition, movement of chickens and eggs has been restricted at 4 other poultry farms within 10 kilometers of the site.
Officials say no other suspected cases of bird flu have been reported in Shimane or in neighboring Tottori Prefecture.
The Environment Ministry has begun an emergency survey of areas around the infected farm to see if there are any dead wild birds. No abnormalities have been reported so far.
The ministry has also decided to postpone the transfer of 4 Japanese crested ibises to Izumo city, in Shimane Prefecture, from Sado Island, in Niigata Prefecture, that had been planned for Friday this week.
The transfer is part of a scheme to breed the endangered birds at different locations to lower the risk of decimation from disease.
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:33:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
2010年11月26日金曜日
Toyota robot wins 2010 award
The 2010 Robot of the Year Award has been given to an industrial robot that puts spare tires in car trunks on automobile assembly lines.
The award, established by Japan's industry ministry, is aimed at promoting the practical use of robots.
At the award ceremony in Tokyo on Friday, the brainchild of a group led by Toyota Motor was given the top award for its superior design.
Industrial robots are usually not safe enough to use near humans. But this robot can work with people on the same assembly line, as it is equipped with functions to prevent workers from being hurt in accidents.
Eleven other robots were also given awards at the ceremony. They include a biped robot that can change its facial expression and hold simple conversations.
The robot was even used in a fashion show.
Another award-winning robot is designed to harvest strawberries. With its camera and sensor, the robot can choose ripe berries and pick them without damaging them.
The award, established by Japan's industry ministry, is aimed at promoting the practical use of robots.
At the award ceremony in Tokyo on Friday, the brainchild of a group led by Toyota Motor was given the top award for its superior design.
Industrial robots are usually not safe enough to use near humans. But this robot can work with people on the same assembly line, as it is equipped with functions to prevent workers from being hurt in accidents.
Eleven other robots were also given awards at the ceremony. They include a biped robot that can change its facial expression and hold simple conversations.
The robot was even used in a fashion show.
Another award-winning robot is designed to harvest strawberries. With its camera and sensor, the robot can choose ripe berries and pick them without damaging them.
Rabbits for New Year
Preparations are gathering pace for Japan's New Year celebrations, which will ring in the Year of the Rabbit.
At the Dazaifu-Tenmangu shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, western Japan, female attendants are turning out thousands of good-luck charms inspired by rabbits, which will be sold over the New Year period.
The shrine is dedicated to the 10th century statesman, Sugawara Michizane, revered as a god of learning and the arts.
In the shrine's main hall, female attendants clad in traditional hakama costume are attaching rabbit plaques to sacred arrows, or 'hamaya'. They are also hand-painting miniature decorative rabbits.
Like the creatures in real life, the rabbit charms are multiplying rapidly, with the shrine aiming to produce some 100 thousand of them by December 20th.
One of the female attendants says she is crafting each rabbit while praying for good health for all through 2011.
The shrine is expecting more than 2 million worshippers during the first 3 days of the New Year.
At the Dazaifu-Tenmangu shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, western Japan, female attendants are turning out thousands of good-luck charms inspired by rabbits, which will be sold over the New Year period.
The shrine is dedicated to the 10th century statesman, Sugawara Michizane, revered as a god of learning and the arts.
In the shrine's main hall, female attendants clad in traditional hakama costume are attaching rabbit plaques to sacred arrows, or 'hamaya'. They are also hand-painting miniature decorative rabbits.
Like the creatures in real life, the rabbit charms are multiplying rapidly, with the shrine aiming to produce some 100 thousand of them by December 20th.
One of the female attendants says she is crafting each rabbit while praying for good health for all through 2011.
The shrine is expecting more than 2 million worshippers during the first 3 days of the New Year.
2010年11月25日木曜日
Death sentence for minor defendant
A district court in Japan has handed down Japan's first death sentence for a minor in a lay judge court, to a youth who was 18 years old when he murdered 2 women and injured a man.
The defendant was indicted for breaking into a house in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, last February, and
stabbing to death his former girlfriend's sister and friend.
The defendant had admitted to the charges, so the lay judge court was tasked with deciding on punishment.
Prosecutors demanded the death sentence.
In Thursday's ruling, Presiding Judge Nobuyuki Suzuki of the Sendai District Court said the defendant broke into the house with a strong intent to kill anyone who would stop him from taking his ex-girlfriend. The judge called the crime cruel and extremely brutal.
The judge said the defendant said words of repentance but only superficially, and did not recognize the seriousness of his crime. The judge added that it is highly unlikely that the defendant can be rehabilitated.
The judge said the court found that the defendant's age at the time of the crime is no reason for him to escape capital punishment.
The defendant was indicted for breaking into a house in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, last February, and
stabbing to death his former girlfriend's sister and friend.
The defendant had admitted to the charges, so the lay judge court was tasked with deciding on punishment.
Prosecutors demanded the death sentence.
In Thursday's ruling, Presiding Judge Nobuyuki Suzuki of the Sendai District Court said the defendant broke into the house with a strong intent to kill anyone who would stop him from taking his ex-girlfriend. The judge called the crime cruel and extremely brutal.
The judge said the defendant said words of repentance but only superficially, and did not recognize the seriousness of his crime. The judge added that it is highly unlikely that the defendant can be rehabilitated.
The judge said the court found that the defendant's age at the time of the crime is no reason for him to escape capital punishment.
2010年11月24日水曜日
Year-end lottery tickets go on sale
Annual year-end lottery tickets have gone on sale across Japan, with a payout of more than 2.4 million dollars for each top prize winner.
About 1,000 people were lined up at a lottery ticket booth in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district when sales began at 8:30 Wednesday morning. Some people had been in line since Tuesday afternoon.
The booth is popular among lottery fans because it sold 3 tickets that hit the jackpot in each of the past 2 years.
A 37-year-old company worker who was first in line told NHK that if he wins, he plans to travel around the world.
A woman in her 60s said she would save the money for her old age.
Lottery sales have been in decline since peaking in 2001. The operator says it has doubled the number of top- and second-prize winners from last year to 444, in an effort to boost sales.
Tickets will be on sale until December 24th. The winners will be drawn on New Year's Eve.
About 1,000 people were lined up at a lottery ticket booth in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district when sales began at 8:30 Wednesday morning. Some people had been in line since Tuesday afternoon.
The booth is popular among lottery fans because it sold 3 tickets that hit the jackpot in each of the past 2 years.
A 37-year-old company worker who was first in line told NHK that if he wins, he plans to travel around the world.
A woman in her 60s said she would save the money for her old age.
Lottery sales have been in decline since peaking in 2001. The operator says it has doubled the number of top- and second-prize winners from last year to 444, in an effort to boost sales.
Tickets will be on sale until December 24th. The winners will be drawn on New Year's Eve.
2010年11月23日火曜日
Hot-water bottles a winter hit
With winter approaching, an age-old heating system is making a comeback in Japan.
Ceramic makers in the central prefecture of Gifu are reporting brisk sales of hot-water bottles, which offer an environmentally friendly way to beat the cold.
Many hot-water bottles in Japan are made of steel. But ceramic ones are proving increasingly popular as they retain heat longer.
Toru Kato is a ceramic master in Gifu's Tajimi City, one of Japan's centers of ceramic manufacturing.
He makes hot-water bottles in the shape of rabbits or hedgehogs as well as basic ovals. He glazes them, then dries them under the sun, turning them slowly.
Kato says that, as an artisan, he is happy if people feel affection for his bottles
2010年11月20日土曜日
Quake drill held at Tokyo Tower
An earthquake drill has been held at Tokyo Tower to rescue many injured people from its 150-meter-high observatory.
About 200 people, including firefighters, took part in the first drill of its kind on Saturday on the assumption that a strong earthquake occurred with a focus in Tokyo Bay.
Rescue workers carrying stretchers ran up about 600 steps to reach the observatory in about 10 minutes.
The observatory is situated around the middle of the tower, which is as tall as a 30-story building.
The workers put mannequins weighing about 30 kilograms onto stretchers and carried them down in teams of 4 members.
The workers called out to each other so that the stretchers would not hit the walls of the narrow staircase. They completed the drill in about 2 hours.
About 200 people, including firefighters, took part in the first drill of its kind on Saturday on the assumption that a strong earthquake occurred with a focus in Tokyo Bay.
Rescue workers carrying stretchers ran up about 600 steps to reach the observatory in about 10 minutes.
The observatory is situated around the middle of the tower, which is as tall as a 30-story building.
The workers put mannequins weighing about 30 kilograms onto stretchers and carried them down in teams of 4 members.
The workers called out to each other so that the stretchers would not hit the walls of the narrow staircase. They completed the drill in about 2 hours.
2010年11月19日金曜日
Mt Fuji to be designated historical site
The Japanese government will designate Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as a national historical site.
A Cultural Affairs Agency panel recommended to the culture minister on Friday that the mountain and 10 other sites be officially recognized for their importance to Japanese culture.
Located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, the 3,776-meter-high mountain, which is also an active volcano, is a world famous symbol of Japan.
Mt Fuji is also worshipped as a sacred mountain and continues to attract pilgrims. In the ancient poetry book Manyoshu, the mountain is described as a pacifying deity.
The mountain has been legally protected as a place of special scenic beauty, but the new recommendation gives it additional recognition for its place in Japan's history of mountain worship.
A Cultural Affairs Agency panel recommended to the culture minister on Friday that the mountain and 10 other sites be officially recognized for their importance to Japanese culture.
Located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, the 3,776-meter-high mountain, which is also an active volcano, is a world famous symbol of Japan.
Mt Fuji is also worshipped as a sacred mountain and continues to attract pilgrims. In the ancient poetry book Manyoshu, the mountain is described as a pacifying deity.
The mountain has been legally protected as a place of special scenic beauty, but the new recommendation gives it additional recognition for its place in Japan's history of mountain worship.
2010年11月17日水曜日
Kyoto Imperial Palace opens to public
The Kyoto Imperial Palace has opened to the public for its annual autumn showing, drawing crowds of visitors to the normally off-limits structure.
Viewing the former official residence of the Japanese emperors in the ancient capital usually requires advance permission, but this is waived twice a year in spring and autumn.
On Wednesday more than 500 people were waiting outside when the palace gates opened at 9 AM.
Visitors are allowed to tour 7 of the palace buildings, including the emperors' living quarters called Seiryo-den, and a ceremony hall called Shishin-den.
In the Seiryo-den, figures of ancient officials who worked at the palace were exhibited, recreating how they prepared emperors' winter wardrobes, personal effects and furniture.
A visitor from Yokohama said the view of the historic palace buildings amid autumn leaves was just beautiful.
The public opening continues through Sunday.
Viewing the former official residence of the Japanese emperors in the ancient capital usually requires advance permission, but this is waived twice a year in spring and autumn.
On Wednesday more than 500 people were waiting outside when the palace gates opened at 9 AM.
Visitors are allowed to tour 7 of the palace buildings, including the emperors' living quarters called Seiryo-den, and a ceremony hall called Shishin-den.
In the Seiryo-den, figures of ancient officials who worked at the palace were exhibited, recreating how they prepared emperors' winter wardrobes, personal effects and furniture.
A visitor from Yokohama said the view of the historic palace buildings amid autumn leaves was just beautiful.
The public opening continues through Sunday.
2010年11月13日土曜日
Yokohama under heavy security for APEC summit
Tight security is in force in Yokohama during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit.
Police officers are patrolling around the summit venue in the Minato Mirai shopping and business district and checking vehicles travelling nearby.
At a shopping center that is usually crowded on weekends, policemen are on patrol everywhere in sharp contrast to few customers.
Some other facilities have decided to close during the 2-day APEC summit that ends on Sunday.
An amusement park located across the street from the summit venue is closed from Thursday through Sunday as it fears heavy security in the area may inconvenience visitors.
Police officers are patrolling around the summit venue in the Minato Mirai shopping and business district and checking vehicles travelling nearby.
At a shopping center that is usually crowded on weekends, policemen are on patrol everywhere in sharp contrast to few customers.
Some other facilities have decided to close during the 2-day APEC summit that ends on Sunday.
An amusement park located across the street from the summit venue is closed from Thursday through Sunday as it fears heavy security in the area may inconvenience visitors.
2010年11月8日月曜日
Turnip pickling in Kyoto
The pickling of turnips, known as "senmaizuke", started in Kyoto on Sunday, the first day of winter according to the traditional Japanese calendar.
One of the city's culinary specialties is made from shaved "Shogoin" turnips.
The turnips get sweeter as nighttime temperatures start to drop around this time of year.
Skilled workers at a pickle factory peeled the turnips, which are 20 centimeters in diameter and weigh about 2 kilograms, and shaved off thin slices using special planes.
They arranged the shaved turnips in wooden barrels in fan shapes, and then sprinkled salt on them.
The turnips are taken out of the barrels after 3 days and soaked in a soup stock with kelp.
The hot summer caused a shortage of turnips, but the supply stabilized last month.
The factory's foreman says they will work hard to meet rising demand toward the year end.
