Kyoto, Waseda and some other top Japanese universities say entrance exam questions were posted online during the tests by students seeking answers.
It was found on Saturday that questions on English and mathematics for Kyoto University's second-stage exam that started on Friday were posted on Yahoo's "Pearls of wisdom" question-and-answer site during the test.
Some questions on mathematics were answered in 30 minutes and the answers to some English questions were given in 6 minutes.
It is suspected that one or more students used cell phones or computers to obtain the answers.
Waseda University has found that English questions for an entrance examination held on February 12th were posted online during the test.
Kyoto University has urged examinees to stay calm, saying that it will severely punish those who are found to have cheated.
The education ministry says it received a report from Kyoto University on Saturday.
The ministry plans to ask Doshisha, Rikkyo and Waseda universities for their reports. It also plans to ask the universities to carry out detailed investigations.
2011年2月28日月曜日
2011年2月26日土曜日
Tourism to Japan in January at record high
The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in January hit a record high, mainly due to a recovery in the number of visitors from China.
The Japan National Tourism Organization said on Friday that an estimated 714,000 foreign travelers visited Japan last month. That's up 11.6 percent from a year ago and the highest number for January since record keeping began in 1964.
The agency attributes the rise to an increase in Chinese tourist numbers for the first time in 4 months. The figure had been in decline since last October, after a Chinese trawler collided with 2 Japanese patrol vessels in the East China Sea the previous month, souring bilateral ties.
The government agency also says the resumption of regular international flights at Tokyo's Haneda Airport helped boost the number of travelers from South Korea, Thailand and Singapore.
It adds that an increasing number of Australians also visited Japan last month to go skiing in Hokkaido and other northern locations.
Agency chief Hiroshi Mizohata told reporters that the collision incident's adverse effects on tourism seem to have faded. He also said his agency wants to strengthen Japan's capacity to accept more tourists from China by cooperating with the Chinese side.
The Japan National Tourism Organization said on Friday that an estimated 714,000 foreign travelers visited Japan last month. That's up 11.6 percent from a year ago and the highest number for January since record keeping began in 1964.
The agency attributes the rise to an increase in Chinese tourist numbers for the first time in 4 months. The figure had been in decline since last October, after a Chinese trawler collided with 2 Japanese patrol vessels in the East China Sea the previous month, souring bilateral ties.
The government agency also says the resumption of regular international flights at Tokyo's Haneda Airport helped boost the number of travelers from South Korea, Thailand and Singapore.
It adds that an increasing number of Australians also visited Japan last month to go skiing in Hokkaido and other northern locations.
Agency chief Hiroshi Mizohata told reporters that the collision incident's adverse effects on tourism seem to have faded. He also said his agency wants to strengthen Japan's capacity to accept more tourists from China by cooperating with the Chinese side.
2011年2月19日土曜日
Japanese culture event in Albania
Japan's traditional music and folk dances have been presented to people in Albania.
The Japanese government organized the event, the first of its kind, to enhance understanding of Japan's culture among the Albanian people.
On Friday, more than 700 people enjoyed performances of Japanese flutes and a 3-stringed instrument called shamisen, as well as watching local folk dances at a theater in the capital, Tirana.
The audience erupted into applause when lion dancers approached Prime Minister Sali Berisha in an audience seat and tried to bite his head with the lion's mouth.
After becoming a communist state following World War Two, Albania isolated itself from the rest of the world until the 1980s, including from the former Soviet Union and China.
Japan has so far had limited exchanges with Albania, but hopes its economic assistance to the country will contribute to stability of the whole region.
The Japanese government organized the event, the first of its kind, to enhance understanding of Japan's culture among the Albanian people.
On Friday, more than 700 people enjoyed performances of Japanese flutes and a 3-stringed instrument called shamisen, as well as watching local folk dances at a theater in the capital, Tirana.
The audience erupted into applause when lion dancers approached Prime Minister Sali Berisha in an audience seat and tried to bite his head with the lion's mouth.
After becoming a communist state following World War Two, Albania isolated itself from the rest of the world until the 1980s, including from the former Soviet Union and China.
Japan has so far had limited exchanges with Albania, but hopes its economic assistance to the country will contribute to stability of the whole region.
Japanese culture event in Albania
Japan's traditional music and folk dances have been presented to people in Albania.
