Distortion of NEC Resolution!

December 22, 2005

In one of the SDF National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of 10 December 2005 it is stated that:'Takes note of the apology tendered by Mr.

Australia stocks hit new high, Japan shut

December 22, 2005

HONG KONG, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Gains on Wall Street and upbeat U.S. economic data helped lift Asian stock markets on Friday, with Australian shares setting a new record high in the last trading session before the Christmas break.

Strong winds blow snow from top of Mt. Fuji

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan's population starts declining in 2005 for 1st time

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan-China war of words

December 22, 2005

'It's a neighboring country with nuclear bombs, and its military expenditure has been on the rise for 12 years. It's beginning to pose a considerable threat,' Aso said in a briefing to reporters Thursday, as quoted by Kyodo news agency. '

China-Japan tensions increase

December 22, 2005

The Chinese government has slammed Japan for calling the government in Beijing a 'considerable threat' in light of its military spending.

New spyware claim filed against Sony BMG

December 22, 2005

The original lawsuit was filed by Attorney General Greg Abbott in November against the company for violating state anti-spyware laws by embedding software in its CDs and media player to monitor users' habits.

Japanese whalers and Greenpeace battle

December 22, 2005

CANBERRA: A Japanese whaling fleet and Greenpeace environmental activists are involved in a stand-off in the remote Southern Ocean near the coast of Antarctica with the two sides accusing each other of ramming their vessels.

Brunei To Be Featured In Japanese Travel Mag

December 22, 2005

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Empire Hotel and Country Club recently hosted a media trip for Japan's Rasin Magazine, a travel magazine that focuses on tourist destinations for long-stay travellers.

Schering-Plough Announces PEG-Intron and Rebetol Approved in Japan for Expanded Use in Treating Chronic Hepati

December 22, 2005

Combination Therapy Receives Additional Indication for Treating Patients Other Than Those With Genotype 1 Virus and High Viral Load KENILWORTH, NJ -- December 22, 2005 -- Schering-Plough Corporation today announced that Schering-Plough K.K.,

Political parties' fundraising under 300 billion yen, off 10%

December 22, 2005

The total amount of political funds also sank below the 300 billion yen mark in 2002 to 287.9 billion yen. The 2004 total includes 152.7 billion yen collected by local chapters of political parties and organizations.

Japanese FM remarks irresponsible: China

December 22, 2005

BEIJING, Dec.

Japan opens market to NZ cherries

December 22, 2005

New Zealand cherry growers have cracked the tough Japanese market after winning seven years of argument over fumigation.

Pyongyang talks to push three topics

December 22, 2005

Aso said it was 'natural' to believe North Korea has already agreed to the three-track talks as Japan told North Korea it would only attend the next bilateral meeting if Pyongyang did so.

Latest US$ exchange rates: US$/Yen 117.51; Euro/US$1.1830

December 22, 2005

News Major Currencies Exchange Rates Currency Quoted at 10:30 Quoted at 09:30 New York Close ------------------------------------------------------------------- USD/JPY 117.48/53 117.50/55 117.32/...

Itoham gets 30 million yen fine

December 22, 2005

Itoham gets 30 million yen fine Court triples meat processor's tariff evasion penalty The Tokyo District Court ordered major meat processor Itoham Foods Inc.

China posing a threat: Aso

December 22, 2005

China 'possesses nuclear arms and its military budget has seen double-digit growth for the past 17 years and its content is not transparent,' Aso told a news conference. ' It is starting to become a considerable threat.'

Population already contracting

December 22, 2005

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry's annual survey estimates the balance of domestic births of Japanese against deaths in 2005 to be minus 10,000, marking the first natural decline since the government first began compiling the data in 1899.

Latest US$ exchange rates: US$/Yen 117.43; Euro/US$1.1787

December 22, 2005

News Major Currencies Exchange Rates Currency Quoted at 11:30 Quoted at 10:30 New York Close ------------------------------------------------------------------- USD/JPY 117.42/45 117.48/53 117.32/...