The pickling work will continue until April.
One of the city's culinary specialties is made from shaved "Shogoin" turnips.
The turnips get sweeter as nighttime temperatures start to drop around this time of year.
Skilled workers at a pickle factory peeled the turnips, which are 20 centimeters in diameter and weigh about 2 kilograms, and shaved off thin slices using special planes.
They arranged the shaved turnips in wooden barrels in fan shapes, and then sprinkled salt on them.
The turnips are taken out of the barrels after 3 days and soaked in a soup stock with kelp.
The hot summer caused a shortage of turnips, but the supply stabilized last month.
The factory's foreman says they will work hard to meet rising demand toward the year end.
The pickling work will continue until April.
2010年11月4日木曜日
Record number of households on welfare in July
A record number of households in Japan, almost 1.4 million, were receiving welfare benefits in July.
The labor and welfare ministry says the number marks an increase of nearly 12,000 from the previous month.
Among the recipients, 2,666 were elderly people, 1,204 were single mothers, and 1,084 were disabled people.
The largest percentage of recipient households, numbering 4,429, included the unemployed.
Due to the worsening job situation, the number of households on welfare has risen by 11 percent in the past 12 months with an additional 145 thousand recipients.
The number of individuals on welfare in July also increased by about 17,000 to more than 1.9 million from the previous month.
The ministry says it will focus on helping the unemployed find jobs.
The labor and welfare ministry says the number marks an increase of nearly 12,000 from the previous month.
Among the recipients, 2,666 were elderly people, 1,204 were single mothers, and 1,084 were disabled people.
The largest percentage of recipient households, numbering 4,429, included the unemployed.
Due to the worsening job situation, the number of households on welfare has risen by 11 percent in the past 12 months with an additional 145 thousand recipients.
The number of individuals on welfare in July also increased by about 17,000 to more than 1.9 million from the previous month.
The ministry says it will focus on helping the unemployed find jobs.
2010年11月3日水曜日
Illuminations turned on in Yokohama's Chinatown
Illuminations have been turned on early in Yokohama's Chinatown in honor of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings that open on Sunday.
In a lighting ceremony on Monday night, a representative from an association of local restaurants and shops that organized the event and the mayor of Yokohama City activated 28,000 lights decorating trees on the streets of Chinatown.
Crowds gathered to see the flower- and lantern-shaped lights that carry a message welcoming the APEC forum.
The district's annual illumination usually starts in December to celebrate the Chinese New Year on the lunar calendar. The special lighting will continue everyday through the end of February next year.
In a lighting ceremony on Monday night, a representative from an association of local restaurants and shops that organized the event and the mayor of Yokohama City activated 28,000 lights decorating trees on the streets of Chinatown.
Crowds gathered to see the flower- and lantern-shaped lights that carry a message welcoming the APEC forum.
The district's annual illumination usually starts in December to celebrate the Chinese New Year on the lunar calendar. The special lighting will continue everyday through the end of February next year.
2010年10月30日土曜日
Taro Okamoto mural undergoes cleaning
A huge mural by the famed Japanese artist Taro Okamoto has undergone cleaning and restoration at a Tokyo station.
The 30-meter by 5.5-meter mural is called "Tomorrow's Myth." It's been on display in Shibuya station in central Tokyo since 2008.
The late artist spent a year painting the masterpiece, starting in 1968. The mural depicts the very moment of a nuclear bomb explosion.
Early on Saturday morning, 8 volunteers standing on a stage carefully removed dust from the surface using brushes and electric cleaners.
This summer's heat wave warped the acrylic panels attached to the mural, putting it out of alignment. A restoration expert reinforced the mural with resins.
The director of Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, Akiomi Hirano, said the warp didn't affect the mural. He said he wants as many people as possible to come and feel the spirit of Okamoto.
The 30-meter by 5.5-meter mural is called "Tomorrow's Myth." It's been on display in Shibuya station in central Tokyo since 2008.
The late artist spent a year painting the masterpiece, starting in 1968. The mural depicts the very moment of a nuclear bomb explosion.
Early on Saturday morning, 8 volunteers standing on a stage carefully removed dust from the surface using brushes and electric cleaners.
This summer's heat wave warped the acrylic panels attached to the mural, putting it out of alignment. A restoration expert reinforced the mural with resins.
The director of Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, Akiomi Hirano, said the warp didn't affect the mural. He said he wants as many people as possible to come and feel the spirit of Okamoto.
2010年10月28日木曜日
Ground-breaking ceremony held for new Kabuki-za
A ground-breaking ceremony for a new Kabuki theater has been held at an open lot in downtown Tokyo on the site of the old building.
The Kabuki-za, a popular structure in the Ginza district famous for its gorgeous facade, was closed in April this year and torn down to make way for its replacement.
About 100 people, including Kabuki actors, attended Thursday's ceremony and prayed for trouble-free construction of the new theater building.
The planned 29-story complex will house a new Kabuki-za theater as well as business offices. The builder plans to reproduce as closely as possible the design of the old building, inside and out.
The builders will use custom-designed metal fittings from the old Kabuki-za, and high-quality Japanese cypress wood for the stage of the new theater.
Leading Kabuki actor Nakamura Kanzaburo said he is very excited about the new theater, which is scheduled to open in spring 2013.
The Kabuki-za, a popular structure in the Ginza district famous for its gorgeous facade, was closed in April this year and torn down to make way for its replacement.
About 100 people, including Kabuki actors, attended Thursday's ceremony and prayed for trouble-free construction of the new theater building.
The planned 29-story complex will house a new Kabuki-za theater as well as business offices. The builder plans to reproduce as closely as possible the design of the old building, inside and out.
The builders will use custom-designed metal fittings from the old Kabuki-za, and high-quality Japanese cypress wood for the stage of the new theater.
Leading Kabuki actor Nakamura Kanzaburo said he is very excited about the new theater, which is scheduled to open in spring 2013.
2010年10月26日火曜日
First death sentence demanded in lay judge trial
Prosecutors in Tokyo have demanded the death sentence for a man charged with killing 2 women. This is the first such sentencing demand since the lay judge system was introduced in Japan in May of last year.
Prosecutors made the request on Monday in the trial of Koji Hayashi. The 42-year-old man was indicted for killing an employee of an ear-cleaning salon and her grandmother after breaking into their home in August of 2009.
Six people chosen at random among citizens aged 20 or older are serving as lay judges in this trial, and will decide on a ruling along with professional judges.
The defendant was a frequent client of the salon and has admitted to the charges. He said he became desperate after the salon worker, 21-year-old Miho Ejiri, kept avoiding him, and he decided to kill her.
The victims' relatives told the court that they want Hayashi to be sentenced to death.
Defense lawyers say the death penalty is too severe a punishment because Hayashi deeply regrets what he did.
They also argue that Hayashi was mentally unstable at the time of the crime and could not tell right from wrong.
On Tuesday, the lay and professional judges will begin 4 days of discussion on what ruling to hand down.
Prosecutors made the request on Monday in the trial of Koji Hayashi. The 42-year-old man was indicted for killing an employee of an ear-cleaning salon and her grandmother after breaking into their home in August of 2009.
Six people chosen at random among citizens aged 20 or older are serving as lay judges in this trial, and will decide on a ruling along with professional judges.
The defendant was a frequent client of the salon and has admitted to the charges. He said he became desperate after the salon worker, 21-year-old Miho Ejiri, kept avoiding him, and he decided to kill her.
The victims' relatives told the court that they want Hayashi to be sentenced to death.
Defense lawyers say the death penalty is too severe a punishment because Hayashi deeply regrets what he did.
They also argue that Hayashi was mentally unstable at the time of the crime and could not tell right from wrong.
On Tuesday, the lay and professional judges will begin 4 days of discussion on what ruling to hand down.
Great hunt of Kamakura era re-enacted
In Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo, a festival re-enacting a great 12th century hunt entertained many weekend visitors.
The festival re-enacts a hunt in Nasunogahara field organized by Shogun Minamoto-no Yoritomo to show his power in the Kamakura era.
About 200 people including local children took part in the annual event. On the order of the person playing the Shogun, kids hunted for people in deer costumes. Adults in samurai costumes appeared on horseback and showed how to shoot a bear with arrows.
Meanwhile, a 2-meter-wide pan stewed local ingredients such as deer, pheasant and vegetables. One of the visitors said that the taste of rare deer stew made her happy.
The festival re-enacts a hunt in Nasunogahara field organized by Shogun Minamoto-no Yoritomo to show his power in the Kamakura era.
About 200 people including local children took part in the annual event. On the order of the person playing the Shogun, kids hunted for people in deer costumes. Adults in samurai costumes appeared on horseback and showed how to shoot a bear with arrows.
Meanwhile, a 2-meter-wide pan stewed local ingredients such as deer, pheasant and vegetables. One of the visitors said that the taste of rare deer stew made her happy.
2010年10月22日金曜日
Kyoto stages "Festival of the Ages"
A parade of people dressed in costumes representing various Japanese historical periods took place in the ancient capital Kyoto on Friday.
About 70,000 people watched the Jidai Matsuri, which is one of Kyoto's 3 biggest festivals and dates back to 1895.
The procession of about 2,000 people started at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and made its way along a 4.5-kilometer course to the Heian Shrine.
The parade was led by a military band dressed in the style of the Meiji era in the late 19th century. The group was followed by people dressed as popular revolutionaries who helped engineer the Meiji restoration in the closing days of the Edo period, which ended in 1867.
At the end of the parade were people in costumes from the Heian period, which began in the late 8th century, when Kyoto became the nation's capital.
About 70,000 people watched the Jidai Matsuri, which is one of Kyoto's 3 biggest festivals and dates back to 1895.
The procession of about 2,000 people started at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and made its way along a 4.5-kilometer course to the Heian Shrine.
The parade was led by a military band dressed in the style of the Meiji era in the late 19th century. The group was followed by people dressed as popular revolutionaries who helped engineer the Meiji restoration in the closing days of the Edo period, which ended in 1867.
At the end of the parade were people in costumes from the Heian period, which began in the late 8th century, when Kyoto became the nation's capital.
2010年10月20日水曜日
Tokyo rent among world's highest per square meter
A survey shows that single people living in rental housing in Tokyo must pay much more and live in much smaller quarters compared to their counterparts in major cities overseas.
An affiliate of Japanese information service company Recruit in July and August surveyed about 4,000 people living in rental housing in Tokyo, New York, London and Paris.
The floor space of single-tenant residences in Tokyo averaged 28.1 square meters -- less than half of that in London and New York.
Rent per square meter was about 30 dollars in Tokyo, roughly twice the cost in London and about 10 dollars higher than in New York and Paris.
The company that organized the survey says living alone in Tokyo is an economic challenge with possible negative psychological effects.
An affiliate of Japanese information service company Recruit in July and August surveyed about 4,000 people living in rental housing in Tokyo, New York, London and Paris.
The floor space of single-tenant residences in Tokyo averaged 28.1 square meters -- less than half of that in London and New York.
Rent per square meter was about 30 dollars in Tokyo, roughly twice the cost in London and about 10 dollars higher than in New York and Paris.
The company that organized the survey says living alone in Tokyo is an economic challenge with possible negative psychological effects.
2010年10月16日土曜日
Ryoko Tani retires from judo
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ryoko Tani has announced her retirement from judo.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tani said that she decided to step back from the frontlines of the sport.
Tani, aged 35, is a towering figure in judo, having won the World Championships 7 times. She has also appeared in 5 consecutive Olympics, winning gold medals at the 2000 Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens.
After the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she gained a bronze medal, Tani took leave from competitive judo to have a second child and to recover from an injury.
In July this year, she ran in the Upper House election as a candidate for the governing Democratic Party of Japan, and won a seat in the Diet.
At that time, Tani had expressed willingness to continue her judo career, saying she would aim for a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tani said that she decided to step back from the frontlines of the sport.
Tani, aged 35, is a towering figure in judo, having won the World Championships 7 times. She has also appeared in 5 consecutive Olympics, winning gold medals at the 2000 Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens.
After the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she gained a bronze medal, Tani took leave from competitive judo to have a second child and to recover from an injury.
In July this year, she ran in the Upper House election as a candidate for the governing Democratic Party of Japan, and won a seat in the Diet.
At that time, Tani had expressed willingness to continue her judo career, saying she would aim for a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
2010年10月9日土曜日
Open class on 2 Japanese Nobel winners' research
A science museum in Tokyo has held a special event featuring the achievements of 2 Japanese winners of this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Hokkaido University Professor Emeritus Akira Suzuki and special professor Ei-ichi Negishi of Purdue University in the United States were named as winners of the prize on Wednesday.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation held the event on Friday, with some 30 people attending.
Museum researcher Kazuaki Hiroki explained palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions in organic synthesis, for which the 2 chemists are to be awarded the prize.
Hiroki said their achievement has led to production of AIDS medicine as well as crucial technology to make liquid crystal display TVs and mobile phones.
A junior high school student said she learned that the 2 chemists have made great achievements that have helped people in various aspects of daily life.
