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+

Police white paper focuses on disaster-hit areas

Japanese police say they are taking measures to ensure safety and security in areas affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Friday, July 22, 2011 12:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/22_19.html

Government releases paper on economy and finance

A Japanese government report says it's essential to make the country's economy more resilient to crises.
The statement is based on a realization that the damage inflicted on industrial facilities by the March 11 disaster had a serious economic impact......

Friday, July 22, 2011 14:39 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/22_25.html
______________________________________________
Asahi com

DoCoMo eyes cellphone location data for disaster aid

NTT DoCoMo Inc. is working on a way to use cellphone location data to assist people in times of disaster. The system would be of use to local governments in their emergency plans......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107210364.html

A pro diver who survived tsunami passes on his lessons

A professional diver who survived the horrendous tsunami after drifting for 7 kilometers on top of a floorboard from his office along with his wife shared his sketches and his experiences with college students in Tokyo, in what he hopes could save their lives someday......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107210353.html

Renowned conductor to visit disaster zone

The internationally acclaimed conductor Yutaka Sado will perform and give classes to young musicians in districts devastated by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107210352.html
______________________________________________
Mainichi jp (Kyodo, AP)

Japan, ASEAN to enhance disaster management cooperation

NUSA DUA (Kyodo) -- The foreign ministers of Japan and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed Thursday to enhance cooperation in disaster management, drawing upon their respective experiences of major earthquakes and tsunami, a Japanese official said....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/22/20110722p2g00m0dm018000c.html

Record percentage of Yokosuka citizens support U.S. base after quake

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- A record percentage of residents of the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, which hosts a U.S. Navy base, support its existence following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan, city officials said Thursday, citing a survey.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/22/20110722p2g00m0dm021000c.html

Police agency's 2011 paper features cybercrimes, disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The National Police Agency featured new, yet-to-be-regulated cybercrimes such as phishing and police activities in areas hit by the March earthquake and tsunami in its annual white paper released Friday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/22/20110722p2g00m0dm022000c.html

Reconstruction of quake-hit areas could cost gov't 23 tril. yen

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government will need to spend at least 23 trillion yen ($291 billion) on reconstruction projects over the next decade following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and is planning to expend around 80 percent of the funds during the first half of the period, officials said Thursday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/22/20110722p2g00m0dm023000c.html

Tatami association pushes traditional flooring's energy-saving merits

Amidst scorching summer temperatures and a nation wide push for energy-saving, a tatami association is promoting the traditional flooring as one way to keep cool this summer.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/22/20110722p2a00m0na019000c.html



___________________________________________
Jiji press

Only Half of Businesses Back in Tsunami-Hit Japan Areas

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--Only about half of companies in northeastern Japan areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have resumed operations so far, a private-sector survey revealed Friday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072200760

Kansai Electric Revises Up Supply Projection

Osaka, July 22 (Jiji Press)--Kansai Electric Power Co. <9503> on Friday revised up its projection for power supply capacity as of the end of July to 30.14 million kilowatts from 29.57 million kilowatts......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072300001

Innovation Key for Japan Economic Growth: Govt Paper

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--Innovation is a key for Japan's medium- to long-term economic growth, the government said in an annual while paper on Friday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200275

Japan's 2nd Extra Budget Seen to Clear Diet on Mon.

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--The House of Councillors on Friday decided to take a vote on the Japanese government's fiscal 2011 second supplementary budget for postdisaster reconstruction at a plenary meeting on Monday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200404

Anpanman Museum Opens in Disaster-Hit Sendai

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., July 22 (Jiji Press)--A museum featuring Anpanman, a Japanese cartoon hero for children, opened in this disaster-hit northeastern Japan city on Friday, three months later than the originally scheduled April 22..........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200422

Japan to Miss Temporary Housing Deadline: Kan

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Friday his government is unable to keep its promise to finish building temporary houses by mid-August for all evacuees from areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200530

Singapore to Donate Care Facility for Japan Disaster Victims

Tokyo, July 22(Jiji Press)--Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said Friday that Singapore will donate a temporary care facility for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200558

Keidanren to Map Out Japan Growth Strategies in Autumn

Karuizawa, Nagano Pref., July 22 (Jiji Press)--The Japan Business Federation, better known as Keidanren, will map out its own version of economic growth strategies for Japan in autumn, Chairman Hiromasa Yonekura said Friday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200801

Individuals' Overseas Trips to Rebound from Summer: JTB

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--The number of individuals traveling overseas is expected to pick up to levels of a year earlier beginning in the summer vacation period, JTB Corp. said in a report Friday........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072200861
_________________________________________
Sankei news

blackboard of school at disaster area
"Don't give up" "revive!"

golfer Chie Arimura does volunteer work at Ishinomaki city, Miyagi pref

Anpanman museum opens

 

[makoto]

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

Kansai leaders push Japan tours to Chinese

Political and business leaders from western Japan are visiting China in an effort to lure Chinese tourists.....

Saturday, July 23, 2011 09:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_12.html only Chinese? plz all tourist

Strong earthquake hits Iwate

A strong earthquake hit Iwate Prefecture on Saturday afternoon......

Saturday, July 23, 2011 13:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_23.html
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171031
________________________________________
Yomiuri online

IN THE NEWS / Singing the song of the sand

SENDAI--On June 14, three months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Junichi Sato visited Oshima island in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, with members of the Sendai Opera Association, which Sato serves as artistic director....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110722004922.htm

'Dream lights' for departed illuminate path toward recovery

MORIOKA--Residents from a community in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture, are making handmade lanterns from milk packages in preparation for an event to comfort the souls of victims of the March 11 disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110722004845.htm
_____________________________________________
Asahi com

Keidanren head threatens to dump DPJ over rebuilding efforts

The head of Japan's largest business association criticized the government's handling of rebuilding efforts following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake on July 21.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107220339.html

Online photo gallery remembers Tohoku before March 11

At first glance, a new photo-sharing website looks like so many others dedicated to the unique sights of Japan: local summer festivals filled with smiles and fun; fishermen praying for a bountiful catch; the colors of a Tanabata star festival....

Tohoku Memorial Gallery: (http://www.tohoku-pics.net/)
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107220330.html

Panel: Let youth do reconstruction work

A panel commissioned by The Asahi Shimbun is proposing that the central government initiate a program to have teenagers and young adults engage in reconstruction work in the earthquake disaster areas of northeastern Japan......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107220319.html
______________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Cigarette sales volume drops 19% in April-June in wake of disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Sales volume of cigarettes in Japan during the April to June period plunged 19.1 percent from a year earlier to 45.1 billion, partly because production bases and the distribution system were damaged by the March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster, the Tobacco Institute of Japan said Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2g00m0dm003000c.html

At least 570 'related deaths' from quake suspected in 3 prefectures

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- The death toll from the devastating March earthquake and tsunami may rise by hundreds as about 570 possible "related deaths" have so far been reported in the hardest-hit Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima prefectures, a Kyodo News survey found Saturday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2g00m0dm035000c.html

17 arrested as police shine light on solar power investment scam

Police have arrested 17 people, who investigators suspect have netted at least 200 million yen through a fictitious solar power company investment scheme, law enforcers said.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2a00m0na005000c.html

Kobe's 'Light of Hope' monument to share flame with tsunami-hit city in Iwate

KOBE -- A flame from the "1.17 the Light of Hope," a monument in Kobe commemorating the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, will be passed on a new monument in the tsunami-devastated city of Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, it has been learned....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2a00m0na007000c.html

Disaster victims struggle to care for elderly family members in temporary housing

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- Residents in temporary housing built after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are struggling to care for elderly family members with dementia and other symptoms, highlighting the need for better support measures......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2a00m0na009000c.html

Iwate town gets over 50 requests from evacuees to switch temporary housing units

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- The municipal government here has been hit with dozens of complaints about temporary housing units for evacuees, logging over 50 requests from people wanting to move to other housing units.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/23/20110723p2a00m0na013000c.html
________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan to Fully Shift to Digital TV Broadcasts Sun.

Tokyo, July 23 (Jiji Press)--Japan will complete its shift to digital terrestrial television broadcasting on Sunday, except three northeastern prefectures hit hardest by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072300218
___________________________________________
Sankei news

Fuji kindergarten at Yamamoto town, Miyazaki pref
8 children and 1 staff died of Tsunami

 

[makoto]

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

Japan's analog broadcasts end on Sunday

Terrestrial and satellite analog TV broadcasts ended on Sunday in Japan in the shift to full digital broadcasting. Three northeastern prefectures, which were hard hit by the March 11th disaster, are excluded......

Sunday, July 24, 2011 12:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/24_11.html
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Terrestrial TVs completely digitalized in most areas in Japan

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese broadcasters completely digitalized their terrestrial TV broadcasting noon Sunday, ending the analog transmission that began more than a half century ago, except in areas hit hard by March's earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/24/20110724p2g00m0dm016000c.html
____________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Completes Shift to Digital TV

Tokyo, July 24 (Jiji Press)--Japan completed its shift to terrestrial digital television Sunday, ending its 58-year-old analog broadcasting.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072400064

(Update) Japan Completes Shift to Digital TV

...The switch was completed at noon (3 a.m. GMT) across the country except the three northeastern Japan prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, where the shift was postponed to March 31 next year due to the devastation from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072400192

10 Pct Power-Saving Request to Take Effect in Osaka Area Monday

Osaka, July 24 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government's request for at least 10 pct of power saving will take effect in western Japan's Osaka area Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072400255

10 Pct Power-Saving Request to Take Effect in Osaka Area Monday

Osaka, July 24 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government's request for at least 10 pct of power saving will take effect in western Japan's Osaka area Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072400255

(Update) 10 Pct Power-Saving Request to Take Effect in Osaka Area Monday

The request will cover the service area of Kansai Electric Power Co. <9503>, the utility facing shortages of supply capacity due mainly to the unexpected shutdown earlier this month of a reactor at a nuclear power plant....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500021
___________________________________________
Sankei news

Funado beach opens at Kuji city, Iwate pref

____________________________________________

recall the past

Massive earthquake hits northeast Japan

A massive earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Friday, generating massive tsunami along broad areas of the Pacific coast. 28 deaths have been reported.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says the quake struck at 2:46 PM Friday local time, off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. The quake's estimated magnitude has been upgraded to 8.8 -- the strongest on record to hit Japan.