Latest US$ exchange rates: US$/Yen 117.39; Euro/US$1.1830

December 22, 2005

News Major Currencies Exchange Rates Currency Quoted at 12:30 Quoted at 11:30 New York Close ------------------------------------------------------------------- USD/JPY 117.38/41 117.42/45 117.32/...

Fujitsu Siemens buys SBS support division

December 22, 2005

The operation is active in 28 countries, with 2,000 of the workforce based in Germany.The deal had been expected for several months. In July, Siemens chief Klaus Kleinfeld said it was looking for a buyer for the arm.

Japan, N. Korea set for talks, may agree on negotiation format

December 22, 2005

-†Japan, N. Korea set for talks, may agree on negotiation format BEIJING, Dec.

Tokyo-Beijing ties endure more strain

December 22, 2005

In a news conference, the foreign minister, Taro Aso, said China was 'a neighboring country with one billion people, nuclear arms, military spending that has shown double-digit growth for the last 17 years, with extremely little transparency.' '

Health, gourmets boost Japanese noodles

December 22, 2005

Health, gourmets boost Japanese noodles TOKYO: On weekdays, Hiromi Arai is an electrical engineer. But when the weekend arrives he dons an apron and spends hours making soba noodles.

DoCoMo Buys Stake in Fuji TV

December 22, 2005

The two companies plan to launch a "one-segment" digital broadcasting service on April 1 to link TV with mobile services. The one-segment technology will allow viewers to watch TV away from home wherever and whenever they want.

Japan to issue IC passports from March 20

December 22, 2005

Japan to issue IC passports from March 20 Japan will start issuing passports with integrated circuit chips which record the holders' biological data from March 20, 2006, Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Thursday.

Japan cancels $692 mln in Zambia debt

December 22, 2005

Ambassador Masaaki Miyashita said in a statement his country had cancelled 100 percent of Zambia's debt to Tokyo because of its sustained sound economic policies. '

Australia's Howard voices opposition to whaling with Japan

December 22, 2005

-†Australia's Howard voices opposition to whaling with Japan SYDNEY, Dec.

Japanese trading houses waive part of loans to Iraq

December 22, 2005

-†Japanese trading houses waive part of loans to Iraq TOKYO, Dec.

Texas expands spyware lawsuit against Sony BMG

December 22, 2005

Two weeks ago, Sony BMG began urging consumers to download a patch that would plug the potential security breach. About 5.7 million CDs were shipped with the software.

Japan forgoes allocation for new war memorial in FY 2006 budget

December 22, 2005

-† Japan forgoes allocation for new war memorial in FY 2006 budget TOKYO, Dec.

Japan's trade surplus widens for the first time

December 22, 2005

JAPAN's trade surplus widened for the first time in eight months and the nation's service industries expanded more than expected, adding to evidence the world's second-biggest economy will grow for a fifth year.

Japan aims to develop original next-generation Internet search engine

December 22, 2005

-†Japan aims to develop original next-generation Internet search engine TOKYO, Dec. 22 KYODO Japan set up a study group Thursday consisting of officials from the government, industry and academia in a bid to challenge Google Inc.

Boeing delivers first Apache combat helicopter for Japan

December 22, 2005

The Boeing Co. said Tuesday it has delivered the first AH-64D Apache Longbow for the Japanese government. The multirole combat helicopter was delivered Dec. 15 in Mesa, Ariz., to Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), a Japanese aerospace firm.

Japanese police raid builders, architects

December 22, 2005

Police raided the offices of construction and architecture firms in Japan yesterday as part of a widening investigation of buildings erected using falsified earthquake safety data.

[ANN]China, Japan must meet, talk more

December 22, 2005

The Straits Times / Asia News Network The Sino-Japanese quarrel is not just about history. It is part of a deadly serious contest waged between the two countries for power and influence in the Asia of the 21st century.

