Violations of beef import rules would lead to suspensions: gov't
January 16, 2006Japan will disqualify North American beef processing facilities as exporters to Japan if they violate the conditions the country has set to ensure that beef imports are free from mad cow disease, government officials said Monday. The officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare confirmed their position concerning U.S. and Canadian beef imports at a meeting in Tokyo.
Puffy appointed goodwill ambassadors to U.S. for tourism
January 16, 2006Japanese pop duo Puffy, which has been gaining fans in the United States for an animation featuring them, were appointed Monday as goodwill ambassadors to the United States to promote tourist visits to Japan. Ami Onuki, 32, and Yumi Yoshimura, 30, received their letter of appointment from Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kazuo Kitagawa as part of the government's ''Visit Japan Campaign'' to increase the number of foreign tourists to Japan.