Major tsunami alerts for waves of up to 10 meters were issued from Hokkaido in the north, to Tokushima in the west.

In Miyagi Prefecture, the quake caused tremors with an intensity of 7 -- the maximum level on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7.

Strong tremors were also felt in many parts of the country, including Tokyo, where buildings shook for several minutes.

Three more quakes -- of magnitude 7.0 or higher -- struck in succession within 40 minutes of the initial temblor, all of them focused offshore in the Pacific near northeastern and central Japan.

At 3:50 PM, a tsunami surging higher than 7.3 meters struck Soma Port in Fukushima Prefecture, sweeping away houses. Police have ordered a mass evacuation.

A 4.2-meter tsunami hit Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture at 4:52 PM, while tsunami more than 4 meters high struck Kamaishi and Miyako in Iwate Prefecture at 3:21 PM.

It is difficult to grasp the extent of the damage caused by the series of quakes and tsunami. But deaths and injuries are reported in several prefectures.

In Miyagi Prefecture, one person has been confirmed dead, although there are unconfirmed reports of more fatalities.

The Miyagi authorities say about 20 people are stranded on a breakwater, while several others were washed away by the tsunami.

NHK cameras in quake-hit prefectures show tsunami swamping roads and sweeping away cars and houses.

At least 44 fires have been reported in 6 prefectures.
In Chiba Prefecture, a Cosmo Oil refinery caught fire following a gas leak caused by the earthquake.

Shinkansen bullet trains remain out of operation across most of the country. Although there are no reports of railway accidents, trains are halted in most Pacific coastal areas, including Tokyo.

Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture has shut down as its control tower has been evacuated. All expressways are closed to traffic in Miyagi Prefecture.

The earthquake has also caused power blackouts in wide areas, affecting millions of households.

Friday, March 11, 2011 18:16 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_43.html

 

[makoto]

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

Japan shifts to digital broadcasting

Terrestrial and satellite analog TV broadcasts ended on Sunday in Japan as the country shifted to full digital broadcasting, excluding 3 prefectures.....

Monday, July 25, 2011 06:32 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_02.html

M.6.2 Quake hits Miyagi and Fukushima

An aftershock from the March 11th earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.2 hit Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures in northeastern Japan at 3:51 AM local time on Monday......

Monday, July 25, 2011 06:32 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_09.html

Second supplementary budget enacted

Japan's Diet has approved and enacted the second supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to fund recovery efforts from the March 11th quake and tsunami.....

Monday, July 25, 2011 17:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_29.html

June auto production down 15.2% from a year ago

Japan's domestic automobile production in June fell 15.2 percent from a year earlier. But the rate of decline slowed significantly compared to the months after the March earthquake and tsunami......

Monday, July 25, 2011 18:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_33.html
________________________________
Yomiuri online

Were there precursors of March 11 quake?

Could we have predicted the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake was about to strike by observing natural phenomena?.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110724002351.htm

Foreign volunteers restore people's memories

YAMADAMACHI, Iwate--Precious mementos are being saved from oblivion by a group of international volunteers working to restore photos damaged by the March 11 tsunami.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110724002521.htm

Clown brings cheer to Tohoku region

YAMADAMACHI, Iwate--Wearing a colorful costume and a hat decorated with hearts, a red-nosed clown performed magic and made balloon toys for kids at a day care center in Yamadamachi, Iwate prefecture......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110724002513.htm
_____________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Gov't eyes implementing 10 tril. yen reconstruction tax hike over 5 yrs

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is considering implementing a planned 10 trillion yen tax increase to fund reconstruction following the March earthquake and tsunami over a period of five years from fiscal 2012 starting next April, government sources said Sunday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0bu028000c.html

BOJ's Shirakawa watchful on stronger yen

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa warned Monday that the yen's strength against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies would further slow the country's economy, which has already been struggling under the impact of the March earthquake and tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0bu029000c.html

Japan automakers output on the mend after disaster

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's automakers reported mixed vehicle production figures Monday as the industry works toward recovery from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0dm046000c.html

Canon 1st half net profit falls, but full-year projection raised

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Canon Inc. on Monday reported a 12.2 percent decline in net profit for the six months to June, yet raised its forecast for the year to December on an accelerated recovery from the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110725p2g00m0bu050000c.html

Yen's strength 'one-sided,' warns Japan finance minister

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Finance Minister Yoshiko Noda reiterated his warning Monday against the recent spike of the yen in the currency market, saying the development is "one-sided," although he softened his rhetoric from Sunday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0bu053000c.html

Japan enacts 2nd extra budget for quake recovery

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's parliament on Monday enacted a second extra budget for fiscal 2011 to fund reconstruction efforts following the March earthquake, with Prime Minister Naoto Kan's resignation looming......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0dm020000c.html

Policy experts leaving Kan government's National Policy Unit

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Policymakers who temporarily left private-sector firms to join the government's National Policy Unit are moving to leave the unit in a sign of dwindling support for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's administration, government officials said Sunday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2g00m0dm022000c.html

First beach opens for summer in disaster-hit Iwate Prefecture

KUJI, Iwate -- A beach here was opened for the summer season on July 24, becoming the first among the disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima to do so since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2a00m0na011000c.html

More young people joining volunteer fire fighting groups in quake-struck areas

An increasing number of young people have been joining volunteer fire fighting organizations in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, unlike other regions that are having a hard time securing enough volunteer firefighters......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2a00m0na013000c.html

Japanese TV broadcasters switch to digital; about 100,000 households caught out

Japanese broadcasters completed the switch from analog transmission to terrestrial digital TV broadcasting across the country at noon on July 24, prompting tens of thousands of people to call for advice as about 100,000 households were apparently not prepared for the technological shift........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/25/20110725p2a00m0na014000c.html
__________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Staffing Agency to Help Disaster-Hit City Find Workers

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese staffing agency Intelligence Ltd. said Monday it will undertake some staff recruitment operations of the Ishinomaki municipal government and hire disaster-hit workers for reconstruction projects in the northeastern Japan city in Miyagi Prefecture.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072500681

Canon Raises Outlook on Supply Chain Recovery

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--Canon Inc. <7751> said Monday it has revised up its sales and operating profit forecasts for this year, due to an earlier-than-expected recovery in supply chains disrupted by the March 11 disaster.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072500715

Japan Govt Plans to Give "Nadeshiko" People's Honor Award

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is planning to present the People's Honor Award to the "Nadeshiko Japan" national soccer team for winning the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy for the first time ever, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Monday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500469

Santa Claus Comes to Japan to Cheer Up Disaster-Hit Children

Narita, Chiba Pref., July 25 (Jiji Press)--Santa Claus arrived in Japan on Monday to give presents to children in areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500499

DBJ to Set up Reconstruction Funds with 3 Regional Banks

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--The state-backed Development Bank of Japan will establish reconstruction funds worth a total of 15 billion yen with regional banks from three northeastern Japan prefectures to support businesses hit by the March disaster that ravaged the region.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500550

Japan's FY 2011 2nd Extra Budget Enacted

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's parliament enacted on Monday afternoon the second supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to cover additional reconstruction and other costs arising out of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent nuclear crisis in northeastern Japan.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500551

(Update) Japan's FY 2011 2nd Extra Budget Enacted

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's parliament enacted on Monday afternoon the second supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to cover additional reconstruction and other costs arising out of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent nuclear crisis in northeastern Japan......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500812

Softbank's Son Launches Foundation for Disaster-Hit Children

Tokyo, July 25 (Jiji Press)--Softbank Corp. <9984> President Masayoshi Son said Monday he has established a foundation aimed at supporting children in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072500818
__________________________________
Sankei news

temporary prefectural hospital opens at Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref

Santa Claus Comes

 

[makoto]

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

Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market reopens to tourists

Tourists viewed the famous tuna auction at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market for the first time since the March 11th disaster....

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 11:49 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_14.html

Dollar falls below 78 yen in Tokyo

The dollar has fallen to a four-month low against the yen in Tokyo on Tuesday morning after intensified selling.....

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 11:49 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_15.html

SDF personnel wrap up relief activities in Iwate

Self-Defense Force units operating in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate following the March 11th disaster have wrapped up their relief activities there.....

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 17:49 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_26.html

Santa visits children at shelter in Japan

Santa Claus has made an unseasonable visit to Japan to encourage children affected by the March 11th disaster.....

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 18:16 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_28.html

Crown Prince and Princess visit Fukushima

Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako have visited Fukushima, one of the prefectures hardest hit by the March 11th disaster, and home to the damaged nuclear power plant......

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 18:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_30.html

Govt to increase taxes to fund reconstruction

Japan's government intends to increase taxes for a temporary period to create funds of about 10 trillion yen, or about 130 billion dollars, to rebuild areas devastated by the March 11th disaster.......

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 20:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_35.html
_____________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Helping isolated island community reconnect, rebuild

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--A Tokyo-based nonprofit organization has been providing extraordinary support to residents of an island that was left isolated after the March 11 disaster destroyed its transport connection to the mainland......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110725003733.htm

Students offer bright notes on handmade instruments

NIIGATA--University students in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, hope a concert with handcrafted musical instruments will will lift the spirits of people in areas hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110725003240.htm

Govt to examine using debris as biomass fuel

The second supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 contains funds for the Forestry Agency to research using the massive amount of wooden debris generated by the March 11 disaster as fuel for biomass power generation, it has been learned.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110725004145.htm
____________________________________________
Asahi com

Damaged Kirin Sendai brewery aims for September restart

Kirin Brewery Co. announced on July 14 that its tsunami-hit Sendai plant will resume production on Sept. 26.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107250357.html
______________________________________
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Miyagi residents thank U.S. forces for relief efforts

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Residents of Miyagi Prefecture presented the commander of the U.S. forces in Japan on Monday with five fisherman's flags bearing messages from around 500 people and six happi coats to express their thanks for the support given by U.S. forces following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/26/20110726p2g00m0dm001000c.html


________________________________________
Jiji press

Chubu Electric's Power Supply Capacity Rises Slightly

Nagoya, July 26 (Jiji Press)--Chubu Electric Power Co. <9502> said Tuesday it has revised up its supply capacity for the summer as it will restart a thermal power generation facility earlier than previously planned.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072600824

Use Wooden Wreckage Eyed for Postdisaster Reconstruction

Tokyo, July 26 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government adopted at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday a new basic forest and forestry development plan calling for the use of woody biomass including wreckage as energy resources for areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to strive toward reconstruction.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072600236

Modest Minimum Hourly Wage Hike Proposed in Japan

.....The proposed hike is more modest than a series of sharp raises seen in recent years in consideration of an impact on employers struggling with fallout from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072600470

Agric., Fishery Co-ops in Disaster Areas Need 380 B. Yen in Capital

Tokyo, July 26 (Jiji Press)--Capital injections into agricultural and fisheries cooperatives in northeastern Japan areas devastated by the March 11 disaster are estimated to total some 380 billion yen, a senior government official said Tuesday....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072600967

Japan Govt Eyes 10.5 T. Yen of Reconstruction Bonds

Tokyo, July 26 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government seeks to raise 10.5 trillion yen with special bonds to finance reconstruction projects in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, sources said Tuesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072600996
____________________________________________
Sankei news

Tsukiji fish market reopens

Tree of Hope at Kadowaki school, Ishinomaki city

 

[makoto]

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

Stronger yen lures Japanese holidaymakers abroad

....The agency says reservations for overseas trips fell in the immediate aftermath of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, but demand has since recovered to the same level as last year......

