Japan

As Okinawa marks 40 years of postwar sovereignty, US bases still an irritant

Okinawa marked the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty from US postwar control Tuesday amid political deadlock over the relocation of a key US military base.
Japanese cheer unplugging of last nuclear plant

Japan switched off the last of its 50 nuclear reactors sending thousands of Japanese into the streets to celebrate Saturday.
Japan shuts down last nuclear reactor for tests. End of nuclear power?

If Japan survives the summer without power blackouts, citizens may pressure the government to make the temporary nuclear shutdown permanent.
Japan braces for North Korean missile launch

Japan has threatened to shoot down the rocket if it passes over Japanese airspace. In 1998, North Korea sent a missile over Japan's main island.
Global News Blog
A Battle Royale online over origin of 'The Hunger Games'

Some claim that 'The Hunger Games' is a rip-off of the 1999 Japanese series 'Battle Royale.' But the storyline of a death match being employed by authoritarian rulers dates back to the Roman Empire.
Global News Blog
China's nuclear power plant review: 'problems in 14 areas' found

Should we be concerned? A nuclear official said in passing this weekend that problems in 14 areas need to be resolved. In the wake of Fukushima, a shade more transparency would be welcome.
As Japan marks tsunami anniversary, a fresh spirit of volunteerism

One year after Japan's earthquake and subsequent tsunami disaster, some 1 million people have taken the time to volunteer in the disaster zone, bolstering a trend that began in earnest with the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
After the tsunami, Japan may exit atomic age

A year ago, Japan depended on its 54 reactors for 30 percent of its electricity; only two of them remain open. Japan could become the first industrial society to enter the postnuclear age.
Japan's Hamaoka nuclear plant sees tsunami defense in (very big) wall

Japan's controversial Hamaoka nuclear plant, shut down after Fukushima, wants to reopen once a 54-ft.-high, mile-long wall is finished. But the plant also sits on a seismic fault line, raising more than a few doubts.
The oystermen and the sea, one year after Japan's tsunami

Oystermen in the Japanese hamlet of Samurai-hama should be enjoying a profitable harvest this time of year. But the March 2011 tsunami destroyed much of their equipment and is testing their willingness to persevere.
Japan: One year after Fukushima nuclear disaster, 4 repercussions

The March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake was one of the world's worst earthquakes. It triggered a tsunami, flooding, landslides, fires, and a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
One year after Japan tsunami: Roads repaired, but lives still disrupted

One year after the Japan tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear disaster, many roads are rebuilt and debris is cleaned up. But much remains in flux for residents of the hard-hit northeast coastal zone.
Despite Fukushima disaster, anti-nuclear activists fight uphill battle in Japan

Even though most Japanese now oppose nuclear power, activists say building a strong movement has proven difficult.
How Japan, US may break 18-year deadlock over Okinawa base

Japan and the US agreed this week to relocate thousands of Marines from Okinawa. But the issue of what to do with Futenma airbase remains.
As red ink flows, Japanese firms struggle to keep manufacturing at home

Japan's manufacturing base is hollowing out as many electronic and car factories move overseas. Meanwhile, a strong yen is sending firms on an international buying spree.
Anti-nuclear movement growing in Asia

Though nuclear power still has a strong foothold in Asia, anti-nuclear sentiment and protest are growing from Mongolia to South Korea to Taiwan and even - in modest ways - in China.
Experts cast doubt on Japan nuclear power plant stress tests

The Japanese government ordered tests on all nuclear reactors after Fukushima meltdown, and are set to reopen at least one shortly, but advisers say the tests do not prove the plants are safe.
Global News Blog
Whale wars victory: Japan to release three activist stowaways

The promised release of three activists who boarded a Japanese whaling ship a few days ago signals a victory for behind-the-scenes diplomacy with Australia.
Japan's anti-nuclear protesters find the going tough, despite Fukushima disaster

Polls show the public turning against nuclear energy after Japan's Fukushima disaster. But low coverage of protests and powerful business and political interests have complicated efforts to promote change.
Post-tsunami 'eco' vision for Japan's restart

As post-tsunami rebuilding gets under way, government seeks to create a model of 'green' planning.
Japan's new PM visits South Korea. Will the visit bring the countries closer?

Japan and South Korea have a complicated history, but both face challenges with North Korea and a rising China.
What Japan is doing to fight older generation's post-tsunami isolation

Support centers that offer activities are part of plans by Japan's government and aid agencies to head off isolation among the elderly struggling in the wake of the March tsunami.
Global News Blog
Innovative boat could buoy Japan's small fishermen

This new highly fuel efficient boat might just be a saving grace for Japan's fishing industry, as the price of fuel threatens to put small fishermen out of business.
Japan's tsunami tragedy: already fading from sight?

More than six months after a quake triggered a devastating tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan, there is still much left to do – and a fear that no one’s listening.
Global News Blog
Farmers look for signs of hope six months after Japan's tsunami

Healthy grass and refurbished houses along the coast hard-hit by Japan's March 11 tsunami represent the frail beginnings of a return to normalcy.