Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead & missing - March 27+

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead & missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

Hope growing for indoor farming in disaster-hit Tohoku region

Moves to build indoor "vegetable factories" are growing in disaster-hit areas as a measure to revive local agriculture businesses.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120131005281.htm

Agency to revamp tsunami warnings

Drawing on lessons from incorrect tsunami warnings issued after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Meteorological Agency has decided to change tsunami warnings from announcing estimated tsunami heights after large earthquakes to simpler warnings such as, "A huge tsunami is coming."

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120131006097.htm

No minutes kept on past govt disaster meets

The government has not kept minutes of conferences held on eight natural disasters, including the Great Hanshin Earthquake in January 1995, it was learned Tuesday. These meetings were held by emergency response teams created by the government in the aftermath of the disasters.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120131005063.htm

Surprise evacuation drills for kids / Ministry plans to prepare schoolchildren for any disaster situation

The education ministry plans to create disaster drill models for primary and middle schools and curriculum guidelines for teachers starting in April, it has been learned.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120131004279.htm

Okayama firm helps disaster-hit school recover

SENDAI--An Okayama aircraft maintenance company donated a small airplane to East Japan Air Technical School in the city of Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture, on Tuesday in an effort to help the school recover from the March 11 disaster.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120131005060.htm
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AJW

Recreator of faces gives grieving families one last memory

Described as having the "hands of God," Ruiko Sasahara has the heavenly ability to bring back smiles to the faces of the long deceased.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202010003
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan's housing starts in 2011 rise for 2nd year

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Housing starts in Japan in 2011 rose 2.6 percent from the previous year to 834,117 units, up for a second straight year, backed by the government's mortgage rate incentive policy, the government said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu127000c.html

Wages fall in 2011 for 1st time in 2 yrs

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The average monthly wage for workers in Japan fell 0.2 percent in 2011 from a year earlier to 316,642 yen, down for the first time in two years mainly due to declining pay for part-time workers, the labor ministry said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu129000c.html

Jan. new auto sales in Japan up 36.2%

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's new vehicle sales including minivehicles in January scored a sharp 36.2 percent rise from a year earlier to 415,931 units, backed by the government's decision to revive subsidies for eco-friendly vehicle purchases, industry bodies said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu154000c.html

24% of municipalities have no tsunami evacuation advisory guidelines

TOKYO, Jan. 31, Kyodo, Around 24 percent, or 158 out of 664, municipalities across the country that could be affected by tsunami had no guidelines for issuing evacuation advisories to residents as of November, a government disaster agency survey showed Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm103000c.html

More than 1,000 households start receiving benefits due to disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The welfare ministry said Wednesday that 1,055 households started receiving welfare benefits during a 10-month period from March as they have been affected by the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disasters.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm107000c.html

Photo exhibition draws lessons from Great Kanto Earthquake

A photo exhibition showing more than 100 pictures of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, subsequent reconstruction efforts and modern-day Tokyo opened in the capital's Maronouchi district on Feb. 1.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na015000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan Monthly Wage Hits 2nd-Lowest Level in 2011

Tokyo, Feb. 1 (Jiji Press)--Japanese workers' monthly wages sank to the second-lowest level in 2011 as the country's economy was hurt by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the yen's sharp appreciation, the government said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020100131

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead & missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

REVITALIZING JAPAN -- Building a disaster-resistant nation / March 11 disaster exposed Self-Defense Forces' logistical weaknesses

This is the third installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120201006982.htm

Film of tsunami survivors to be screened in U.S.

A documentary on the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake directed by Yuka Kanno, a third-year student at Yamanashi Prefectural University, will be screened in the United States this spring.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120201006418.htm

Tohoku sees jump in No. of people leaving

The number of people moving out of the three prefectures hit hard by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami exceeded the number of those moving in by 41,226 in 2011, according to a survey by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120201005786.htm
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AJW

Ofunato provides elderly evacuees with emergency system

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--For elderly evacuees living in temporary housing in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, help is only the press of one big button away.

An emergency-call cellphone in Ofunato (Provided by Safety Service Center)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202020013
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo,AP)

Pop band to perform in Canada to promote Tohoku reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The pop band Monkey Majik will hold a concert free of charge in Canada in mid-February to promote the reconstruction of the Tohoku region in northeastern Japan from the March 11 quake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et144000c.html

Realtor Mitsui Fudosan faces damages suit over quake-damaged homes

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A total of 32 residents and owners of homes in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, filed a lawsuit Thursday to seek some 700 million yen in combined damages from major real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan Co., claiming they have been inconvenienced by the damage to their properties resulting from last year's March 11 earthquake.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm024000c.html

6 of 10 families in temporary houses are low-income earners

MORIOKA (Kyodo) -- More than six out of every 10 families who have been living in makeshift homes or housing units run by the Employment Development Association in Iwate Prefecture since last year's March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster are low-income earners with an annual income of 3 million yen (about $40,000) or less, a survey by the Iwate prefectural government has found.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm091000c.html

Japan to showcase quake reconstruction efforts at S. Korea expo

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will showcase its efforts to recover from last March's earthquake and tsunami at an upcoming international exposition in South Korea's Yeosu, the industry ministry said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm147000c.html
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Jiji press

3 Disaster-Hit Japan Farm Cooperatives to Receive Bailout Funds

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Three Japanese agricultural cooperatives hit hard by the March 2011 disaster will receive a total of 30.4 billion yen in bailout funds, regulators said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012020200988

Japan to Inject 55-B.-Yen Public Funds into 4 Tohoku Lenders

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Financial Services Agency has decided to inject a total of 55 billion yen of public funds into four shinkin lenders in the Tohoku northeastern region that was hit hard by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year, sources said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020200449

Mitsui Fudosan Sued over Soil Liquefaction

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Owners of houses developed by Mitsui Fudosan Co. <8801> sued the company Thursday for some 700 million yen in damages, holding it responsible for soil liquefaction following the mega earthquake in March 2011.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020200482
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Sankei news

Sanriku Railway is under repairs



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JMA

21:25 JST 02 Feb 2012 38.4N 141.8E 60 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-022125.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Hiraizumi seen as reconstruction symbol

The chief of the UN cultural agency has expressed hope that the designation of Hiraizumi in northeastern Japan as a World Heritage site will help ongoing reconstruction efforts in the disaster-hit area.