Hiroki said he wants people to know the usefulness of chemistry.
The museum will hold the similar events twice a day through Monday.
Hokkaido University Professor Emeritus Akira Suzuki and special professor Ei-ichi Negishi of Purdue University in the United States were named as winners of the prize on Wednesday.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation held the event on Friday, with some 30 people attending.
Museum researcher Kazuaki Hiroki explained palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions in organic synthesis, for which the 2 chemists are to be awarded the prize.
Hiroki said their achievement has led to production of AIDS medicine as well as crucial technology to make liquid crystal display TVs and mobile phones.
A junior high school student said she learned that the 2 chemists have made great achievements that have helped people in various aspects of daily life.
Hiroki said he wants people to know the usefulness of chemistry.
The museum will hold the similar events twice a day through Monday.
Nara marks 1,300th anniversary as ancient capital
A celebration was held in Nara on Friday to mark the 1,300th anniversary of its establishment as the ancient capital of Japan. The city was known as Heijokyo from 710 until the capital moved to Kyoto in 794.
The Emperor and Empress attended a ceremony to mark the occasion. About 1,700 people, including foreign ambassadors, were invited.
The ceremony began with a welcome dance performed by 200 people wearing costumes from the Nara period. Kyogen master and human national treasure Nomura Manzo read out a decree issued in 708 by Emperor Genmei to move the capital to Nara. Nomura took the role of a court official, Fujiwarano Fuhito, who helped to arrange the transfer of the capital.
In a congratulatory message, Emperor Akihito said the Nara period saw Japan make significant leaps in various fields.
He said that even before the Nara period, people came to Japan from Kudara, or Baekje in Korean, and many other countries, and made great contributions to the development of Japanese culture and skills.
The Emperor said he feels very close to the ancient capital where his ancestors lived. He said that while congratulating the city on its 1,300th anniversary, he also prays for the happiness of the people of Nara, who have nurtured and preserved its traditional culture from the old days.
Children sang songs and ancient Japanese court music was also played at the ceremony.
The Emperor and Empress attended a ceremony to mark the occasion. About 1,700 people, including foreign ambassadors, were invited.
The ceremony began with a welcome dance performed by 200 people wearing costumes from the Nara period. Kyogen master and human national treasure Nomura Manzo read out a decree issued in 708 by Emperor Genmei to move the capital to Nara. Nomura took the role of a court official, Fujiwarano Fuhito, who helped to arrange the transfer of the capital.
In a congratulatory message, Emperor Akihito said the Nara period saw Japan make significant leaps in various fields.
He said that even before the Nara period, people came to Japan from Kudara, or Baekje in Korean, and many other countries, and made great contributions to the development of Japanese culture and skills.
The Emperor said he feels very close to the ancient capital where his ancestors lived. He said that while congratulating the city on its 1,300th anniversary, he also prays for the happiness of the people of Nara, who have nurtured and preserved its traditional culture from the old days.
Children sang songs and ancient Japanese court music was also played at the ceremony.
2010年9月29日水曜日
100 geiko rehearse annual fall performance
In the ancient capital Kyoto, a group of geiko entertainers are rehearsing for an upcoming annual autumn performance. Kyoto's geisha are known as geiko.
About 100 geiko and maiko apprentice performers took part in the rehearsal on Tuesday.
One of the show's major pieces is danced by 11 maiko in prayer for the prosperity of performing arts.
One of the performers said she felt nervous at the rehearsal, but added she wanted many people to come and enjoy their performances.
The annual fall dance performance, called "Onshukai," runs for 6 days from October 1st.
About 100 geiko and maiko apprentice performers took part in the rehearsal on Tuesday.
One of the show's major pieces is danced by 11 maiko in prayer for the prosperity of performing arts.
One of the performers said she felt nervous at the rehearsal, but added she wanted many people to come and enjoy their performances.
The annual fall dance performance, called "Onshukai," runs for 6 days from October 1st.
2010年9月23日木曜日
Japan to apply for resumption of meat exports
Japan is set to apply for a resumption of meat exports, following health checks of livestock that confirmed no foot-and-mouth infections in the southern prefecture of Miyazaki.
The agriculture ministry and Miyazaki Prefecture, which was hit by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in April, started checking more than 6,000 cattle at farms chosen at random earlier this month.
Veterinarians inspected the cattle for any symptoms of the disease and took blood samples from 2,100 for further tests. No suspected cases have been found.
Japan has suspended exports of beef, pork and other meat products since April, apart from shipments to some countries and territories.
In order to resume meat exports, a country must gain certification from the World Organization for Animal Health, known as the OIE, that the country is free from foot-and-mouth disease.
The agriculture ministry plans to apply for the certification to the OIE in early October.
In February next year, an OIE committee will determine whether to put Japan back on the list of foot-and-mouth disease-free countries. Consultation with countries receiving the meat will also be needed.
The agriculture ministry and Miyazaki Prefecture, which was hit by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in April, started checking more than 6,000 cattle at farms chosen at random earlier this month.
Veterinarians inspected the cattle for any symptoms of the disease and took blood samples from 2,100 for further tests. No suspected cases have been found.
Japan has suspended exports of beef, pork and other meat products since April, apart from shipments to some countries and territories.
In order to resume meat exports, a country must gain certification from the World Organization for Animal Health, known as the OIE, that the country is free from foot-and-mouth disease.
The agriculture ministry plans to apply for the certification to the OIE in early October.
In February next year, an OIE committee will determine whether to put Japan back on the list of foot-and-mouth disease-free countries. Consultation with countries receiving the meat will also be needed.
2010年9月20日月曜日
Pilots trained as 4th runway built in Haneda
Pilots are receiving training as Tokyo's Haneda Airport resumes its full-fledged handling of regular international flights next month for the first time in 32 years.
With the completion of the 4th runway in the southeast area of the airport, Haneda will ultimately handle 50 percent more landings and takeoffs than the current level.
The 4 runways form overlapping crosses, causing air traffic control to be unusually complex.
All Nippon Airways has been conducting training sessions for pilots and flight managers since August to ensure smooth flight operation on the 4 runways.
The trainees are reminded that planes can take off and land at the same time on 2 neighboring runways. Flight courses of departing and arriving aircraft may cross each other.
Air traffic controllers at Haneda are being trained on a special simulator to experience the complicated task of controlling operations on the 4 runways.
The 4th runway will open on October 21st, and regular international flights will begin on October 31st.
With the completion of the 4th runway in the southeast area of the airport, Haneda will ultimately handle 50 percent more landings and takeoffs than the current level.
The 4 runways form overlapping crosses, causing air traffic control to be unusually complex.
All Nippon Airways has been conducting training sessions for pilots and flight managers since August to ensure smooth flight operation on the 4 runways.
The trainees are reminded that planes can take off and land at the same time on 2 neighboring runways. Flight courses of departing and arriving aircraft may cross each other.
Air traffic controllers at Haneda are being trained on a special simulator to experience the complicated task of controlling operations on the 4 runways.
The 4th runway will open on October 21st, and regular international flights will begin on October 31st.
Baby crying sumo contest held in Tochigi
Many babies took part in a crying sumo contest at a shrine in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Sunday.
The traditional event is held every year at Ikiko Shrine since Edo period to pray for children's healthy growth.
The babies are lifted up 3 times in a sumo-style ring.
Some started crying loudly, while others stared at the ones who were crying.
The babies who began crying first used to be pronounced the winners of the contest. But the shrine now designates all the babies as winners to pray for their health.
The children's parents cheered and took photos.
One mother said her baby began crying before the contest. But she added that she will be happy as long as her baby is strong.
The traditional event is held every year at Ikiko Shrine since Edo period to pray for children's healthy growth.
The babies are lifted up 3 times in a sumo-style ring.
Some started crying loudly, while others stared at the ones who were crying.
The babies who began crying first used to be pronounced the winners of the contest. But the shrine now designates all the babies as winners to pray for their health.
The children's parents cheered and took photos.
One mother said her baby began crying before the contest. But she added that she will be happy as long as her baby is strong.
2010年9月18日土曜日
Relatives of dead man indicted for pension fraud
Prosecutors have indicted 2 women for fraudulently claiming the pension benefits of a man whose mummified body was found in Tokyo.
The man is believed to have died more than 30 years ago, but prosecutors say his eldest daughter and granddaughter continued reapplying for his widower's pension, after his wife died 6 years ago.
The 2 women aged 81 and 53 are suspected of illegally having received total pension payments of 9.15 million yen or about 106,000 dollars over 35 occasions up to June this year.
The body of the man was found at his family home in Tokyo's Adachi Ward in July. If he was alive, he would have been the oldest man in Tokyo at 111 years old.
The body was discovered shortly after ward office staff visited the home to congratulate him on his age.
The women told investigators they used the pension money for living expenses and house repairs.
Police say the women have admitted to the charge.
The man is believed to have died more than 30 years ago, but prosecutors say his eldest daughter and granddaughter continued reapplying for his widower's pension, after his wife died 6 years ago.
The 2 women aged 81 and 53 are suspected of illegally having received total pension payments of 9.15 million yen or about 106,000 dollars over 35 occasions up to June this year.
The body of the man was found at his family home in Tokyo's Adachi Ward in July. If he was alive, he would have been the oldest man in Tokyo at 111 years old.
The body was discovered shortly after ward office staff visited the home to congratulate him on his age.
The women told investigators they used the pension money for living expenses and house repairs.
Police say the women have admitted to the charge.
Oshio sentenced to 30 months in prison
Former Japanese actor Manabu Oshio has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for leaving unattended a woman companion who became gravely ill and died after taking an illegal drug with him.
The Tokyo District Court on Friday delivered the sentence without suspension. But the presiding judge said it is uncertain the victim may have lived even if Oshio had called an ambulance, thereby dismissing his responsibility for her death.
Prosecutors argued that the 32-year-old defendant failed to take proper action to resuscitate the 30-year-old woman after they took the illegal synthetic drug Ecstasy, or MDMA, at a condominium in central Tokyo last August.
Prosecutors had demanded 6 years in prison for Oshio, arguing that if he had called an ambulance, there would have been a more than 90-percent chance of the woman surviving.
Oshio's lawyers had put the possibility of the woman's survival at only 10 to 40 percent and argued that the defendant was innocent.
The Tokyo District Court on Friday delivered the sentence without suspension. But the presiding judge said it is uncertain the victim may have lived even if Oshio had called an ambulance, thereby dismissing his responsibility for her death.
Prosecutors argued that the 32-year-old defendant failed to take proper action to resuscitate the 30-year-old woman after they took the illegal synthetic drug Ecstasy, or MDMA, at a condominium in central Tokyo last August.
Prosecutors had demanded 6 years in prison for Oshio, arguing that if he had called an ambulance, there would have been a more than 90-percent chance of the woman surviving.
Oshio's lawyers had put the possibility of the woman's survival at only 10 to 40 percent and argued that the defendant was innocent.
Ancient peach stones unearthed at Makimuku ruins
Archeologists have unearthed more than 2,000 ancient peach stones near a large structure at ruins in the former Japanese capital of Nara.
The structure, which was discovered at the Makimuku ruins last year, dates back to the early 3rd century. Some say it may be the palace of Queen Himiko of the Yamatai Kingdom, whose existence is mentioned in ancient Chinese records.
In July, an excavation found the peach stones in an 80-centimeter-deep hole dug next to the possible palace.
In ancient China, peaches were considered sacred fruit that could bring about eternal youth and ward off evil.
Also unearthed from the hole were earthenware and wooden goods used for rituals.
Local researchers say they are surprised at the number of stones, and that special rites might have been held around the large structure.
The latest discovery is expected to trigger a new dispute over whether the fruit was used by Queen Himiko in her rituals.
The location of the Yamatai Kingdom, either near Kyoto and Nara or Kyushu in southwestern Japan, has long been a matter of dispute in Japan.
The structure, which was discovered at the Makimuku ruins last year, dates back to the early 3rd century. Some say it may be the palace of Queen Himiko of the Yamatai Kingdom, whose existence is mentioned in ancient Chinese records.
In July, an excavation found the peach stones in an 80-centimeter-deep hole dug next to the possible palace.
In ancient China, peaches were considered sacred fruit that could bring about eternal youth and ward off evil.
Also unearthed from the hole were earthenware and wooden goods used for rituals.
Local researchers say they are surprised at the number of stones, and that special rites might have been held around the large structure.
The latest discovery is expected to trigger a new dispute over whether the fruit was used by Queen Himiko in her rituals.
The location of the Yamatai Kingdom, either near Kyoto and Nara or Kyushu in southwestern Japan, has long been a matter of dispute in Japan.
2010年9月5日日曜日
Autumn salmon catch poor due to heat
Rising seawater temperatures around Japanese islands seem to be affecting the autumn catch of salmon.
Net fishing for salmon has begun in the Sea of Ohhotsk, off Hokkaido, northern Japan. The first day's catch was less than half the comparable amount last year.
Four fishing boats that returned to the port of Monbetsu from offshore fishing grounds early on Saturday unloaded slightly more than 2,000 salmon, less than half the amount on the first day of last year's season.