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 03:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_02.html

Concert held at World Heritage site for victims

A memorial concert for victims of the March 11th disaster was held on Tuesday at a new World Heritage site in northeastern Japan......

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 03:10 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_03.html

Japanese survivors invited to Taiwan

The first group of survivors of the March 11th disaster has arrived in Taiwan for free holidays sponsored by the island's tourism industry......

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 03:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_04.html 謝謝

Japan, Russia agree to cooperate on energy

......The meeting was the first to be held since Russia announced a new energy policy. After the March 11th disaster in eastern Japan, the Russian government said it would increase supplies of oil and natural gas to Japan.....

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 08:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_10.html

Maestro Ozawa performs at school in Japan

Conductor Seiji Ozawa has performed in Japan for the first time in about a year, offering prayers for those who died in the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 18:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_32.html

Meteorological agency to revise tsunami alerts

Japan's Meteorological Agency says it will develop a new plan for issuing tsunami alerts in the aftermath of major earthquakes. The maximum possible alerts will be given, and then downscaled accordingly after the actual magnitude of the earthquake has been determined.....

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 19:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_33.html
________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Minimum wage increases to shrink / National average rise estimated at 6, yen down from 15 yen in fiscal 2010

A government advisory panel on Tuesday decided increases in hourly minimum wages this fiscal year should range from 1 yen to 18 yen depending on the prefecture.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110726006066.htm

Croatia, Poland govts host disaster-hit kids

The Croatian government will invite several Sendai primary school students and their parents to visit Croatia for two weeks next month in a gesture of support for residents of the city hit hard by the March 11 disaster.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20110726dy01.htm Hvala & Dziekuje

Priest making 600-km disaster pilgrimage

RIKUZEN-TAKATA, Iwate--A Buddhist priest of the Nichiren sect has been making a 600-kilometer pilgrimage on foot to console the souls of those who died in the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110726005253.htm

Consumers burned by solar salesmen

Amid the power shortage following the Great East Japan Earthquake, there has been an upsurge in cases of households being forced to buy overly expensive solar power generation systems by high-pressure salesmanship.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110726004666.htm
___________________________________________
Asahi com

Nikkei firm, robust earnings offset strong yen
*REUTERS

The Nikkei stock average rose on July 26 as robust quarterly earnings and higher profit forecasts from the likes of digital camera and copier maker Canon Inc. helped offset a yen that has strengthened on U.S. debt woes.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260397.html

Nissan, Mitsubishi lead recovery in auto output

Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. produced more cars in Japan in June than they did in the same month last year......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260395.html

Architect transforms UCLA, sets sights on disaster-hit Sendai

The damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake is still visible in Hitoshi Abe's office in Sendai. A crack runs along a wall. The model of a building that fell from a shelf remains broken......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260602.html

Lone real estate agent fighting to save devastated town

OTSUCHI, Iwate Prefecture--What kind of business will be the first to recover when a town is trying to rebuild from a devastating disaster? .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260382.html

Disaster victims thank U.S. Forces Japan for relief aid

Residents of Miyagi Prefecture thanked the head of U.S Forces Japan on July 25 for the United States' relief effort following the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260379.html

Quake-affected vehicles stolen and smuggled overseas

In the days following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, the absence of looters in the disaster-ravaged areas was viewed with amazement by the rest of the world.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260373.html ......damaged car

Extra budget passed; 2 other bills up in the air

Though the second supplementary budget passed the Diet, the fate of the other bills that Prime Minister Naoto Kan listed as conditions for his resignation is unclear.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107260374.html
_______________________________________________
Mainichi Jp(Kyodo, AP)

Nissan quarterly profit drops 20 percent

TOKYO (AP) -- Nissan's quarterly profit dropped 20 percent as Japanese automakers took a battering from the quake and tsunami disaster that disrupted car production and destroyed dealerships.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110727p2g00m0bu161000c.html

Filipinos in quake-hit Miyagi studying to be caretakers

KESENNUMA (Kyodo) -- Twelve Filipino women are studying together to pass an examination to work as caretakers in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, after they lost their jobs due to the March quake and tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2g00m0dm005000c.html

Tsukiji tuna auction reopened to tourists for 1st time since quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, commonly known as the Tsukiji fish market, reopened its popular frozen tuna auction to sightseers Tuesday after a four-month closure following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2g00m0dm008000c.html

Crown prince, princess visit disaster-hit Fukushima

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako on Tuesday visited temporary housing in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, where evacuees have lived since the Fukushima Daiichi power plant crisis began in mid-March.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2g00m0dm012000c.html

Gov't discusses 10 tril. yen tax hike for reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government discussed Tuesday a plan to raise taxes to secure 10.3 trillion yen ($132 billion) over five years from next April to finance reconstruction work following the March earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2g00m0dm019000c.html

Santa Claus cheers up nuclear crisis evacuees in Saitama

KAZO, Saitama -- Santa Claus paid his respects to nuclear crisis evacuees here, to the delight of children from Fukushima Prefecture......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2a00m0na013000c.html

Disaster refugee 'Tent Village' prepares to strike camp

YAMAMOTO, Miyagi -- A campsite for March 11 disaster evacuees on a former tennis court here will soon see its last tent packed up, leaving little trace of the warm bonds formed among the evacuees during their time there.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2a00m0na018000c.html

Chugoku Electric restarts Misumi thermal plant's No. 1 unit

HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) -- Chugoku Electric Power Co. said Wednesday it has resumed operation at the trouble-hit Misumi thermal plant in Shimane Prefecture, paving the way for it to provide 720,000 kilowatts of electricity next month to Kansai Electric Power Co., which has been experiencing a stringent power supply situation.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/27/20110727p2g00m0dm159000c.html
__________________________________________
Jiji press

Nissan Suffers 10 Pct Operating Profit Fall in April-June

Yokohama, July 27 (Jiji Press)--Nissan Motor Co. <7201> said Wednesday that its group operating profit in April-June fell 10.4 pct from a year before to 150,372 million yen due to the yen's sharp appreciation.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072700858

INTERVIEW: Sendai Seen Strong Candidate to Host Reconstruction Agency

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., July 27 (Jiji Press)--Sendai is a leading candidate city to host a planned government agency to take charge of reconstruction of areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Yoshinori Suematsu, senior vice minister at the Cabinet Office, has said......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700289

Japan Enacts Law on Capital Infusion into Disaster-Hit Co-ops

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--Japan's House of Councillors passed into law on Wednesday a bill to make it easier to inject capital into agricultural and fishery cooperatives in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700316

Japan to Suffer 10 Pct Power Shortages in Summer 2012: Govt

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government estimates that the country's power supply capacity will fall about 10 pct short of demand in summer 2012 if all nuclear reactors in the nation are halted, officials said Wednesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700455

Chugoku Electric Restarts Halted Thermal Power Plant

Hiroshima, July 27 (Jiji Press)--Chugoku Electric Power Co. <9504> said Wednesday it has restarted the Misumi coal-fired thermal power plant in western Japan, whose operations were halted due to steam leaks......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700465

BOJ's Kamezaki Concerned about Impact of Power Shortages

Tsu, Mie Pref., July 27 (Jiji Press)--Bank of Japan Policy Board member Hidetoshi Kamezaki on Wednesday expressed concern about the impact of power supply shortages on the Japanese economy........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700473

SDF to Withdraw from Miyagi Pref. on Monday

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., July 27 (Jiji Press)--Miyagi Prefecture plans to ask the Self-Defense Forces to end relief activities in the disaster-hit northeastern Japan prefecture on Monday, prefectural government sources said Wednesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700576

JTB to Invite 100 Chinese Journalists, Others to Tohoku

Beijing, July 27 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese travel agency JTB Corp. will invite some 100 Chinese media representatives and tourism industry officials to visit the Tohoku region of northern Japan in late August, company officials said Wednesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700757

Overseas Package Tour Demand Down 20 Pct after Quake

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--The number of people who went abroad on package tours dropped 20.8 pct year on year in April and 23.3 pct in May, the Japan Association of Travel Agents said on Wednesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700868

Japan to Sell Public Housing to March Disaster Victims

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government plans to promote the sales of publicly owned housing to people whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, it was learned Wednesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700921

Construction Investment in Japan Seen to Rise 7.3 Pct in FY 2011

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--Construction investment in Japan in fiscal 2011 is estimated to increase 7.3 pct from the previous year to 44.12 trillion yen, a think tank of the land ministry said in a report Wednesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072700996

Japan Eyes Fixed-Rate Tax Hikes to Finance Reconstruction

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government plans to raise funds for reconstruction projects in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami partly through fixed-rate tax increases, it was learned Wednesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072701087
_____________________________________________
Sankei news

Asuka2 arrives at Ofunato port, Iwate pref
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Asuka_II

candles event wish reconstruction

 

[makoto]

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

Japan thanks Thailand for quake aid

Japan's Embassy in Thailand has launched a campaign to thank Thailand for supporting Japan in the aftermath of the March 11th quake and tsunami......