Texas expands Sony suit

December 22, 2005

InformationTechnology

Japanese arrivals improve

December 22, 2005

Japanese arrivals for the month of December will pass 100,000 on Thursday, and are running 4.8 percent higher than last year.

Japan warns against whaling vessel protest

December 22, 2005

Japan says moves to stop a whaling vessel refuelling will be counter-productive, as environmental groups plan a protest against the ship, due to arrive in Hobart at the weekend.

China Cancels Ministerial Meeting with Korea, Japan

December 22, 2005

China has called off a scheduled ministerial meeting with Korea and Japan in what observers say is a protest against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Shopping suggestions and Best Games

December 22, 2005

If you haven't already gotten a PSP or DS for your favorite gamer, it's not too late to do so! And if you're wondering what games are the best, we've got a lis

Japan Appoints N.Korea Nukes Envoy

December 22, 2005

The Japanese government has created the new post of special envoy for the North Korean nuclear weapons dispute. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the current envoy on terrorism and Iraq issues, has been appointed to the new post.

DS News: Majesco Ships Bust-A-Move for the Nintendo DS

December 22, 2005

Majesco has announced Bust-A-Move DS has shipped for Nintendo DS. As one of the most popular puzzle games, Bust-A-Move DS delivers an entirely new bubble-bursting experience for the popular handheld. "

Review: Kingdom of Paradise for the Sony PSP

December 22, 2005

With the release of Kingdom of Paradise, Sony is finally bringing the full 3-D RPG experience to the PSP.

PSP News: Ubisoft to Publish Exit on the Sony PSP

December 22, 2005

Today Ubisoft announced that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Taito Corporation of Japan to publish and distribute three video game titles in 2006.

Sony soars on royal rumour

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan Supports Water Aid Ghana

December 22, 2005

The Government of Japan has released $81,820 to WaterAid Ghana. The money is to improve Groundwater Supply Facilities in the Northern, Upper East and Upper Regions of the country. At a signing ceremony in Accra, Mr.

Dollar holds slim gain against euro, yen

December 22, 2005

CHICAGO (AFX) CHICAGO (AFX) -- A modestly firmer dollar was little changed by U.S. reports that showed relatively tame inflation and a drop in the number of jobless benefits applicants.

Japanese minister calls China a threat

December 22, 2005

A neighboring country has an atomic bomb and its military spending has been rising for 12 consecutive years. There is no transparency and I view that as a concern, a threat,' Aso told a news conference.

S'pore lags Japan, HK as design hub: survey

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

China, Japan heading for another diplomatic row

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Judiciary to get P300 million in Japanese financial help

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Heavy snow causes blackout in western Japan

December 22, 2005

News Tohoku Electric Power Co Inc Blackout hit four prefectures in western Japan on Thursday morning because of heavy snow, the Kansai Electric Co Inc said.The power line from a nuclear power ...

Siemens sells part of IT unit to Fujitsu Siemens Computers

December 22, 2005

German electronics company Siemens has sold the product related services (PRS) unit of Siemens Business Services (SBS) to European IT provider Fujitsu Siemens Computers, effective 1 April 2006. A contract governing the sale has been signed.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers unveils notebooks with integrated UMTS

December 22, 2005

European IT manufacturer Fujitsu Siemens Computers will introduce notebooks with integrated GPRS/UMTS technology beginning in the first quarter of 2006. With the integrated technology, an external PC card becomes unnecessary.

Honda Brings 'Impossible Dreams' to Web

December 22, 2005

To support its latest 'Impossible Dream' TV advertising campaign, Honda has launched a microsite (www.thepowerofdreams.com), NetImperative writes.

Japan's trade surplus sees marginal rise in Novembe

December 22, 2005

Japan's trade surplus in November posted the first rise in eight months in November but the growth was marginal with high oil prices keeping the value of imports up, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

Valentine embraces life in Japan

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan's population starts shrinking

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (AFP) - Japan's population fell for the first time in 2005, the government said Thursday, calling it a 'turning point' that will force the world's second largest economy to adapt to a rapidly aging society.

