Japan's crown prince arrives in Vancouver, first visit to Canada
March 20, 2006Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito arrived in Vancouver on Sunday night on the final leg of his North American trip, marking his first visit to Canada. In Vancouver, the crown prince plans to meet with Japanese people living in Canada and visit major tourist spots such as Stanley Park.
Asbestos-affected people start applying for gov't aid
March 20, 2006People suffering from asbestos-linked diseases and those who lost relatives to such illnesses started applying on Monday for government financial aid prior to the coming into force next week of a new relief law for asbestos victims. The applications were submitted to labor standards inspection offices and other entities nationwide.
Japanese researchers create mice with immune systems close to humans
March 20, 2006Scientists at a Japanese university said Monday they have succeeded in producing mice with immune systems close to those of humans, a development that is expected to contribute to research in medical treatment for a variety of diseases. Mine Harada, a professor at Kyushu University's medical department who heads the team, said the discovery will enable researchers to conduct experiments in an environment similar to the human body, like a ''living test tube.''
Japan's 'sakura' cherry trees threatened by mold disease
March 20, 2006Japan's emblematic ''sakura'' cherry trees have been infected by a contagious mold disease, known as witches' broom, in at least 18 prefectures, a survey by the Flower Association of Japan showed Monday. The disease makes cherry trees unable to produce flowers and sometimes kills them in about 10 years, so the association has recommended the removal of the lesions from the affected trees.