Thursday, July 28, 2011 05:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_06.html

Japan, Russia deputy foreign ministers meet

Senior diplomats from Japan and Russia say the 2 countries should work to improve ties after cooperating in response to the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan.......

Thursday, July 28, 2011 07:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_12.html

Solar power plants to start operation in Kawasaki

A solar power plant is to start operation in Kawasaki, near Tokyo, in mid-August.....

Thursday, July 28, 2011 11:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_20.html

Noda: Japan's economy is picking up

Finance minister Yoshihiko Noda says Japan's economy has begun picking up after the major downturn caused by the March disaster......

Thursday, July 28, 2011 15:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_32.html

Finance ministry upgrades economic outlook

Japan's Finance Ministry has upgraded its assessment of the state of the economy for the first time in 4 quarters, due to a recovery in supply chains since March 11th.....

Thursday, July 28, 2011 17:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_28.html

Asian Development Bank worries over US debt woes

....But the ADB report says that the current US debt woes, the financial uncertainty in Europe and a weak post-tsunami recovery in Japan may threaten Asia's economic outlook......

Thursday, July 28, 2011 18:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_30.html
_____________________________________
Yomiuri online

Housing support system disappoints quake victims

An increasing number of people whose houses were ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are dissatisfied with the government disaster-victim aid program, which they think fails to reflect the degree of damage caused to their homes.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110727006618.htm

Tsunami data facilities need urgent repair

In the event of another major earthquake, the government is currently unable to obtain sufficient data on tsunami for the quake-hit Tohoku region because 11 of the 20 facilities and devices on and off the Pacific coast, from Aomori to Fukushima prefectures, are not in service, it has been learned......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110727005888.htm

Minimum wage debate rages all night long / Labor, employers argue over how small 2011 rises should be due to impact of March 11 disaster

The March 11 disaster has cast a shadow over the nation's labor situation, forcing a government advisory panel to seek a fiscal 2011 national average minimum wage increase that is less than half last year's figure.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110727006359.htm
_________________________________________
Asahi com

Cold is hot in Japan's summer alcohol market

With Japan's air conditioners turned low this summer because of the electricity shortage following the March 11 quake, alcohol companies are inviting the nation's drinkers to think the unthinkable: lagers and wines served on the rocks and beers that are almost frozen......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270445.html

Nippon Steel helps quake-hit 'home' back on its feet

KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture--Nippon Steel Corp. put reconstruction of this devastated coastal city, long synonymous with its name, ahead of its own after the Great East Japan Earthquake.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270443.html

Nikkei falls on US debt woes but earnings outlook supports
*REUTERS

The Nikkei stock average fell on July 27 as concerns mount over a deadlock in talks to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, but expectations of improved Japanese corporate earnings could help it stay near four-month highs.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270441.html

Buddhist temples give free 'kaimyo' for disaster victims

A growing number of Buddhist temples in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake are waiving fees for giving "kaimyo," or afterlife names, to those who died in the disaster.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270432.html

Tsukiji Market's tuna auction area reopened to visitors

In another sign that life in Japan is returning to normal, the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on July 26 started allowing visitors back into its famed tuna auctions, after months of being kept out due to damaged buildings caused by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270431.html

Student filmmaker contrasts school, post-disaster life

KOFU--A student is making a documentary that contrasts and connects her devastated hometown, Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, with university life here.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270430.html

Taiwan starts tourism campaign for March 11 disaster survivors

TAIPEI--The first group of Japanese tourists arrived here on July 26 under a Taiwanese program intended to encourage survivors of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270420.html

Traditional light boxes bring hope to quake victims

MIYAKO, Iwate Prefecture--In the Taro district of Miyako, Iwate Prefecture, one of the hardest-hit areas by a devastating tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake, residents are making traditional Japanese "andon" light boxes, hoping the lights will brighten the future of their ravaged hometown.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107270429.html
_______________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Inflation threatens East Asian growth

......The devastating tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan in March has also spurred a debate over the use of nuclear power, which could drive up energy prices by boosting demand for other energy sources such as oil and gas.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu042000c.html

Nippon Steel posts 24.5% operating profit fall in April-June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Steel Corp. said Wednesday its group operating profit in the April-June period fell 24.5 percent from a year before to 38.59 billion yen, hurt by higher costs of raw materials such as iron ore and coal.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu044000c.html

JFE Holdings' net profit sinks 74.5% in April-June qtr due to quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- JFE Holdings Inc. said Wednesday its group net profit for the April-June quarter dropped 74.5 percent from a year earlier to 7.12 billion yen due to the March earthquake-tsunami disaster and sharp rise in raw material prices.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu045000c.html

Japan logs 94 bil. yen trade surplus in early July

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan marked a 94.97 billion yen trade surplus in early July as the nation's industrial output continues to recover from sharp falls following the March earthquake and tsunami, government data showed Thursday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu050000c.html

Japan economy starts gathering momentum: Noda

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese economy has begun building upward momentum following a significant slowdown due to the March earthquake and tsunami, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Thursday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu051000c.html

Sony sinks to $199 mln quarterly loss on disaster

.....It said business operations hurt by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami were recovering quicker than initially expected, but it suffered net charges of 700 million yen ($8 million) in repairs, cleaning costs, damages to buildings and assets and other expenses.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu068000c.html

Ministry upgrades 8 of 11 regional economies

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Finance Ministry on Thursday revised upward its assessments for eight of 11 regional economies, including the disaster-hit Tohoku area, saying the Japanese economy has been showing "upward development" with production and private consumption recovering........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu102000c.html

Panasonic reports quarterly loss on quake, tsunami

TOKYO (AP) -- Panasonic slumped to a 30.4 billion yen ($389 million) quarterly loss, hit by lower sales after the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu107000c.html

Backup power system will keep firms in Tokyo office tower working even during blackouts

The Mori Building, a 47-story commercial tower under construction in Tokyo's Roppongi area, will be equipped with a power-generating system that will allow tenant firms to keep working even during disasters and blackouts.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0bu108000c.html

Initial tsunami warnings to be issued based on worst-case scenarios

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japan Meteorological Agency has decided to issue initial tsunami warnings based on worst-case scenarios in the event of earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater, agency sources said Wednesday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0dm012000c.html

12.8 tril. yen estimated for reconstruction of Miyagi

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Miyagi Prefecture has estimated that the prefecture and its municipalities will need 12.83 trillion yen for reconstruction projects over the next decade following the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, local government sources said Wednesday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0dm020000c.html

DPJ to urge gov't to annul tax hike plan for reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Democratic Party of Japan is set to urge the government not to mention any tax hike plan in the policy guidelines to be drawn up this month for reconstruction in the wake of the March earthquake and tsunami, DPJ lawmakers said Thursday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2g00m0dm091000c.html

Lack of jobs pushing young people out of tsunami-hit areas

MORIOKA -- As coastal areas of northeastern Japan struggle to recover from the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, young people are gradually moving away in search of work.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2a00m0na009000c.html

Tsunami-hit sake maker set to restart production using borrowed space

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- A local sake maker is planning a restart to production in August by working out of a borrowed facility after it lost its buildings to the March 11 tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/28/20110728p2a00m0na020000c.html



______________________________________________
Jiji press

Mizuho to Create Fund to Support Industries in Disaster Areas

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Mizuho Corporate Bank and Mizuho Bank said Thursday that they will set up a 6-billion-yen fund in August with the aim of supporting industries in areas in Japan's Tohoku northeastern region affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072800852

10 Japan Power Suppliers to Lift September Rates

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan's 10 major power suppliers said Thursday they will raise power rates for September due to higher prices of crude oil and liquefied natural gas used for thermal power generation.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072800867

3 of 4 Major Japan Steelmakers Log Recurring Profit Falls

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Three of four major Japanese steelmakers suffered year-on-year declines in consolidated recurring profit in April-June as demand for steel for automobiles slumped in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to their earnings reports released by Thursday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072800892

Japan MOF Revises Up Regional Economic View

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Ministry of Finance on Thursday revised up its regional economic view for the first time in four quarters......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072800308

(Update) Japan MOF Revises Up Regional Economic View

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese Ministry of Finance upgraded its overall assessment of regional economies Thursday for the first time in four quarters. ...

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072800651

5 Japan Electronics Makers Log Net Losses on Disaster, Yen's Rise

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Five of six major Japanese electronics makers suffered group net losses in April-June because of the impacts of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the yen's surge, according to their earnings reports released Thursday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072801062

Work Insurance Claims in Disaster Areas Far Off Estimate

Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--The number of applications for compensation under the workers' insurance system in the three northeastern Japan prefectures hit hardest by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami stands at less than half the labor ministry's estimate, ministry officials said Thursday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072800784
______________________________________
Sankei news

nostalgic free bus at Jodogahama
Miyako city, Iwate pref

High School athletic championship at Aomori city, Aomori pref

 

[makoto]

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

Mongolian children lift spirits of survivors

Children from Mongolia have raised the spirits of survivors of the March 11th disaster in eastern Japan through artwork and traditional folk dance........

Friday, July 29, 2011 07:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_09.html

June unemployment rate rises to 4.6%

Japan's unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in June, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from May.....

Friday, July 29, 2011 11:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_16.html

Messages from abroad for 3/11 disaster survivors

An exhibition featuring 1,000 messages sent from other countries to encourage March 11th disaster survivors is being held in Tokyo.......

Friday, July 29, 2011 16:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_22.html

Companies report April-June business results

Japanese firms have reported a decline in profits for the period from April to June, due to the March 11th disaster.....

Friday, July 29, 2011 18:06 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_28.html

Govt: Japan may face power shortage next summer

Japan's government estimates that the country will face a power supply shortage of around 10 percent next summer if all of its nuclear reactors go offline......

Friday, July 29, 2011 20:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_30.html

Govt adopts basic reconstruction plan

The Japanese government has adopted a basic plan to rebuild areas hit by the March 11th disaster. The final text notably lacks any reference to the major tax increase that appears unavoidable to finance the 5-year plan......

Friday, July 29, 2011 21:18 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_31.html

Kan proposes 3rd extra budget for rebuilding plan

Prime Minister Naoto Kan has pledged the government's continued effort to rebuild northeastern areas devastated by the March disaster.........