Japan to develop spacesuit for moon spacewalks

December 22, 2005

Japan plans to produce a spacesuit, which may be worn by astronauts on their moon surface exploration, the Kyodo News reported Wednesday, quoting officials from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency as saying.

Japan to organise a research group on Internet search engine

December 22, 2005

Japanese government announced on Dec. 19 that Japan plans to set up its own Internet search engine. The move indicates that Japan has begun to set its foot into the Internet search engine market dominated so far mainly by Google and Yahoo.

Japan concerns over falling birthrate

December 22, 2005

The number of deaths in Japan is expected to exceed births in 2005 for the first time in more than a century, government data has shown. The revelation foreshadows a population decline that could threaten the long-term health of the economy.

Japan's Robot Qrio grasps new skill: carrying objects

December 22, 2005

Sony Corp's humanoid robot Qrio has learnt a new skill: carrying objects.

NEC Corp develops a pliable battery

December 22, 2005

Japan's NEC Corporation announced recently it has developed a thin, pliable hull battery, which is as thin as photographic film. With the thickness of 0.3 millimeters, the new battery is made of a special type of organic material.

Japan Seen as Escalating War of Words With China

December 22, 2005

The foreign ministries of Japan and China exchanged undiplomatic rhetoric on Thursday. Relations between the two countries have been tense for more than a year and the latest comments are not likely to help improve them.

Petrobras Signs Deal For Ethanol Venture With Japan's NAH

December 22, 2005

The new venture will be a 50-50 partnership between the two firms and will aim at the Japanese market where ethanol is used mainly for certain industries and perfumes. '

Eclectic Koizumi Tries Electric Sedan

December 22, 2005

Koizumi took a ride on the vehicle which uses lithium-ion battery as a power source with a top speed of 370 kilometres (230 miles) per hour. AFP PHOTO/Yuriko Nakao/POOL.

Analysis: Sony's DRM song and dance

December 22, 2005

Music fans shouldn't have to install potentially dangerous, privacy-intrusive software on their computers just to listen to the music they've legitimately purchased,' said Electronic Frontier Foundation legal director Cindy Cohn. '

Canon Selphy CP710

December 22, 2005

If so are you happy with the system y

Nissan drops plans to build plant in Russia's Novgorod Region

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

79.69 trillion yen budget submitted to Cabinet

December 22, 2005

Thanks to projected corporate tax revenue increases and spending cuts, the ministry was able to limit the amount of bonds it issues to 29.97 trillion yen -- down 12.8 percent from this year and the lowest in five years.

Koizumi drawing flak for postelection playtime

December 22, 2005

One LDP source said of Koizumi's recent trips, 'He's playing too much,' while a government source groused, 'He's not paying much attention.'

New spyware claim against Sony BMG

December 22, 2005

Attorney General Greg Abbott filed the original lawsuit in November, accusing the company of violating state anti-spyware laws by embedding software in its CDs and media player to monitor users' habits.

Takeda 2 Demo

December 22, 2005

The game is a turn-based strategy which allows players to maneuver and create armies, monitor characters and cities, engage in diplomacy or send ninjas on secret missions.

Population of Japan falls for first time on record

December 22, 2005

For the first time in 106 years of recordkeeping, the population of peacetime Japan has dropped.

Japanese whalers, Greenpeace in ocean battle

December 22, 2005

Greenpeace said that after a month-long search it had tracked down six Japanese ships -- which set out on November 8 to conduct what Tokyo says is a scientific whaling program -- several thousand kilometers (miles) south of Perth.

22-12-2005: Japan's KDDI to join Qualcomm in mobile TV

December 22, 2005

The report said the companies plan to create the company this month and aim to launch the service as early as 2007. They will seek content from broadcasting and production companies.