Friday, February 03, 2012 09:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120203_12.html

Tokyo holds drill for stranded commuters

About 10,000 people in Tokyo have taken part in a drill to practice what they need to do if they become stranded when a major quake strikes the capital.

Friday, February 03, 2012 15:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120203_23.html

Bean-throwing at Shinshoji Temple

A traditional bean-scattering event to invite good luck has been held at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, east of Tokyo.

Friday, February 03, 2012 16:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120203_26.html

Chinese trainees return to Japan

Five Chinese trainees have returned to Japan nearly 11 months after a Japanese man saved them from last year's devastating tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Friday, February 03, 2012 18:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120203_29.html
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Yomiuri online

REVITALIZING JAPAN -- Building a disaster-resistant nation / Tsunami warning systems to be built in space, sea floor

This is the fourth installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120202007018.htm

Chiba home owners sue over liquefaction

Thirty-two home owners in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking combined damages of about 700 million yen from Mitsui Fudosan Co., claiming the housing developer's failure to improve reclaimed land made their properties more vulnerable to liquefaction damage during the March 11 earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120202006225.htm
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AJW

Mysterious tuna fisherman donates cash to Aomori kids

AOMORI--At the foot of Mount Iwakisan on Jan. 10, a woman entered the Kojuen center for orphans and needy children in Tsuruta town and handed an envelope to staff members.

This bluefin tuna from Oma fetched a record 56.49 million yen at the first auction of the year at Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market on Jan. 5. Since then, an individual claiming to be a tuna fisherman from Oma has been donating money to children's facilities in Aomori Prefecture. (Mari Endo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202030003
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Lower house OKs 4th extra budget to finance quake-relief program

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The House of Representatives approved Friday a fourth supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 that will finance relief measures following the March earthquake and tsunami, including financial support for suffering companies.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm100000c.html

Japan eyeing Pacific natural disaster insurance with World Bank

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is considering setting up an insurance program with the World Bank to help Pacific island countries deal with the risk of natural disasters, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm102000c.html

Tokyo conducts disaster drill at stations, companies

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- About 10,000 people took part in a large-scale drill in downtown Tokyo on Friday morning aimed at avoiding the chaotic overcrowding at train stations and on streets that left many stranded following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm120000c.html

Ad companies solicit disaster victims into buying 'good fortune' goods

Claims concerning advertisements soliciting people into buying "good fortune" goods have increased drastically after the March 11, 2011 triple disasters, consumer affairs sources say.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na014000c.html


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Jiji press

Japan Lower House OKs 2.5-T.-Yen 4th Extra Budget

Tokyo, Feb. 3 (Jiji Press)--Japan's House of Representatives on Friday passed the 2,534.5- billion-yen fourth supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 that ends next month.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020300490

Tokyo Stages Quake Drill around Train Stations

Tokyo, Feb. 3 (Jiji Press)--The Tokyo metropolitan government staged a large-scale earthquake evacuation drill around three major railway hub stations Friday that highlighted the use of social networking services to guide stranded people.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020300675

Japan, U.S. Firms Back Programs for Disaster-Area Students

Tokyo, Feb. 3 (Jiji Press)--The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on Friday announced educational programs supported by Japanese and U.S. companies for students in disaster-hit areas in northeastern Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020301085
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Sankei news

Tokyo holds disaster dril


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JMA

18:59 JST 03 Feb 2012 38.4N 142.2E 50 km M4.5 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-031859.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

Tokyo commuters prepare for disaster

The Tokyo metropolitan government conducted its first large-scale drill for stranded commuters Friday, which involved about 10,000 participants at three terminal train stations--Shinjuku, Tokyo and Ikebukuro.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120203006504.htm

REVITALIZING JAPAN--Building a disaster-resistant nation / Private property rights block antidisaster plans

This is the fifth installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120203006505.htm

1.3 mil. will have nowhere to go in major Tokyo quake

At least 1.3 million people in the Tokyo metropolitan area will likely have no place to take temporary refuge if the area is directly hit by a strong earthquake, according to projections by local governments concerned.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120203005688.htm
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AJW

Bean-throwing festivals held to drive away demons

Traditional bean-throwing festivals to drive away demons were held throughout the country on Feb. 3, which marks "setsubun," or the day before the beginning of spring according to traditional calendars.