The Japanese government organized the event, the first of its kind, to enhance understanding of Japan's culture among the Albanian people.
On Friday, more than 700 people enjoyed performances of Japanese flutes and a 3-stringed instrument called shamisen, as well as watching local folk dances at a theater in the capital, Tirana.
The audience erupted into applause when lion dancers approached Prime Minister Sali Berisha in an audience seat and tried to bite his head with the lion's mouth.
After becoming a communist state following World War Two, Albania isolated itself from the rest of the world until the 1980s, including from the former Soviet Union and China.
Japan has so far had limited exchanges with Albania, but hopes its economic assistance to the country will contribute to stability of the whole region.
The Japanese government organized the event, the first of its kind, to enhance understanding of Japan's culture among the Albanian people.
On Friday, more than 700 people enjoyed performances of Japanese flutes and a 3-stringed instrument called shamisen, as well as watching local folk dances at a theater in the capital, Tirana.
The audience erupted into applause when lion dancers approached Prime Minister Sali Berisha in an audience seat and tried to bite his head with the lion's mouth.
After becoming a communist state following World War Two, Albania isolated itself from the rest of the world until the 1980s, including from the former Soviet Union and China.
Japan has so far had limited exchanges with Albania, but hopes its economic assistance to the country will contribute to stability of the whole region.
2011年2月12日土曜日
Emperor to receive treatment for arteriosclerosis
Japan's Emperor Akihito has a heart condition linked to arteriosclerosis and will be treated with medication.
The Emperor had a medical examination at the University of Tokyo hospital on Friday to check on his chronic heart problems.
Doctors performed an angiography to scan the Emperor's coronary arteries and analyze his blood flow. They detected insufficient blood flow to his heart.
The doctors concluded that symptoms related to the arteriosclerosis will not develop unless the Emperor does intense exercise, and that the condition will not affect his heart functions. They say surgery and treatment to expand blood vessels using a catheter will not be needed, but that the Emperor will need medication.
The Imperial Household Agency says the Emperor can continue his official duties, though he will need to take into account his arteriosclerosis when performing his duties.
The Emperor had a medical examination at the University of Tokyo hospital on Friday to check on his chronic heart problems.
Doctors performed an angiography to scan the Emperor's coronary arteries and analyze his blood flow. They detected insufficient blood flow to his heart.
The doctors concluded that symptoms related to the arteriosclerosis will not develop unless the Emperor does intense exercise, and that the condition will not affect his heart functions. They say surgery and treatment to expand blood vessels using a catheter will not be needed, but that the Emperor will need medication.
The Imperial Household Agency says the Emperor can continue his official duties, though he will need to take into account his arteriosclerosis when performing his duties.
Silk confirmed in 7th century coffin
A Japanese university team has found the remains of silk in a coffin made of layers of cloth that was found in an ancient burial mound in western Japan.
Some researchers believe that the tomb in the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture may be that of Empress Saimei, who reigned in the 7th century.
The team was led by Professor Takashi Nakazawa of Nara Women's University. The team confirmed that the coffin made of layers of lacquered cloth contained proteins that are identical to those of silk.
One of the team's members, Associate Professor Atsuko Miyaji, says the use of silk, which was an expensive commodity at the time, is proof that the coffin contained someone of high status.
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:16:00 +0900(JST)
Some researchers believe that the tomb in the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture may be that of Empress Saimei, who reigned in the 7th century.
The team was led by Professor Takashi Nakazawa of Nara Women's University. The team confirmed that the coffin made of layers of lacquered cloth contained proteins that are identical to those of silk.
One of the team's members, Associate Professor Atsuko Miyaji, says the use of silk, which was an expensive commodity at the time, is proof that the coffin contained someone of high status.
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:16:00 +0900(JST)
Kyoto shrine opens plum garden to public
A Shinto shrine in Japan's ancient city of Kyoto has opened its plum garden so the public can enjoy seeing spring flowers.
Many people visited Kitano Tenmangu on Friday to look at red and white "ume" flowers on about 1,500 trees that were thinly covered with snow.
The shrine honors the 9th-century scholar Sugawara no Michizane, a patron of learning who is said to have cherished plum flowers.
A woman in her 70s said the flowers and the snow created a beautiful scene. She also said looking at pretty flowers makes her feel much younger.
