Premium black watermelon auctioned in Japan at record 650,000 yen Jun 6, 2008
"This is the highest price on record for a Densuke watermelon, and that probably means it's the highest of any watermelon in Japanese history,'' said Kazuyoshi Ohira, a spokesman for the Tohma Agricultural Cooperative in Hokkaido. Growers expect to produce about 9,000 Densuke watermelons this year, Ohira said. For seasonal, high-end fruits like the Densuke watermelon and the Yubari cantaloupes, Japanese buyers are often willing to pay top prices at auction for the prestige of owning the very... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Warriors Orochi 2 to get sequel May 23, 2008
There will be more than 90 playable fighters including new ones based on characters from Chinese and Japanese history. The announcement comes as Koei reveals more than 1. (Eurogamer)
KOEI's Crossover Event Continues with Warriors Orochi 2 : The Dynasty Warriors a... May 22, 2008
Warriors Orochi 2 features an overwhelming lineup of over 90 playable characters from both franchises including Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends, plus new characters from Chinese and Japanese history. Developed by Omega Force, Warriors Orochi 2 is for 1-2 players (versus play). (IGN PS2)
Japan, since the occupation May 10, 2008
Following is a time line of Japanese history since the end of the post-war occupation. 1952 Post-war U.S. occupation ends. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Japanese Religious History Apr 19, 2008
Religion in the Meiji period saw a shift from state support of Buddhism to state support of Shinto as the dominant religious tradition, which makes sense given the renewed sense of nationalism at this time in Japanese history. As the foreign-influenced Buddhism was demoted, the more native Shinto tradition was elevated. (Suite101.com)
Japanese lawmakers approve acting governor as Bank of Japan chief; key rate unchanged Apr 9, 2008
It was the first such meeting in modern Japanese history without a full-time bank governor. The board voted unanimously to keep the rate unchanged. (International Herald Tribune)
Samurai sword ban becomes law Apr 6, 2008
Samurai swords are part of Japanese history and genuine artefacts can change hands for large sums of money. But in recent years there has been a trade in reproductions which can be bought over the internet for as little as 35 and they have been used in several attacks. (BBC News -- UK)
GTA and Wii releases scheduled to drop Apr 3, 2008
Set in a vaguely defined period of classical Japanese history, "Okami" tells the tale of Shinto sun goddess Ameterasu's efforts to save the land from darkness in the form of a white wolf. "Okami" (a play on the Japanese words for "great god" and "wolf") features gameplay similar to the Legend of Zelda series with an inspired twist: a heavenly brush that players can manipulate to slice, blow and otherwise affect the environment around them, which is beautifully rendered in a manner reminiscent of... (The Daily Texan, TX)
Stanford distance-learning program wins $25,000 Mar 25, 2008
Each year, the Reischauer program selects 25 "exceptional" high school juniors and seniors from across the country to take part in the course, which includes an overview of Japanese history, culture, arts, politics and society. The course is taught through 10 "virtual" classes over the Internet over four months. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Baseball: Hoping to become Japan's next hot baseball export Feb 29, 2008
He signed with the Orix Blue Wave and pitched six more seasons, becoming the sixth pitcher in Japanese history to win a game after his 42nd birthday. He finished his career last season with the Chiba Lotte Marines, arranged by Bobby Valentine. (International Herald Tribune)
Butler County Feb 29, 2008
Dixie Lipnichanm, who teaches Japanese history, presents an hour program at 10 a.m. for children ages 5 to 8, which includes a craft. Reservations required; call 724-282-0123. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Japanese veteran of 1964 Olympics set for Beijing comeback Feb 8, 2008
If all goes according to plan, he will become the oldest Olympic representative in Japanese history. Japan Equestrian Federation head Azusa Kitano said it was more than likely Mr Hoketsu would take part in the dressage, which is being staged in Hong Kong. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Stay in Oz Stirling, says Larkham Jan 16, 2008
His agent, Jason Macarthur, feted Larkham as the biggest-name signing in Japanese history, ahead of Toutai Kefu who signed a massive contract in 2003. But the 33-year-old's move to Tokyo looks likely to see him play his next match in the Japanese second division with the Ricoh Black Rams staring at relegation from the top league. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Brilliant students? Dec 14, 2007