Fukumusume women and others scatter beans at Miyagiken Gokoku-jinja shrine in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on Feb. 3. (Ryo Kato)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_ja...AJ201202040041
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Buddha carved from pine tree swept away by March 11 tsunami unveiled in Kyoto

NANTAN, Kyoto -- College students here have produced a replica of the famous Kiyomizu Temple's Buddha from a pine tree swept away by the March 11 tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...na015000c.html

8 major electronics firms forecast earnings deterioration for FY 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Eight major Japanese electronics manufacturers have forecast steep earnings deterioration for financial 2011 through next month, hit by the yen's historic strength, a television sales slump, the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and Thai floods last fall.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu067000c.html

5 Chinese to resume job training after surviving tsunami

CHIBA (Kyodo) -- Five Chinese trainees came back to Japan on Friday to resume training at a seafood-processing plant in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, after surviving the March 11 tsunami that swept away the company's executive officer who helped them but lost his life.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm004000c.html

U.S. inviting quake-affected Japan students to academic programs

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The United States unveiled on Friday a set of student exchange programs which will bring several hundred Japanese youths, mainly from areas affected by last March's earthquake and tsunami, to U.S. educational institutions starting later this year.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

REVITALIZING JAPAN--Building a disaster-resistant nation / Deep underground spaces useful in times of disaster

This is the sixth installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120204003827.htm

Disaster-hit areas to host intl meeting

The government will host a ministerial-level international conference on natural disasters in early July in the three prefectures hit hard by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to Foreign Ministry officials.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120204003611.htm
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Photo exhibit shows Tokyo's reconstruction from 1923 earthquake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ahead of the first anniversary next month of the killer quake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan, a photo exhibition in Tokyo shows how the Japanese capital was flattened by the magnitude 7.9 quake in 1923 and how the city rebuilt.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et006000c.html

Poster project in progress to help March 2011 disaster-hit areas

MIYAKO (Kyodo) -- A poster project using photographs of people in 12 municipalities hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami along the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture has been in progress to support reconstruction of the areas in northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et007000c.html

Butterfly and leaf specimens from tsunami-wrecked museum restored

KITAKYUSHU -- Months of work to restore some 600 butterfly and leaf specimens damaged in the March 2011 tsunami have been completed at a museum here.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na003000c.html
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Jiji press

03:03 JST 05 Feb 2012 40.2N 142.5E 30 km M4.2 Iwate-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-050303.html

08:01 JST 05 Feb 2012 38.3N 142.2E 50 km M4.3 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-050801.html

16:45 JST 05 Feb 2012 38.4N 142.3E 40 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-051645.html

23:17 JST 05 Feb 2012 38.5N 142.3E 40 km M4.3 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-052317.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Narita Airport welcomes 800 millionth passenger

A man departing from Narita Airport near Tokyo on Monday became the 800-millionth passenger to pass through the airport since its opening in 1978.

Monday, February 06, 2012 18:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120206_26.html
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Yomiuri online

REVITALIZING JAPAN--Building a disaster-resistant nation / Alternative emergency facilities lacking

This is the seventh installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120205003834.htm

Govts seek to protect firemen / March 11 deaths while closing water gates prompt rethink of rules

At least 14 prefectures will review or are considering reviewing their rules for closing floodgates, prompted by the deaths of many volunteer firefighters while closing floodgates after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120205003649.htm

Govt to review studies of possible massive Tokyo quake

The Cabinet Office will conduct a major review of government countermeasures to a possible massive earthquake with its focus directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120205003765.htm

Chinese trainees return to resume lives in Onagawa

ONAGAWA, Miyagi--Fifteen Chinese trainees have returned to Onagawa after spending about 11 months in their home country following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120205003686.htm
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Economists estimate 1.4&#37; GDP fall in Japan for Oct.-Dec. period

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Economists at domestic think tanks have estimated that the Japanese economy contracted an annualized real 1.4 percent in the three months through December on slowing exports, a Kyodo News survey showed Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu119000c.html

No. of passengers at Narita airport reaches 800 million

CHIBA (Kyodo) -- The total number of passengers who have used Narita airport, Japan's largest international gateway, since its opening in May 1978 reached 800 million on Monday, the airport operator said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm113000c.html
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Jiji press

Cumulative Narita Airport Users Top 800 Million

Narita, Chiba Pref., Feb. 6 (Jiji Press)--The cumulative number of passengers who have used Narita International Airport near Tokyo exceeded 800 million on Monday, only some three years and two months after the 700-million line was reached in November 2008.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020600644

Tokyo Police to Draw Up Evacuation Plan for Possible Quake

Tokyo, Feb. 6 (Jiji Press)--The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said Monday it will draw up an evacuation plan for a possible huge earthquake in Tokyo.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020600886
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Sankei news

480 police officers from other prefecture for disaster area

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

REVITALIZING JAPAN--Building a disaster-resistant nation / Discussions on relocating capital functions heat up again

This is the eighth and final installment in the second half of the first part of a series of articles examining ways to restore Japan's vitality.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120206005042.htm
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AJW

ANIME NEWS: Mosaic of virtual star raises funds for Tohoku

A large mosaic image of the computer-generated singing idol Hatsune Miku will be on display at the Wonder Festival 2012 at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba Prefecture on Feb. 12.

