http://www.newsvine.com/as-japanNewsvine - as-japanen-usCopyright 2013Wed, 3 Apr 2013 10:45:49 +0000Sat, 18 May 2013 18:35:05 +0000http://www.newsvine.comhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/04/03/17581763-japan-gas-technip-of-france-in-russia-lng-projecthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/04/03/17581763-japan-gas-technip-of-france-in-russia-lng-projectbusinessjapanrussiaaslngas-japanWed, 3 Apr 2013 09:58:28 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/24/17079982-boj-gov-candidate-says-inflation-target-top-goalhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/24/17079982-boj-gov-candidate-says-inflation-target-top-goalbusinessjapanbankcentral-bankworld-newsasas-japanshinzo-abeharuhiko-kurodaMon, 25 Feb 2013 03:18:10 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this May 2, 2012 file photo, Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda addresses the media at the start of the four-day 45th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in Manila, Philippines. Japan's currency weakened and shares climbed as local media reported that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to nominate Kuroda to head the central bank. Abe was expected to announce the plan later Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb. 8, 2013 file photo, Haruhiko Kuroda, president of Asia Development Bank (ADB), talks to journalists during a press conference in Yangon. The government has nominated Asian Development Bank President Kuroda to head Japan's central bank, counting on his support for more aggressive monetary policy to help the world's third-biggest economy escape recession and deflation. (AP Photo/File)</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, acknowledges foreign delegations who are attending a plenary session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. Abe vowed to push ahead with more aggressive monetary easing with the nomination Thursday of Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda to head Japan’s central bank. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso, left, has a light moment with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a plenary session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. Abe vowed to push ahead with more aggressive monetary easing with the nomination Thursday of Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda to head Japan’s central bank. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his policy speech during a plenary session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. Abe vowed to push ahead with more aggressive monetary easing with the nomination Thursday of Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda to head Japan’s central bank.(AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/08/16894520-nissan-quarterly-profit-dives-on-china-sales-slumphttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/08/16894520-nissan-quarterly-profit-dives-on-china-sales-slumpbusinessjapanearnsnissanasas-japanFri, 8 Feb 2013 07:55:43 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>A visitor inspects a Nissan SUV at a gallery inside the headquarters of Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Japanese auto maker suffered a 34.6 percent plunge in October-December profit to 54.1 billion yen (US$579 million) as global sales languished, especially in China, where anti-Japanese sentiment flared over a territorial dispute. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Visitors walk among old and new Nissan racing cars at a gallery inside the headquarters of Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Japanese auto maker suffered a 34.6 percent plunge in October-December profit to 54.1 billion yen (US$579 million) as global sales languished, especially in China, where anti-Japanese sentiment flared over a territorial dispute. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>A visitor inspects Nissan sports cars at a gallery inside the headquarters of Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Japanese auto maker suffered a 34.6 percent plunge in October-December profit to 54.1 billion yen (US$579 million) as global sales languished, especially in China, where anti-Japanese sentiment flared over a territorial dispute. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Visitors tour a gallery displaying old Nissan rally cars behind a transparent sign promoting its latest electric car at the headquarters of Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Japanese auto maker suffered a 34.6 percent plunge in October-December profit to 54.1 billion yen (US$579 million) as global sales languished, especially in China, where anti-Japanese sentiment flared over a territorial dispute. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Visitors inspect Nissan electric cars at a gallery inside the headquarters of Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Japanese auto maker suffered a 34.6 percent plunge in October-December profit to 54.1 billion yen (US$579 million) as global sales languished, especially in China, where anti-Japanese sentiment flared over a territorial dispute. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/07/16883080-japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-its-airspacehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/07/16883080-japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-its-airspacejapanrussiaworld-newsasas-japanjapan-defense-ministryThu, 7 Feb 2013 11:20:52 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his speech during a national rally marking the Northern Territories Day in Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. Japan reiterated its demand to Russia the return of the four-island chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kuril islands in Russia. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, delivers his speech during a national rally marking the Northern Territories Day in Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. Japan reiterated its demand to Russia the return of the four-island chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kuril islands in Russia. The banner reads: "Return the four northern islands." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, delivers his speech during a national rally marking the Northern Territories Day in Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. Japan reiterated its demand to Russia the return of the four-island chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kuril islands in Russia. The banner on the wall reads: "Return the four northern islands." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this photo taken by Japan Air Self-Defense Force and released by the Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan, a Russian fighter jet SU-27 flies over the sea off the Japanese island of Hokkaido Thursday afternoon, Feb. 7, 2013. The Defense Ministry said two SU-27 jets, including the one shown in this photo, briefly intruded into Japanese airspace in the afternoon off the coast of Rishiri island on Hokkaido's west coast, prompting Japan’s air force to scramble jets. (AP Photo/Joint Staff Office of Defense Ministry of Japan)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/25/16692507-japan-industrial-production-up-25-percent-in-dechttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/25/16692507-japan-industrial-production-up-25-percent-in-decbusinessjapaneconomyasas-japanFri, 25 Jan 2013 08:43:33 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>A woman walks by an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. Japan’s benchmark stock index jumped about 2 percent Friday after the country’s currency continued to slide against the dollar. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gestures as he gives his policy speech during an opening session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Abe whose government faces stiff challenges in reviving the economy and managing an escalating dispute with China over an island chain in the East China Sea said "Let us have strong determination to regain a powerful economy." Abe also said, "We will take every measure to promote and manage and we will give our best efforts to guard the remote islands at the borders." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his policy speech during an opening session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Abe whose government faces stiff challenges in reviving the economy and managing an escalating dispute with China over an island chain in the East China Sea said "Let us have strong determination to regain a powerful economy." Abe also said, "We will take every measure to promote and manage and we will give our best efforts to guard the remote islands at the borders." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 file photo, a woman walks by an electric stock index display of a securities firm in Tokyo as Japan's Nikkei 225 soared 2.5 percent to 10,875.16, recouping all of Thursday's losses and more as the yen slipped against the dollar. Anticipating a boost from stimulus spending and a weakening yen, Japan's government on Monday, Jan. 28, raised its growth forecast, predicting the economy will emerge from recession and expand 2.5 percent in the coming fiscal year. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2012 photo, cars for export park at a port in Kawasaki, west of Tokyo. Japan's industrial production picked up pace in December from the month before, in a sign the world's third-largest economy may be stabilizing thanks to stronger global demand and government spending. Increased output of large passenger cars and vehicle components and machinery for making semiconductors were the main factors helping to drive the improvement in manufacturing, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013. It said industrial output rose a seasonally adjusted 2.5 percent from November.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/18/16579401-japans-consumer-prices-fall-01-percent-in-2012http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/18/16579401-japans-consumer-prices-fall-01-percent-in-2012businessjapaneconomyasas-japanshinzo-abeFri, 18 Jan 2013 07:48:05 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Koichi Hamada, professor emeritus of economics at Yale University, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. The expert behind the monetary policies of Japan's new prime minister welcomed the recovering stock market and favorable exchange rate as signs of success Friday, and said the dollar can rise to 110 yen before excessive inflation risks kick in. Hamada is the brain behind the "Abenomics" of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, elected late last year, who has been pressuring the Bank of Japan to set an inflation target to fight deflation. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa, center, poses with the other members of Policy Board of the BOJ on the last day of their two-day meeting at its headquarters in Tokyo Tuesday morning, Jan. 22, 2013. Shirakawa vowed to achieve the inflation benchmark "as soon as possible," in cooperation with the government Tuesday. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso, center, along with Economics Minister Akira Amari, right, and Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa, left, speaks to the reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, not in photo, at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Japan's Prime Minister Abe declared a "monetary regime change" Tuesday as the central bank bowed to government pressure, setting a 2 percent inflation target aimed at helping the country emerge from its prolonged bout of deflation. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the reporters after meeting with Finance Minister Taro Aso, Economics Minister Akira Amari and Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa, at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Japan's Prime Minister Abe declared a "monetary regime change" Tuesday as the central bank bowed to government pressure, setting a 2 percent inflation target aimed at helping the country emerge from its prolonged bout of deflation. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the reporters after meeting with Finance Minister Taro Aso, Economics Minister Akira Amari and Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa, at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a "monetary regime change" Tuesday as the central bank bowed to government pressure, setting a 2 percent inflation target aimed at helping the country emerge from its prolonged bout of deflation. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/10/16443978-new-japan-pm-chinas-island-dispute-moves-wronghttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/10/16443978-new-japan-pm-chinas-island-dispute-moves-wrongjapanpoliticsworld-newsasliberal-democratic-partyas-japanjapanese-cabinetshinzo-abeThu, 10 Jan 2013 09:16:33 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this photo taken Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, second from right, arrives for Japan's business organizations' joint New Year's party in Tokyo. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party was in the final stages of drafting fresh stimulus spending Thursday, Jan. 10, reportedly totaling more than 20 trillion yen ($227 billion), rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. Economy minister Akira Amari and Abe discussed details of the proposed stimulus package ahead of an announcement expected on Friday, officials said. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>In this photo taken Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, smiles as he talks with business leaders as he attends a joint New Year's party by Japan's business organizations in Tokyo. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party was in the final stages of drafting fresh stimulus spending Thursday, Jan. 10, reportedly totaling more than 20 trillion yen ($227 billion), rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. Economy minister Akira Amari and Abe discussed details of the proposed stimulus package ahead of an announcement expected on Friday, officials said. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The Japanese Cabinet approved a fresh stimulus spending of more than 20 trillion yen ($224 billion) on Friday, rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gestures during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The Japanese Cabinet approved a fresh stimulus spending of more than 20 trillion yen ($224 billion) on Friday, rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gestures during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The Japanese Cabinet approved a fresh stimulus spending of more than 20 trillion yen ($224 billion) on Friday, rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gestures during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The Japanese Cabinet approved a fresh stimulus spending of more than 20 trillion yen ($224 billion) on Friday, rushing to fulfill campaign pledges to break the world's third-biggest economy out of its deflationary slump. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>In this Oct. 14, 2012 photo, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) escort ship Kurama leads other vessels during a fleet review in waters off Sagami, south of Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s spending package, announced Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, includes plans a request to raise military spending for the first time in a decade - an increase partly aimed at beefing up monitoring and defenses around the disputed islands - called Senkaku in Japanese and Daioyu in Chinese - in the East China Sea, controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/28/16204194-nowhere-to-use-japans-growing-plutonium-stockpilehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/28/16204194-nowhere-to-use-japans-growing-plutonium-stockpilejapanwasteworld-newsasas-japannuclear-wasteFri, 28 Dec 2012 06:40:35 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this Nov. 7, 2012 photo, farmer Keiko Kikukawa walks through her field where she just finished harvesting organic-grown rhubarbs in Rokasho village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a “fast breeder” reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. "It's so unfair that Rokkasho is stuck with the nuclear garbage from all over Japan," Kikukawa said. "And it's not going to go away even if the Rokkasho plant stops immediately. We're dumping it all onto our offsprings to take care of. It's so irresponsible." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 8, 2012 photo, the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant facilities, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., stand in Rokkasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a “fast breeder” reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 7, 2012 photo, farmer Keiko Kikukawa stands in her field in Rokasho village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a “fast breeder” reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. "It's so unfair that Rokkasho is stuck with the nuclear garbage from all over Japan," Kikukawa said. "And it's not going to go away even if the Rokkasho plant stops immediately. We're dumping it all onto our offsprings to take care of. It's so irresponsible." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo shows the low-level radioactive waste disposal center, a part of the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant facilities, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., in Rokkasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a “fast breeder” reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo shows a floor crane, foreground, and storage pits at the vitrified high-level radioactive waste storage center, a part of the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant facilities, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. in Rokasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a "fast breeder" reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo shows storage pits at the vitrified high-level radioactive waste storage center, a part of the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant facilities, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. in Rokasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a "fast breeder" reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 8, 2012 photo, spent nuclear fuel rods are stored in a storage pool at the Rokkasho nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. in Rokasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a "fast breeder" reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 8, 2012 photo, spent nuclear fuel rods are stored in a storage pool at the Rokkasho nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. in Rokasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. By hosting a high-tech facility that would convert spent fuel into a plutonium-uranium mix designed for the next generation of reactors, Rokkasho was supposed to provide fuel while minimizing nuclear waste storage problems. Those ambitions are falling apart because years of attempts to build a "fast breeder" reactor, which would use the reprocessed fuel, appear to be ending in failure. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo, Rokkasho Mayor Kenji Furukawa speaks in his office in Rokkasho village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Furukawa said his village of 11,000 people cannot do without the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant because the plant, its affiliates and related businesses provide most of the jobs. "A change of policy is a huge blow to us and could even affect the fate of this village, so we want the government to stick to the program," Furukawa said. "Without the plant, this is going to be a marginal place." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo, Rokkasho Mayor Kenji Furukawa speaks in his office in Rokkasho village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Furukawa said his village of 11,000 people cannot do without the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant because the plant, its affiliates and related businesses provide most of the jobs. "A change of policy is a huge blow to us and could even affect the fate of this village, so we want the government to stick to the program," Furukawa said. "Without the plant, this is going to be a marginal place." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>This Nov. 8, 2012 photo, Kazuo Sakai, senior executive director of the Rokkasho spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant's operator, Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., a joint venture of nine Japanese nuclear plant owner, speaks during an interview at the plant in Rokasho village in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. "Our plutonium storage is strictly controlled, and it is extremely important for us to burn it as MOX fuel so we don't possess excess plutonium stockpile," said Sakai. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, cranes stand around the Oma nuclear power plant in Oma in Aomori, northern Japan. In nearby Oma, construction is set to resume on an advanced reactor that is not a fast-breeder but can use more plutonium than conventional reactors. Its construction, begun in 2008 for planned operation in 2014, has been suspended since the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, and could face further delays as Japan's new nuclear watchdog prepares new safety guidelines. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, seagulls fly near the Oma nuclear power plant surrounded by cranes in Oma in Aomori, northern Japan. In nearby Oma, construction is set to resume on an advanced reactor that is not a fast-breeder but can use more plutonium than conventional reactors. Its construction, begun in 2008 for planned operation in 2014, has been suspended since the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, and could face further delays as Japan's new nuclear watchdog prepares new safety guidelines. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, seagulls fly over fishing boats at a port in Oma in Aomori, northern Japan. In nearby Oma, construction is set to resume on an advanced reactor that is not a fast-breeder but can use more plutonium than conventional reactors. Its construction, begun in 2008 for planned operation in 2014, has been suspended since the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, and could face further delays as Japan's new nuclear watchdog prepares new safety guidelines. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, a fish market worker carries the day's catch at a port in Oma in Aomori, northern Japan. In nearby Oma, construction is set to resume on an advanced reactor that is not a fast-breeder but can use more plutonium than conventional reactors. Its construction, begun in 2008 for planned operation in 2014, has been suspended since the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, and could face further delays as Japan's new nuclear watchdog prepares new safety guidelines. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, a shy souvenir shop worker covers up her face as she walks by a seafood display in Oma, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. In nearby Oma, construction is set to resume on an advanced reactor that is not a fast-breeder but can use more plutonium than conventional reactors. Its construction, begun in 2008 for planned operation in 2014, has been suspended since the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, and could face further delays as Japan's new nuclear watchdog prepares new safety guidelines. The sign reads: Sightseeing Souvenirs specially from Oma. The northernmost shop in Japan's main island of Honshu. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this Nov. 9, 2012 photo, the recyclable-fuel storage center is being built by Tokyo Electric Power Co. and the Japan Atomic Power Co., owners of some of Japan's oldest reactors, in Mutsu, near Rokkasho, in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. The new facility, expected to open in October 2014, can store up to 5,000 tons of spent fuel. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/25/16137667-new-japan-pm-saving-economic-crisis-top-missionhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/25/16137667-new-japan-pm-saving-economic-crisis-top-missionjapanpoliticsworld-newsaswar-iias-japanshinzo-abeyoshihiko-nodaTue, 25 Dec 2012 06:15:59 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Banri Kaieda, a candidate for the leadership election of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), speaks with a party member before the election in Tokyo Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Japan's ousted ruling party DPJ named Kaieda as the new chief Tuesday, a day before parliament was to install a fresh government led by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the conservative party that governed the nation for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe speaks as he announces his top lieutenants Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 in Tokyo. Former Prime Minister Abe, who led his conservative Liberal Democratic Party to victory in Dec. 16 elections after three years in opposition, promised his party will pursue fresh policies to tackle the nation's chronic economic woes and bolster its sagging influence on the international stage. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Newly-named leaders of Japan's conservative Liberal Democratic Party, General Council Chairman Seiko Noda, left, and Policy Research Council Chairman Sanae Takaichi, listen to Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe announcing his party lieutenants Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 in Tokyo. Former Prime Minister Abe, who led his party to victory in Dec. 16 elections after three years in opposition, promised his party will pursue fresh policies to tackle the nation's chronic economic woes and bolster its sagging influence on the international stage. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe, third left, smiles as he joins hands with his top lieutenants Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 in Tokyo. Former Prime Minister Abe, who led his conservative Liberal Democratic Party to victory in Dec. 16 elections after three years in opposition, promised his party will pursue fresh policies to tackle the nation's chronic economic woes and bolster its sagging influence on the international stage. The party leaders are from left: General Council Chairman Seiko Noda, Vice-President Masahiro Komura, Abe, Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, Policy Research Council Chairman Sanae Takaichi and Election Strategy Headquarters head Takeo Kawamura. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2012 file photo, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan waves during his parliamentary elections campaign in Tokyo. Prime Minister Noda's Cabinet has resigned to clear the way for a vote in parliament to formally install conservative Shinzo Abe as Japan's new leader. The chief government spokesman said the Cabinet resigned in a special meeting Wednesday morning, Dec. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe arrives at the parliament for the special diet session in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Capitalizing on the Democrats' failure to improve the economy and its perceived lack of strong leadership, Abe led the Liberal Democratic Party to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. Abe was to be named prime minister later Wednesday. He was also prime minister in 2006-2007. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe arrives at the parliament for the special diet session in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Capitalizing on the Democrats' failure to improve the economy and its perceived lack of strong leadership, Abe led the Liberal Democratic Party to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. Abe was to be named prime minister later Wednesday. He was also prime minister in 2006-2007. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe arrives at the parliament for the special diet session in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Capitalizing on the Democrats' failure to improve the economy and its perceived lack of strong leadership, Abe led the Liberal Democratic Party to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. Abe was to be named prime minister later Wednesday. He was also prime minister in 2006-2007. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe has his diet lapel pin attached to his jacket as he arrives at the parliament for the special diet session in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Capitalizing on the Democrats' failure to improve the economy and its perceived lack of strong leadership, Abe led the Liberal Democratic Party to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. Abe was to be named prime minister later Wednesday. He was also prime minister in 2006-2007. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe bows after being named Japan's new prime minister during the plenary session at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The rise of Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, ends more than three years at the helm for the left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan and brings back the conservative, pro-big business LDP that governed for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda bows as he leaves the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Prime Minister Noda's Cabinet resigned Wednesday to clear the way for a vote in parliament to formally install the nation's new leader, Shinzo Abe, a conservative whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, holding flowers, bows as he leaves the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Prime Minister Noda's Cabinet resigned Wednesday to clear the way for a vote in parliament to formally install the nation's new leader, Shinzo Abe, a conservative whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's prime-minister-to-be Shinzo Abe, right, along with his top lieutenants, delivers a speech in front of his Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers ahead of the special diet session, at the party headquarters in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Capitalizing on the Democrats' failure to improve the economy and its perceived lack of strong leadership, Abe led the Liberal Democratic Party to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. Abe was to be named prime minister later Wednesday. He was also prime minister in 2006-2007. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's newly-named Prime Minsiter Shinzo Abe smiles as he waves at the media upon his arrival at the prime minister's official residence following his election at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, is the country's seventh prime minister in just over six years. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's newly-named Prime Minsiter Shinzo Abe waves for the media upon his arrival at the prime minister's official residence following his election at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, is the country's seventh prime minister in just over six years. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe acknowledges applause from lawmakers after being named Japan's new prime minister at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The rise of Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, ends more than three years at the helm for the left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan and brings back the conservative, pro-big business LDP that governed for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe bows after being named Japan's new prime minister during the plenary session at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The rise of Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, ends more than three years at the helm for the left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan and brings back the conservative, pro-big business LDP that governed for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, front row second right, and his Cabinet members, front row from left, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Akihiro Ota, Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, front row right, and others pose for a group photo after attending an attestation ceremony for his Cabinet at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Old-guard veteran Abe was voted back into office as prime minister Wednesday and immediately named a new Cabinet, ending three years of liberal administrations and restoring power to his conservative, pro-big-business party that has run Japan for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during his first press conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Old-guard veteran Abe was voted back into office as prime minister Wednesday and immediately named a new Cabinet, ending three years of liberal administrations and restoring power to his conservative, pro-big-business party that has run Japan for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during his first press conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Old-guard veteran Abe was voted back into office as prime minister Wednesday and immediately named a new Cabinet, ending three years of liberal administrations and restoring power to his conservative, pro-big-business party that has run Japan for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe bows after being named Japan's new prime minister during the plenary session at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The rise of Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, ends more than three years at the helm for the left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan and brings back the conservative, pro-big business LDP that governed for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe bows after being named Japan's new prime minister at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The rise of Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan's neighbors, ends more than three years at the helm for the left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan and brings back the conservative, pro-big business LDP that governed for most of the post-World War II era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/15/15933582-after-landslide-abe-says-japan-has-difficult-roadhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/15/15933582-after-landslide-abe-says-japan-has-difficult-roadjapanelectiondemocratic-partyworld-newsasliberal-democratic-partyas-japanshinzo-abeyoshihiko-nodaSat, 15 Dec 2012 22:26:12 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Right-leaning, populist Restoration Party of Japan leader Shintaro Ishihara waves to supporters on the final day of campaigns for parliamentary elections, in Tokyo Saturday, Dec. 16, 2012. Candidates made final impassioned appeals Saturday to Japanese voters a day before the elections that are likely to hand power back to a conservative party that ruled the country for most of the post-war era. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>Anti-nuclear Tomorrow Party leader Yukiko Kada, left, and the party's candidate Ichiro Ozawa shake hands with supporters on the final day of campaigns for parliamentary elections in Tokyo Saturday, Dec. 16, 2012. Candidates made final impassioned appeals Saturday to Japanese voters a day before the elections that are likely to hand power back to a conservative party that ruled the country for most of the post-war era. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>Children chuckle during a speech by Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Shinzo Abe during a campaign rally for the Dec. 16 parliamentary elections in Kawaguchi, near Tokyo, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Candidates made final impassioned appeals Saturday to voters a day before Japanese parliamentary elections that are likely to hand power back to a conservative party that ruled the country for most of the post-war era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Shinzo Abe acknowledges the crowd during a campaign rally for the Dec. 16 parliamentary elections in Kawaguchi, near Tokyo, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. The LDP ruled Japan almost continuously since 1955 until it lost badly to the DPJ in 2009. If the LDP wins on Sunday, it would give the nationalistic Abe, who was prime minister from 2006-2007, the top job again. His hawkish views raise questions about how that might affect ties with rival China amid a territorial dispute over a cluster of tiny islands claimed by both countries. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan waves during a final day of parliamentary elections campaign in Tokyo, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Noda sought to cast the election as a choice between moving forward or going back to the old politics of the LDP. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan delivers a speech during the final day of parliamentary elections campaign in Tokyo, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Noda sought to cast the election as a choice between moving forward or going back to the old politics of the LDP. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Shinzo Abe speaks during a campaign rally for the Dec. 16 parliamentary elections in Kawaguchi, near Tokyo, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. The LDP ruled Japan almost continuously since 1955 until it lost badly to the DPJ in 2009. If the LDP wins on Sunday, it would give the nationalistic Abe, who was prime minister from 2006-2007, the top job again. His hawkish views raise questions about how that might affect ties with rival China amid a territorial dispute over a cluster of tiny islands claimed by both countries. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>A boy places his grandmother's vote into a ballot box at a polling station in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Voters cast their ballots Sunday in parliamentary elections which are likely to hand power back to a conservative party that ruled Japan for most of the post-war era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>A girl places her mother's vote into a ballot box at a polling station in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Voters cast their ballots in parliamentary elections which are likely to hand power back to a conservative party that ruled Japan for most of the post-war era. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2012 file photo, the Chinese surveillance ship Haijian No. 51, left, and a Japan Coast Guard vessel sail near disputed islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, seen in background, in the East China Sea. Japanese were voting Sunday in parliamentary elections that were expected to put the once-dominant conservatives back in power after a three-year break — and bring in a more nationalistic government amid tensions with big neighbor China. Japan's largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe in particular has taken a tough stance toward Beijing in the election campaign amid a simmering dispute over the tiny islands that are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, File) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE </p><p>In this Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 photo, supporters of Japan's largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) gather with national flags during a parliamentary election campaign in Tokyo. Japanese were voting Sunday, Dec. 16 in parliamentary elections that were expected to put the LDP, once-dominant conservatives, back in power after a three-year break — and bring in a more nationalistic government amid tensions with big neighbor China. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan casts his ballot for parliamentary elections in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese were voting Sunday, Dec. 16 in parliamentary elections that were expected to put the once-dominant conservatives back in power after a three-year break — and bring in a more nationalistic government amid tensions with big neighbor China. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Election workers count votes at a ballot counting center in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party won a clear majority in Japanese parliamentary elections Sunday, media exit polls showed, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with rival China. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's major opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba speaks for a live TV interview about parliamentary elections at the party headquarters in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese media exit polls showed the LDP, that ruled Japan for most of the post-World War II era until it was dumped in 2009 elections, won a clear majority in parliamentary elections, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>A TV crew member checks on sound in preparation of live coverage of Japan's parliamentary elections at Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese voted Sunday in parliamentary elections that were expected to put the once-dominant conservatives back in power after a three-year break, and bring in a more nationalistic government amid tensions with big neighbor China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's major opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba adds a rosette on the name of one of those elected in parliamentary elections at the party headquarters in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese media exit polls showed the LDP, that ruled Japan for most of the post-World War II era until it was dumped in 2009 elections, won a clear majority in parliamentary elections, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>A TV crew member delivers equipments in preparation of live coverage of Japan's parliamentary elections at Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese voted Sunday in parliamentary elections that were expected to put the once-dominant conservatives back in power after a three-year break, and bring in a more nationalistic government amid tensions with big neighbor China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's main opposition leader Shinzo Abe, right, of the Liberal Democratic Party, and the party Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba pose for photos as they place a rosette on the name of one of those elected in parliamentary elections at the party headquarters in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japan's conservative LDP stormed back to power Sunday after three years in opposition, exit polls showed, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with rival China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's major opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba adds a rosette on the name of one of those elected in parliamentary elections at the party headquarters in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Japanese media exit polls showed the LDP, that ruled Japan for most of the post-World War II era until it was dumped in 2009 elections, won a clear majority in parliamentary elections, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe answers a reporter's question at the party headquarters in Tokyo, Sunday night, Dec. 16, 2012. The conservative LDP stormed back to power in parliamentary elections Sunday after three years in opposition, exit polls showed, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with rival China. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reacts during a press conference after his Democratic Party of Japan made a big loss in parliamentary elections in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Noda has resigned as chief of the DPJ to take responsibility for the party's loss in parliamentary elections. The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party won between 275 and 300 seats in the 480-seat lower house of parliament in Sunday's election, NHK exit polls projected. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda arrives for a press conference after his Democratic Party of Japan made a big loss in parliamentary election in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Noda announced his resignation as the DPJ chief. Japan's conservative Liberal Democratic Party returned to power in a landslide election victory Sunday after three years in opposition, exit polls showed, signaling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with rival China. The DPJ slogan reads: Making decisions to get things moving. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/12/15099999-tokyo-ex-governor-joins-new-conservative-partyhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/12/15099999-tokyo-ex-governor-joins-new-conservative-partyjapanpoliticsdemocratic-partyworld-newsasas-japanyoshihiko-nodaMon, 12 Nov 2012 05:41:25 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda bows before the debate with Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, not seen, at Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Noda said Wednesday that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe speaks at Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda during a debate at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary exchange with Abe, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) </p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda arrives at a debate with Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe at Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary exchange with Abe, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda, right, leave after their debate at Parliament in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary exchange with Abe, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda, right, and Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe bow at each other before their debate at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary debate, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe speaks at Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda during a debate at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary exchange with Abe, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) </p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda, right, and Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe bow at each other before their debate at Parliament in Tokyo Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. During the heated parliamentary debate, Noda said that he is ready to dissolve the parliament by Friday, bringing an election within weeks, if Japan's main opposition party agrees to key electoral reforms. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stands with Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura, second left, and Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, right, after he dissolved the lower house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, second row from top, third left, stands still while other lawmakers shout banzai, or long live, after he dissolved the lower house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attends the lower house of parliament plenary session in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stands with Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura, second left, and State Minister for National Polity Seiji Maehara, third left, after he dissolved the lower house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stands still upon dissolving the lower house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe, standing by the party poster reading: "We get back Japan," speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 after the lower house of parliament was dissolved. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. Abe, who had a one-year stint as prime minister in 2006 and 2007, now has a chance to return if the LDP wins the most seats in elections expected in mid December. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe arrives for a press conference in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 after the lower house of parliament was dissolved. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. Abe, who had a one-year stint as prime minister in 2006 and 2007, now has a chance to return if the LDP wins the most seats in the upcoming elections expected in mid December. Japanese on the poster reads: "We get back Japan." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 after the lower house of parliament was dissolved. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. Abe, who had a one-year stint as prime minister in 2006 and 2007, now has a chance to return if the LDP wins the most seats in elections expected in mid December. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) </p><p>ADDS WHAT PEOPLE DO - Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stands still as Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura, second left, and Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, right, raise hands and shout banzai, or long live, after he dissolved the lower house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament Friday, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan's myriad problems. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda bows after a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament earlier in the day, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan’s myriad problems. Elections were set for Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda speaks during a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament earlier in the day, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japan’s myriad problems. Elections were set for Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/30/14796628-japans-hitachi-to-buy-horizon-nuclearhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/30/14796628-japans-hitachi-to-buy-horizon-nuclearbusinessjapannuclearhitachiasas-japanhorizon-nuclearTue, 30 Oct 2012 07:35:43 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/29/14768743-honda-profit-jumps-lowers-forecasts-on-china-woeshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/29/14768743-honda-profit-jumps-lowers-forecasts-on-china-woesbusinessjapanearnshondaas-japanMon, 29 Oct 2012 05:40:38 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>A man walks by Honda vehicles displayed in front of Honda Motor Co. headquarters in Tokyo Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. Honda's quarterly profit surged 36 percent as Japanese automakers bounced back from last year's tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan, but the company lowered its annual forecasts Monday because of a sales plunge in China. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>A man inspects Honda vehicles displayed in front of Honda Motor Co. headquarters in Tokyo Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. Honda's quarterly profit surged 36 percent as Japanese automakers bounced back from last year's tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan, but the company lowered its annual forecasts Monday because of a sales plunge in China. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/21/14602115-japan-trade-hit-by-europe-crisis-china-tensionshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/21/14602115-japan-trade-hit-by-europe-crisis-china-tensionsbusinessjapantradeasas-japanMon, 22 Oct 2012 02:15:53 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2012 file photo, a cyclist passed by cars parked for export on a wharf at a port in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Japan reports its trade deficit widened in September, the third straight month of shortfalls, as exports plunged 10.3 percent from a year earlier. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/17/14521678-japan-politicians-visit-controversial-war-shrinehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/17/14521678-japan-politicians-visit-controversial-war-shrinejapanwar-shrineshrineworld-newsasas-japanThu, 18 Oct 2012 03:50:18 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, center, leaves the Yasukuni Shrine after he paid homage to the war dead in Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. His visit to the controversial Yasukuni, the shrine which enshrined Japan's war dead including war criminals during WWII, came after he became the party leader. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, center, speaks to members of press after he paid homage to the war dead in Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. His visit to the controversial Yasukuni, the shrine which enshrined Japan's war dead including war criminals during WWII, came after he became the party leader. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, center, speaks to members of press after he paid homage to the war dead in Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. His visit to the controversial Yasukuni, the shrine which enshrined Japan's war dead including war criminals during WWII, came after he became the party leader. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, left, leaves the Yasukuni Shrine after he paid homage to the war dead in Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. His visit to the controversial Yasukuni, the shrine which enshrined Japan's war dead including war criminals during WWII, came after he became the party leader. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/16/14493598-nissan-shows-safety-features-electronic-steeringhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/16/14493598-nissan-shows-safety-features-electronic-steeringbusinessjapannissanas-japanWed, 17 Oct 2012 02:31:14 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 photo, a Nissan staff driver, partially seen at left, of a Leaf electric vehicle, releases his hands from the steering wheel as he shows automated steering parking technology at the Japanese automaker's test ground in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. In the demonstration the vehicle turned on its own and backed into a charging station. The car is potentially capable of parking itself, even without a driver, according to Nissan. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p><p>In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 photo, a Nissan staff driver, left, of a Leaf electric vehicle, releases his hands from the steering wheel as he shows automated steering parking technology at the Japanese automaker's test ground in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. In the demonstration the vehicle turned on its own and backed into a charging station. The car is potentially capable of parking itself, even without a driver, according to Nissan. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p><p>In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 photo, a Nissan car, right, tries to avoid a pedestrian dummy, second left, being pushed out by a Nissan worker, to a street behind the parked vehicles during a demonstration of “autonomous emergency steering” at the Japanese automaker's test ground in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. The new safety technology is designed to avoid collisions through turns when braking would be too late. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p><p>In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 photo, a Nissan car, right, tries to avoid a pedestrian dummy, second left, being pushed out by a Nissan worker, to a street behind the parked vehicles during a demonstration of “autonomous emergency steering” at the Japanese automaker's test ground in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. The new safety technology is designed to avoid collisions through turns when braking would be too late. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/09/14314987-japan-economy-shaky-as-island-spat-hits-businesshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/09/14314987-japan-economy-shaky-as-island-spat-hits-businessbusinessjapanchinaworld-newseast-china-seaas-japanTue, 9 Oct 2012 11:51:35 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this Sept. 16, 2012 photo, a part of the ceiling has fallen down inside a burned Japanese plant after it was torched by anti-Japan demonstrators on the previous day in Qingdao in Sandong Province, China. The craggy island specks in the East China Sea aren't even an economic backwater. They have no factories, no highways, no shops, no people — only goats. But the high-pitched row between Beijing and Tokyo over their ownership is exacting a growing toll on Japan, threatening to send its recovery from last year's disasters into reverse. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this Sept. 16, 2012 photo, a man sits in a park in front of a burned Japanese plant after it was torched by anti-Japan demonstrators on the previous day in Qingdao in Sandong Province, China. The craggy island specks in the East China Sea aren't even an economic backwater. They have no factories, no highways, no shops, no people — only goats. But the high-pitched row between Beijing and Tokyo over their ownership is exacting a growing toll on Japan, threatening to send its recovery from last year's disasters into reverse. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this Sept. 15, 2012 photo, people crowd outside Japanese supermarket Heiwado after its windows were broken by anti-Japan demonstrators in Shangshain Hunan Province, China. The craggy island specks in the East China Sea aren't even an economic backwater. They have no factories, no highways, no shops, no people — only goats. But the high-pitched row between Beijing and Tokyo over their ownership is exacting a growing toll on Japan, threatening to send its recovery from last year's disasters into reverse. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this Sept. 16, 2012 photo, a cyclist looks back at badly-damaged Japanese supermarket Aeon following an anti-Japan demonstrators' attack in Qingdao in Sandong Province, China. The craggy island specks in the East China Sea aren't even an economic backwater. They have no factories, no highways, no shops, no people — only goats. But the high-pitched row between Beijing and Tokyo over their ownership is exacting a growing toll on Japan, threatening to send its recovery from last year's disasters into reverse. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/03/14194389-low-cost-flying-arrives-in-luxury-loving-japanhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/03/14194389-low-cost-flying-arrives-in-luxury-loving-japanbusinessjapanworld-newsascarriersas-japanlow-cost-carrierspeach-aviationjetstar-japanWed, 3 Oct 2012 08:16:39 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this combination of three undated photos, planes of Japan's low-cost airlines, from top, AirAsia Japan, Peach Aviation and Jetstar, are shown in Japan. Japan has a reputation for loving expensive things like overpriced real estate, gourmet melons and luxury brands. But the nation is finally discovering the joy of flying cheap, with the arrival this year of three low-cost carriers. The takeoff of AirAsia Japan, Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan could change lifestyles. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this March 1, 2012 photo, a passenger buys a meal during the first flight by Peach Aviaction from Osaka, western Japan, bound for Sapporo, northern Japan. Japan has a reputation for loving expensive things like overpriced real estate, gourmet melons and luxury brands. But the nation is finally discovering the joy of flying cheap, with the arrival this year of three low-cost carriers. The takeoff of AirAsia Japan, Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan could change lifestyles. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this March 1, 2012 photo, passengers use self-service check-in kiosks to board the first flight by Peach Aviation at Kansai Airport in Osaka, western Japan. Japan has a reputation for loving expensive things like overpriced real estate, gourmet melons and luxury brands. But the nation is finally discovering the joy of flying cheap, with the arrival this year of three low-cost carriers. The takeoff of AirAsia Japan, Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan could change lifestyles. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this July 3, 2012 file photo, passengers prepare to board the first flight by Jetstar Japan at Narita International Airport in Narita near Tokyo. Japan has a reputation for loving expensive things like overpriced real estate, gourmet melons and luxury brands. But the nation is finally discovering the joy of flying cheap, with the arrival this year of three low-cost carriers. The takeoff of AirAsia Japan, Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan could change lifestyles. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, File) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA</p><p>In this Sept. 28, 2012 photo, AirAsia Japan President Kazuyuki Iwakata smiles during an interview in Tokyo. “It’s not that the meals on standard fares were ever free. The charge was just part of the ticket price,” Iwakata told The Associated Press. “With us, people pay only for what they need.” As a marketing ploy, AirAsia Japan, which started operations in August, offered tickets for just 5 yen (5 cents) to the first 10,000 people. They quickly sold out. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p><p>In this Sept. 28, 2012 photo, AirAsia Japan President Kazuyuki Iwakata speaks during an interview in Tokyo. “It’s not that the meals on standard fares were ever free. The charge was just part of the ticket price,” Iwakata told The Associated Press. “With us, people pay only for what they need.” As a marketing ploy, AirAsia Japan, which started operations in August, offered tickets for just 5 yen (5 cents) to the first 10,000 people. They quickly sold out. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/01/14164577-un-urges-protection-for-elderly-as-world-grayshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/01/14164577-un-urges-protection-for-elderly-as-world-graysunjapanagingworld-newsasas-japanpopulation-fundMon, 1 Oct 2012 05:45:53 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Chart shows the global number people over the age of 60 from 1950 to 2050.</p><p>In this Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 photo, elderly women rinse their mouths with holy water at a shrine in Tokyo. The U.N. Population Fund has urged governments to build safety nets to ensure that older people have income security and access to essential health and social services as the world's elderly population grows. The U.N. agency said discrimination toward and poverty among the aged are still far too prevalent in many countries. It released its report Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 in Tokyo, capital of the world's fastest-aging country. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>In this Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 photo, elderly women rest at a shrine in Tokyo. The U.N. Population Fund has urged governments to build safety nets to ensure that older people have income security and access to essential health and social services as the world's elderly population grows. The U.N. agency said discrimination toward and poverty among the aged are still far too prevalent in many countries. It released its report Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 in Tokyo, capital of the world's fastest-aging country. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>In this Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 photo, an elderly woman speaks on her mobile phone at a shrine in Tokyo. The U.N. Population Fund has urged governments to build safety nets to ensure that older people have income security and access to essential health and social services as the world's elderly population grows. The U.N. agency said discrimination toward and poverty among the aged are still far too prevalent in many countries. It released its report Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 in Tokyo, capital of the world's fastest-aging country. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/20/13997907-ex-pm-abe-wins-vote-to-lead-japan-opposition-partyhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/20/13997907-ex-pm-abe-wins-vote-to-lead-japan-opposition-partyjapanpoliticsworld-newsasliberal-democratic-partyas-japanshinzo-abeyoshihiko-nodaFri, 21 Sep 2012 02:59:55 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, second from right, joins hands with contenders, from right, Michihiko Kano, Kazuhiro Haraguchi and Hirotaka Akamatsu, after winning in a leadership election of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in Tokyo Friday, Sept. 21, 2012. Noda easily defeated the three contenders in the DPJ president's race and will remain Japan's leader a while longer. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda claps hands as former farm minister Hirotaka Akamatsu bows after delivering a speech in a leadership election of their ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in Tokyo Friday, Sept. 21, 2012. Noda easily defeated three contenders, Akamatsu, Michihiko Kano and Kazuhiro Haraguchi, in the DPJ president's race and will remain Japan's leader a while longer. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe clenches his fist after winning the party leader election of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. Abe, known as a hawk and nationalist, won the election Wednesday to become president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, joins hands with a contender Shigeru Ishiba after winning the party leadership election of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. Abe, known as a hawk and nationalist, defeated ex-defense chief Ishiba in a run-off election Wednesday by a vote of 108-89 to become president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe celebrates after winning his party leader election of Japan's opposition Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. Abe, known as a hawk and nationalist, won the election Wednesday to become president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p><p>Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows after winning the party leader election of Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. Abe, who was prime minister for a year before abruptly resigning in 2007 with an intestinal ailment, would most likely get another shot at leading Japan if polls prove correct and the LDP wins the most seats in the next election.(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/04/13666961-media-japan-govt-agrees-to-buy-disputed-islandshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/04/13666961-media-japan-govt-agrees-to-buy-disputed-islandsjapanchinaislandsdisputedworld-newsaseast-china-seaas-japanWed, 5 Sep 2012 02:19:24 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2012 file photo, the survey ship Koyo Maru, left, chartered by Tokyo city officials, sails around Minamikojima, foreground, Kitakojima, middle right, and Uotsuri, background, the tiny islands in the East China Sea, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese. Media reports say the Japanese government has agreed to buy several privately owned islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. The government has agreed to buy three of the five main islands from the Kurihara family for 2.05 billion yen ($26 million), Kyodo News agency and the Yomiuri and Asahi newspapers reported Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, File) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara answers a reporter's question in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 after media report that the Japanese government has agreed to buy several privately owned islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. The government has agreed to buy three of the five main islands, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, from the Kurihara family for 2.05 billion yen ($26 million), Kyodo News agency and the Yomiuri and Asahi newspapers reported Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE.</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/14/13286472-japan-marks-67th-anniversary-of-wwiis-endhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/14/13286472-japan-marks-67th-anniversary-of-wwiis-endjapananniversarywarworld-war-iiworld-newsasas-japanWed, 15 Aug 2012 03:07:55 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Jin Matsubara, a Japanese state minister in charge of the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals, arrives at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine which honors the Japanese war dead, including Class A war criminals, to offer prayers Wednesday morning, Aug. 15, 2012. Japan marked the 67th anniversary of its surrender in World War II on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p><p>Japan's Emperor Akihito, left, escorts Empress Michiko after offering prayers for the war dead in front of the main altar decorated with huge bank of chrysanthemums during a memorial service at Budokan Martial Arts Hall in Tokyo Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. Japan marked the 67th anniversary of its World War II surrender. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Bereaved family members and relatives of the war dead offer flowers before the main altar decorated with huge bank of chrysanthemums as they offer prayers during a memorial service at Budokan Martial Arts Hall in Tokyo Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. Japan marked the 67th anniversary of its World War II surrender. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>A bereaved family member of the war dead, right, offers flowers in front of a huge bank of chrysanthemums during a memorial service, marking the 67th anniversary of its World War II surrender, at Budokan Martial Arts Hall in Tokyo Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p><p>Japan's Emperor Akihito, right, and Empress Michiko bow before the main altar decorated with huge bank of chrysanthemums as they offer prayers for the war dead during a memorial service at Budokan Martial Arts Hall in Tokyo Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, marking the 67th anniversary of its World War II surrender. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/10/13213825-japan-oks-tax-hike-pm-faces-election-pressurehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/10/13213825-japan-oks-tax-hike-pm-faces-election-pressurejapanpoliticsworld-newsas-japanyoshihiko-nodaFri, 10 Aug 2012 08:57:18 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Japanese lawmakers line up to vote in the upper house of parliament in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. The parliament passed a bill Friday to double the country's consumption tax over the next three years. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND FRANCE</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/03/13099928-decline-of-entrepreneurship-blamed-for-japan-woeshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/03/13099928-decline-of-entrepreneurship-blamed-for-japan-woesbusinessjapanworld-newsasentrepreneursas-japankenji-hasegawaor-chiaki-hayashiFri, 3 Aug 2012 08:58:01 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this photo taken Friday, June 29, 2012, InTecur founder and CEO William Saito speaks in front of his library at his office in Tokyo. Saito runs InTecur, a consultancy, identifies upcoming innovators, teaches at several universities and sits on Japanese government panels. Saito, a son of Japanese immigrants to California, believes Japan Inc. has simply lost its entrepreneurial spirit. His assessment underlines a growing view among experts here. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p><p>In this photo taken Friday, June 29, 2012, InTecur founder and CEO William Saito smiles in his office in Tokyo. Saito runs InTecur, a consultancy, identifies upcoming innovators, teaches at several universities and sits on Japanese government panels. Saito, a son of Japanese immigrants to California, believes Japan Inc. has simply lost its entrepreneurial spirit. His assessment underlines a growing view among experts here. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/31/13044878-japans-pro-bomb-voices-rise-as-nuke-power-debatedhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/31/13044878-japans-pro-bomb-voices-rise-as-nuke-power-debatedjapannuclearworld-newsasas-japanoptionthe-nuclear-optionshould-japanTue, 31 Jul 2012 06:56:59 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Aug. 6, 1945 file photo released by the U.S. Army, a mushroom cloud billows about one hour after a nuclear bomb was detonated above Hiroshima, Japan. A contentious debate over nuclear power in Japan is also bringing another question out of the shadows: Should Japan keep open the possibility of making nuclear weapons &#8212; even if only as an option? It may seem surprising in the only country ever devastated by atomic bombs, particularly as it marks the 67th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2012, and Nagasaki three days later. The Japanese government officially renounces nuclear weapons, and the vast majority of citizens oppose them. (AP Photo/U.S. Army via Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, HO, File) NO SALES, CREDIT MANDATORY </p><p>FILE - In this March 24, 2011 file aerial photo taken by a small unmanned drone and released by AIR PHOTO SERVICE, damaged Unit 4 of the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant is seen in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture, northeastern Japan. A contentious debate over nuclear power in Japan is also bringing another question out of the shadows: Should Japan keep open the possibility of making nuclear weapons &#8212; even if only as an option? It may seem surprising in the only country ever devastated by atomic bombs, particularly as it marks the 67th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2012, and Nagasaki three days later. The Japanese government officially renounces nuclear weapons, and the vast majority of citizens oppose them. (AP Photo/AIR PHOTO SERVICE, File) MANDATORY CREDIT</p><p>In this Nov. 22, 2011 photo, Japan's former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at his office in Tokyo. "Having nuclear plants shows to other nations that Japan can make nuclear weapons," Ishiba, now an opposition lawmaker, told The Associated Press. Ishiba stressed that Japan isn’t about to make nuclear weapons. But, he said, with nearby North Korea suspected of working on them, Japan needs to assert itself and say it can also make them - but is choosing not to. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)</p>