Zambia: Japan Cancels Zambia's Debt

December 22, 2005

Zambia reached the HIPC completion point in April this year. The cancelled debt comprises the entire principal outstanding as of April 1,2005 and all the interest, including late interest that accrued on or before April 1, 2005 and not paid.

Pressure mounts on Japan's whaling fleet

December 22, 2005

Greenpeace activists in high-speed inflatables spent hours trying to put themselves between chaser boats and minke whales south of Tasmania and claimed some whales got away. '

Japan's KDDI, Qualcomm in mobile TV business

December 22, 2005

Japan's KDDI, Qualcomm in mobile TV business Japan's KDDI, Qualcomm in mobile TV business Staff and agencies22 December, 2005 44 minutes ago TOKYO - Japan's KDDI Corp. said on Thursday it will set up a company with U.S.

Sony sees ghost of Christmas boycott

December 22, 2005

By RAFAEL BRUSILOW Thursday, December 22, 2005 Page B7 Special to The Globe and Mail As the holiday shopping season reaches a fever pitch, some consumers are trying to give electronics giant Sony Corp. a case of the humbugs.

Japanese foreign minister calls China a 'threat'

December 22, 2005

I think it is becoming a considerable threat.'IrresponsibleChina has rejected Mr Aso's comments as irresponsible.'As a foreign minister, to so irresponsibly incite such groundless rhetoric about a China threat, what is the purpose?'

Snow blankets parts of Japan, South Korea

December 22, 2005

In the northern prefecture of Niigata, snow is piled as high as 184 centimetres.

U.S. Beef Exporters Woo Japanese Consumers

December 22, 2005

Japan partially lifted the two-year ban on U.S. beef imports on Dec. 12. But U.S. ranchers still 'have a higher hill to climb' in convincing Japan's finicky consumers the meat is safe, said Philip Seng, head of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Toyota: King of the Car World in '06?

December 22, 2005

Katsuaki Watanabe is a man in a hurry. On Dec.

Japan's top diplomat: China becoming 'considerable threat' (Roundup)

December 22, 2005

The comments by Japan's top diplomat brought a rebuke from China.

NEC Reduces Software Development Time with Multicore Processor Technology

December 22, 2005

Key features of the multicore processor technology An automatic parallelizing compiler, capable of effective extraction of parallelism from an application program utilizing its profile information1.

Japan Calls China's Military a Threat

December 22, 2005

TOKYO -- Japan warned Thursday that China's expanding military budget represents a growing danger and is arousing suspicion among other nations, drawing quick condemnation from Beijing.

Fujitsu Bangalore Office

December 22, 2005

By Bangalore, Dec 20, 2005 Fujitsu, the Japanese provider of IT consulting services, systems integration and computing products, has inaugurated its Bangalore office.

Canon Dhoom Offer

December 22, 2005

In addition, each of these products comes with a two-year onsite warranty. Alok Bharadwaj, vice president, Canon India, said, 'We want to lead technological innovation in India.

China refutes Japanese FM remarks as 'extremely irresponsible'

December 22, 2005

BEIJING, Dec.

Yahoo to start Internet TV service in Japan

December 22, 2005

Tokyo - Softbank and Yahoo Japan said on Monday they had formed a company to broadcast television programmes via the Internet, taking advantage of the growing number of Japanese users on advanced, high-speed Internet connections.

Sony Vaio Vgn-fj1s

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan sees first trade surplus in eight months

December 22, 2005

The surplus edged up a marginal 0.6% from a year earlier to 600.64 billion yen ($5.1 billion), above an average market forecast for a surplus of 594 billion yen.

Japanese firm rapped over huge trade blunder

December 22, 2005

The government's Financial Services Agency issued a 'business improvement order' to Mizuho Securities, which was left saddled with an estimated loss of $330m due to a simple typing error by one of its dealers.

Pimco Buys Japanese 30-Year Sovereign Bonds on Slower Growth, Masanao Says

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Pacific Investment Management Co., which runs the world's biggest bond fund, is buying Japanese 30- year bonds amid speculation economic growth will slow next year, said Tomoya Masanao, a portfolio manager there.