Hatsune Miku at a live concert held in Tokyo in March 2011. ((c) Crypton Future Media Inc./ (c) SEGA)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_ja...AJ201202070052
http://www.whl4u.jp/

Nagasaki distiller makes shochu for tsunami-swamped city

MIYAKO, Iwate Prefecture--A sake shop swamped by the tsunami in this coastal city and a shochu distiller that was damaged by a volcano eruption in Nagasaki Prefecture are teaming up to keep the spirit flowing in this disaster-hit northeastern Japan city.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202070006
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan enlists foreign bloggers to revive tourism in quake-hit areas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Foreign Ministry is inviting prominent overseas bloggers and twitterers to visit areas devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/archiv...dm097000c.html

Musicians around world post video performances of 'Song for Japan'

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A number of musicians around the world have been posting on the Internet video performances of a tune dedicated to the victims of the March 11 tsunami and earthquake disaster in northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et138000c.html

<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HIQ63_WoKwg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://www.trombones.jp/

Missing woman found dead 10 months after March 11 disaster

MINAMISANRIKU, Japan (Kyodo) -- A young female municipal official was found dead in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, in mid-January, 10 months after she was swept away from the town office by the massive tsunami that followed a strong earthquake on March 11 last year, local police said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm019000c.html RIP

Sculptor and disaster survivor carves trees broken by tsunami into Buddhist statues

ICHINOSEKI, Iwate -- A sculptor here has devoted himself to carving Buddhist statues using trees from the tsunami-ravaged city of Rikuzentakata, and plans to donate them to temples there.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na013000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan to Boost Disaster Preparation at Major Train Stations

Tokyo, Feb. 7 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Tuesday decided a bill for boosting private-public collaboration to help people stranded at and around major railway stations after a major natural disaster.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020700973
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Sankei news

Kairakuen garden reopens at Mito city, Ibaraki pref

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JMA

06:23 JST 07 Feb 2012 38.4N 142.3E 40 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-070623.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Child population drops in disaster-hit prefectures

The number of children has significantly decreased in 3 Japanese prefectures hit by the March 11th disaster.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012 01:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120208_05.html

Japan to lower tourism target

The Japanese government will lower its target for the number of annual foreign visitors due to a sharp drop in overseas travelers following the natural disasters and nuclear accident in March.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012 11:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120208_14.html

Japan current account posts biggest drop in 26 yrs

Japan's current account surplus plunged more than 40 percent in 2011, the largest drop in 26 years. The decline came as the March disaster sent the nation's trade balance into negative territory.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012 12:08 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120208_22.html
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Yomiuri online

Agency to take priority, establish local ties

The Reconstruction Agency, headed by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, will be ranked higher than other ministries and agencies despite the fact the agency is a provisional organization scheduled to be dismantled at the end of fiscal 2020.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120207006001.htm

Reconstruction Agency to launch on Friday

The Reconstruction Agency will be inaugurated Friday, about 11 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as the nation's main office for post-disaster reconstruction.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120207005515.htm

Miyagi, Iwate special zones approved

Tatsuo Hirano, state minister for disaster reconstruction, said Tuesday that districts in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures will be approved Thursday as the first special disaster reconstruction zones where exceptional measures can be applied.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120207005261.htm
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AJW

Annual Yubari film festival will promote Tohoku

YUBARI, Hokkaido--Just a few weeks before the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival will kick off Feb. 23 with an eye on using cinema to push forward reconstruction.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_ja...AJ201202080022

Art students turn driftwood from tsunami into dragon

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi Prefecture--When Yoriko Miura was walking along the riverbank near her home in this tsunami-ravaged city in April, she was struck by the symbolism of one giant piece of driftwood.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202080050
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan aims to boost foreign visitors yearly to 18 mil. by 2016

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will set a goal of increasing the annual number of foreign visitors to 18 million by 2016 in its next five-year plan to promote tourism, a draft plan made available to Kyodo News showed Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/archiv...dm057000c.html

Japan bank lending rises 0.7&#37; in Jan., up for 4th straight month

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The average daily balance of Japanese bank lending grew 0.7 percent in January from a year earlier to 396.73 trillion yen for the fourth straight monthly increase, aided by steady demand for business funds in areas hit by the massive March earthquake, the Bank of Japan said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu121000c.html

Kajima, Shimizu order receipts double amid reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Major Japanese construction contractors Kajima Corp. and Shimizu Corp. doubled their civil engineering order receipts from the public sector in the April to December period from a year earlier thanks to massive demand for the disposal of rubble in disaster-hit northeastern Japan, they said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu119000c.html

Nissan logs 7.7% fall in net profit but sees stronger sales

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday it logged a consolidated net profit of 266.10 billion yen in the April to December period, down 7.7 percent from a year earlier, as the persistently strong yen took its toll.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu155000c.html

Slow exports push Japan current account surplus to lowest in 15 yrs

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's current account surplus shrank to its smallest level in 15 years in 2011, largely affected by slowing exports on the stronger yen and global economic downturn amid the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, the government said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu124000c.html
__________________________________________________ _______
Jiji press

Honda Sees Automobile Biz Back in Black in Jan.-March

Tokyo, Feb. 8 (Jiji Press)--Honda Motor Co.'s <7267> automobile business is expected to return to profitability in January-March for the first time in five quarters, a senior company official said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012020800719

Japan Targets 18 M. Foreign Tourists Annually by 2016

Tokyo, Feb. 8 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Tourism Agency aims to welcome at least 18 million tourists from overseas annually by 2016, the agency suggested to an expert panel on Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020800532

FOCUS: Disaster Areas Hope for One-Stop Reconstruction Agency

Tokyo, Feb. 8 (Jiji Press)--With Japan's postdisaster reconstruction agency set to open on Friday, local communities hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami are uneasily hoping the new body will become a one-stop contact for reconstruction support.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012020800869

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Japan's bankruptcies drop for 2 straight months

Corporate failures in Japan fell for a 2nd straight month in January, due mainly to booming public works projects in the disaster-hit northeast.

Thursday, February 09, 2012 07:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120209_01.html

Hong Kong actor to promote Tohoku tourism

A popular Hong Kong actor will star in a Japanese government-sponsored TV program aimed at promoting tourism in the Tohoku region. The area is struggling to recover from last year's earthquake and tsunami.

