Topic: Naoto Kan

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In Pictures: G8 summit in France 2011
In Pictures: Japan earthquake recovery
Four ways Japan disaster affects investors

When the world’s third-largest economy is hit with its worst earthquake ever, a tsunami, and a subsequent nuclear crisis, the human and physical toll has been enormous. The disaster is also sending ripples through the world economy. Here is a look at four ways the Japanese crisis changes the investment landscape:
In Pictures: Japan's 9.0 earthquake
The world in 2011: Trends and events to watch in every region

Monitor staff writers and correspondents in each of the world's regions share what they expect to be top headlines in 2011.

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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.
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.
Six months after Japan's tsunami, residents worry their plight is fading from view (video)

Many residents in Japan's northeast are struggling to put their lives back together six months after Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami. More than 80,000 people remain in temporary housing.
Japan gets another prime minister: Can he stop the revolving door leadership? (VIDEO)

Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda won the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) presidency Monday and will replace Naoto Kan as prime minister. The aftermath of the tsunami and earthquake will test his leadership.
Nagasaki remembers with US in attendance for first time

Nagasaki held a memorial service for victims of the atomic bombing of the city, Tuesday. For the first time, the US sent a representative to join the memorial service.
Japan's tsunami recovery stalls

Rigid bureaucracy, the scope of devastation, and a lack of financing are hindering Japan's comeback from the March earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Some citizens are taking recovery into their own hands.
Japan's Kan feels pressure after disaster reconstruction minister quits

A week into his new job, Japan's disaster reconstruction minister resigned after making remarks widely criticized as offensive during a visit to the tsunami-devastated northeastern coast.
Why Japan's Prime Minister Kan survived ouster bid

Prime Minister Naoto Kan offered to resign once he has brought the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant under control. The power play in parliament has gone over poorly with the public.
Stock markets take a battering

Stock markets in Asia, Europe fall sharply after US stock markets plunge and Greek debt worries rise. Futures point to rebound in the US.
In Pictures: G8 summit in France 2011
Disasters like the Joplin tornado can also lead to reinvented communities

From post-Katrina New Orleans to tsunami-hit Japan, examples abound of using a crisis for blank-slate redesign after a tragedy.
Japan after Fukushima: village of nuclear evacuees forced to start over - again

Some 20 miles northeast of Japan's devastated Fukushima nuclear power plant, the small village of Iitate was transformed from one of Fukushima prefecture's poorest to a quaint getaway in the mountains on the mend. Now, residents have been ordered to evacuate.
Japan officially declares no-go zone around Fukushima

More than a month after a devastating earthquake and tsunami sparked Japan's worst nuclear crisis, Japan has made it illegal to come within 12 miles of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
In Pictures: Japan earthquake recovery
Fukushima gets worst crisis rating. But how much radiation has been released?

Based on new estimates of the radiation that has been released, Fukushima now has the worst score on the IAEA's accident rating scale. But much about the reactors, and their future, is still unknown.
Why Fukushima isn't Chernobyl, despite rise in crisis level

Japan's prime minister is urging the public not to panic after the government boosted the severity level of the crisis at Fukushima to the highest rating, the same level as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Japan nuclear update: Where will they put the radioactive water?

As pools of highly radioactive water are found beneath Japan's damaged reactors, authorities hoping to protect the ocean and groundwater are struggling to find adequate storage.
Kan says Japan on 'maximum alert,' but plutonium fears may be overblown

Low levels of plutonium found in soil near the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant do not appear to indicate that the crisis is worse than previously thought.
Plutonium found in soil near Fukushima plant

Plutonium has been found in low quantities in the soil around the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant as public dissatisfaction with officials continues to percolate.
Japan's Fukushima: incorrect readings, radioactive water found in tunnels

A string of conflicting reports, alleged safety mishaps, and miscalculated radiation readings have added to confusion and unease in Japan surrounding the nuclear situation.
What Japanese think of PM Kan's response to the crisis

A new poll shows 58 percent of Japanese do not approve of the handling of the Japan nuclear crisis. Still, 58 percent do approve of overall disaster-victim support in northeast Japan.
Radioactive seawater in Japan raises new fears of reactor crack

Levels of radioactive iodine reached 1,250 times above normal in seawater off the coast of Japan's stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, raising concerns about a containment crack.
Japan nuclear update: Possible reactor breach, evacuation zone expanding

Three workers waded Thursday through water with critically elevated radiation levels. They are now being monitored, and officials are encouraging residents outside the initial evacuation zone to relocate.
Their life revolved around Fukushima. Now, they vow patience.

Closely tied to Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and loyal to their company town, the Ouchi family wants only to go home. But officials are now urging the evacuation of anyone within 19 miles of the plant.
Five ways for Japan to recover

Just as perseverance helped the Japanese cope with the nuclear crisis, earthquake, and tsunami, other qualities can help them in the recovery phase.