For my part, I know that there are probably a lot of significant concepts in the sciences that I ignore, and even in my own field of study, I didn't know a single thing about Japanese history (or Japan) before I started taking a course in it this semester. Now the Japanese problem has been corrected, and before I graduate I'll have to take another ST, thereby enriching my knowledge of scientific things. (The Daily Princetonian, NJ)
Reevaluating the Rape of Nanjing Dec 13, 2007
Ten years ago, while I was studying Japanese history in college, I discovered just how complicated those feelings could become. That was the year Iris Chang published her seminal book, The Rape of Nanking, about Japan's brutal occupation of the Republic of China's capital in 1937. (Time.com)
Never forgottenEnduring anger and pain 70 years after the Nanjing Massacre Dec 13, 2007
In 2005, there were rare street demonstrations in several major Chinese cities over Japanese history textbooks which critics claimed whitewashed the country's World War II record. Mr Xiang says he can never forget what happened in Nanjing. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Leader relishes N.C.'s breadth Dec 12, 2007
He took a Japanese history course and studied in Tokyo. There, he got a close view of advances in automation. (News & Observer)
Nanjing massacre victims named Dec 5, 2007
Japanese history textbooks have sparked protests in China. The document will form part of a 28-volume series on the massacre containing first-hand accounts, media reports, military briefings and diplomatic correspondence. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
China warship docks in Tokyo Nov 28, 2007
Revised historyControversial revisions to Japanese history textbooks - amending or removing references to wartime atrocities committed by the Japanese military - frequently draws criticism from China. A particular focus of dispute has been over the 1937 "Rape of Nanjing" in which up to 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed by occupying Japanese forces. (Aljazeera.Net)
Japan's Tourist Attractions Nov 23, 2007
Kyoto by far is the most popular destination for travellers interested in Japanese history and architecture. Serene and tranquil shrines and temples abound all over town. (Suite101.com)
Japan turns spotlight on foreigners, accused of bias Nov 14, 2007
The only terrorist spectaculars in Japanese history have come from homegrown groups Japanese Red Army radical Leftists in the 1970s and 80s, and the Aum Shinrikyo religious fringe, which carried out the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway in 1995. But officials say Tokyos support for the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan makes Japan a target, and taking so-called bio-metric data such as fingerprints and digital facial photos is the only way to nab terrorists traveling on fake... (News on Japan, Japan)
The bill was passed at the lower house plenary session by a majority vote. It will soon be sent to the upper house for approval.• Japan ends MSDF's refueling mission Nov 13, 2007
At a press conference on Wednesday, Machimura described giving up "the responsibilities as a member of the international society" as a "major stain" in the Japanese history. According to Japan's official statistics, the MSDF has provided about 490,000 kiloliters of oil to vessels from 11 countries in 794 missions, and more than 80 percent of the oil went to U.S. warships. (Xinhuanet, China)
Japan's welcome mat getting prickly Nov 11, 2007
The only terrorist spectaculars in Japanese history have come from homegrown groups: the Japanese Red Army, which conducted attacks around the world in the 1970s and '80s, and the Aum Shinrikyo cult, which carried out a sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. But officials say Tokyo's support for the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan makes Japan a target, and taking biometric data such as fingerprints and digital facial photos is the only way to nab terrorists traveling on fake... (Los Angeles Times)
Will Japan's Opposition Leader Quit? Nov 6, 2007
Under his leadership, the DPJ wrested control of the upper house of Parliament from the LDP in July, an historic loss that ultimately led to the resignation of Koizumi's successor, Shinzo Abe, and opened the door to what could have been the first real two-party system in modern Japanese history. And then things took a strange turn. (TIME)
Shinn '73 nominated to Defense post Oct 25, 2007
"That's very unusual in the Bush administration, particularly among the Pentagon appointees," said Garon, who studied Japanese history with Shinn while he was a Ph. D student. (The Daily Princetonian, NJ)
Francona clarifies - sort of - Wakefield's injury Oct 4, 2007
Harvard history professor Andrew Gordon, whose specialty is Japanese history and who recently completed a book on Matsuzaka that has been published in Japanese, noted that Nikkan Sports devoted four pages to Matsuzaka and the postgame champagne celebration. Francona was asked if he was curious to see how Matsuzaka would perform on the postseason stage, given his track record in international competition. (Boston Globe)