The salmon traded at prices slightly higher than those of the average year.
A fishermen's cooperative said seawater temperatures in the ocean are 2 to 3 degrees higher than usual, a condition that keeps salmon away from fishing sites.
The cooperative said the smaller catch on the first day makes members nervous about how large the season's total catch would be.
Salmon fishing will continue until late November.
The saury catch is also poor in waters around Hokkaido for the same reason.
Net fishing for salmon has begun in the Sea of Ohhotsk, off Hokkaido, northern Japan. The first day's catch was less than half the comparable amount last year.
Four fishing boats that returned to the port of Monbetsu from offshore fishing grounds early on Saturday unloaded slightly more than 2,000 salmon, less than half the amount on the first day of last year's season.
The salmon traded at prices slightly higher than those of the average year.
A fishermen's cooperative said seawater temperatures in the ocean are 2 to 3 degrees higher than usual, a condition that keeps salmon away from fishing sites.
The cooperative said the smaller catch on the first day makes members nervous about how large the season's total catch would be.
Salmon fishing will continue until late November.
The saury catch is also poor in waters around Hokkaido for the same reason.
H5N1 virus variant in pigs may infect humans
A group of scientists has determined that highly contagious H5N1 bird flu virus has infected pigs in Indonesia. The scientists believe that some variants of the virus may infect humans.
The researchers, who are mainly from the Institute of Medical Science of the University of Tokyo, collected specimens from pigs from 2005 to 2009 in various parts of Indonesia.
Of 702 nasal membrane specimens, 52, or 7.4 percent, contained H5N1 avian flu virus. Virus from one of the pigs has acquired the ability to infect the human throat and other body parts.
The researchers believe that the influenza virus reassortment incorporated genes of the avian and human-type viruses within a pig.
Human can contract H5N1 bird flu, although it is rare, but 60 percent of those whose infection was confirmed died.
Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the research group says pigs do not show signs of influenza-like symptoms often, making it difficult to detect.
He says that may lead to a spread of the H5N1 type of virus in many locations.
He says monitoring should be strengthened to guard against the emergence of a new type of influenza.
The researchers, who are mainly from the Institute of Medical Science of the University of Tokyo, collected specimens from pigs from 2005 to 2009 in various parts of Indonesia.
Of 702 nasal membrane specimens, 52, or 7.4 percent, contained H5N1 avian flu virus. Virus from one of the pigs has acquired the ability to infect the human throat and other body parts.
The researchers believe that the influenza virus reassortment incorporated genes of the avian and human-type viruses within a pig.
Human can contract H5N1 bird flu, although it is rare, but 60 percent of those whose infection was confirmed died.
Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the research group says pigs do not show signs of influenza-like symptoms often, making it difficult to detect.
He says that may lead to a spread of the H5N1 type of virus in many locations.
He says monitoring should be strengthened to guard against the emergence of a new type of influenza.
2010年8月30日月曜日
Daigoji pagoda opened to the public
A five-story pagoda has been opened to the public at Daigoji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture.
The pagoda is said to have been built in 951 as a memorial for Emperor Daigo and is the oldest wooden structure in the prefecture.
It is designated as one of Japan's national treasures.
The interior is normally closed to the public, except for special occasions such as the 1,200th anniversary of the transfer of the national capital to Kyoto.
But the temple received many requests for viewing and decided to open on the 29th of each month, the anniversary of the Emperor's death.
Priests slowly opened the 4 doors facing in 4 directions on Sunday morning and began to offer prayers.
Visitors saw a Buddhist mortuary tablet dedicated to Emperor Daigo and Buddhist diagrams, or mandalas, depicting the spiritual universe using the principles of esoteric Buddhism.
A visitor said this is his first time he saw the inside of the pagoda, and the elaborate patterns of the mandalas were amazing. He added that he prayed for peace.
The public viewings are held at 10 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon on the 29th of each month.
The pagoda is said to have been built in 951 as a memorial for Emperor Daigo and is the oldest wooden structure in the prefecture.
It is designated as one of Japan's national treasures.
The interior is normally closed to the public, except for special occasions such as the 1,200th anniversary of the transfer of the national capital to Kyoto.
But the temple received many requests for viewing and decided to open on the 29th of each month, the anniversary of the Emperor's death.
Priests slowly opened the 4 doors facing in 4 directions on Sunday morning and began to offer prayers.
Visitors saw a Buddhist mortuary tablet dedicated to Emperor Daigo and Buddhist diagrams, or mandalas, depicting the spiritual universe using the principles of esoteric Buddhism.
A visitor said this is his first time he saw the inside of the pagoda, and the elaborate patterns of the mandalas were amazing. He added that he prayed for peace.
The public viewings are held at 10 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon on the 29th of each month.
Record number of hikers climb Mt Fuji
A record number of more than 250,000 people have climbed Japan's highest peak, Mt Fuji, during the current mountaineering season.
Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture, located at the foot of the mountain, says nearly 251,000 people have climbed from the Yamanashi side since the season began on July first, beating the record set 2 years ago.
The city attributes the new record to an outdoor activity boom among senior citizens and young women.
It also says that climbing is becoming more popular thanks to efforts by mountain lodge operators to provide more comfort for visitors, especially women.
But the number of accidents is rising in tandem with the mountaineering boom.
Three men died this season after they fell ill while climbing Mt Fuji, which is nearly 3,800 meters high.
The city is asking climbers to wear appropriate clothing and to allocate enough time for their activities.
Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture, located at the foot of the mountain, says nearly 251,000 people have climbed from the Yamanashi side since the season began on July first, beating the record set 2 years ago.
The city attributes the new record to an outdoor activity boom among senior citizens and young women.
It also says that climbing is becoming more popular thanks to efforts by mountain lodge operators to provide more comfort for visitors, especially women.
But the number of accidents is rising in tandem with the mountaineering boom.
Three men died this season after they fell ill while climbing Mt Fuji, which is nearly 3,800 meters high.
The city is asking climbers to wear appropriate clothing and to allocate enough time for their activities.
2010年8月28日土曜日
288,000 non-regular jobs lost in Japan
A labor ministry survey shows that more than 288,000 non-regular workers in Japan lost jobs or will lose them in the 2 years through September.
That figure includes non-regular workers whose contracts were terminated, expired without renewal, or will expire as of August 18th. The survey covers the period starting October 2008, when the employment situation started to deteriorate rapidly.
The jobless total of over 288,000 marks an increase of about 3,100 from July.
About 150,000 of these workers were dispatched by temporary staff agencies and almost 70,000 were seasonal workers. Contract workers accounted for about 22,000.
By prefecture, Aichi had the largest number of non-regular job losses with about 46,000, followed by Tokyo with over 17,000, and Nagano with more than 11,000.
The ministry tracked down 137,000 of the laid-off workers and found only about 65 percent of them had found new jobs.
That figure includes non-regular workers whose contracts were terminated, expired without renewal, or will expire as of August 18th. The survey covers the period starting October 2008, when the employment situation started to deteriorate rapidly.
The jobless total of over 288,000 marks an increase of about 3,100 from July.
About 150,000 of these workers were dispatched by temporary staff agencies and almost 70,000 were seasonal workers. Contract workers accounted for about 22,000.
By prefecture, Aichi had the largest number of non-regular job losses with about 46,000, followed by Tokyo with over 17,000, and Nagano with more than 11,000.
The ministry tracked down 137,000 of the laid-off workers and found only about 65 percent of them had found new jobs.
271 senior citizens unaccounted for in Japan
Japan's government says it has found at least 271 senior citizens unaccounted for in the country.
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma disclosed this at a meeting of cabinet ministers on Friday.
The ministry collected the results of surveys on seniors conducted recently by 1,441 local governments in Japan. Three-quarters of these local governments checked the whereabouts of people aged 100 or older who are registered in their areas.
81 local governments found a total of 271 senior people unaccounted for.
The ministry also carried out a sample survey of pension recipients aged 85 and over. It says the results show 23 people out of 840 recipients are unaccounted for.
One family in Osaka is suspected to have illegally received pension payments for an elderly relative even after he died in 1999. Similar incidents involving centenarians have been reported in recent months.
The ministry says it may be providing pensions to up to 800 people aged 85 and over who are unaccounted for.
It plans to check medical records and other information at local government offices to confirm the whereabouts of the seniors.
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma disclosed this at a meeting of cabinet ministers on Friday.
The ministry collected the results of surveys on seniors conducted recently by 1,441 local governments in Japan. Three-quarters of these local governments checked the whereabouts of people aged 100 or older who are registered in their areas.
81 local governments found a total of 271 senior people unaccounted for.
The ministry also carried out a sample survey of pension recipients aged 85 and over. It says the results show 23 people out of 840 recipients are unaccounted for.
One family in Osaka is suspected to have illegally received pension payments for an elderly relative even after he died in 1999. Similar incidents involving centenarians have been reported in recent months.
The ministry says it may be providing pensions to up to 800 people aged 85 and over who are unaccounted for.
It plans to check medical records and other information at local government offices to confirm the whereabouts of the seniors.
2010年8月15日日曜日
Japan marks 65th anniversary of end of WW2
Japan has observed the 65th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
A government-sponsored ceremony was held in central Tokyo on Sunday to remember the 3.1 million Japanese who died in the war.
About 6,000 people, including bereaved relatives, attended the ceremony.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Japan inflicted great damage and pain during the war on people in many countries, particularly in its Asian neighbors.
He expressed deep remorse and condolences for the war dead and their bereaved families.
Kan said Japan renews its pledge to renounce war and is determined to continue to work to build eternal peace in the world.
At noon, participants observed a minute of silence.
Addressing the ceremony, the Emperor said he hopes the calamities of war shall never be repeated.
He expressed sincere respect to those who died in the war and said he prays for global peace and the further development of Japan.
A representative of the bereaved families then delivered a memorial address.
Later, participants offered chrysanthemum flowers at the altar and prayed that the souls of the deceased can rest in peace.
A government-sponsored ceremony was held in central Tokyo on Sunday to remember the 3.1 million Japanese who died in the war.
About 6,000 people, including bereaved relatives, attended the ceremony.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Japan inflicted great damage and pain during the war on people in many countries, particularly in its Asian neighbors.
He expressed deep remorse and condolences for the war dead and their bereaved families.
Kan said Japan renews its pledge to renounce war and is determined to continue to work to build eternal peace in the world.
At noon, participants observed a minute of silence.
Addressing the ceremony, the Emperor said he hopes the calamities of war shall never be repeated.
He expressed sincere respect to those who died in the war and said he prays for global peace and the further development of Japan.
A representative of the bereaved families then delivered a memorial address.
Later, participants offered chrysanthemum flowers at the altar and prayed that the souls of the deceased can rest in peace.
Tanigaki visits Yasukuni
LDP leader Yasukazu Tanigaki and former prime minister Shinzo Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday, the 65th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Tanigaki arrived at the shrine shortly after 11AM and entered the main building with LDP Secretary General Tadamori Oshima.
Abe visited the shrine before them. Asked about the decision by ministers in Kan's Cabinet not to visit the shrine, Abe said it would be problematic from the point of view of freedom of religion if the decision was led by the prime minister or the chief cabinet secretary.
Meanwhile, 41 members of a multi-party group of legislators who promote visits to the shrine, including those belonging to the governing Democratic Party, also paid a visit.
The chief of the group's secretariat, Upper House member Toshiei Mizuochi, told reporters that the cabinet ministers' decision not to visit the shrine is regrettable, as paying respect to war victims should cut across party lines and ideology.
Yasukuni enshrines the souls of war dead, including war criminals from World War Two.
Tanigaki arrived at the shrine shortly after 11AM and entered the main building with LDP Secretary General Tadamori Oshima.
Abe visited the shrine before them. Asked about the decision by ministers in Kan's Cabinet not to visit the shrine, Abe said it would be problematic from the point of view of freedom of religion if the decision was led by the prime minister or the chief cabinet secretary.
Meanwhile, 41 members of a multi-party group of legislators who promote visits to the shrine, including those belonging to the governing Democratic Party, also paid a visit.
The chief of the group's secretariat, Upper House member Toshiei Mizuochi, told reporters that the cabinet ministers' decision not to visit the shrine is regrettable, as paying respect to war victims should cut across party lines and ideology.
Yasukuni enshrines the souls of war dead, including war criminals from World War Two.
2010年8月7日土曜日
Monks clean Buddha statue at Todaiji temple
Buddhist monks have held the mid-summer ritual of cleaning the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji temple in the ancient capital, Nara, western Japan.
About 150 priests and followers took part in the Ominugui dusting on Saturday. The event takes place on August 7th every year, before the Bon festival when people welcome back their ancestors' spirits.
After a ceremonial chanting of sutras to temporarily remove the spirit from the statue, monks wearing white kimono and straw sandals climbed onto the hands and knees of the statue. They removed dust that had accumulated over the past year, using brushes and dusters.
Some workers used suspended platforms to clean the 15-meter tall statue's head and shoulders.
