2006.03.30

Nikkei tops 17,000 for first time in 5- years (Reuters). Japan's benchmark stock index rose 0.63 percent to close above 17,000 for the first time in more than five years today, as bank shares gained on profit prospects and technology stocks rose following a rally in U.S. stocks. 2006.03.30

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Six Japanese Machinery Makers Raided (AP). Japan's anti-monopoly commission raids six machinery makers over suspected bid-rigging for tunnel ventilation projects. 2006.03.30

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ROK denounces Japan's move to claim controversial islets. [Xinhua] South Korea is strongly denouncing Japan for the latter's campaign to lay claim to a group of islets located in the Sea of Japan through revising school textbooks. 2006.03.30

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DPRK on agenda as envoys meet in PRC (Reuters). The U.S. ambassadors to China, Japan and South Korea reportedly will meet in Beijing to discuss how to get stalled six-country talks on North Korea's nuclear programs back on track. 2006.03.30

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Japan-Australia (ABC-Australia). Japan rejects Australia's latest argument against its so-called scientific killing of Southern Ocean whales. 2006.03.30

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Major quake in Tokyo would kill 5,600: estimate (AFP). An updated study says a major earthquake in Tokyo would kill 5,600 people, damage 440,000 buildings and leave thousands of others trapped in elevators. 2006.03.30

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