Japan's lower house elects Fukuda prime minister Sep 25, 2007
Fukuda's rise marks the first time in Japanese history that the son of a previous prime minister has assumed leadership of the nation, according to Kyodo News. Takeo Fukuda served from December 1976 to December 1978. (MarketWatch)
Out with the new, in with an old hand Sep 22, 2007
The important thing is that the peace and stability of Japan will arise through our contributions to the international community," Mr Fukuda said. His father, Takeo, also became prime minister at the age of 71, and used "soft power" - through cultural exports and aid - to spread Japan's global influence in the 1970s. The slightly-built statesman, from Takasaki in central Gunma Prefecture, enjoyed the privileged upbringing typical for the sons of Japan's political dynasties. He attended Tokyo's... (Sydney Morning Herald)
In Japan, Full-Speed Ahead to the Past Sep 18, 2007
"This is a self-preservation move for the party," says Carol Gluck, a professor of Japanese history at Columbia University. "This is seen in the party as a safer choice for regrouping the LDP." Even Fukuda himself seemed to recognize that he was parachuting into a caretaker role. (TIME)
Surprise favourite has no connection to Abe Sep 15, 2007
Mr Fukuda, 71, has claim to being the longest-serving chief cabinet secretary in Japanese history, serving for almost four years under first Yoshiro Mori and then Mr Abe's predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi. Japanese media reported yesterday that he was building a solid lead over Mr Aso, although a poll by Kyodo News found that executives of 12 of the party's 47 prefectural chapters preferred Mr Aso. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
New Japanese Farm Minister Resigns Over Farm Subsidy Scandal in Latest Blow to Government Sep 7, 2007
The screening system this time was the most extensive in postwar Japanese history. We checked all the documents that we could obtain, Yosano told reporters. (Agri-View, WI)
* Japan Fashion Week tests the boundaries Sep 6, 2007
While the Japanese look is often considered kawaii (cute), designer duo Hiroyuki Horihata and Makiko Sekiguchi took the theme of the Keicho era (1596-1615), a mere two decades in Japanese history that featured some outstanding style. The style - humble like Japanese rituals but brilliant like the hue of green tea - swept the country's trend-conscious echelons of power at the time. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Japanese farm minister resigns in new setback for PM Sep 3, 2007
The screening system this time was the most extensive in postwar Japanese history. We checked all the documents that we could obtain, Mr. Yosano told reporters. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Japan resignation adds to PM woes Sep 3, 2007
"The screening system this time was the most extensive in post-war Japanese history. We checked all the documents that we could obtain," he said. "But we can't know everything.". (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
She's the most likable part of HBO's 'As You Like It' Aug 21, 2007
I can't say Japanese history much matters in the midst of such a fluffy story, but then it doesn't detract, either. And then once the action moves to Arden, with its thick trees and happy blue skies, civilization -- Japanese or otherwise -- is but the faint memory of a bad dream. (Boston Globe)
Shadow lamps to connect friends Aug 9, 2007
Mr Yasuda, a post-graduate student in Media Design at Japan's Keio University, said the inspiration for the system came from Japanese history. For many years, he said, Japanese homes have had Shoji or paper walls that divide some rooms. (BBC News -- Technology)
Could Japan's Abe step down? Jul 30, 2007
Despite facing a loss of his parliamentary majority, Abe told Japan's Public Television network, NHK, that he is determined to continue his efforts to revise Japan's pacifist Constitution and reform its educational system to reflect more patriotic views of Japanese history. "The nation-building has just started," Abe told a television reporter. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Top-performing fund follows Japan's conglomerates as they move abroad Jul 18, 2007
He is particularly bullish on trading houses, institutions with roots in 17th-century Japanese history that now operate worldwide in areas like resource development and plant construction. Mitsubishi, the largest trading company in Japan, with global sales of 20. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
T&D's Kinugawa's No. 1 Fund Bets on Marubeni, Juki Forays in India, China Jul 17, 2007