The temple hall housing the Buddha statue was filled with white dust while tourists watched or took pictures of the annual cleaning.
About 150 priests and followers took part in the Ominugui dusting on Saturday. The event takes place on August 7th every year, before the Bon festival when people welcome back their ancestors' spirits.
After a ceremonial chanting of sutras to temporarily remove the spirit from the statue, monks wearing white kimono and straw sandals climbed onto the hands and knees of the statue. They removed dust that had accumulated over the past year, using brushes and dusters.
Some workers used suspended platforms to clean the 15-meter tall statue's head and shoulders.
The temple hall housing the Buddha statue was filled with white dust while tourists watched or took pictures of the annual cleaning.
2010年7月31日土曜日
Japanese students still poor in applying knowledge
Japanese children remain poor at putting basic scholastic knowledge to practical use, according to the 4th annual national schools achievement tests.
The education ministry conducted the tests in April, covering about 740,000 or 30 percent of all 6th grade elementary school pupils and 3rd-year junior high students.
Basic knowledge and application skills were tested in two subjects -- Japanese language and mathematics.
The results released on Friday show that in the basic knowledge tests, 83.5 percent of the 6th graders gave correct answers in Japanese language and 74.4 percent in mathematics.
The figures for the junior high students were 76.1 percent in language and 66.1 percent in maths.
In applications skills, however, 78 percent of 6th graders gave correct answers in Japanese language, and 49.6 percent in mathematics. Junior high students answering correctly totaled 66.5 percent and 45.2 percent respectively.
The education ministry says Japanese children are not sufficiently developing skills that enable them to express their thoughts in writing based on given information, or to think about daily occurrences in a logical way.
In geographical terms, students in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, scored best.
The ministry says their high scores can be attributed to routine study hours at home.
A lifestyle survey conducted at the same time found that 79.6 percent of elementary school pupils in Akita study for more than one hour even on holidays. The figure is more than 25 percentage points higher than the national average of 54.5 percent.
The education ministry conducted the tests in April, covering about 740,000 or 30 percent of all 6th grade elementary school pupils and 3rd-year junior high students.
Basic knowledge and application skills were tested in two subjects -- Japanese language and mathematics.
The results released on Friday show that in the basic knowledge tests, 83.5 percent of the 6th graders gave correct answers in Japanese language and 74.4 percent in mathematics.
The figures for the junior high students were 76.1 percent in language and 66.1 percent in maths.
In applications skills, however, 78 percent of 6th graders gave correct answers in Japanese language, and 49.6 percent in mathematics. Junior high students answering correctly totaled 66.5 percent and 45.2 percent respectively.
The education ministry says Japanese children are not sufficiently developing skills that enable them to express their thoughts in writing based on given information, or to think about daily occurrences in a logical way.
In geographical terms, students in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, scored best.
The ministry says their high scores can be attributed to routine study hours at home.
A lifestyle survey conducted at the same time found that 79.6 percent of elementary school pupils in Akita study for more than one hour even on holidays. The figure is more than 25 percentage points higher than the national average of 54.5 percent.
Film about Swiss doctor who treated A-bomb victims
A preview of an animated film about a Swiss doctor who treated survivors of the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima was held in Tokyo on Friday.
"Anime Junod" was produced by a Hiroshima-based peace organization. It depicts Dr Marcel Junod, who convinced allied forces in post-war Japan to transport 15 tons of medical supplies to Hiroshima so survivors could be treated.
In the film, his activities are seen from the viewpoint of junior high school girls who go back in time.
A short live-action film on Junod was made years ago. But the peace organization made an animated version so he will be known to a wider range of age groups.
Production committee head Shizuko Tsuya says she hopes that many people watching the film will think about peace and the courage needed to overcome difficulties.
Screenings will start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography in September. The committee will work to show the film in Switzerland and other countries.
"Anime Junod" was produced by a Hiroshima-based peace organization. It depicts Dr Marcel Junod, who convinced allied forces in post-war Japan to transport 15 tons of medical supplies to Hiroshima so survivors could be treated.
In the film, his activities are seen from the viewpoint of junior high school girls who go back in time.
A short live-action film on Junod was made years ago. But the peace organization made an animated version so he will be known to a wider range of age groups.
Production committee head Shizuko Tsuya says she hopes that many people watching the film will think about peace and the courage needed to overcome difficulties.
Screenings will start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography in September. The committee will work to show the film in Switzerland and other countries.
2010年7月28日水曜日
Record 44,210 child abuse cases in Japan in 2009
Japan's welfare ministry says the country's child welfare centers handled a record number of child abuse cases in fiscal 2009 ending in March.
The ministry says the number of incidents rose from a year earlier by about 1,500 to 44,210 cases. They included instances where children had to be taken into protective custody.
Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo reported 5,676 cases, followed by Osaka with 5,436, and Tokyo with 3,339.
Child abuse in Japan has steadily increased in the past decade, rising almost 150 percent since the child abuse prevention law came into force in 2000.
The welfare ministry says growing public awareness about child abuse is bringing to light cases that previously went unreported.
The ministry says the number of incidents rose from a year earlier by about 1,500 to 44,210 cases. They included instances where children had to be taken into protective custody.
Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo reported 5,676 cases, followed by Osaka with 5,436, and Tokyo with 3,339.
Child abuse in Japan has steadily increased in the past decade, rising almost 150 percent since the child abuse prevention law came into force in 2000.
The welfare ministry says growing public awareness about child abuse is bringing to light cases that previously went unreported.
2010年7月25日日曜日
Japanese writers to publish electronic magazine
A dozen Japanese writers and researchers will begin paid versions of an electronic publication next week. The move comes amid the rising popularity of e-books and e-magazines in Japan.
Science fiction novelist Hideaki Sena, playwright Eriko Kitagawa, and 10 other authors, researchers, and journalists are planning to release their works without going through publishing firms.
The publication will include 11 new novels and essays and will be distributed online for about 7 dollars on Monday. It can be read with the use of mobile terminals.
A provisional version went on sale on June 17th for about the half the price, selling more than 5,000 copies in one month.
This is the first time that well-known Japanese writers will put out an electronic publication by themselves.
Writers who joined the project explained its merits at an event on Friday, held to mark its launch.
One of them said writers can publish works in a short period without going through publishing houses and that they would not be bound by page limits.
Plans for regular editions of the publication are still pending. But Sena said he hopes to continue publishing works which will well reflect writers' individuality
Science fiction novelist Hideaki Sena, playwright Eriko Kitagawa, and 10 other authors, researchers, and journalists are planning to release their works without going through publishing firms.
The publication will include 11 new novels and essays and will be distributed online for about 7 dollars on Monday. It can be read with the use of mobile terminals.
A provisional version went on sale on June 17th for about the half the price, selling more than 5,000 copies in one month.
This is the first time that well-known Japanese writers will put out an electronic publication by themselves.
Writers who joined the project explained its merits at an event on Friday, held to mark its launch.
One of them said writers can publish works in a short period without going through publishing houses and that they would not be bound by page limits.
Plans for regular editions of the publication are still pending. But Sena said he hopes to continue publishing works which will well reflect writers' individuality
2010年7月20日火曜日
Japan presents plan for 2022 World Cup
Japan's bid committee for the 2022 World Cup has made a presentation to an inspection team from FIFA, the international governing body for soccer.
The 5-person FIFA delegation arrived in Japan on Sunday on the first leg of its tour of candidate sites vying to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
Japan's presentation was made on Tuesday in Osaka City, where Japan plans to stage the final match. Chairman of the bid committee Motoaki Inukai said that Japan will extend warm hospitality to both players and supporters. He stressed that Japan will also deliver to the world highly realistic 3-D images of the World Cup games using state-of-the-art technology.
Osaka City Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu showed the FIFA inspectors blueprints and a model of a new stadium to be constructed in the central part of the city. The eco-friendly, solar-powered stadium would be the venue for the final match.
After the presentation, Inukai told reporters that Japan's bid, which featured the catchphrase "208 smiling faces"
-- referring to the 208 FIFA member countries and regions -- seemed fairly well received by all the members of the FIFA inspection team.
Japan, Australia, South Korea and Qatar have submitted bids to host the World Cup in 2022. Applications for both the 2018 and 2022 events came from England, Russia and the United States, as well as 2 joint bids pairing Spain with Portugal, and Belgium with the Netherlands. FIFA is due to select the sites for both World Cups in December.
The 5-person FIFA delegation arrived in Japan on Sunday on the first leg of its tour of candidate sites vying to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
Japan's presentation was made on Tuesday in Osaka City, where Japan plans to stage the final match. Chairman of the bid committee Motoaki Inukai said that Japan will extend warm hospitality to both players and supporters. He stressed that Japan will also deliver to the world highly realistic 3-D images of the World Cup games using state-of-the-art technology.
Osaka City Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu showed the FIFA inspectors blueprints and a model of a new stadium to be constructed in the central part of the city. The eco-friendly, solar-powered stadium would be the venue for the final match.
After the presentation, Inukai told reporters that Japan's bid, which featured the catchphrase "208 smiling faces"
-- referring to the 208 FIFA member countries and regions -- seemed fairly well received by all the members of the FIFA inspection team.
Japan, Australia, South Korea and Qatar have submitted bids to host the World Cup in 2022. Applications for both the 2018 and 2022 events came from England, Russia and the United States, as well as 2 joint bids pairing Spain with Portugal, and Belgium with the Netherlands. FIFA is due to select the sites for both World Cups in December.
2010年7月17日土曜日
Rainy season ends in wide area of Japan
Weather officials say the annual rainy season has ended across much of the Japanese archipelago.
The Meteorological Agency announced on Saturday that the rainy season has apparently ended in most of western and eastern Japan.
The agency said a high-pressure system is bringing sunny weather to most of the country, except in southern Kyushu and northern Japan where it is still raining or cloudy.
Temperatures rose to 33.4 degrees Celsius in Fukui City, central Japan, and 31 degrees in central Tokyo as of noon.
The agency says the scorching weather is likely to continue in a wide area but that unstable atmospheric conditions may bring thunderstorms to some mountainous areas.
It warns that people in areas which have had plenty of rain recently should remain on the alert for a possible landslide.
The Meteorological Agency announced on Saturday that the rainy season has apparently ended in most of western and eastern Japan.
The agency said a high-pressure system is bringing sunny weather to most of the country, except in southern Kyushu and northern Japan where it is still raining or cloudy.
Temperatures rose to 33.4 degrees Celsius in Fukui City, central Japan, and 31 degrees in central Tokyo as of noon.
The agency says the scorching weather is likely to continue in a wide area but that unstable atmospheric conditions may bring thunderstorms to some mountainous areas.
It warns that people in areas which have had plenty of rain recently should remain on the alert for a possible landslide.
2010年7月16日金曜日
Gion festival event draws crowds in Kyoto
A festive spirit filled the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto on Friday, one day before a parade of floats in the time-honored Gion summer festival.
The evening event, known as Yoiyama, saw a total of 32 decorative floats put on display along specially pedestrianized streets in the center of Kyoto.
Sightseers, including tourists and local families alike, assembled to see the floats, with police saying about 70,000 people packed the streets for the event.
The floats will pass through the ancient city in a parade called Yamahoko-junko on Saturday, the highlight of the Gion festival.
The evening event, known as Yoiyama, saw a total of 32 decorative floats put on display along specially pedestrianized streets in the center of Kyoto.
Sightseers, including tourists and local families alike, assembled to see the floats, with police saying about 70,000 people packed the streets for the event.
The floats will pass through the ancient city in a parade called Yamahoko-junko on Saturday, the highlight of the Gion festival.
2010年7月10日土曜日
Hiroshima works to return A-bomb victims' remains
Hiroshima City has begun its annual effort to return unclaimed remains of the victims of the atomic bombing 65 years ago to their relatives.
City officials sent a list of 817 victims to municipalities across Japan. It includes the victims' names, ages and addresses at the time of the bombing.
These unclaimed dead are among the 70,000 people whose remains are entombed at the Peace Memorial Park in the city. Most of their identities are unknown.
The return of the remains has become more difficult as time goes by. Only one case was successfully identified during the past year.
City officials sent a list of 817 victims to municipalities across Japan. It includes the victims' names, ages and addresses at the time of the bombing.
These unclaimed dead are among the 70,000 people whose remains are entombed at the Peace Memorial Park in the city. Most of their identities are unknown.
The return of the remains has become more difficult as time goes by. Only one case was successfully identified during the past year.
"Sake" tasting event held in Buddhist temple
Visitors at a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, have enjoyed Japanese sake served in lotus leaves.
Mimurotoji Temple in Uji City serves sake around this time of year, when 100 varieties of lotuses in its garden are in full bloom. Mimurotoji is called the "temple of flowers" for its wide floral variety.
On Friday, temple officials poured sake into lotus leaves about 40 centimeters in diameter.
The liquid goes through tiny holes in the stem and can be drunk from the opposite end.
Sake filtered through lotus stems is said to bring good health and longevity.
One woman who tried the sake said she'd been told that it tasted bitter, but that it was actually sweet and tasty.