The Kitano Tenmangu shrine says about 50 percent of the plum flowers are blooming at present.
They will be in full bloom between late February and mid-March. The garden will be open until late next month.
Sat, 12 Feb 2011 02:52:00 +0900(JS
Many people visited Kitano Tenmangu on Friday to look at red and white "ume" flowers on about 1,500 trees that were thinly covered with snow.
The shrine honors the 9th-century scholar Sugawara no Michizane, a patron of learning who is said to have cherished plum flowers.
A woman in her 70s said the flowers and the snow created a beautiful scene. She also said looking at pretty flowers makes her feel much younger.
The Kitano Tenmangu shrine says about 50 percent of the plum flowers are blooming at present.
They will be in full bloom between late February and mid-March. The garden will be open until late next month.
Sat, 12 Feb 2011 02:52:00 +0900(JS
2011年2月7日月曜日
Parade calls for return of Russian-held islands
A parade was held in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Monday to call for the return of 4 Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.
The parade, the first of its kind, was held on the anniversary of the signing of the 1855 Russo-Japan treaty that recognized the 4 islands as Japanese territory.
It followed visits by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and senior defense officials to the disputed islands in recent months.
About 100 people, including former residents of the islands and the governor of Hokkaido Prefecture, took part. They chanted that the islands are an integral part of Japan as they marched through the city center for half an hour.
A college student says he hopes the parade will raise awareness of the territorial issue among young people like himself.
A participant in his 80s says he hopes Russia will return the islands soon despite the strained bilateral relationship.
The former Soviet Union seized the islands shortly after World War Two ended in 1945.
The parade, the first of its kind, was held on the anniversary of the signing of the 1855 Russo-Japan treaty that recognized the 4 islands as Japanese territory.
It followed visits by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and senior defense officials to the disputed islands in recent months.
About 100 people, including former residents of the islands and the governor of Hokkaido Prefecture, took part. They chanted that the islands are an integral part of Japan as they marched through the city center for half an hour.
A college student says he hopes the parade will raise awareness of the territorial issue among young people like himself.
A participant in his 80s says he hopes Russia will return the islands soon despite the strained bilateral relationship.
The former Soviet Union seized the islands shortly after World War Two ended in 1945.
2011年2月3日木曜日
Women more likely to become Internet addicts
Japan's first large-scale public survey on online habits suggests that women are more likely than men to become addicted to the Internet.
The government commissioned a University of Tokyo research team to question about 64,000 Internet users, starting last September, about the effects of their online activities.
The team concluded that 15 percent of online computer game players, 11 percent of mobile networking service users and 6 percent of mobile game players are addicts.
Women showed a higher level of addiction in all online services, particularly mobile games.
In addition, 52 percent of male and female addicts said they feel burdened by online personal relations.
The research team theorizes that women have a higher tendency to vent their emotions online, and become dependent on the Internet because they find it harder to detach themselves from their online acquaintances.
The government commissioned a University of Tokyo research team to question about 64,000 Internet users, starting last September, about the effects of their online activities.
The team concluded that 15 percent of online computer game players, 11 percent of mobile networking service users and 6 percent of mobile game players are addicts.
Women showed a higher level of addiction in all online services, particularly mobile games.
In addition, 52 percent of male and female addicts said they feel burdened by online personal relations.
The research team theorizes that women have a higher tendency to vent their emotions online, and become dependent on the Internet because they find it harder to detach themselves from their online acquaintances.
Mount Shinmoe continues erupting
Mount Shinmoe on Japan's southern Kyushu Island continues to violently erupt.
The volcano in the Kirishima mountain range erupted in the morning and around noon on Thursday. Columns of smoke from the second eruption reached as high as 2,500 meters.
Thursday's third explosion occurred in the evening, with smoke rising up to 2,000 meters.
Aerial observation by the Meteorological Agency on Thursday found little change in the size and temperature of the build up of lava, which has grown to about 600 meters in diameter.
Officials from the agency say volcanic gas continues to build up under lava covering the crater, and warn that eruptions as violent as those on Tuesday could continue.
The officials are warning against approaching within four kilometers of the crater. They are also advising people outside the exclusion zone to be on the alert for flying volcanic rocks and ash, as well as powerful shock waves.