Thursday, February 09, 2012 10:56 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120209_14.html

Lack of bidders in Tohoku reconstruction

A lack of bidders for construction projects in northeast Japan is hampering efforts to rebuild areas devastated by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

Thursday, February 09, 2012 13:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120209_23.html

March disaster boosts 2011 machinery orders

Japan's machinery orders in 2011 have risen for the second straight year due partly to growing efforts in the auto and construction industries to rebuild areas hit by the March disaster.

Thursday, February 09, 2012 18:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120209_31.html

Japan Fisherman Receives U.N. Forest Heroes Award

New York, Feb. 9 (Jiji Press)--Shigeatsu Hatakeyama, a 68-year-old oyster fisherman and environmentalist in the March 2011 tsunami-hit Kesennuma in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture on Thursday received a U.N. award for the International Year of Forests last year.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021000768
__________________________________________________ __________
Yomiuri online

Current account surplus falls record 44&#37;

The nation's current account surplus plunged 43.9 percent in 2011 from the previous year to 9.63 trillion yen, the largest-ever decline, surpassing the 33.9 percent drop in 2008 following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120208006695.htm

Foreigner exodus spurs Chiba population decline

In the aftermath of the March 11 disaster and nuclear crisis, Chiba Prefecture marked its first year-on-year population decline in 2011, with foreigners accounting for about half of the 10,693 residents who left, according to a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120208003386.htm
__________________________________________________ ______
AJW

Young disaster survivors guard against flu

KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture--Kindergarten pupils in disaster-stricken Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, are gargling several times a day to stave off a virulent strain of influenza spreading across the nation.

Children of Kamaishi's Unosumai and Daiichi kindergartens gargle before lunch. (Yusaku Kanagawa)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202090076

Ginza cafe offers respite to quake victims

A jazz-themed caf&#233; and bar in one of Tokyo’s swankiest districts might seem about as far from a soup kitchen as you can get.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202090064
__________________________________________________ _________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Isuzu's group sales drop nearly 10% in April-December period

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Isuzu Motors Ltd. said Wednesday it has posted group sales of 964.54 billion yen for the April to December period, down 9.9 percent from the same period a year earlier, on shipment disruptions caused by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and floods in Thailand.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu112000c.html

Toyota to move Highlander output to Indiana from Japan in 2013

.....Toyota's consolidated operating profit plunged 72.3 percent to 117.11 billion yen in the April-December period, pressured by the strong yen and the impact of the supply chain disruptions triggered by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu127000c.html

Japanese in disaster-hit area wins U.N. Forest Hero award

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- The United Nations Forum on Forests said Wednesday a Japanese environmental preservation activist in Miyagi Prefecture, one of the areas hardest hit by the March 11 disaster, has been selected to win its Forest Hero award for the Asian region as a contributor to sustainable forest management.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

Noda appoints Hirano as head of new reconstruction agency

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Thursday appointed Tatsuo Hirano, minister in charge of reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami, as head of a new agency to be launched at midnight to bolster efforts to rebuild areas ravaged by the natural disaster, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm166000c.html

Woman who lost son to suicide starts support group for bereaved tsunami survivors

A woman whose son committed suicide has launched a group allowing people whose children died in the March 2011 quake and tsunami to gather and share their grief.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na018000c.html
__________________________________________________ __
Jiji press

Japan Digicam Shipments Seen to Grow 1.6 Pct in 2012

Tokyo, Feb. 9 (Jiji Press)--Digital camera shipments by Japanese makers in 2012 are expected to rise 1.6 pct from the previous year to 117.3 million units, the Camera & Imaging Products Association said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012020900860
__________________________________________________ ____
JMA

16:00 JST 09 Feb 2012 38.2N 141.9E 50 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-091600.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Japanese man among UN Forest Heroes Award winners

The United Nations has chosen an environmentalist in tsunami-hit northeastern Japan as one of the first recipients of its Forest Heroes Awards.

Friday, February 10, 2012 10:20 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120210_10.html

Reconstruction Agency inaugurated

The Japanese government launched a new agency on Friday dedicated to promoting the reconstruction of areas damaged by the March earthquake and tsunami.

Friday, February 10, 2012 13:20 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120210_19.html
Reconstruction Agency english page http://www.reconstruction.go.jp/english/
__________________________________________________ ____
Yomiuri online

Unusual rise in piano sales linked to earthquake

The number of pianos, other than electronic pianos, sold in the country last year totaled 18,164, up 11 percent from the previous year, marking the first rise in 17 years, according to an instrument manufacturing association in Shizuoka Prefecture.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120209005943.htm

U.N. gives oyster farmer 'Forest Heroes' award

Shigeatsu Hatakeyama, 68, an oyster farmer in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, was chosen by the United Nations as one of the inaugural recipients of the organization's Forest Heroes Awards.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120209005929.htm

Nakagawa named as disaster minister

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has appointed former education minister Masaharu Nakagawa as state minister for disaster management, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said Thursday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120209007090.htm
__________________________________________________ ________
AJW

Survivor decides to share video of tsunami destroying hometown

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate Prefecture— Eiji Yoshida had long kept secret his video footage of the tsunami engulfing buildings in this northeastern city. For the 68-year-old former teacher, the video represented a painful reminder of the horrific images he would rather forget.