Japan minister calls China a 'threat'

December 22, 2005

Dec 22, 2005 Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said on Thursday that China's military build-up was a threat, given its lack of transparency. '

Sixty Years After the Nuclear Devastation, Japan's Role in the NPT

December 22, 2005

The AQ Khan Revelations and Subsequent Changes to Pakistani Export Controls The Bush Proposals: A Global Strategy for Combating the Spread of Nuclear Weapons Technology or a Sanctioned Nuclear Cartel?

Honda Sees Record Sales

December 22, 2005

Honda expects its global sales in 2005 to have risen by five percent from a year earlier to a record 3.35 million vehicles, The Associated Press reported, citing Honda's president.

Japan pledges $2m primary health projects in Allai

December 22, 2005

PESHAWAR, Dec 21: The government of Japan will provide $2 million for primary healthcare facilities in Allai, the worst earthquake-affected area.

Greenpeace Vows To Continue Protesting Japanese Whalers in Antarctic Waters

December 22, 2005

SYDNEY, Australia - Greenpeace campaigners vowed Thursday to continue harassing Japanese whalers in icy Antarctic waters and called on Canberra to prevent another Japanese ship from rejoining the whaling fleet. '

Hitachi Capital's 28.2 Billion Series 8 RMBS Assigned 'AAA' Rating

December 22, 2005

Copyright (c) Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ''

Japanese Gov't Remains Upbeat on Economy

December 22, 2005

TOKYO -- Japan's economy is entering a period of self-sustained recovery and is close to escaping deflation thanks to increasing consumer demand, the country's top economics official said Thursday.

UPDATE 2-Japan FSA orders Mizuho Sec to improve operations

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Japan's financial regulator on Thursday ordered Mizuho Securities, the brokerage unit of Mizuho Financial Group (8411.T: Quote, Profile, Research) , to improve operations after the broker made a huge errant trade.

UPDATE 3-Japan FSA orders Mizuho Sec to improve operations

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Japan's financial regulator on Thursday ordered Mizuho Securities, the brokerage unit of Mizuho Financial Group (8411.T: Quote, Profile, Research) , to improve its operations after the broker made a huge errant trade.

Greenpeace activists clash with Japanese whaling fleet in Southern Ocean

December 22, 2005

Environmental activist group Greenpeace have attempted to disrupt Japan's Southern Ocean scientific whaling fleet.

Honda Will Cut Excess Price of Civic Hybrids to Bolster Sales in Japan

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co.,

Toyota may surpass GM in 2006

December 22, 2005

21 Dec 2005, 17:36 GMT - Toyota expects 9% growth in worldwide sales this year, and this surge would help make Japan's largest carmaker the world's most profitable. GM has enjoyed the status of being the world's largest automaker since 1932.

Heavy snow causes havoc in Japan

December 22, 2005

HEAVY snow caused havoc in many parts of Japan and South Korea today, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity, disrupting traffic and even forcing nuclear power plants to shut down.

Dollar quietly steady vs yen, inflation data eyed

December 22, 2005

LONDON, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The dollar held steady against the yen on Thursday, consolidating gains seen in the past three sessions, with dealers looking ahead to monthly inflation data for a clearer picture on how long U.S. rate rises will last.

Japanese minister calls China 'threat': Kyodo

December 22, 2005

TOKYO - Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said on Thursday that China's military build-up was a "considerable threat", Kyodo news agency reported. "

Japanese FM says China posses threat

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

U.S. beef producers unveil PR blitz to win over wary Japanese consumers(Updated 05:36 p.m.)

December 22, 2005

American beef producers unveiled plans Thursday for a public relations blitz to win over Japanese wary of mad cow disease but said it will take at least three years to reach the shipment levels seen before the 2003 import ban.

First Dubai-Osaka Economic Partnership Forum a huge success

December 22, 2005

United Arab Emirates: 0 minutes ago What is a sponsored TextLink?

