2003.09.30

Three-Way Talks on DPRK Fail   Three-way talks, involving the United States, Japan and South Korea, to devise a common policy regarding North Korea have failed. The two-day talks, described as unofficial and low key, were held in Tokyo. The discussions were unable to hash out a common policy on how to respond to North Korea's offer to scrap its nuclear program in exchange for security guarantees (i.e. a pledge from Washington not to attack the DPRK.) The three principals emerging from the talks in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon declined to say anything of substance to reporters.   2003.09.30

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DPRK-Ship (Kyodo)   The Mangyongbong-92 is back at Niigata port. 2003.09.30

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More Discrimination in Japan (Japan Times)   American-turned Japanese Debito Arudou takes a discriminating look at the situation with foreigners (including those born in Japan) who want to participate in school or amateur athletic tournaments. 2003.09.30

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Japan-Markets   Nikkei closes off less than eleven points. Dollar falls into upper 110 range. 2003.09.30

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Japanese firm issues denial over Chinese hotel orgy [The Japan Times] NGG comment: The exposure of this in the Chinese media is pure pressure diplomacy and part of China's inferiority complex regarding Japan. Japanese and other foreigners, as well as Chinese, have long been picking up working girls in karaoke bars in Zhuhai and any other city of substance in China.  Yes, the scale of this particular incident may be a bit unique, but much of the blame also has to be put on the Chinese authorities. After all, they are tolerating widespread prostitution in their cities. 2003.09.30

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Hokkaido-Refinery Fire   The naptha tank has collapsed at the Idemitsu refinery which has been hit by two quake-related fires since Friday. Firefighters were able to keep the inferno from spreading to other tanks in the complex. 2003.09.30

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Guam-Drugs (Stars & Stripes)   Crystal meth tops illicit drugs in Guam -- sourced from South Korea, China, Taiwan and Philippines. 2003.09.30

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China's Ties With Japan Strained by Racy Report [New York Times: International News] 2003.09.30

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