2003.09.29

Chinese-War Verdict   In a rare verdict favoring plaintiffs in this sort of case, the Tokyo District Court today awarded 190 million yen to 13 Chinese nationals who sued Japan over poison gas and artillery shells dumped in China after World War II. 2003.09.29

====================

Tokyo Talks Seen Seeking Way to Reassure N.Korea (Reuters). U.S., Japanese and South Korean diplomats were set on Monday to begin strategy talks on North Korea's nuclear arms program, with the issue of how to reassure Pyongyang over its security concerns seen high on the agenda. [Yahoo! News - World] 2003.09.29

====================

China Holds Suspects as Japan Sex Scandal Simmers (Reuters).   China has detained suspects over a sex scandal involving about 400 Japanese tourists and 500 local prostitutes, a case highlighting the ease with which old anti-Japanese antagonisms can be stirred up in the Internet age. [Yahoo! News - World] 2003.09.29

====================

Typhoon Koppu (Kyodo)   UPDATED Several evacuations on Chichijima -- hardest hit area at present.   2003.09.29

====================

World's Oldest Man Dies in Japan at 114 (AP). Yukichi Chuganji, a retired silkworm breeder documented as the world's oldest man, died at his home in Japan at age 114, his family said Monday. [Yahoo! News - World] 2003.09.29

====================

Japan-Markets (Reuters)   UPDATED Nikkei closes off 88 points Monday. Dollar steady at about 111.25 yen. 2003.09.29

====================

Hokkaido-Quake   Magnitude 6.5 aftershock shakes Hokkaido. Idemitsu appeals for nationwide help to extinguish naptha tank blaze at refinery. 2003.09.29

====================

Japan Pledges $1 Billion in African Aid (AP).   Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, opening a major donor conference Monday, pledged $1 billion in new aid for education and health care in Africa. [Yahoo! News - World] 2003.09.29

====================

Getting Off the SOFA (Japan Times)   The Japanese government is making more noises about revising the Status of Forces Agreement with the Pentagon. 2003.09.29

====================

SDF-Iraq (Kyodo)   Japan is under considerable pressure by the United States to make even a token dispatch of military units to Iraq. Many in  government here is actually wish the situation will deteoriate so that there will be an excuse to call off any dispatch this year due to security concerns. (Never mind that to bolster security is the reason that foreign troops should go into Iraq). The LDP has been muttering about a dispatch before year's end, but some in government say that is not likely to happen. 2003.09.29

====================

© Copyright 2006 The Taisho Cable & Wireless Company.