A tsunami floods downtown Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, at 3:24 p.m. on March 11, 2011. Only several minutes earlier, a car was traveling down the road pictured in the foreground, according to Eiji Yoshida, who videotaped the scene. Yoshida's house stood in a residential area pictured in the background. (Eiji Yoshida)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202100058
__________________________________________________ ___
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Editorial: New Restoration Agency should prioritize strengthening local bureau functions

The government launched the Reconstruction Agency on Feb. 10 to work on measures to restore areas hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake in an integrated fashion. The new agency is a temporary organization tasked with supporting disaster-ravaged regions and scheduled to wind down at the end of fiscal 2020.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/...na003000c.html

Some Singaporeans still shun Japan months after quake disaster

SINGAPORE (Kyodo) -- Japan's tourism promotion agency has launched another campaign this year to woo Singaporean tourists as the number of visitors from the wealthy city-state has still not recovered months after the earthquake and tsunami in March last year.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/archiv...dm080000c.html

Pioneer logs 6.57 bil. loss in April-Dec. on Thai flooding, strong yen

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Pioneer Corp. on Thursday posted a 6.57 billion yen group net loss for the April-December period due to adverse effects from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, massive flooding in Thailand and the yen's appreciation against other major currencies.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu126000c.html

Gov't panel maintains estimate on big quake risk in Tokyo area

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The risk of a magnitude 7-class earthquake hitting the southern Kanto region including Tokyo remains at about 30 percent within the next 10 years and about 70 percent within the next 30 years, the government's Earthquake Research Committee said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

U.N. honors Japanese fisherman, others at 'Forest Hero' ceremony

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- The United Nations Forum on Forests on Thursday held a ceremony for the recipients of its Forest Hero award at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm020000c.html

Gov't launches postquake reconstruction agency

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government launched a new agency Friday that Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda hopes will play a key role in promoting reconstruction of areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm022000c.html
__________________________________________________ _
Jiji press

TSE-Listed Firms to Log 19 Pct Annual Profit Fall: Jiji Survey

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--Nonfinancial firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's first section are expected to see their combined group recurring profits fall 19.0 pct year on year in fiscal 2011 ending in March, a Jiji Press survey found Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012021000904

4 Major Japan Electronics Retailers Log Sales, Profit Falls

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--All four major Japanese electronics retailers logged year-on-year falls in group sales and profits in April-December 2011 due mainly to slumping sales of flat-panel television sets.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012021000925

3 of 4 Major Japan Brewers Log Operating Profit Growth

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--Three of four major Japanese brewers enjoyed year-on-year growth in group operating profits in the year that ended in December.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012021001015

6 Disaster-Area Regional Banks Perform Poorly in April-Dec.

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--Six of eight regional banks in the three northeastern Japan prefectures hit hardest by the March 2011 disaster performed poorly on their group bottom line in April-December last year, their earnings data showed.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012021001107

Nearly 4,000 Firms in Miyagi Unable to Restart after Disaster

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--Nearly 4,000 companies in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, have been unable to resume operations since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, a survey by the prefecture revealed Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021000734

Japan Govt's End-Dec. Debts Hit Record 958 T. Yen

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--The balance of the Japanese government's debts stood at a record high of 958,638.5 billion yen at the end of last December, an increase of 4,220.5 billion yen from three months before, the Finance Ministry said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021000854

15,848 Dead, 520 Unidentified 11 Months after Japan Disaster

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--The death toll in last year's disaster stood at 15,848 while some 520 bodies were still unidentified as of Friday, 11 months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, police said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021001103

Iokibe to Head Reconstruction Progress Follow-Up Panel

Tokyo, Feb. 10 (Jiji Press)--Makoto Iokibe, president of the National Defense Academy of Japan, will head a new government panel to follow up on progress in projects to rebuild areas ravaged by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Tatsuo Hirano, minister for postdisaster reconstruction, said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021100018
__________________________________________________ ____
Sankei news

other prefecture police officers leave Iwate pref

__________________________________________________ ____
JMA

06:52 JST 10 Feb 2012 38.4N 140.8E 110 km M4.4 Miyagi-ken Chubu


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-100652.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Population outflow continues in disaster-hit areas

Saturday marks 11 months since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan. Cities and towns hit hard by the disaster have seen a rise in the outflow of residents.

Saturday, February 11, 2012 09:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120211_07.html

Oil tank swept by tsunami to be kept as monument

A fish processing company in Ishinomaki City has decided to keep an oil tank that was swept away by tsunami 11 months ago as a memorial.

Saturday, February 11, 2012 13:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120211_14.html
__________________________________________________ __________
Yomiuri online

Prefs welcome new zone status / Firms offered incentives, eased rules for rebuilding in Miyagi, Iwate

Miyagi and Iwate prefectures welcomed the government's swift decision to designate "special disaster reconstruction zones," under which favorable regulations and tax breaks are offered to investors to boost recovery from the March 11 disaster.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120210006298.htm

Reconstruction Agency launched

The Reconstruction Agency was inaugurated Friday to promote and oversee efforts for rebuilding areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120210006780.htm

Swift action sought on recovery

Local government leaders and other concerned officials in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have echoed hopes that the newly established Reconstruction Agency will act quickly in an integrated manner.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120210006163.htm
______________________________________________
AJW

EDITORIAL: Reconstruction Agency needs to work in tandem with disaster-hit towns

The Reconstruction Agency began operations Feb. 10 as a new government entity responsible for assisting areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/e...AJ201202110049

ANIME NEWS: VIZ Media releases disaster-relief 'Art for Hope'

VIZ Media, LLC, a U.S.-based Japanese manga publisher, released the "Art for Hope" digital art anthology to help disaster reconstruction efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_ja...AJ201202110012

Asahi Shimbun photographer wins third prize in World Press Photo contest

Asahi Shimbun photographer Toshiyuki Tsunenari's picture of a distraught woman surrounded by debris from the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake won third prize in the General News Singles category of the annual World Press Photo contest.