Friday, July 29, 2011 22:39 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_35.html
_______________________________________
Yomiuri online

Diehard rice thrives after tsunami

YAMADAMACHI, Iwate--A resident in Yamadamachi, Iwate Prefecture, is enthusiastic about growing rice seedlings that survived the tsunami caused by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and has sprouted among the debris.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110728005424.htm
_____________________________________________
Asahi com

Execs say yen's ascent threatens economy

Industry executives warned the yen's sharp appreciation is threatening domestic production and jobs, with some calling for the government to intervene in the foreign exchange markets......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107280351.html

Model of pre-disaster Kesennuma town bringing cheer to residents

KESENNUMA, Miyagi Prefecture--Residents and graduate students are creating a miniature model of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, as it appeared before it was largely wiped out by the March 11 tsunami......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107280331.html

Agency to issue tsunami warnings based on worst-case scenarios

Caught off guard by the enormous strength of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency will revise the way it issues tsunami warnings for quakes with magnitudes that could exceed 8........

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107280330.html

Reconstruction could force 10-percent income tax hike

The government is planning large tax increases to raise about 10 trillion yen ($129 billion) for post-quake reconstruction, according to the final draft of the basic policy for rebuilding from the Great East Japan Earthquake......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107280329.html
_________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Sharp incurs 50 bil. yen net loss in April-June

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Sharp Corp. said Thursday it recorded a group net loss of 49.28 billion yen in the April-June period from a profit of 10.69 billion yen a year earlier, as production of flat television panels dropped and sales of mobile telephone handsets shrank........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu050000c.html

Toshiba's net profit edges up 1% in April-June qtr

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toshiba Corp. said Thursday its group net profit for the April-June quarter edged up 0.9 percent from a year earlier to 470 million yen, as cost-cutting efforts offset a drop in sales due to the March earthquake-tsunami disaster and the strong yen......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu052000c.html

Average summer bonus at major firms rises for 2nd straight year

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The average summer bonus at Japan's leading companies increased 4.42 percent to 791,106 yen this year, rising for the second straight year, the Japan Business Federation said Thursday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu053000c.html

Japan's June unemployment rate rises to 4.6%

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in June from 4.5 percent in May, showing the fragility of the economy after the March massive earthquake and tsunami, the government said Friday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu058000c.html

Japan's core consumer prices up 0.4% in June on higher utility bills

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's key consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in June from a year earlier for the third consecutive month of increase, due mainly to energy price hikes, the government said Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu059000c.html

Japan's 1st qtr business investment revised down to 3.0% growth

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's business investment grew 3.0 percent in the three months through March from a year earlier, revised down from an earlier reported 3.3 percent rise amid the weakness in such sectors as foods and chemicals following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the government said Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu060000c.html

Japan's industrial output up for 3rd month amid quake recovery

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial production climbed 3.9 percent in June from the previous month for the third straight month of increase, helped by firm output by automakers with a recovery of the supply chain that was disrupted after the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, government data showed Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0bu061000c.html

Strong yen hits exporters hard but benefits consumers

The high value of the yen, which has been pushed higher over the past weeks as the European Union and the United States try to stave off full-blown financial disasters, is hitting Japan's exporters hard.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2a00m0na008000c.html

JET alumni to revisit Tohoku to help boost tourism

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- About 20 former English teachers and international relations coordinators at local government offices will revisit places in northeastern Japan, where they used to work, on a Japanese government program aimed at boosting tourism affected by the March 11 quake and tsunami, Japanese officials said Thursday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0dm010000c.html

Gov't eyes selling shares in NTT, JT in reconstruction efforts

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is considering selling part of its shareholdings in Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., and Japan Tobacco Inc. to help finance reconstruction efforts in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, government sources said Thursday........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2g00m0dm015000c.html

Fishing net craftsman lends a helping hand to fishermen without equipment

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- An Iwate Prefecture fishing-net maker, himself a victim of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, spent two months at an evacuation shelter here offering his skills to fishermen who have been unable to get back to work because their equipment was either destroyed or washed away in the March 11 tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/29/20110729p2a00m0na010000c.html
___________________________________________
Jiji press

Japanese Travel Agency Launches Specialist Volunteer Tour

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--Kinki Nippon Tourist Co. <9726> on Friday launched a bus tour program aimed at sending specialists as volunteers to northeastern Japan areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011072900853

Japan June Jobless Rate Rises to 4.6 Pct

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's seasonally adjusted jobless rate stood at 4.6 pct in June, up 0.1 percentage point from the previous month, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry said Friday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072900166

Upper House Adopts Opposition's Double-Loan Relief Bill

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--The House of Councillors adopted an opposition-sponsored bill on relief measures for companies facing the so-called double loan problem at a plenary meeting Friday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072900481

Japan Govt Adopts 700-B.-Yen Tax Hike Plan for Hepatitis Relief

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government, at a cabinet meeting Friday, adopted a plan to introduce one-off tax hikes to procure 700 billion yen of the 1.1 trillion yen needed to pay relief money to hepatitis B patients......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072900565

Japan Faces 9.2 Pct Power Shortfall in Summer 2012: Govt

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--The government estimated Friday that Japan will suffer a power shortfall of some 9.2 pct in summer 2012 if all the nation's nuclear reactors are halted........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072900669

TEPCO Cuts Power Demand Estimate

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> said Friday that it has cut its estimate on electricity demand in its service area for the week to Aug. 5 by 11.9 million kilowatts to 43.1 million kilowatts.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011072901204

Japan Govt Backs Down on Tax Hike for Reconstruction

Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government backed down on possible tax increases in its basic policy for reconstruction after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami adopted on Friday........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011073000020
_______________________________________________
Sankei news

liquefied natural gas tanker arrives Osaka

 

[makoto]

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

Yen surges to 77.01 at one time

....At one point, the dollar was trading at 77.01 yen. That's the lowest since March 17, when the dollar slid to a record low of 76.25 yen in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.....

Saturday, July 30, 2011 03:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_03.html

Yen surges to 76 level

....At one point, the dollar was trading at 76.90 yen. That's the lowest since March 17, when the dollar slid to a record low of 76.25 yen in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan......

Saturday, July 30, 2011 04:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_01.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Trading house going fishing / Expectations high for outside investment to rebuild fisheries

A major trading company is entering the fishing industry as governments in disaster-hit areas have high hopes that private funds can help rebuild the industry devastated by the March 11 disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110729005470.htm

Mitsui plans to help rebuild fishing business

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. plans to enter the fishing business in Miyagi Prefecture to help rebuild the industry, hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, it was learned Thursday......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110729005063.htm

Manned submarine to troll seabed for M9 quake clues

A manned deep-sea submarine will conduct research focused on the seabed around the epicentral area of the Great East Japan Earthquake starting Saturday, it has been learned......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110729006489.htm
_________________________________________
Asahi com

Electronics makers see rising recovery in profits on the horizon

After posting largely dismal earnings for the April-June period on July 28, Japanese electronics makers say the worst is behind them in terms of damage from the March 11 earthquake.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107290346.html

Summer demand for air conditioner cleaners heats up

Air conditioner cleaning firms are inundated with orders from customers hoping to save energy and keep cool as the summer heats up.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107290342.html

Nomura reports sharp earnings recovery for April-June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nomura Holdings Inc., the parent company of Japan's largest securities house, said Friday its group net profit attributable to its shareholders in the April-June quarter soared more than sevenfold from a year earlier to 17.77 billion yen despite tough market conditions.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0bu061000c.html

Mazda suffers $327 million quarterly loss

TOKYO (AP) -- Mazda reported its third straight quarter of red ink Friday after vehicle production was hurt by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0bu063000c.html

ANA reports operating loss of 8.1 bil. yen for April-June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- All Nippon Airways Co. on Friday reported a group operating loss of 8.10 billion yen in the April-June period due chiefly to falling passenger demand for its domestic passenger services after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0bu064000c.html

Hitachi's 1st quarter profit pulled down by quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Hitachi Ltd. said Friday its group operating profit in the April-June first quarter of fiscal 2011 fell 40.8 percent from a year earlier to 52.40 billion yen due mainly to supply disruptions caused by the March 11 disaster.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0bu065000c.html

Japan's vehicle output plunges 29% in 1st half of 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's motor vehicle production in the first half of 2011 dived 29.2 percent from a year earlier to 3,429,934 vehicles, a reflection of the severe disruption to industry supply networks caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, an industry body said Friday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0bu069000c.html

No. of foreign residents drops 10% in disaster-hit prefectures

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of foreign residents in the three disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima dropped 10.5 percent to 30,092 as of the end of March compared with that at the end of last December, the Ministry of Justice said Friday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0dm004000c.html

Kan vows again to quit after parliamentary passage of key bills

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Friday suggested he is committed to stepping down as promised after securing parliamentary passage of key bills....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0dm007000c.html

Japan gov't adopts basic policy on quake reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government adopted Friday a basic policy on how to rebuild areas devastated by the March earthquake and tsunami, estimating that at least 23 trillion yen will be needed to do so over the next decade.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2g00m0dm008000c.html

Tsunami-destroyed pub reopens outdoors with help from locals, volunteers

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A pub manager who lost his establishment when the March 11 tsunami struck has now reopened outdoors with help from volunteers and the community.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2a00m0na006000c.html

Tsunami-devastated communities try to control plague of flies

Communities along the tsunami-devastated northeastern coast of Japan, facing thick swarms of flies since the March 11 disasters, are getting help from the Self-Defense Forces to exterminate the pests.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2a00m0na009000c.html

'Relocations to high ground' not mentioned in government's basic reconstruction policy

The government on July 29 approved a basic policy plan on reconstruction for areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, but the policy lacks direct mention of Prime Minister Naoto Kan's proposal for moving tsunami-vulnerable structures to higher ground.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2a00m0na011000c.html

GSDF personnel withdraw from Onagawa after completing disaster relief operations

A contingent of Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) completed their disaster relief operations in the town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, on July 29......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/30/20110730p2a00m0na017000c.html


______________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Eyes Intervention, Monetary Easing to Stem Yen Rise

Tokyo, July 31 (Jiji Press)--The government and the Bank of Japan are cautiously weighing the possibility of intervening in the currency market or taking an additional monetary easing step, now that the dollar's postwar low of 76.25 yen has come within sight.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011073100057
_______________________________________
Sankei news

"pokemon with you"
smile express pikachu

 

[makoto]

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

About 20,600 dead or missing in March 11 disaster

The number of dead or missing in the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, including aftershocks, stands at 20,627 as of Saturday......

