Ban urges Japanese leaders to 'correct' history
December 19, 2005South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Ban Ki Moon urged Japanese political leaders Monday to have a correct understanding of the past. "I would like to remind Japanese political leaders to have a correct understanding of history and the...
Koizumi calls Abe 'major' candidate to succeed him
December 19, 2005Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Monday played up Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe as a "major" candidate to succeed him as Japanese premier next year. "He is widely regarded as a major candidate for post-Koizumi leader and deserves attention...
Abe weighs in on Asada's ineligibility for Turin Olympics
December 19, 2005Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe on Monday described it as "regrettable" that teen figure skater Mao Asada will not be able to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics because she is too young, despite her latest victory at the Grand Prix Final. ...
Council begins talks to prevent fabrication of building data
December 19, 2005An infrastructure ministry council began discussions Monday to devise measures to prevent the recurrence of fabrications of building data as revelations in November that an architect faked data for many buildings has sent shock waves through Japan. ...
Street campaign staged against politicians' gift giving to voters
December 19, 2005Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Heizo Takenaka took to the streets in Tokyo on Sunday to promote a government campaign against the practice of politicians giving gifts to voters. The one-month campaign, which started Dec 10, is intend...