He is particularly bullish on trading houses, institutions with roots in 17th-century Japanese history that now operate worldwide in such areas as resource development and plant construction. Mitsubishi Corp., the largest trading company in Japan, with global sales of 20. (Bloomberg)
* Japan still agonizing over World War II Jul 10, 2007
The demand is part of a growing movement to sanitize -- or simply ignore -- the darkest episodes in modern Japanese history, which have gathered pace under one of the most conservative governments of recent decades, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. A long simmering row over the 1937 massacre of tens of thousands of Chinese civilians in Nanking by Japanese forces has been reignited by renewed efforts to play down the carnage. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Japan accused of rewriting WWII history Jul 6, 2007
The demand is part of a growing movement to sanitise - or simply ignore - the darkest episodes in modern Japanese history, which have gathered pace under one of the most conservative governments of recent decades, led by the hawkish prime minister, Shinzo Abe. A long simmering row over the 1937 massacre of tens of thousands of Chinese civilians in Nanking by Japanese forces has been reignited by renewed efforts to play down the carnage. (Guardian Unlimited)
Morris-Suzuki: War Responsibility Jun 22, 2007
Tessa Morris-Suzuki is Professor of Japanese History, Convenor of the Division of Pacific and Asian History in the College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, and a Japan Focus associate. Her book has just been published at Rowman efield. (Zmag.org)
Preserving Lodi's Japanese culture: Group tours Japanese in Eastside Jun 11, 2007
Residents and statewide leaders were excited to hear these and other new stories about Lodi's rich Japanese history throughout the past century during a walking tour Sunday afternoon. A project called Preserving California's Japantowns is an effort to photograph existing structures and hear about Japanese history throughout California. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Why Are There So Many Suicides in Japan?: Jun 4, 2007
Suicide looms large in Japanese history and literature. Samurai warriors were famous for their willingness to disembowel themselves, a called seppuku or hara-kiri. (Slate)
McCormack: Okiniawa Jun 3, 2007
The Abe government is comprised almost entirely of those who deny Japan's war responsibility and call for a "proud" version of Japanese history and a compulsory patriotism to be taught in the schools. Not only have they been successful in eliminating reference to comfort women from the nation's school texts, but in the 2006 text screening process reference to the "compulsory suicide" of Okinawans was also deleted. (Zmag.org)
Price: Canada & Occupation of Japan May 29, 2007
Born and raised in Japan, Norman studied classics at Trinity College in the U.K. before pursuing his doctorate in Japanese history at Harvard ... John Price is associate professor of Japanese history at the University of Victoria and director of the. (Zmag.org)
Citigroup's financing for Nikko sets record May 4, 2007
The loan is the largest in Japanese history, surpassing a 1. 28 trillion borrowing last year by Softbank, which bought Vodafone's Japanese unit to become the nation's third-largest mobile phone operator. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
Citigroup in $7.7bn Japanese deal Apr 27, 2007
8bn), the largest foreign takeover in Japanese history. Citigroup is paying $14. (BBC News -- Business)
Ronin Taiko drummers in town Friday Apr 26, 2007
Through a grant, Cochran had the opportunity to study Japanese history, culture, fine arts, literature and music in San Diego. s part of the course of study, we each had to come up with a project that highlighted what we had learned about Japanese life, she said. (Troy Messenger, AL)
The Japanese schoolhouse Apr 26, 2007
REXBURG A piece of Rexburg's Japanese history has an undetermined future. The Japanese Language School, located on the west side of town near Rexburg Motorsports, sits on the 160 acres purchased by the Madison School District to put an elementary and high school on it. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
THOMSON FINANCIAL NEWS TOP STORIES Global 0805 BST Apr 14, 2007
The transaction is believed to be the largest real estate deal in Japanese history. Converium urges shareholders to reject hostile Scor bid. (Forbes -- Markets)
On this night, Matsuzaka was not quite good enough Apr 12, 2007
"He worked the count to 3 and 2. The payoff pitch was a 94-mile-per-hour heater that Ichiro grounded back to the mound. Dice-K made a nice snag and throw, and it was already being written in Japanese history books."He's a hitter I've wanted to face since his days in Japan," said Dice-K. "So compared to the other batters, I may have been more conscious of him. "The Mariners dusted Matsuzaka up for a pair of hits and a run in the second. Jose Guillen started the trouble (not the first time anyone... (Boston Globe)