Sunday, July 31, 2011 01:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_01.html

Charity soccer on Brazilian beach

Children from the tsunami-hit city of Kamaishi in northeastern Japan traveled to Brazil to take part in a beach soccer charity event.......

Sunday, July 31, 2011 12:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_13.html

Parties split over taxes for reconstruction funds

Japanese political parties are divided over increasing taxes to fund the effort to rebuild eastern Japan after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.......

Sunday, July 31, 2011 16:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_18.html
_____________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Early birds need good breakfasts

With the business day beginning earlier at Japanese companies and other organizations that have introduced daylight saving time, more people are eating breakfast at downtown restaurants or buying snacks or pastries at railway stations before work. But experts caution they should consider the nutritional content of such meals......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110729002328.htm

'Tax hikes' left out of policy / Govt forced to not stipulate higher levies to fund reconstruction

The government has decided to spend at least 19 trillion yen over five years for the reconstruction of areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the ensuing nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110730003098.htm
____________________________________________
Asahi com

Tohoku brewer eyes global market

It seemed fitting for Hideharu Ohta to have a presence at a dinner party that the Dutch royal family hosted at Paleis Het Loo on Dec. 14.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107300249.html

Students with special needs give back to community through story-reading club

SUKAGAWA, Fukushima Prefecture--Rather than being on the receiving end, a group of students with special needs at a school here are giving something back to their community--a rare opportunity at schools like theirs.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107300241.html

Cat doll in visit Japan tourist video a hot seller

A video designed to lure tourists back to Japan featuring an all-male idol group and a tiny cat doll has created a frenzy among an unintended audience, the Japanese themselves.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107300240.html

American teacher who refused to evacuate soldiers on

ONAGAWA, Miyagi Prefecture--Following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, the father of Robert Lehne, an assistant language teacher (ALT), saw the news and images of the disaster, and urged his son to come home.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107300239.html

New postquake rebuilding policy skips tax-hike specifics

The government's Reconstruction Headquarters on July 29 unveiled what Prime Minister Naoto Kan called a "grand picture" for recovery that would spend roughly 19 trillion yen ($247 billion) in its first five years for intensive rebuilding in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107300232.html
____________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Used wheelchairs get new life as gifts in disaster area

A school volunteer project is sending repaired wheelchairs to the areas hit hardest by the Great East Japan Earthquake as a form of long-lasting support......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/31/20110730p2a00m0na023000c.html

Residents launch door-to-door campaign to help prevent 'lonely deaths' in disaster areas

SOMA, Fukushima -- Fishermen and fish brokers here who lost their jobs to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have launched a door-to-door campaign to help elderly and handicapped people living in temporary housing in a bid to prevent "lonely deaths.".....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/31/20110730p2a00m0na025000c.html

US vice president to visit Japan in latter half of August

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit Japan in the latter half of August for talks with Japanese government leaders to confirm the deepening of the bilateral alliance and cooperation over North Korea, government sources from the two countries said Saturday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/07/31/20110731p2g00m0dm063000c.html


_________________________________________
Jiji press

Big Japan Firms' April-June Profits Fall 18 Pct: Jiji Tally

Tokyo, July 31 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese companies' group recurring profits in April-June declined 18.7 pct from a year earlier, dampened by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to a Jiji Press tally.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011073100077

Japan Eyes Intervention, Monetary Easing to Stem Yen Rise

Tokyo, July 31 (Jiji Press)--The government and the Bank of Japan are cautiously weighing the possibility of intervening in the currency market or taking an additional monetary easing step, now that the dollar's postwar low of 76.25 yen has come within sight......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011073100057

Despite Tsunami, over Half Want to Return to Hometowns

Tokyo, July 31 (Jiji Press)--More than half of residents on the northeastern Japan coast devastated by the March 11 tsunami hope to return to areas where their homes used to be located, a survey showed Sunday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011073100281
___________________________________________
Sankei news

Neputa festival, Aomori

Ishinomakikawabiraki river festival, Miyagi pref
http://www.facebook.com/kawabiraki.PR

 

[makoto]

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

22:44 JST 01 Aug 2011 39.8N 142.2E 50 km M5.7 Iwate-ken Oki









jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/1/20110801224850391-012244.html

 

[makoto]

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

Lantern floating ceremony held in Ishinomaki

People floated lanterns on a river in disaster-affected Miyagi Prefecture to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims of the March earthquake and tsunami.....

Monday, August 01, 2011 05:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_03.html

SDF end relief operation in Miyagi

Self-Defense Force members have ended their relief operations in northeastern Japan's Miyagi prefecture, an area that was hard hit by the March 11th disaster.....

Monday, August 01, 2011 14:57 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_22.html

Dollar remains weak despite US debt deal

......Usui suggested that moves by Japanese manufacturers to shift production out of Japan would increase after the March 11th disaster showed the need to diversify their production bases.....

Monday, August 01, 2011 20:12 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_33.html
______________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Rising yen hits companies hard / Analysts fear hollowing out of industries

Companies struggling to recover from the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake also have been rocked by the strengthening yen, which has risen to the 77 yen level against the U.S. dollar in Tokyo......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110731002445.htm

Ama divers doing best to keep tradition afloat

KUJI, Iwate--A group of about 20 woman divers in Kuji is determined to preserve a special feature of their area's summer--demonstrations of traditional ama free-diving for sea urchins--despite damage caused to facilities by the March 11 disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110731002700.htm
_________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Itochu's April-June net profit surges 125% on higher resource prices

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Itochu Corp. said Monday its group net profit surged 124.6 percent from a year earlier to 90.35 billion yen in the April-June quarter, backed by higher resource and energy prices.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2g00m0bu084000c.html

Honda group net profit plummets 88% in April-June on quake damage

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Honda Motor Co. said Monday its group net profit for the April-June quarter plunged 88.3 percent from a year earlier to 31.80 billion yen due mainly to the decline in automobile production caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2g00m0bu085000c.html

Japan's new vehicle sales down 27.6% on year in July

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- New vehicle sales in Japan excluding minivehicles fell 27.6 percent in July from a year earlier to 241,472 units, decreasing for the 11th consecutive month, an industry body said Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2g00m0bu086000c.html

Economists forecast annualized 2.6% fall in Japan's 2nd qtr GDP

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Private-sector analysts on average forecast the Japanese economy contracted at an annualized rate of 2.6 percent in the April-June quarter, after the March earthquake and tsunami slowed production and exports, a Kyodo News survey showed Monday....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2g00m0bu087000c.html

Free public bath brings people together in disaster area

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- A free public bath run by a volunteer affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake has been bustling with local residents who enjoy friendly exchanges there......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2a00m0na002000c.html

Tsunami-stricken oyster-farming community at crossroads over 'special zone' plan

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- In the coastal community of Momonoura, which was already struggling through the stagnancy following its oyster-farming heyday, the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami has brought about even further hardship......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2a00m0na005000c.html

No clear path for fishing industry devastated by March 11 tsunami

Over 4 1/2 months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami ravaged northeastern Japan, and fishermen in many areas still have no idea when they can resume working.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2a00m0na009000c.html

Popular barber shop in Iwate town reopens using mobile home

YAMADA, Iwate -- A popular barber shop in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, reopened in a used mobile home on July 31, more than four months after its original shop was destroyed by the huge tsunami triggered by the March 11 temblor......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/01/20110801p2a00m0na016000c.html


_________________________________________
Jiji press

Honda Ups FY 2011 Profit Estimates on Supply Chain Restoration

Tokyo, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--Honda Motor Co. <7267> said Monday that it has revised up its group net profit estimate for fiscal 2011 to next March to 230 billion yen from 195 billion yen as the parts supply chains disrupted by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are now being rapidly restored.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080100675

Japan to Tighten Land Transaction Monitoring in Disaster Areas

Tokyo, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan's land ministry plans to strengthen its monitoring of land transactions in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, due to concerns over possible land price surges in hilly areas with lower tsunami risks, informed sources said Monday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080100706

SDF Withdraws from Disaster-Hit Miyagi Pref.

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Self-Defense Forces on Monday ended their 144 days of relief activities in Miyagi Prefecture, which was hard hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080100410

Production Returns to Normal at 80 Pct of Japan Manufacturing Bases

Tokyo, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--Production has returned to predisaster levels at 73 of 91 manufacturing bases damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in eastern and northeastern Japan, the industry ministry said Monday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080100846

Japan April-June GDP Seen Shrinking 2.5 Pct

Tokyo, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan's gross domestic product is estimated to have shrunk at an annual rate of 2.5 pct in the April-June quarter, according to the average estimate of 11 think tanks.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080100874
___________________________________________
Sankei news

SDF withdraws

 

[makoto]

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

APEC Sendai to discuss corporate role in disasters

Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation will discuss corporate responsibilities in the event of disasters. The conference is to start Tuesday for two days in the northeastern city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, which was hit hard by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 06:33 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_04.html

Defense report focuses on China's naval beef-ups

....The paper also focuses on the deployment of a record 100,000 personnel from Japan's Ground, Air and Maritime Self-Defense forces to help victims of the March 11th disaster.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 10:41 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_09.html

"Nadeshiko" Japan to receive People's Honor Award

Edano.....He said the team had encouraged survivors of the March 11th disaster to carry on in hard times....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 10:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_13.html

APEC Sendai starts discussion

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum has begun a 2-day conference on the role of corporations in disasters in northeastern Japan. The conference takes place in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the largest city in the disaster zone from the March 11th quake and tsunami.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 12:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_16.html

Children from disaster areas invited to China

More than 90 children from areas hit by the March 11th disaster in Japan are visiting the southern Chinese resort of Hainan Island at the invitation of China's government.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 19:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_26.html

APEC opens to discuss disaster preparedness

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum has opened a 2-day conference in Sendai to discuss private-sector preparedness for natural disasters.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 20:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_29.html

Nissan develops EV-based home power supply system

Nissan Motor has developed a power supply system using electric vehicle batteries for use during blackouts.....