Asahi Shimbun photographer Toshiyuki Tsunenari’s award-winning photo in the World Press Photo contest. The photo was first published in the March 14 morning edition of The Asahi Shimbun. (Toshiyuki Tsunenari)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202110031
__________________________________________________ _________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Travel spending by foreign visitors to Japan up 34.3&#37; in Dec.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Travel-related spending by foreign visitors to Japan in December rose 34.3 percent from a year earlier to 6.22 billion yen, the first year-on-year rise since last March's earthquake and tsunami, the Japan Tourism Agency said Friday, on the basis of sales by 58 domestic travel agents.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu030000c.html

ANA posts 1st gain in domestic passenger numbers in Dec. since quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- All Nippon Airways Co. said Friday it carried a total of 2,968,368 passengers on domestic flights on a group-wide basis last December, up 0.4 percent for the first year-on-year gain since March when the devastating earthquake and tsunami occurred.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu036000c.html

Japan central gov't debt at record 958 trillion yen in December

Japanese central government debt expanded to a record 958.64 trillion yen at the end of December, up 0.4 percent from three months earlier, the Finance Ministry said Friday, citing the need for public spending on reconstruction work following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu037000c.html
__________________________________________________ __
Sankei news

World Press Photo Contest 2012, People in the News, 1st prize stories Yasuyoshi Chiba
http://www.worldpressphoto.org/photo...34&category=55 Image 35


11 months since 3/11 earthquake

Minamisanriku town

Rikuzantakata city

Okawa school

Yuriage area, Narori city

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

New quake measuring system developed

Japan's Meteorological Agency is using a new system on a trial basis that identifies a massive earthquake in a short time based on long-period ground motion.

Sunday, February 12, 2012 15:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120212_15.html
__________________________________________________ _______
Yomiuri online

Editorial: New agency must speed up disaster recovery work

Eleven months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. This occasion must be used to jump-start efforts to make up for the widely criticized tardiness in recovery and reconstruction efforts.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/T120211003030.htm

Reconstruction Agency faces urgent problems

The newly inaugurated Reconstruction Agency, which the government considers the "command tower" for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, faces monumental challenges that need to be urgently addressed.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120211003511.htm

Civil engineers needed in 3 disaster-hit prefectures

Many coastal Tohoku municipalities hit by the March 11 disaster and others affected by the Fukushima nuclear crisis are suffering from a severe shortage of civil engineers and other backup staff, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120211003359.htm
__________________________________________________ ___
AJW

Tsunami survivor determined to leave visual record of disaster

When I encountered Isao Takahashi two days after the March 11 disaster during my coverage of the calamity, he stood aghast.

Isao Takahashi, right, and his wife Haruko at his new osteopathic therapy clinic in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture. (Narumi Ota)

3:04:56 p.m. Friday A view of Minami-Sanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, before the tsunami hits. (Provided by Isao Takahashi)

3:15:20 p.m. Friday A raging tsunami inundates streets. (Provided by Isao Takahashi)

3:15:31 p.m. Friday Waters reach halfway up Isao Takahashi's osteopathic therapy clinic with blue roof. (Provided by Isao Takahashi)

3:15:44 p.m. Friday The roof of the clinic is nearly submerged. (Provided by Isao Takahashi)

3:16:38 p.m. Friday Houses are swept away. (Provided by Isao Takahashi)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202120001
__________________________________________________ ______
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Chocolate supporting disaster-hit areas gaining popularity

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- The first Valentine's Day after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami may look somewhat different from ordinary years in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, which was hit hard by the disaster.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html
__________________________________________________ ________
Sankei news

land subsidence area
the mouth of a river of the Kitakami





__________________________________________________ ___________
JMA

04:56 JST 12 Feb 2012 38.7N 142.2E 40 km M4.5 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-120456.html

13:41 JST 12 Feb 2012 38.6N 144.1E 10 km M5.0 Sanriku Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-121341.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Japan economy shrinks 1st time in 2 years

Japan's economy in 2011 shrank for the first time in 2 years, as the March quake and tsunami knocked it off a recovery path.

Monday, February 13, 2012 10:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120213_11.html

Water pipes to be made quake-resistant

The Japanese government says it will help local communities go ahead with making tap water infrastructure quake resistant in the Pacific coast areas.

Monday, February 13, 2012 13:18 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120213_12.html
__________________________________________________ ________
AJW

Japan's GDP dipped in the last three months of 2011

Outside factors dented Japan's gross domestic product during the last three months of 2011, which fell 0.6 percent in real terms, or discounting the effects of price changes, from the July to September period after seasonal adjustments, according to the Cabinet Office.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy...AJ201202130067

Cyndi Lauper wants disaster areas to see her March 11 concert

Theaters in the three disaster-stricken prefectures in northeastern Japan on March 11, the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, will offer free admission to the live broadcast of U.S. pop singer Cyndi Lauper’s concert in Tokyo.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202130004 love Cyndi
__________________________________________________ _________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan's 4th qtr GDP falls faster than expected on slowing exports

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's economy contracted a faster-than-expected real 2.3 percent in annualized terms during the last three months of 2011 on slowing exports, affected by the massive flooding in Thailand and gloomier prospects for the world economy amid the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, the government said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu112000c.html

New 'mental gymnastics' program to assist disaster victims' recovery, interaction

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- In a bid to assist disaster victims' recovery from last year's triple calamities, a group of nurses here are preparing to launch a "mental exercise" program that will promote interaction between survivors, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na005000c.html