Mimurotoji Temple in Uji City serves sake around this time of year, when 100 varieties of lotuses in its garden are in full bloom. Mimurotoji is called the "temple of flowers" for its wide floral variety.
On Friday, temple officials poured sake into lotus leaves about 40 centimeters in diameter.
The liquid goes through tiny holes in the stem and can be drunk from the opposite end.
Sake filtered through lotus stems is said to bring good health and longevity.
One woman who tried the sake said she'd been told that it tasted bitter, but that it was actually sweet and tasty.
2010年7月4日日曜日
Fossil from Nagasaki identified as dinosaur's leg
A fossil unearthed in western Japan has been identified as a leg joint of a large dinosaur that existed about 84 million years ago. Scientists say this is further proof that Japan was once connected to continental Asia.
The 30 centimeter-square fossil was discovered in an 84 million-year-old layer of earth in Nagasaki City in 2004. It was taken to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum for cleaning and analysis.
The museum confirmed that the fossil is a left leg joint of an herbivorous dinosaur in the Hadrosaurus genus.
The dinosaur is believed to have been about 10 meters long and had several hundred teeth to chew hard plants.
The museum director, Yoichi Azuma, says fossils of Hadrosaurus are often found in China. He says the latest fossil from Nagasaki provides valuable proof that Japan and continental Asia had once been connected.
The 30 centimeter-square fossil was discovered in an 84 million-year-old layer of earth in Nagasaki City in 2004. It was taken to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum for cleaning and analysis.
The museum confirmed that the fossil is a left leg joint of an herbivorous dinosaur in the Hadrosaurus genus.
The dinosaur is believed to have been about 10 meters long and had several hundred teeth to chew hard plants.
The museum director, Yoichi Azuma, says fossils of Hadrosaurus are often found in China. He says the latest fossil from Nagasaki provides valuable proof that Japan and continental Asia had once been connected.
"The Cove" opens in Japan
The award-winning US documentary "The Cove" has opened in 6 cinemas in major Japanese cities despite protests.
The first showing started at 10 AM on Saturday at a theater in Yokohama, near Tokyo, with about 50 people in the audience.
About 10 members of a right-wing organization clashed with police when they tried to enter the theater.
A theater in Shibuya, Tokyo, enjoyed a full house while about 20 protestors picketed outside.
The movie distributor says no disturbances have been reported so far.
"The Cove" won this year's Academy Award for Best Documentary by critically depicting Japan's traditional dolphin hunt in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
The film was initially scheduled to be screened in Japan from late June. But three theaters in Tokyo and Osaka decided to cancel the screenings in the wake of protests. The protestors say the film makers used hidden cameras and show only one side of the story.
"The Cove" will open at 19 more cinemas across Japan in the coming days.
The first showing started at 10 AM on Saturday at a theater in Yokohama, near Tokyo, with about 50 people in the audience.
About 10 members of a right-wing organization clashed with police when they tried to enter the theater.
A theater in Shibuya, Tokyo, enjoyed a full house while about 20 protestors picketed outside.
The movie distributor says no disturbances have been reported so far.
"The Cove" won this year's Academy Award for Best Documentary by critically depicting Japan's traditional dolphin hunt in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
The film was initially scheduled to be screened in Japan from late June. But three theaters in Tokyo and Osaka decided to cancel the screenings in the wake of protests. The protestors say the film makers used hidden cameras and show only one side of the story.
"The Cove" will open at 19 more cinemas across Japan in the coming days.
2010年6月28日月曜日
Heavy rain hits southern and western Japan
Parts of western Japan have been hit by torrential rain.
Weather officials are warning against landslides and other disasters.
The Meteorological Agency says an active rain front is bringing downpours to the northern Kyushu and Chugoku regions.
The agency says a damp air mass is moving into the front, causing rain clouds to develop and bringing heavy rain in and around Tokyo.
The rain front is expected to become more active.
Up to 200 millimeters of rain is forecast in Kyushu by Tuesday afternoon. Chugoku is likely to have 100 millimeters of rain.
The total rainfall since Friday has exceeded 350 millimeters in some areas of Kyushu and Chugoku.
Weather officials are calling for caution against possible landslides, flooding and swollen rivers.
The also warn that some areas may have tornadoes, lightning strikes and hail.
Weather officials are warning against landslides and other disasters.
The Meteorological Agency says an active rain front is bringing downpours to the northern Kyushu and Chugoku regions.
The agency says a damp air mass is moving into the front, causing rain clouds to develop and bringing heavy rain in and around Tokyo.
The rain front is expected to become more active.
Up to 200 millimeters of rain is forecast in Kyushu by Tuesday afternoon. Chugoku is likely to have 100 millimeters of rain.
The total rainfall since Friday has exceeded 350 millimeters in some areas of Kyushu and Chugoku.
Weather officials are calling for caution against possible landslides, flooding and swollen rivers.
The also warn that some areas may have tornadoes, lightning strikes and hail.
A-bomb survivors protest Japan-India atomic pact
Atomic bomb survivors groups in Nagasaki have lodged a protest with the Japanese government after it started talks with India on an agreement to provide the country with Japanese nuclear power-generation technology.
India has been pushing forward with the construction of nuclear power plants in an attempt to deal with a chronic power shortage. But India is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Japanese government had been cautious about concluding the agreement, which is indispensable if Japanese firms are to get orders for construction projects related to nuclear power generation. Japan changed its stance following the turnabout by the United States and France, who decided to start providing support for the supply of nuclear power technology to India.
On Monday, officials from Japan and India began negotiations to conclude the bilateral agreement.
Representatives of 5 groups of atomic bomb survivors from Nagasaki Prefecture held a news conference. An atom bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki in 1945. The representatives said the 5 groups have sent written protests to Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada protesting the negotiations. They stressed that there is no guarantee that the technology provided will not be used to develop nuclear weapons. They said it is unacceptable for Japan, the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack, to cooperate in nuclear development.
Koichi Kawano, the leader of the survivors' groups, says this bilateral cooperation could lead to a collapse of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system, and the Japanese government should encourage India to become a signatory to the treaty.
India has been pushing forward with the construction of nuclear power plants in an attempt to deal with a chronic power shortage. But India is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Japanese government had been cautious about concluding the agreement, which is indispensable if Japanese firms are to get orders for construction projects related to nuclear power generation. Japan changed its stance following the turnabout by the United States and France, who decided to start providing support for the supply of nuclear power technology to India.
On Monday, officials from Japan and India began negotiations to conclude the bilateral agreement.
Representatives of 5 groups of atomic bomb survivors from Nagasaki Prefecture held a news conference. An atom bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki in 1945. The representatives said the 5 groups have sent written protests to Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada protesting the negotiations. They stressed that there is no guarantee that the technology provided will not be used to develop nuclear weapons. They said it is unacceptable for Japan, the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack, to cooperate in nuclear development.
Koichi Kawano, the leader of the survivors' groups, says this bilateral cooperation could lead to a collapse of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system, and the Japanese government should encourage India to become a signatory to the treaty.
2010年6月23日水曜日
Gang involvement suspected in extorting wrestler
Tokyo police investigating a gambling scandal involving sumo wrestlers and stable masters suspect that a crime syndicate associate was present at negotiations with Ozeki Kotomitsuki over hush money he was blackmailed into paying by a former wrestler.
Police suspect the former wrestler blackmailed Kotomitsuki over illegal bets he'd placed on Japanese professional baseball games.
The police have already obtained an arrest warrant for the former wrestler on suspicion of extorting about 39,000 dollars.
They also say Kotomitsuki was asked to pay more than 1.1 million dollars in additional hush money during the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March.
They suspect that the gang associate took part in negotiations over payment of the money, and that stablemaster Otake accompanied Kotomitsuki and another stable master, Tokitsukaze, was waiting in a car parked nearby.
Police suspect the former wrestler blackmailed Kotomitsuki over illegal bets he'd placed on Japanese professional baseball games.
The police have already obtained an arrest warrant for the former wrestler on suspicion of extorting about 39,000 dollars.
They also say Kotomitsuki was asked to pay more than 1.1 million dollars in additional hush money during the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March.
They suspect that the gang associate took part in negotiations over payment of the money, and that stablemaster Otake accompanied Kotomitsuki and another stable master, Tokitsukaze, was waiting in a car parked nearby.
Okinawa observes 65th memorial day
Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa has marked the 65th anniversary of the end of organized combat between the now-defunct Japanese Imperial Army and US forces at the end of World War Two.
On Wednesday, a remembrance ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, where the last of the fierce fighting took place in 1945. The Battle of Okinawa killed more than 200,000 soldiers and civilians.
During the ceremony, about 5,500 people, including victims' families, observed a minute of silence.
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said the prefecture continues to host many US military bases, and that local residents have been suffering from incidents caused by US soldiers as well as noise pollution.
He also said quickly removing the danger posed by the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station is an issue that concerns not only Okinawa, and that all Japanese nationals should try to help solve it.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed his condolences to the victims' families, and apologized to Okinawa for having to shoulder the great burden of hosting many US bases.
He pledged that the government will work harder to reduce the burden and remove danger posed by US bases.
This is Kan's first visit to the prefecture since taking office earlier this month.
2010/06/23 14:39(JST)
On Wednesday, a remembrance ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, where the last of the fierce fighting took place in 1945. The Battle of Okinawa killed more than 200,000 soldiers and civilians.
During the ceremony, about 5,500 people, including victims' families, observed a minute of silence.
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said the prefecture continues to host many US military bases, and that local residents have been suffering from incidents caused by US soldiers as well as noise pollution.
He also said quickly removing the danger posed by the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station is an issue that concerns not only Okinawa, and that all Japanese nationals should try to help solve it.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed his condolences to the victims' families, and apologized to Okinawa for having to shoulder the great burden of hosting many US bases.
He pledged that the government will work harder to reduce the burden and remove danger posed by US bases.
This is Kan's first visit to the prefecture since taking office earlier this month.
2010/06/23 14:39(JST)
2010年6月22日火曜日
Yokohama holds APEC-related cultural seminar
The Japanese city that will host this year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum has held a cultural seminar for children on one of the member economies.
Yokohama, south of Tokyo, will host the APEC summit this November.
To promote the event, the city presented a seminar about Vietnam at a local elementary school on Tuesday.
Using photos and videos, a Vietnamese student at the municipal university introduced aspects of Vietnamese culture --- including traditional water puppets and cuisine --- to 80 children.
A schoolgirl who attended said she knew little about Vietnam before, but now hopes to visit there someday.
Yokohama plans to hold similar seminars on the cultures of other APEC members, including China and Thailand, at about 20 other elementary schools.
Yokohama, south of Tokyo, will host the APEC summit this November.
To promote the event, the city presented a seminar about Vietnam at a local elementary school on Tuesday.
Using photos and videos, a Vietnamese student at the municipal university introduced aspects of Vietnamese culture --- including traditional water puppets and cuisine --- to 80 children.
A schoolgirl who attended said she knew little about Vietnam before, but now hopes to visit there someday.
Yokohama plans to hold similar seminars on the cultures of other APEC members, including China and Thailand, at about 20 other elementary schools.
Abductees' families seek Mongolia's support
The families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea are heading to Mongolia to seek support from the country, which has close ties with the North.
Shigeo Iizuka, the elder brother of abductee Yaeko Taguchi, and Teruaki Masumoto, the younger brother of abductee Rumiko Masumoto, left Japan for Mongolia on Monday. Iizuka also heads a group of abductees' relatives.
Iizuka and Masumoto are making their first visit to Mongolia at the request of the Mongolian media.
During their stay until Thursday, they plan to meet senior government officials to directly appeal for their support.
They will also attend a lecture on the abductions to raise Mongolians' awareness of the problem.
Iizuka said he wants to ask the Mongolian government to urge North Korea to return all the abductees.
Masumoto said he has heard that some North Korean defectors live in Mongolia, and he will ask the Mongolian authorities to share information on the abductions.
The Mongolian government has diplomatic ties with North Korea and has previously expressed its willingness to cooperate with Japan to resolve the abduction issue.
Shigeo Iizuka, the elder brother of abductee Yaeko Taguchi, and Teruaki Masumoto, the younger brother of abductee Rumiko Masumoto, left Japan for Mongolia on Monday. Iizuka also heads a group of abductees' relatives.
Iizuka and Masumoto are making their first visit to Mongolia at the request of the Mongolian media.
During their stay until Thursday, they plan to meet senior government officials to directly appeal for their support.
They will also attend a lecture on the abductions to raise Mongolians' awareness of the problem.
Iizuka said he wants to ask the Mongolian government to urge North Korea to return all the abductees.
Masumoto said he has heard that some North Korean defectors live in Mongolia, and he will ask the Mongolian authorities to share information on the abductions.
The Mongolian government has diplomatic ties with North Korea and has previously expressed its willingness to cooperate with Japan to resolve the abduction issue.
2010年6月20日日曜日
Rainy season ends in Okinawa
The rainy season has ended in Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.