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 21:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_34.html
__________________________________________
Yomiuri online

GDP expected to shrink in April-June quarter

The nation's gross domestic product will likely show negative growth in the April- June quarter due mainly to a decrease in exports following the Great East Japan Earthquake, according to forecasts by seven private research institutes......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110801004870.htm

Disaster-preparedness loans / DBJ offers low-interest financing to firms taking strong steps

The Development Bank of Japan will provide low-interest loans to companies taking strong disaster-prevention countermeasures, grading the firms on a scale of one to five......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110801004404.htm

July electricity use down 20% / Efforts by corporations, households to save power behind decline

Electricity demand in the eastern part of the nation dropped by about 20 percent in July from the same month last year, largely due to power-saving efforts by corporations and ordinary households, it has been learned.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110801005581.htm
_________________________________________
Asahi com

Banking matchmaker helping disaster-hit companies

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. is playing the role of matchmaker in the Tohoku region......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108010202.html

Workers bear the burden as companies save power

While the government target of cutting power consumption by 15 percent will likely be achieved this summer, workers and small businesses are paying the price.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108010195.html

Enrollment surges at driving schools in hard-hit regions

With rubble everywhere in sight and jobs nowhere to be found more than four months after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, there is one obvious job for anyone with the proper training and licensing in the devastated regions.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108010188.html

Dodgy data led to overestimate of electricity demand

The government's estimate of electricity demand for the area covered by Tokyo Electric Power Co. was based on flimsy data that was inflated by about 20 percent from actual figures compiled by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108010185.html
________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Daihatsu Motor's net profit dives 65.8% on quake-induced sales drop

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Daihatsu Motor Co. said Monday its group net profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 plummeted 65.8 percent from a year earlier to 6.82 billion yen due to declines in production and sales stemming from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2g00m0bu036000c.html

M'bishi Motors swings into black on brisk overseas sales in 1st qtr

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Monday it climbed back into the black in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as strong overseas sales, especially in emerging economies, more than offset a double-digit fall in domestic sales caused in part by the March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2g00m0bu037000c.html

Toyota's China sales up sharply in July

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday that it sold 82,500 new vehicles in China in July, up 28.4 percent from the previous year.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2g00m0bu038000c.html

Nissan develops system to supply power to homes via EVs

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday it has developed a system to supply electricity to ordinary households from batteries installed in its Leaf electric vehicle, showing that the car can serve as a power storage device at times of power outages......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2g00m0bu099000c.html

Toyota ups earnings outlook for FY 2011 despite quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday its group net profit for the April to June period fell sharply from a year earlier due to effects of the March earthquake, but raised its business outlook for the year through next March on a faster-than-expected production recovery.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2g00m0bu100000c.html

Jazz pianist plays with local high school band to celebrate restart of disaster PA system

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- Jazz pianist Makoto Ozone joined the brass band of a local high school in a performance on Aug. 1 to celebrate the restart of the town's disaster PA system, which had been offline since the March 11 tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2a00m0na009000c.html

ISS crewman Furukawa talks with students of tsunami-devastated school via transmission

TAIWA, Miyagi -- Japanese astronaut and crewman aboard the International Space Station (ISS) Satoshi Furukawa, 47, spoke via a real time transmission with around 150 victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake at two venues, sending them a message of support......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/02/20110802p2a00m0na014000c.html


__________________________________________
Jiji press

Toyota Revises Up FY 2011 Earnings Estimates

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> said Tuesday that it has revised up its group net profit projection for fiscal 2011 to 390 billion yen from 280 billion yen.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080200576

Nissan to Launch EV-to-Home Power Supply System

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Nissan Motor Co. <7201> said Tuesday it plans to introduce by the end of next March a system that can be used to supply homes with electricity from the rechargeable battery of its Leaf electric vehicle......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080200627

Renesas Expects 40-B.-Yen Annual Net Loss

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Renesas Electronics Corp. <6723> said Tuesday that it now expects to suffer a group net loss of 40 billion yen in the year through next March, due to the negative effects of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080200825

(Update) Toyota Revises Up FY 2011 Earnings Estimates

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> said Tuesday it has raised its group net profit projection for fiscal 2011 to 390 billion yen from 280 billion yen as its production is recovering rapidly from a slump that reflected disruptions in the parts supply chains caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080200841

BOJ to Mull Easing to Tackle Yen's Rise

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--The Bank of Japan is to consider an additional monetary easing measure at its two-day Policy Board meeting from Thursday as the dollar briefly plunged to 76.29 yen in New York overnight, close to 76.25 yen set on March 17........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200144

Japan in Touch with Overseas Authorities on Yen's Rise: Noda

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda suggested Tuesday that Japan is in touch with U.S. and European currency authorities about ways to cope with the yen's rapid appreciation against the dollar....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200157

(Update) Japan in Touch with Overseas Authorities on Yen Rise: Noda

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda suggested Tuesday that Japan is in touch with U.S. and European currency authorities following the yen's ongoing rapid appreciation.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200401

Japan Women's Soccer Team to Receive People's Honor Award

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government decided Tuesday to present the People's Honor Award to the country's national soccer team for the historic championship in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany last month.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200426

Japan Ministry to Seek More Funds to Remove Tsunami Sludge

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Environment Ministry plans to request tens of billions of yen more under the government's fiscal 2011 third supplementary budget to accelerate work to remove sludge in northeastern Japan coastal areas hit by tsunami caused by the March 11 earthquake, ministry officials said Tuesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200657

U.N. Chief Aims to Encourage Japan Disaster Victims

New York, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said Monday he hopes to encourage people in northeastern Japan areas hit by the March 11 powerful earthquake and tsunami, and the subsequent nuclear crisis during his three-day visit to Japan starting Sunday. ...

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080200688
___________________________________________
Sankei news

burnt gas tanks by 3/11 quake at Ichihara city, Chiba pref

 

[makoto]

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

Aomori Nebuta Festival kicks off

One of Japan's best-known summer events, the Aomori Nebuta Festival, kicked off on Tuesday in the disaster-hit Tohoku region.......

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 07:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_06.html

Record 1.46 million households on welfare

.....The ministry says the rising trend may continue as many people are applying for benefits in areas affected by the March disaster.

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 08:43 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_09.html

July sales of Toyota, Honda down in US

Japanese automakers' new car sales in the United States dropped more than 20 percent in July from a year earlier, while South Korea's automakers enjoyed brisk sales......

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 12:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_19.html

Toyota to make record 8.9 mil. cars in 2012

Toyota Motor says it will increase automobile production to a record 8.9 million units worldwide in 2012 to capture fast-growing demand in emerging Asian economies......

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 14:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_25.html

Kan calls for close cooperation between govt, BOJ

....Kan said Japan must boost its capabilities to better deal with risks at home and abroad as it recovers from the March disaster and seeks new ways of achieving economic growth.....

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 17:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_30.html

APEC participants visit disaster-hit Sendai firm

Participants in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum have visited a Japanese company that quickly recovered from the March disaster thanks to advanced disaster preparedness........

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 19:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_32.html

Nippon Paper to trim workforce by 1,300

The major Japanese paper producer, Nippon Paper Group, says it will cut its workforce by about 1,300 as part of the rehabilitation of its operations following the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 20:41 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_35.html
___________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Grateful coach sets sights on Olympics

Nadeshiko Japan head coach Norio Sasaki heaped praise on his World Cup-winning players Tuesday after it was announced the team would receive the People's Honor Award for helping restore the nation's spirits after the March 11 disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110802005005.htm

Nadeshiko's glory brightens quake-hit nation

"Someday I want to be a Nadeshiko player," a girl soccer player said, encouraged with the government's formal decision to give the People's Honor Award to Nadeshiko Japan, the national women's soccer team......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110802005759.htm

People's Honor Award for Nadeshiko

The government formally decided on Tuesday to give the People's Honor Award to Nadeshiko Japan, the national women's soccer team, in recognition of their winning the FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany last month.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110802005066.htm
____________________________________________
Asahi com

BIZ BRIEF: AIU gives "Super Cool Biz" a Japanese slant

AIU Insurance Co. will allow its employees to wear "yukata" and other traditional Japanese clothes to the office on Fridays in August. ......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020264.html

Toyota ekes out quarterly profit, raises forecast
*THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toyota eked out a 1.1 billion yen ($14 million) quarterly profit and raised its annual earnings forecast Aug. 2 as it mounts a comeback from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.....

Nissan Leaf EV system can power homes

Nissan Motor Co. on Aug. 2 unveiled a system that allows home owners to use a Leaf electric vehicle as a back-up power supply......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020253.html

'Warm biz' campaign starts early ahead of power-saving winter

Although the mercury is still climbing, retailers and the apparel industry are already touting "warm biz" clothes for winter......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020257.html

Survey: Makers to keep buying parts overseas, hollowing out of industry feared

Forty-two percent of the manufacturers that switched to foreign suppliers after the March 11 earthquake plan to continue purchasing parts and materials from abroad, according to an industry ministry survey. .......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020256.html

Strong yen bites into manufacturers' profits

The strong yen and damage from the March 11 earthquake slashed combined pretax profits at 472 companies by 19 percent in the April-June period from a year earlier......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020266.html

Nadeshiko Japan to get People's Honor Award

The Japan women's national soccer squad will be given the People's Honor Award, making it the first sporting team to collectively receive the award, the government announced Aug. 2......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108020242.html
__________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

APEC meeting on companies' disaster preparedness begins in Sendai

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum began a meeting Tuesday to discuss companies' disaster preparedness in the Japanese city of Sendai, which was hit hard by the massive earthquake and tsunami in March.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/03/20110803p2g00m0bu027000c.html

Renesas reports April-June sales plunge on March disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Renesas Electronics Corp. said Tuesday its group sales in the April-June quarter plunged 29.0 percent from a year earlier to 207.23 billion yen as the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan disrupted its production.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/03/20110803p2g00m0bu035000c.html

Sake shipments surge in 3 disaster-hit prefectures after promotional efforts

Shipments of refined sake from the three disaster-hit prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate boomed in May, apparently as a result of promotional events to help the areas recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/03/20110803p2a00m0na008000c.html