* Stakes are high for Wen's Japan trip Apr 9, 2007
Further enraged by a Japanese history textbook glossing over World War II crimes, angry crowds marched through China's major cities, smashing Japanese property. In Beijing, they pelted the Japanese ambassador's residence with bricks. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Full Story » Apr 8, 2007
" That was the year when latent anti-Japanese sentiment in the Chinese public burst out into the open over Tokyo's desire for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat. Further enraged by a Japanese history textbook glossing over WWII crimes, angry crowds marched through China's major cities, smashing Japanese property. In Beijing, they pelted the Japanese ambassador's residence with bricks. A month after the protests, the worst riots in at least six years, a survey showed the portion of... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Prime Minister Abes New Clothes Apr 6, 2007
" Shortly after Abe acknowledged his disagreement with the government s stance, he appeared on Japan s national broadcasting station, NHK, to renew his apologies to the women as well as to vow to sustain the Kono Statement. International outrage clearly sensitized Abe s advisors to understand that now is not a good time for the prime minister to question women, 80 to 90 years old, and their horrific stories of abduction, rape, and torture that they tell with painful similarity. Abe and his... (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Dundee gets a glimpse into Japanese festival Mar 30, 2007
The second-graders had many questions about the dolls and Japanese history. "Why does the singer hold a fan?" they asked. (Greenwich Time)
* Abe's nationalism continues a troubling trend Mar 28, 2007
Walking past the Mitsubishi Zero, tanks, and machine guns on display in the museum, one finds a history of the Pacific War that restores "the Truth of Modern Japanese History.". It follows the nationalist narrative: Japan, a victim of the European colonial powers, sought only to protect the rest of Asia from them. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Fuji TV sues Livedoor Mar 27, 2007
4-million) the largest fine ever in corporate Japanese history for violating securities laws. Its subsidiary Livedoor Marketing was fined 40-million yen ($338,000). (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Fuji TV Sues Livedoor for $292 Million Mar 26, 2007
4 million) the largest fine ever in corporate Japanese history for violating securities laws. Its subsidiary Livedoor Marketing was fined 40 million yen ($338,000). (ABC 7 News, DC)
* Court fines Livedoor US$2.4m Mar 24, 2007
Internet startup Livedoor Co was hit with the largest fine ever in corporate Japanese history for violating securities laws yesterday, the latest blow in a scandal that has led to seven convictions for former executives and accountants. The Tokyo District Court fined Livedoor 280 million (US$2. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Livedoor hit with US$2.4 million fine, ... Mar 23, 2007
Internet startup Livedoor Co. was hit with the largest fine ever in corporate Japanese history for violating securities laws Friday, the latest blow in a scandal that has led to seven convictions for former executives and accountants. The Tokyo District Court fined Livedoor 280 million yen (US$2. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Livedoor hit with US$2.4 million fine, largest ever in Japan for violating securities laws Mar 23, 2007
TOKYO: Internet startup Livedoor Co. was hit with the largest fine ever in corporate Japanese history for violating securities laws Friday, the latest blow in a scandal that has led to seven convictions for former executives and accountants. The Tokyo District Court fined Livedoor 280 million yen (US$2. (International Herald Tribune)
The word on Wikipedia: Trust but verify Mar 23, 2007
All of those students in Waters Japanese history class late last year had been steered wrong by the same source Wikipedia, the sprawling online encyclopedia that has revolutionized how ordinary people find information. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Technology)
The need to dwell on Japan's past Mar 16, 2007
For example, the presumption that a US House of Representatives judgment on Japanese history would be above challenge is plainly wrong. Japan will give that vote the same deference it gives to any other country that seeks to interfere in its domestic politics. (Asia Times Online)
Morris-Suzuki: Forgotten Korea Victims Mar 16, 2007
Tessa Morris-Suzuki is Professor of Japanese History and Convenor of the Division of Pacific and Asian History in the College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University. Her book Exodus to North Korea: Shadows from Japan's Cold War will be published next month at Rowman and Littlefield. (Zmag.org)