The Okinawa Meteorological Observatory announced the end of Tsuyu 4 days earlier than usual.
The total amount of rainfall during the season until Friday, which started on May 6th, was 761 millimeters in Naha City and 741 millimeters in Kume-jima. That's about twice the amount of rain compared to a normal Tsuyu rainy season.
Mainland Japan is still in the midst of the rainy season which will continue into next month.
The Okinawa Meteorological Observatory announced the end of Tsuyu 4 days earlier than usual.
The total amount of rainfall during the season until Friday, which started on May 6th, was 761 millimeters in Naha City and 741 millimeters in Kume-jima. That's about twice the amount of rain compared to a normal Tsuyu rainy season.
Mainland Japan is still in the midst of the rainy season which will continue into next month.
Dalai Lama visits Nagano's Zenkoji Temple
The Dalai Lama has visited the well-known Zenkoji Buddhist temple in the central Japanese city of Nagano to express his gratitude.
The temple withdrew from being a starting point of part of the Japanese leg of the Olympic torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, citing concerns about the Chinese government's response to Tibetan issues at the time.
After a prayer for peace, the Dalai Lama told a news conference that he feels very blessed to be able to visit such a holy place for the first time.
Referring to the temple's withdrawal from the torch relay, he said he is very thankful for its understanding of Tibetan issues.
The Dalai Lama will give a lecture in the city on Sunday ahead of his departure on Monday.
The temple withdrew from being a starting point of part of the Japanese leg of the Olympic torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, citing concerns about the Chinese government's response to Tibetan issues at the time.
After a prayer for peace, the Dalai Lama told a news conference that he feels very blessed to be able to visit such a holy place for the first time.
Referring to the temple's withdrawal from the torch relay, he said he is very thankful for its understanding of Tibetan issues.
The Dalai Lama will give a lecture in the city on Sunday ahead of his departure on Monday.
2010年6月15日火曜日
Gangster extorted money from Kotomitsuki
Sources close to Tokyo police and the Sumo Association say not only the wrestler, Kotomitsuki, but other people who work in sumo are caught up in illegal gambling.
According to the sources, a man belonging to a sumo stable acted as an intermediary for the betting on baseball games.
In December last year, they say, Kotomitsuki asked the intermediary to pay him his gambling winnings worth tens of thousands of dollars.
But the intermediary told Kotomitsuki to get the money from another man, who is also employed in sumo.
Kotomitsuki did as instructed, but the other man's brother then appeared and threatened to reveal the wrestler's gambling activities unless he paid hush money.
The brother, a gangster and former sumo wrestler, extorted about 30-thousand dollars, and later tried to make Kotomitsuki pay more than one-million dollars.
According to the sources, a man belonging to a sumo stable acted as an intermediary for the betting on baseball games.
In December last year, they say, Kotomitsuki asked the intermediary to pay him his gambling winnings worth tens of thousands of dollars.
But the intermediary told Kotomitsuki to get the money from another man, who is also employed in sumo.
Kotomitsuki did as instructed, but the other man's brother then appeared and threatened to reveal the wrestler's gambling activities unless he paid hush money.
The brother, a gangster and former sumo wrestler, extorted about 30-thousand dollars, and later tried to make Kotomitsuki pay more than one-million dollars.
Traditional rowboat races in Okinawa
Fishermen in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost island prefecture, have competed in races in traditional rowboats to wish for a good catch and safety at sea.
The event held on Tuesday in Itoman City dates back more than 400 years.
In one race, 10-man teams from 3 local communities paddled rowboats measuring about 7 meters long on an 800-meter course near a fishing port as onlookers cheered from the shore.
A member of the winning team of oarsmen said they'd practiced hard every day, and hope to bring in a big catch this season
The event held on Tuesday in Itoman City dates back more than 400 years.
In one race, 10-man teams from 3 local communities paddled rowboats measuring about 7 meters long on an 800-meter course near a fishing port as onlookers cheered from the shore.
A member of the winning team of oarsmen said they'd practiced hard every day, and hope to bring in a big catch this season
2010年6月14日月曜日
Record work-related stress claims in FY2009
A record number of people sought worker's compensation in fiscal 2009 for mental health problems related to job stress.
A labor ministry survey shows that 1,136 people applied for compensation in the year ending March 2010. The claimants said they suffered psychological illnesses such as depression due to excessive workloads, harassment by superiors and other workplace stress.
The figure represents a surge of 209 claimants from the previous record set in 2008. The figure is also more than 5 times the number of a decade ago.
234 of the claimants or their families have been granted compensation. 63 of them committed suicide.
The most common causes cited for work-related mental illness were major changes in job content and workload at 24 percent, exposure to traumatic circumstances or accidents at 16 percent, and excessive working hours at 11 percent.
Meanwhile, there were 293 cases in which compensation was paid for stroke and heart attack caused by overwork. That's down 84 from a year earlier. 106 of the cases involved people who died.
A labor ministry survey shows that 1,136 people applied for compensation in the year ending March 2010. The claimants said they suffered psychological illnesses such as depression due to excessive workloads, harassment by superiors and other workplace stress.
The figure represents a surge of 209 claimants from the previous record set in 2008. The figure is also more than 5 times the number of a decade ago.
234 of the claimants or their families have been granted compensation. 63 of them committed suicide.
The most common causes cited for work-related mental illness were major changes in job content and workload at 24 percent, exposure to traumatic circumstances or accidents at 16 percent, and excessive working hours at 11 percent.
Meanwhile, there were 293 cases in which compensation was paid for stroke and heart attack caused by overwork. That's down 84 from a year earlier. 106 of the cases involved people who died.
Rainy season begins in Tokyo
The rainy season has started in Tokyo and the southern Tohoku region.
The Meteorological Agency announced on Monday that a front near Japan's southern coast is bringing seasonal rains to the Kanto-Koshin area, which includes the capital, and to part of northeastern Japan.
The start of the rainy season comes to Tokyo 11 days later than last year and 6 days later than average.
Western and central Japan has already entered the rainy season. This leaves only northern Tohoku still waiting for its annual installment of persistent rain. The main island of Hokkaido in northern Japan does not have a rainy season.
The Meteorological Agency announced on Monday that a front near Japan's southern coast is bringing seasonal rains to the Kanto-Koshin area, which includes the capital, and to part of northeastern Japan.
The start of the rainy season comes to Tokyo 11 days later than last year and 6 days later than average.
Western and central Japan has already entered the rainy season. This leaves only northern Tohoku still waiting for its annual installment of persistent rain. The main island of Hokkaido in northern Japan does not have a rainy season.
2010年6月12日土曜日
Wives of construction workers rally
Thousands of women gathered in Tokyo on Friday, demanding more jobs for their husbands and sons who are subcontract construction workers in the capital and surrounding areas. Such workers are being hit hard by lower wages due to the recession, and fewer public works projects.
The rally at Hibiya Park in central Tokyo attracted more than 3,300 women. Some participants from Chiba said their families are facing serious hardship and living on scant earnings.
A group of women from Tokyo performed a short play dramatizing how they have cut spending on their children's education and recreational activities.
Last year, the construction industry recorded its lowest number of contracts since the collapse of Japan's bubble economy at the beginning of the 1990s.
Some subcontract construction workers have seen their wages drop by 40 percent over the past 3 years.
The wife of one worker with 2 children said their household budget is severely strained, and said she attended the rally thinking she had to act to change the situation.
The rally at Hibiya Park in central Tokyo attracted more than 3,300 women. Some participants from Chiba said their families are facing serious hardship and living on scant earnings.
A group of women from Tokyo performed a short play dramatizing how they have cut spending on their children's education and recreational activities.
Last year, the construction industry recorded its lowest number of contracts since the collapse of Japan's bubble economy at the beginning of the 1990s.
Some subcontract construction workers have seen their wages drop by 40 percent over the past 3 years.
The wife of one worker with 2 children said their household budget is severely strained, and said she attended the rally thinking she had to act to change the situation.
2010年6月10日木曜日
Seasonal cherry picking begins in Yamagata
About 300 cherry orchards have been opened to visitors in Sagae, Yamagata Prefecture, in northeastern Japan.
One of the orchards welcomed children from a local nursery school on Thursday.
The children were all smiles as they enjoyed mouthfuls of fresh cherries.
Yamagata is Japan's largest cherry-producing center.
The prefecture and an association of local farmers say low temperatures delayed the growth of cherries this year, but that careful pollination and protection from frost helped bring about the first rich harvest in 4 years.
Orchard owner Tokio Kikuchi says he's happy to have opened his orchard to tourists because it's really hard to get cherry trees to bear fruit. He says he hopes to see many visitors from all over Japan come to pick cherries.
One of the orchards welcomed children from a local nursery school on Thursday.
The children were all smiles as they enjoyed mouthfuls of fresh cherries.
Yamagata is Japan's largest cherry-producing center.
The prefecture and an association of local farmers say low temperatures delayed the growth of cherries this year, but that careful pollination and protection from frost helped bring about the first rich harvest in 4 years.
Orchard owner Tokio Kikuchi says he's happy to have opened his orchard to tourists because it's really hard to get cherry trees to bear fruit. He says he hopes to see many visitors from all over Japan come to pick cherries.
Miyakonojo struggles to contain outbreak
Over 200 cattle have been slaughtered at a farm in Miyakonojo City, the heart of Japan's livestock industry, after a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
The farm in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, culled all 208 cattle on Thursday after finding the previous day that 3 showed symptoms of the disease.
Tests later confirmed that the 3 were infected. The city is about 50 kilometers southwest of the areas where the outbreak has been concentrated since its onset in mid-April.
The prefecture is planning to ban the movement of livestock within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm, and transport of animals from within a 20-kilomter radius.
The non-transport zone covers parts of neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture.
The farm in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, culled all 208 cattle on Thursday after finding the previous day that 3 showed symptoms of the disease.
Tests later confirmed that the 3 were infected. The city is about 50 kilometers southwest of the areas where the outbreak has been concentrated since its onset in mid-April.
The prefecture is planning to ban the movement of livestock within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm, and transport of animals from within a 20-kilomter radius.
The non-transport zone covers parts of neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture.
2010年6月8日火曜日
2 years pass since Akihabara killing rampage
Two years have passed since a random killing rampage left 7 people dead and 10 others wounded in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district.
On June 8th, 2008, then temp staff worker Tomohiro Kato drove a truck into a vehicle-free zone crowded with weekend shoppers, hitting people and then getting out and stabbing others with a knife.
On Tuesday, about 50 people, including Chiyoda ward mayor Masami Ishikawa, residents and survivors of the attack, gathered at an altar set up at the crossing where the killings took place.
They offered flowers and prayers for the victims.
Mayor Ishikawa said that security cameras have been installed in Akihabara and he renewed his determination to keep the district safe.
Former taxi driver Hiroshi Yuasa visited the site with a number of young people. He suffered a serious wound while trying to help other victims. Yuasa said many people have already forgotten the tragedy and that he will work with these young people to keep the memory alive as long as possible.
The altar will be in place for the rest of the day.
Kato's trial began in January. He admitted what he did and apologized to the victims and their families.
On June 8th, 2008, then temp staff worker Tomohiro Kato drove a truck into a vehicle-free zone crowded with weekend shoppers, hitting people and then getting out and stabbing others with a knife.
On Tuesday, about 50 people, including Chiyoda ward mayor Masami Ishikawa, residents and survivors of the attack, gathered at an altar set up at the crossing where the killings took place.
They offered flowers and prayers for the victims.
Mayor Ishikawa said that security cameras have been installed in Akihabara and he renewed his determination to keep the district safe.
Former taxi driver Hiroshi Yuasa visited the site with a number of young people. He suffered a serious wound while trying to help other victims. Yuasa said many people have already forgotten the tragedy and that he will work with these young people to keep the memory alive as long as possible.
The altar will be in place for the rest of the day.
Kato's trial began in January. He admitted what he did and apologized to the victims and their families.
2010年6月6日日曜日
Japanese online mall operators go to China
Japanese online mall operators are entering the rapidly growing Chinese market.
Yahoo Japan formed a tie-up with Taobao, the largest Chinese internet retailer, and launched business operations earlier this month.
Cosmetics, electric appliances, and clothing in Yahoo's mall are now available for sale to Chinese customers.
The two companies have set up a Chinese language website to showcase their products. They accept payment in Chinese currency and provide a customs clearance service.
Major Japanese online mall operator Rakuten will set up a joint venture with China's top search engine Baidu, and begin operating an Internet mall in China this summer.
Annual sales in China's online shopping market have almost doubled in the last year and are expected to top 110 billion dollars in 2 years' time.
More Japanese firms are aiming to move into the Chinese online market.
However, many are worried about piracy and protection of intellectual property rights, as illegal copies of Japanese products are widely circulated in China.
Yahoo Japan formed a tie-up with Taobao, the largest Chinese internet retailer, and launched business operations earlier this month.
Cosmetics, electric appliances, and clothing in Yahoo's mall are now available for sale to Chinese customers.