NEC Look at Change in FE

December 22, 2005

Sir Andrew Foster presented his review just last month at the Association of Colleges' (AoC) Conference in Birmingham.

We Love Us Some Nissan Altimas

December 22, 2005

WE LOVE US SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS: Make and model is the most purchased vehicle among African Americans, according to new survey.

Foreign investors net sellers Japan stocks Dec 12-16

December 22, 2005

Foreign investors sold a net 22.23 billion yen ($189.4 million) of Japanese stocks between December 12 and 16, after being net buyers for 26 weeks in a row. Individual investors, on the other hand, bought a net 340 billion yen of stocks last week.

China: Japanese FM remarks 'irresponsible'

December 22, 2005

Japan's opposition leader Seiji Maehara (R), seen with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L), has reiterated his long-held view that China may be a threat to Japan despite growing criticism of his hawkish stance. [

Toyota Announces New Assignments for North American Manufacturing Executives

December 22, 2005

ERLANGER, Ky., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota (NYSE: TM)announced today new assignments for senior level managers at the company'sNorth American manufacturing facilities and headquarters. '

U.S. to Sell 100,000 Tons of Beef in Japan

December 22, 2005

to Sell 100,000 Tons of Beef in Japan','http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/22/AR2005122200103.html','TOKYO -- U.S.

Asian Bank Stocks Decline, Led by Mitsubishi UFJ; Sony and Hynix Advance

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Asian stocks fell, led by banks such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., as some investors said a regional index's recent climb to a 5 1/2-year high was excessive. ''

Heavy snow causes havoc in Japan, Korea

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Heavy snowfall caused havoc in many parts of Japan and South Korea on Thursday, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity, disrupting traffic and even forcing nuclear power plants to shut down.

Dollar crawls higher vs yen ahead of holidays

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The dollar edged up against the yen on Thursday, building on gains in the past three sessions and supported by the U.S. currency's interest rate advantage.

Japanese Stocks Retreat; Dollar Up vs. Yen

December 22, 2005

Japanese Stocks Retreat; Dollar Up vs.

Japan trade surplus up first time in 8 months yr/yr

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan officials sued over whitewashing book

December 22, 2005

The Japanese citizens and foreign nationals sued Governor Moriyuki Kato of southern Ehime Prefecture and the prefecture's board of education. The plaintiffs argue that the book glorified Japan's military invasion of Asian countries.

Japan Government Creates Search Engine Exploration Group

December 22, 2005

The Japanese tradition of finding the best products and services in the world, and then perfecting them, has been common practice in Japan for centuries.

Texas files new spyware claim against Sony BMG

December 22, 2005

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The Texas attorney general said on Wednesday he added a new claim to a lawsuit against Sony BMG Music Entertainment accusing it of violating the state's laws on deceptive trade practices by hiding 'spyware' on its compact discs.

Japan breaking out of economic slump

December 22, 2005

The stock market obligingly powered to a new five-year high, briefly topping 16,000 points on Wednesday, underscoring that many feel the nation's long economic slump is ending.

Japan foreign minister calls China a threat

December 22, 2005

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said on Thursday that China's military build-up was a threat, given its lack of transparency. '

Japan whalers, Greenpeace in ocean stand-off

December 22, 2005

Greenpeace said that after a month-long search it had tracked down six Japanese ships -- which set out on Nov. 8 to conduct what Tokyo says is a scientific whaling programme -- several thousand kilometres (miles) south of Perth.

Asian Stocks Slide for First Day in Five as Banks Drop; Sony, Hynix Jump

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Asian stocks fell for the first day in five. Financial stocks such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. led declines as some investors said the regional index's recent climb to a 5 1/2-year high was excessive. ''

CORRECTED-(OFFICIAL)-Sumitomo Corp 8053.T-6mth group results

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

FOREX-Dollar crawls higher vs yen as trade winds down

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The dollar edged up against the yen in thin pre-holiday trade on Thursday, building on gains in the past three sessions and supported by the U.S. currency's interest rate advantage.