A government committee on the prediction of volcanic eruptions said on Thursday that explosions at Mount Shinmoe are likely to continue for some time.
Experts on the committee say the ongoing volcanic activities are the first full-fledged magmatic eruptions at the volcano in about 300 years, citing the volcano's eruptions in the 1700s that lasted about two years.
The volcano in the Kirishima mountain range erupted in the morning and around noon on Thursday. Columns of smoke from the second eruption reached as high as 2,500 meters.
Thursday's third explosion occurred in the evening, with smoke rising up to 2,000 meters.
Aerial observation by the Meteorological Agency on Thursday found little change in the size and temperature of the build up of lava, which has grown to about 600 meters in diameter.
Officials from the agency say volcanic gas continues to build up under lava covering the crater, and warn that eruptions as violent as those on Tuesday could continue.
The officials are warning against approaching within four kilometers of the crater. They are also advising people outside the exclusion zone to be on the alert for flying volcanic rocks and ash, as well as powerful shock waves.
A government committee on the prediction of volcanic eruptions said on Thursday that explosions at Mount Shinmoe are likely to continue for some time.
Experts on the committee say the ongoing volcanic activities are the first full-fledged magmatic eruptions at the volcano in about 300 years, citing the volcano's eruptions in the 1700s that lasted about two years.
Mount Shinmoe continues erupting
Mount Shinmoe on Japan's southern Kyushu Island continues to violently erupt.
The volcano in the Kirishima mountain range erupted in the morning and around noon on Thursday. Columns of smoke from the second eruption reached as high as 2,500 meters.
Thursday's third explosion occurred in the evening, with smoke rising up to 2,000 meters.
Aerial observation by the Meteorological Agency on Thursday found little change in the size and temperature of the build up of lava, which has grown to about 600 meters in diameter.
Officials from the agency say volcanic gas continues to build up under lava covering the crater, and warn that eruptions as violent as those on Tuesday could continue.
The officials are warning against approaching within four kilometers of the crater. They are also advising people outside the exclusion zone to be on the alert for flying volcanic rocks and ash, as well as powerful shock waves.
A government committee on the prediction of volcanic eruptions said on Thursday that explosions at Mount Shinmoe are likely to continue for some time.
Experts on the committee say the ongoing volcanic activities are the first full-fledged magmatic eruptions at the volcano in about 300 years, citing the volcano's eruptions in the 1700s that lasted about two years.
The volcano in the Kirishima mountain range erupted in the morning and around noon on Thursday. Columns of smoke from the second eruption reached as high as 2,500 meters.
Thursday's third explosion occurred in the evening, with smoke rising up to 2,000 meters.
Aerial observation by the Meteorological Agency on Thursday found little change in the size and temperature of the build up of lava, which has grown to about 600 meters in diameter.
Officials from the agency say volcanic gas continues to build up under lava covering the crater, and warn that eruptions as violent as those on Tuesday could continue.
The officials are warning against approaching within four kilometers of the crater. They are also advising people outside the exclusion zone to be on the alert for flying volcanic rocks and ash, as well as powerful shock waves.
A government committee on the prediction of volcanic eruptions said on Thursday that explosions at Mount Shinmoe are likely to continue for some time.
Experts on the committee say the ongoing volcanic activities are the first full-fledged magmatic eruptions at the volcano in about 300 years, citing the volcano's eruptions in the 1700s that lasted about two years.
Bean-scattering rite held at Shinshoji temple
A traditional event of scattering beans to drive away evil spirits took place at Naritasan Shinshoji temple, east of Tokyo, on Thursday.
Actress Juri Ueno, who is starring in NHK's epic drama "Go," and other celebrities threw beans from a platform set up in front of the temple's main hall. People who packed the venue rushed to catch the beans.
Bean-throwers at Shinshoji only shout "Fukuwa uchi!," meaning "Good luck in!," whereas the phrase "Oniwa soto!," or "Demons out!," is also shouted at the traditional rite practiced all across Japan.
The unique practice at Shinshoji is based on the legend that even demons repented thanks to the mercy shown by the divine figure enshrined at the temple.
About 40,000 people visited the temple for the event, in which a total 1,260 kilograms of beans were scattered.
Actress Juri Ueno, who is starring in NHK's epic drama "Go," and other celebrities threw beans from a platform set up in front of the temple's main hall. People who packed the venue rushed to catch the beans.