The two companies have set up a Chinese language website to showcase their products. They accept payment in Chinese currency and provide a customs clearance service.
Major Japanese online mall operator Rakuten will set up a joint venture with China's top search engine Baidu, and begin operating an Internet mall in China this summer.
Annual sales in China's online shopping market have almost doubled in the last year and are expected to top 110 billion dollars in 2 years' time.
More Japanese firms are aiming to move into the Chinese online market.
However, many are worried about piracy and protection of intellectual property rights, as illegal copies of Japanese products are widely circulated in China.
2010年6月4日金曜日
Naoto Kan biography
Naoto Kan won a Lower House seat for the first time in 1980 as a member of the Socialist Democratic Federation.
In 1994, Kan joined New Party Sakigake and served as its policy chief when it was part of a coalition government led jointly by the Liberal Democratic and Social Democratic parties.
In 1996, he became health minister under the government of then prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of the LDP, and made his name by tackling the problem of HIV infections from tainted blood products.
That same year, Kan and Yukio Hatoyama founded the precursor to the present-day Democratic Party.
In 1998, Kan became the party's first leader after it merged with smaller parties.
In 2003, Kan led his party into a merger with the Liberal Party, led by Ichiro Ozawa.
When the Democrats took power in their historic Lower House victory last summer, Kan took up the posts of deputy prime minister and national strategy minister in the government of Prime Minister Hatoyama.
In January, Kan replaced then finance minister Hirohisa Fujii, who resigned for health reasons.
Some people call him "Irakan," or "Irritable Kan," as he is known to be rather short-tempered. But lawmakers close to him say that lately he has become more well-rounded in terms of his personality.
In 1994, Kan joined New Party Sakigake and served as its policy chief when it was part of a coalition government led jointly by the Liberal Democratic and Social Democratic parties.
In 1996, he became health minister under the government of then prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of the LDP, and made his name by tackling the problem of HIV infections from tainted blood products.
That same year, Kan and Yukio Hatoyama founded the precursor to the present-day Democratic Party.
In 1998, Kan became the party's first leader after it merged with smaller parties.
In 2003, Kan led his party into a merger with the Liberal Party, led by Ichiro Ozawa.
When the Democrats took power in their historic Lower House victory last summer, Kan took up the posts of deputy prime minister and national strategy minister in the government of Prime Minister Hatoyama.
In January, Kan replaced then finance minister Hirohisa Fujii, who resigned for health reasons.
Some people call him "Irakan," or "Irritable Kan," as he is known to be rather short-tempered. But lawmakers close to him say that lately he has become more well-rounded in terms of his personality.
2010年6月3日木曜日
Yokohama celebrates port opening anniversary
A citizens' chorus and fireworks marked the anniversary of the opening of Port Yokohama to international trade on Wednesday evening.
Port Yokohama near Tokyo -- one of Japan's major ports -- was opened to foreign ships by the Tokugawa Shogunate government in 1859.
This year's festival took place at a park in the Minato- Mirai district, which overlooks the port.
About 1,000 citizens, from small children to seniors in their 80s, participated in the choral concert, singing 8 songs, including the city's anthem and popular tunes. The participants rehearsed for 2 months for the event.
At the end of the concert, 3,000 fireworks were set off against the background of the Yokohama Bay Bridge.
Port Yokohama near Tokyo -- one of Japan's major ports -- was opened to foreign ships by the Tokugawa Shogunate government in 1859.
This year's festival took place at a park in the Minato- Mirai district, which overlooks the port.
About 1,000 citizens, from small children to seniors in their 80s, participated in the choral concert, singing 8 songs, including the city's anthem and popular tunes. The participants rehearsed for 2 months for the event.
At the end of the concert, 3,000 fireworks were set off against the background of the Yokohama Bay Bridge.
Fusion of Kabuki and rap music to be put on stage
A rehearsal for an innovative performance of Kabuki, which melds rap music into the traditional art, was opened to the media on Wednesday.
The show, which aims at interesting young people in Kabuki, is partly accompanied by electric guitars instead of the shamisen, a Japanese string instrument.
The work is based on a classical Kabuki play titled "Sakura-gimin-den"--a story of a man who stands up to save poverty-stricken farmers, with the lead role performed by Nakamura Kanzaburo.
Actors playing farmers sing their lines to a rap music accompaniment in various scenes, including ones where they express anger or encourage the lead character.
The actors have diligently practiced incorporating rap into their lines, adding a certain power to the performance.
Nakamura Kanzaburo told reporters that the show has many interesting features, such as explaining yearly routines of historical farming to rap music. He said he hopes many people, including the young, would come to see the performance.
The show runs through Thursday to June 27th.
The show, which aims at interesting young people in Kabuki, is partly accompanied by electric guitars instead of the shamisen, a Japanese string instrument.
The work is based on a classical Kabuki play titled "Sakura-gimin-den"--a story of a man who stands up to save poverty-stricken farmers, with the lead role performed by Nakamura Kanzaburo.
Actors playing farmers sing their lines to a rap music accompaniment in various scenes, including ones where they express anger or encourage the lead character.
The actors have diligently practiced incorporating rap into their lines, adding a certain power to the performance.
Nakamura Kanzaburo told reporters that the show has many interesting features, such as explaining yearly routines of historical farming to rap music. He said he hopes many people, including the young, would come to see the performance.
The show runs through Thursday to June 27th.
2010年6月2日水曜日
Japan's fertility rate remains unchanged in 2009
A government survey has found Japan's fertility rate for 2009 has remained unchanged from the previous year, after the preceding 3 years all saw rises.
The rate refers to the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.
According to data released by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the fertility rate stood at 1.37 in 2009.
Post-war, it has declined since 1947, when it stood at 4.54, and 2.16 in 1971. The rate hit a record low of 1.26 in 2005, before rising through 2008.
By regional breakdown, Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan saw the highest rate of 1.79, while that of Tokyo was the lowest at 1.12.
Women aged between 30 and 35 gave birth to the greatest number of babies at 389,788.
The ministry said this reflects the rising age of women having their first child, which is now 29.7 years old on average.
The rate refers to the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.
According to data released by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the fertility rate stood at 1.37 in 2009.
Post-war, it has declined since 1947, when it stood at 4.54, and 2.16 in 1971. The rate hit a record low of 1.26 in 2005, before rising through 2008.
By regional breakdown, Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan saw the highest rate of 1.79, while that of Tokyo was the lowest at 1.12.
Women aged between 30 and 35 gave birth to the greatest number of babies at 389,788.
The ministry said this reflects the rising age of women having their first child, which is now 29.7 years old on average.
2010年6月1日火曜日
Child allowance payments begin in some areas
The disbursal of child-rearing allowances --- a key campaign pledge by Japan's main ruling Democratic Party --- has begun in some municipalities.
Under the program, parents are entitled to receive monthly payments of about 140 dollars per child until the child leaves junior high school.
On Tuesday, some towns and villages in Hokkaido, Niigata and Toyama prefectures began disbursing the child allowances for April and May.
In Asahi town, Toyama Prefecture, fathers and mothers visited the town hall in person to receive the funds, which were handed out in cash.
A father of 3 elementary school children said more money will be needed as they grow older, so he plans to put their allowances into a savings fund.
A mother of a 2-year-old said she wants to take her child to an amusement park.
Disbursal of child allowances will begin in other municipalities before the end of this month, mostly through bank transfers.
The welfare ministry says the program covers more than 17 million children and will cost the government about 25 billion dollars for the current fiscal year.
Under the program, parents are entitled to receive monthly payments of about 140 dollars per child until the child leaves junior high school.
On Tuesday, some towns and villages in Hokkaido, Niigata and Toyama prefectures began disbursing the child allowances for April and May.
In Asahi town, Toyama Prefecture, fathers and mothers visited the town hall in person to receive the funds, which were handed out in cash.
A father of 3 elementary school children said more money will be needed as they grow older, so he plans to put their allowances into a savings fund.
A mother of a 2-year-old said she wants to take her child to an amusement park.
Disbursal of child allowances will begin in other municipalities before the end of this month, mostly through bank transfers.
The welfare ministry says the program covers more than 17 million children and will cost the government about 25 billion dollars for the current fiscal year.
Ayu fishing season starts in Tochigi
Recreational fishermen flocked to a river in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Tuesday for the opening of the ayu, or sweetfish, season.
Scores of anglers, many from Tokyo and its vicinities, dropped their lines along the Naka River at first light for the annual first-of-June start of the fishing season for the prized fish.
Some of them used live ayu as bait while others tried their hands at fly fishing.
A local fishermen's association released roughly 700,000 fry in the river this year. But the 2010 catch is expected to be relatively small due to unseasonably cold weather.
An angler said it is fun to catch ayu using live bait
and that he started preparing his rod and tackle one month ago.
The fishing season for ayu in the Naka River will run through November 10th.
Scores of anglers, many from Tokyo and its vicinities, dropped their lines along the Naka River at first light for the annual first-of-June start of the fishing season for the prized fish.
Some of them used live ayu as bait while others tried their hands at fly fishing.
A local fishermen's association released roughly 700,000 fry in the river this year. But the 2010 catch is expected to be relatively small due to unseasonably cold weather.
An angler said it is fun to catch ayu using live bait
and that he started preparing his rod and tackle one month ago.
The fishing season for ayu in the Naka River will run through November 10th.
2010年5月31日月曜日
World No Tobacco Day Symposium in Tokyo
A symposium addressing anti-smoking measures and the problem of passive smoking was held in Tokyo to mark World No Tobacco Day on Monday.
The event, co-hosted by the World Health Organization, Japan's health and welfare ministry and others, involved about 200 people, including doctors and researchers.
A W-H-O expert noted that 600,000 people worldwide die from second-hand smoke every year, and that further regulations must be put in place to protect younger people from falling victim to cigarettes.
In Yokohama city, near Tokyo, an event was held to measure the ill effects of passive smoking. In the event, smokers learned that their lung-ages were more than double their actual ages.
The health ministry issued a non-binding directive calling for a blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces in February, on the grounds that passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
The city government of Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, has totally banned smoking outdoors on the streets in and around the city's main railway station. They removed all the ashtrays in the city's designated smoking areas before dawn on Monday.
The government of Osaka Prefecture has prohibited its officials from smoking on the streets around its office building, in addition to areas inside the office and its compound.
The event, co-hosted by the World Health Organization, Japan's health and welfare ministry and others, involved about 200 people, including doctors and researchers.
A W-H-O expert noted that 600,000 people worldwide die from second-hand smoke every year, and that further regulations must be put in place to protect younger people from falling victim to cigarettes.
In Yokohama city, near Tokyo, an event was held to measure the ill effects of passive smoking. In the event, smokers learned that their lung-ages were more than double their actual ages.
The health ministry issued a non-binding directive calling for a blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces in February, on the grounds that passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
The city government of Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, has totally banned smoking outdoors on the streets in and around the city's main railway station. They removed all the ashtrays in the city's designated smoking areas before dawn on Monday.
The government of Osaka Prefecture has prohibited its officials from smoking on the streets around its office building, in addition to areas inside the office and its compound.
Hokusai Exhibition
An exhibition of works by Japanese ukiyoe master Katsushika Hokusai is to open in Tokyo to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.
The exhibition, which starts on Tuesday, features woodblock prints and paintings produced by the artist during his more-than-70-year career in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The first half of the exhibition, which runs through June 27th, features more than 100 pieces from Hokusai's early career, including prints of Kabuki actors and book illustrations.
Pictures portraying 3 women were created during a period when the artist was in his 40s and had first achieved recognition.
Depictions of ghosts by Hokusai were included in novels by the writer Takizawa Bakin, a contemporary of the artist.
The second half of the exhibition, from July 1st to 25th, will feature the artist's famed woodblock print series, "36 Views of Mount Fuji," and paintings from his later years.
2010年5月29日土曜日
Japan-US Security Treaty 50th anniversary
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the Japan-US Security Treaty. US and Japanese researchers met to discuss the relocation of Futenma Air Station and the future of Japan-US relations at a symposium in Tokyo on Thursday.
A former US ambassador to Japan, Michael Armacost, indicated that the US government is demanding a resolution to the base issue too quickly from an administration that has recently assumed office.
Armacost said it's important to remember the value of the Japan-US alliance at a time when China is growing and North Korea is carrying out provocative acts.
One panelist said Japan-US cooperation will increase in importance as the two countries each face the complicated issue of competition and cooperation with China.
Another participant said the Japan-US secret pacts should be a lesson to remember, and that the two governments should release information needed by people who want to discuss issues related to the alliance
A former US ambassador to Japan, Michael Armacost, indicated that the US government is demanding a resolution to the base issue too quickly from an administration that has recently assumed office.
Armacost said it's important to remember the value of the Japan-US alliance at a time when China is growing and North Korea is carrying out provocative acts.
One panelist said Japan-US cooperation will increase in importance as the two countries each face the complicated issue of competition and cooperation with China.
Another participant said the Japan-US secret pacts should be a lesson to remember, and that the two governments should release information needed by people who want to discuss issues related to the alliance
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