Japan's KDDI to join Qualcomm in mobile TV: report

December 22, 2005

Japan's KDDI to join Qualcomm in mobile TV: report Wed Dec 21, 2005 10:09 PM ET TOKYO (Reuters) - KDDI Corp. ( 9433.T: , , ), Japan's second-largest mobile operator, will create a joint business with U.S. wireless company Qualcomm Inc. (

'Battle' for Japan

December 22, 2005

'Yamato: The Last Battle,' a WWII naval action pic that has roused the ire of Japan's neighbors for its flag-waving theatrics, looks likely to become the No. 1 Japanese hit of 2005.

Softbank, Yahoo Japan start Internet TV service

December 22, 2005

Softbank Corp. and Yahoo Japan Corp. said on Monday they had formed a company to broadcast television programmes via the Internet, taking advantage of the growing number of Japanese users on advanced, high-speed Internet connections.

Japan's Population Drops for First Time

December 22, 2005

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's population dropped this year for the first time on record, the government said Thursday, signaling a demographic turnaround for one of the world's fastest-aging societies.

Greenpeace set for more clashes with Japanese whalers

December 22, 2005

Greenpeace is gearing up for another day of confrontation with a Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean after yesterday attempting to stop a harpooned whale being retrieved.

Japan Air, All Nippon Cancel More Than 90 Flights Because of Heavy Snow

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Japan Airlines Corp. and All Nippon Airways Co., Japan's two largest carriers, said they canceled a combined 95 domestic flights today because of heavy snow in the country. Japan Airlines grounded 43 domestic flights as of 10 a.m.

Qualcomm, KDDI Japan Venture to Study 'MediaFlo' Cell Phone TV Technology

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Qualcomm Inc., the world's No. 2 maker of processors that run mobile phones, and Japan's KDDI Corp. agreed to form a venture to examine the U.S. company's television program transmission technology.

NTT DoCoMo Takes Stake in Fuji TV Network

December 22, 2005

TOKYO NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan's largest mobile phone carrier, has agreed to take a 2.6 percent stake in Fuji Television Network Inc. as the two companies discuss digital broadcasting to mobile phones.

Nikkei and Topix Fall for First Day in Four as Alps Plunges; Sony Advances

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average and Topix index fell for the first day in four. Alps Electric Co., the nation's No.

Japan's Trade Surplus Widens on Higher Exports; Service Industries Expand

December 22, 2005

22 (Bloomberg) -- Japan's trade surplus widened for the first month in eight and the nation's service industries expanded more than expected, bolstering growth in the world's second-largest economy.

Japan's trade surplus sees marginal rise in November

December 22, 2005

TOKYO : Japan's trade surplus in November posted the first rise in eight months in November but the growth was marginal with high oil prices keeping the value of imports up, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

Japan Space Agency May Develop Space Suit

December 22, 2005

TOKYO -- Japan's space agency said Wednesday it is considering developing its own space suit that can be used in future manned space projects.

Campaigners tail Japanese whaling ships

December 22, 2005

Extract not available.

Japan: Toyota Likely To Replace GM As World's Biggest Carmaker In 2006

December 22, 2005

It said that Toyota planned to roll out 9.06 million vehicles on a consolidated basis in 2006, up about 10 percent over its projected output in 2005.

Japan Nov trade surplus expands 0.6 pct yr/yr

December 22, 2005

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Japan's trade surplus expanded 0.6 percent in November from a year earlier to 600.6 billion yen ($5.12 billion) on the back of healthy gains in exports, government data showed on Thursday.

UPDATE 1-Japan trade surplus up first time in 8 months yr/yr

December 22, 2005

The surplus expanded 0.6 percent to 600.6 billion yen ($5.12 billion) as exports rose 14.7 percent and imports rose 16.6 percent, the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.