Bean-throwers at Shinshoji only shout "Fukuwa uchi!," meaning "Good luck in!," whereas the phrase "Oniwa soto!," or "Demons out!," is also shouted at the traditional rite practiced all across Japan.
The unique practice at Shinshoji is based on the legend that even demons repented thanks to the mercy shown by the divine figure enshrined at the temple.
About 40,000 people visited the temple for the event, in which a total 1,260 kilograms of beans were scattered.
Sumo association holds emergency meeting
The Japan Sumo Association has pledged to look into allegations of match-fixing. It also said if the allegations are confirmed, it will severely punish those involved because such acts are a betrayal of sumo fans' trust.
Chairman Hanaregoma met reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday, after the association held an emergency executive meeting to discuss how to handle the matter.
The chairman said the association has set up an investigative panel consisting of 7 outside experts.
Tokyo police found e-mail messages suggesting bout-fixing on cell phones of a wrestler and a former wrestler who is now a stable master. The phones were confiscated during a probe into illegal betting on professional baseball games within the sumo world.
Hanaregoma said he is indignant and sorry about having to meet reporters over a new problem, which he believes the sumo world hadn't had before. He apologized to fans for causing concern.
The chairman said the association has yet to determine the truth, although it interviewed 12 of the 13 wrestlers and stable masters whose names are mentioned in the messages in question.
He promised to make the results of the inquiry known to reporters as soon as they become available.
Chairman Hanaregoma met reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday, after the association held an emergency executive meeting to discuss how to handle the matter.
The chairman said the association has set up an investigative panel consisting of 7 outside experts.
Tokyo police found e-mail messages suggesting bout-fixing on cell phones of a wrestler and a former wrestler who is now a stable master. The phones were confiscated during a probe into illegal betting on professional baseball games within the sumo world.
Hanaregoma said he is indignant and sorry about having to meet reporters over a new problem, which he believes the sumo world hadn't had before. He apologized to fans for causing concern.
The chairman said the association has yet to determine the truth, although it interviewed 12 of the 13 wrestlers and stable masters whose names are mentioned in the messages in question.
He promised to make the results of the inquiry known to reporters as soon as they become available.
Sumo stable master, 2 wrestlers admit bout-fixing
Sources at the Japan Sumo Association say 2 sumo wrestlers and a stable master have admitted their involvement in match-fixing.
The sources say the 3 are former wrestler and current stable master Takenawa, as well as wrestlers Chiyohakuho in the 2nd tier juryo division and lower-ranked Enatsukasa. The sources say they made the admissions to questioning by the association's board on Wednesday.
The 3 are among 13 wrestlers and stable masters who exchanged or were mentioned in e-mails suggesting bout-fixing. Tokyo police found the texts on mobile phones of a wrestler and stable master. The phones were confiscated during a probe into illegal gambling on professional baseball games in the sumo world.
The sources say Takenawa and Chiyohakuho confessed to fixing bouts while Enatsukasa admitted his role as a go-between.
The sources also say Chiyohakuho has implicated another wrestler, apart from the 13 linked to the e-mails, as his opponent in a fixed bout.
The sumo association has set up a special investigative panel of outside experts to probe the allegations. On Thursday, the panel will begin questioning the 14 suspected wrestlers and stable masters to find out what took place and whether any others were involved.
The sources say the 3 are former wrestler and current stable master Takenawa, as well as wrestlers Chiyohakuho in the 2nd tier juryo division and lower-ranked Enatsukasa. The sources say they made the admissions to questioning by the association's board on Wednesday.
The 3 are among 13 wrestlers and stable masters who exchanged or were mentioned in e-mails suggesting bout-fixing. Tokyo police found the texts on mobile phones of a wrestler and stable master. The phones were confiscated during a probe into illegal gambling on professional baseball games in the sumo world.
The sources say Takenawa and Chiyohakuho confessed to fixing bouts while Enatsukasa admitted his role as a go-between.
The sources also say Chiyohakuho has implicated another wrestler, apart from the 13 linked to the e-mails, as his opponent in a fixed bout.
The sumo association has set up a special investigative panel of outside experts to probe the allegations. On Thursday, the panel will begin questioning the 14 suspected wrestlers and stable masters to find out what took place and whether any others were involved.
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