Man works to restore specimens of tsunami-devastated museum

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- When the Iwate Prefecture city of Rikuzentakata was hit by a deadly quake on March 11, 2011, hundreds of thousands of items at local museums were engulfed by the tsunami waves. Now, however, the efforts of the city's only surviving curator have sparked hope that many items will be restored and put back on display.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na009000c.html
__________________________________________________ _________
Jiji press

Slow Export Recovery Fears Persist despite GDP Growth Forecasts

Tokyo, Feb. 13 (Jiji Press)--Japan's economy is expected to return to growth after shrinking in October-December, but concerns remain about sluggish exports on global economic uncertainties amid Europe's sovereign debt crisis.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021300870
__________________________________________________ _______
JMA

05:58 JST 13 Feb 2012 38.2N 142.5E 40 km M4.3 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-130558.html

19:03 JST 13 Feb 2012 39.4N 142.5E 30 km M4.0 Iwate-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-131903.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Search begins for children missing in tsunami

A search for missing victims of last year's devastating tsunami has begun on a river in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, by draining part of the stream.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 14:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120214_23.html
__________________________________________________ _
Yomiuri online

GDP drops annual 2.3&#37; in Oct.-Dec.

The nation's economy shrank 2.3 percent in the October-December quarter on an annualized basis due mainly to slowing exports, posting the first drop in two quarters, the government said Monday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120213005497.htm

Exhibit features photos of babies born on March 11

A photo exhibition of babies born on the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake opened Friday at Miyagi Children's Hospital in Sendai.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120213004771.htm

Japan, U.S. monitor drifting tsunami debris

A Japan-U.S. joint project is under way across the Pacific to monitor the paths of debris swept into the sea in the aftermath of the huge tsunami that followed on the heels of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120213005317.htm

U.S. waits for impending arrival of debris

LOS ANGELES--The impending arrival of debris swept into the Pacific after the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake has many residents of the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii on their toes.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120213004672.htm
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AJW

Concert in Paris to commemorate quake anniversary

Famed classical music maestros from Japan will hold a concert at the UNESCO House in Paris on March 11 to mark the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202140014
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Hirano to double as minister to review gov't response to 2011 disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Reconstruction minister Tatsuo Hirano will double as minister in charge of reviewing the government's response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm082000c.html

Ishinomaki city launches major operations to find missing students and teachers

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- Authorities here launched large-scale operations on Feb. 14 to find students and teachers of Okawa Elementary School who went missing after the Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing tsunami devastated northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na017000c.html


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Jiji press

Hirano to Evaluate Govt Responses to March 11 Disaster

Tokyo, Feb. 14 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Tuesday decided to give postdisaster reconstruction minister Tatsuo Hirano a new task of evaluating the government's responses to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021400417

Japan Govt Likely to Face Difficulty with Disaster Response Review

Tokyo, Feb. 14 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is expected to face difficulty in reviewing its responses to last March's earthquake and tsunami due to a lack of materials.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021400981
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JMA

19:48 JST 14 Feb 2012 39.4N 144.2E 10 km M4.7 Sanriku Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-141948.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

Emergency repairs stalled for 35,000 homes

Emergency repairs of houses damaged by last year's March 11 earthquake and disaster have stalled despite the fact that 11 months have passed since the disaster as of Saturday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120214005440.htm
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AJW

Billions in 'idle' funds to be seized to help struggling firms

The government plans to seize tens of billions of yen lying in “dormant accounts” at banks and other financial institutions to help cash-strapped companies and organizations battered by last year's great earthquake and tsunami.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202150025

Two experiments under way to revive the sea in Iwate

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--Scientists are coming to the assistance of a coastal city ravaged by tsunami, with two experimental projects aimed at cleaning contaminated seawater so that farming of oysters and marine produce can be restored.

A device set near an oyster farming raft in Ofunato Bay in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, produces micro bubbles that help purify contaminated seawater. (Hiroyuki Kobayashi)

Volunteers work to remove oil-slicked debris along the coast of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture. (Provided by the Ofunato municipal government)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201202150037
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Gov't mulls tapping dormant accounts for reconstruction money

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government is considering tapping bank deposits left untouched for over 10 years for funds to help rebuild areas devastated by last March's earthquake and tsunami, sources close to the matter said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm157000c.html

Sendai population tops 1.05 million amid influx of tsunami evacuees

SENDAI -- The population of Sendai topped 1.05 million for the first time in November as a result of a large influx of residents from tsunami-hit coastal areas of the Tohoku region, officials said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na004000c.html

Failed tenders spark review of public works bidding in disaster areas

The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry is set to drastically review a public works bidding system, as many tenders for reconstruction work in earthquake- and tsunami-hit areas have failed amid rising labor and material costs, officials said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na012000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan May Use Dormant Bank Deposits for Postdisaster Reconstruction

Tokyo, Feb. 15 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is considering tapping deposits at "dormant" bank accounts to help finance projects to rebuild areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year, officials said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021500446

Japan Govt to Host Food Exhibition in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Feb. 15 (Jiji Press)--Japan's agriculture ministry said Wednesday it will host a Japanese food exhibition in Hong Kong, the biggest export market for Japanese foods, in early March.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021500836

(Update) Japan May Use Dormant Bank Deposits in Disaster Areas

Tokyo, Feb. 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese cabinet ministers Wednesday agreed to consider tapping deposits at so-called dormant bank accounts to help entrepreneurs start businesses in areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012021501018
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Sankei news

photo exhibition in Beijing airport