Free summer clothes bazaar held in tsunami-hit town

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A free bazaar focused around summer clothing was held here on Aug. 2, supplying tsunami victims with seasonally-appropriate wear......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/03/20110803p2a00m0na003000c.html

Juvenile reform school students volunteer to help survivors of earthquake and tsunami

SENDAI -- Students from juvenile reformatories in Miyagi Prefecture have launched volunteer work at welfare facilities for survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in a move that could help themselves get back into society.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/03/20110803p2a00m0na016000c.html


___________________________________________
Jiji press

Toyota, Honda Suffer Big Falls in U.S. Auto Sales in July

New York, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> and Honda Motor Co. <7267> continued to suffer major falls in their new vehicle sales in the United States in July due to inventory shortages stemming from output cuts following the March 11 disaster in Japan, industry data showed Tuesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080300118

INTERVIEW: Toyota's Postquake Recovery "Amazing"

Washington, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Toyota Motor Corp.'s <7203> recovery from supply chain disruptions following the March 11 catastrophe has been "amazing," a U.S. researcher has said in a written interview with Jiji Press.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080300388

2 of 8 Japan Automakers Log Operating Losses in April-June

Tokyo, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Two of Japan's eight major automakers incurred group operating losses in April-June due to production halts caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the adverse impacts of the yen's appreciation, according to their earnings reports released by Wednesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080300830

100 Singapore Student Ambassadors Arrive in Japan

Tokyo, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Some 100 Singapore university students arrived in Japan on Wednesday to visit the Tohoku northeastern region, which was badly hit by the March 11 disaster, under a goodwill ambassador program designed to help boost bilateral ties and entice tourists to the country.........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080300212

Japan's Kan Seeks Close Watch, Action on Yen's Sharp Rise

Tokyo, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan instructed his economic ministers Wednesday to consider action to cope with the yen's ongoing sharp appreciation while keeping a close watch on currency market developments.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080300526

(Update) Japan's Kan Seeks Close Watch, Action on Yen's Sharp Rise

Tokyo, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan instructed his economic ministers Wednesday to consider action to cope with the yen's ongoing sharp appreciation while keeping a close watch on currency market developments......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080300623

Cigarette Smuggling into Japan Soars after March 11

Narita, Chiba Pref., Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--The Narita branch of Tokyo Customs has confiscated 48,800 cigarettes so far this year, already an annual record, as smuggling soared after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, branch officials said Wednesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080300762

APEC Vows to Protect Businesses from Disasters

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)--Asia-Pacific officials ended their two-day meeting here Wednesday agreeing to beef up regional cooperation to protect businesses from natural disasters.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080300827
__________________________________________
Sankei news

Ganbaro! Nippon
rice field at Gyoda city, Saitama pref

cooling mist at Kita ward, Osaka

 

[makoto]

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

Japan intervenes in money market on surge of yen

Japan's monetary authorities have begun intervening in the currency market in an attempt to apply the brakes on the yen's rapid surge.....

Thursday, August 04, 2011 10:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_17.html

Intervention lowers yen to 79 against dollar

....The intervention is the first in about 4 and half months, several days after the massive quake and tsunami of March 11......

Thursday, August 04, 2011 12:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_21.html

2m tsunami waves caused severe structural damage

Japan's government has created a map of destruction by the March 11th tsunami showing that the severity of structural damage increased significantly in areas where waves exceeded a height of 2 meters......

Thursday, August 04, 2011 17:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_26.html

Intervention lowers yen to 80 level against dollar

....Japan's intervention is the first in about 4 and half months, several days after the massive quake and tsunami of March 11.....

Thursday, August 04, 2011 19:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_32.html
___________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Warming up, dressing down, saving power

One month has passed since the government issued an order to limit electricity use. Corporations have been obliged to reduce usage to 15 percent below levels last summer.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110803003542.htm
___________________________________________
Asahi com

Automakers, electric appliance manufacturers focus on batteries for houses

Lingering concerns about power outages during natural disasters have changed the way automakers and electric appliance manufacturers are viewing their batteries.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108030274.html

Families beating the summer heat with Showa Era ideas

To save energy this summer, families such as Kanako Azuma's in Akiruno, about 50 kilometers west of central Tokyo, are going "back to the future" in their search for new ideas......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108030255.html

Nebuta festival carries hope for disaster-affected Tohoku

AOMORI--The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the three major festivals in the disaster-affected Tohoku region, kicked off on Aug. 2, carrying people's hope for a quick return to normalcy in the region nearly five months after the Great East Japan Earthquake......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108030257.html

Depression, alcoholism take toll on lonely evacuees in disaster areas

IWAKI, Fukushima Prefecture--An 86-year-old woman knows she has little chance of returning to the home where she had lived for more than 30 years.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108030263.html
_______________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

JAL secures net, operating profits in April-June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan Airlines Corp. said Wednesday it secured group net and operating profits in the April to June period as restructuring efforts helped mitigate the adverse impact of the March earthquake.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0bu036000c.html

Strong yen hurts Japan automakers' faster-than-expected recovery

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The persistent strength of the yen is proving a headache for top Japanese automakers as they attempt to make up for losses caused by the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0bu043000c.html

Gov't, BOJ launch joint assault on rising yen

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government and central bank launched a joint assault Thursday on the persistently strong yen as volatility in the currency market casts a shadow over the nation's economic outlook, with struggling exporters calling for action by the authorities.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0bu044000c.html

Dollar surges to near 80 yen in Tokyo on intervention, monetary easing

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar staged a strong rebound to near 80 yen Thursday in Tokyo as the Japanese government and central bank took coordinated steps to weaken the yen, including the first market intervention in four-and-a-half months and monetary easing......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0bu047000c.html

Japan steps into currency market to stem yen's rise

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's monetary authorities intervened in the foreign exchange market Thursday in a bid to arrest the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar and help boost the flagging Japanese economy, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0bu048000c.html

Hitachi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries may merge to increase competitiveness

Hitachi Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. will consider setting up a joint venture to merge their main businesses, such as infrastructure, to increase their competitiveness against their European and North American rivals in emerging economies such as those in Asia.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2a00m0na003000c.html

Disaster-hit Fukushima students invited on homestays in Austria

VIENNA (Kyodo) -- The Rotary Club of Austria has invited 21 high school students from Fukushima Prefecture affected by the March quake and tsunami disaster in Japan to spend some time in the country to help recover from the experience.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/04/20110804p2g00m0dm008000c.html


__________________________________________
Jiji press

Tokyo Disney Resort Operator Swings into Loss

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Oriental Land Co. <4661>, the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, said Thursday it logged a group net loss of 3,803 million yen in the April-June quarter against a profit of 6,216 million yen a year before......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080400867

Japan Intervenes into Market to Weaken Yen

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese authorities launched unilateral currency market intervention Thursday morning to weaken the yen, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080400259

BOJ to Announce Additional Monetary Easing Thurs.

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--The Bank of Japan will announce an additional monetary easing step Thursday, informed sources said.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080400267

(Update) Japan Intervenes into Market to Weaken Yen

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese authorities conducted yen-selling currency market intervention Thursday morning to prevent the country's economy, which is recovering from the damage caused by the March 11 disaster, from being hurt by the sharp appreciation of the Japanese currency........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080400386

Project Starts in Miyagi Pref. to Help Revive Oyster Farming

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--A project to raise seed oysters has started in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku northeastern Japan region with the aim of reviving the region's oyster farming, which was severely damaged by the March tsunami.........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080400740

Biz Executives Welcome Japan's Yen-Weakening Intervention

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Corporate executives express their support Thursday for Japan's foreign exchange market intervention to weaken the yen, which had approached a postwar high against the dollar......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080400809

Details of March Tsunami Damage on Buildings Unveiled

Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--The percentage of buildings completely destroyed by the massive March 11 tsunami increased dramatically among those immersed in 2 meters or more of water, a Japanese land ministry survey revealed Thursday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080401003
_______________________________________________
Sankei news

Akita city, Akita pref

a supermarket reopens at Rikuzentakata city

 

[makoto]

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

Small Japanese firms taking part in China fair

Small Japanese companies, including those based in regions affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, are taking part in a trade fair in the Chinese city of Shanghai......

Friday, August 05, 2011 00:21 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_01.html

Tokyo stocks fall to low since mid-March

Tokyo stocks have dropped to their lowest level since the March disaster, following an overnight plunge in New York.....

Friday, August 05, 2011 16:56 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_24.html

US vice president to visit Japan, China, Mongolia

.....Biden is to arrive in Japan on August 22nd and meet Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Biden plans to tell Kan that the US will continue providing support for Japan's reconstruction efforts following the March 11th disaster.....

Friday, August 05, 2011 16:18 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_20.html

Key Japanese economic index rises for 3rd month

Japan's government says a key index for the country's economy rose in June for a 3rd consecutive month......

Friday, August 05, 2011 17:36 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_25.html

Disney Resort operator posts biggest sales drop

The operator of the 2 Disney amusement parks in Japan says it posted its biggest quarterly sales decline because of the March 11th earthquake......

Friday, August 05, 2011 19:32 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_31.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Automakers losing ground overseas

Japanese automakers are struggling in overseas markets, especially the United States and China, weighed down by reduced production after the March 11 disaster and the appreciation of the yen......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110804005597.htm

Flies overwhelming disaster victims / Feeding on tsunami debris, insects threaten to bring disease to survivors

Hordes of flies continue to plague areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, some of them threatening survivors with serious disease......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110804006125.htm

IN THE NEWS / Man seeking help to reforest disaster-hit areas

"My goal is to comfort the souls of earthquake victims and pray for Japan's recovery through reforestation," 66-year old Tadashi Inamoto said of his project to plant more than 20,000 trees in disaster-hit areas.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110804005086.htm
_____________________________________________
Asahi com

Japan intervenes to stem yen's rise against dollar
*THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Japan intervened in the foreign currency market on Aug. 4 to stem the yen's rise against the dollar, which is threatening to undermine the country's recovery from the March earthquake and tsunami......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108040324.html

Nippon Paper to ax 1,300 jobs

Nippon Paper Group Inc. will cut 1,300 jobs from its paper division, a 15-percent reduction in the division's workforce, while slashing production capacity by the same figure, the company said Aug. 3.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108040323.html
_____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Tokyo Disneyland operator remains in red in April-June amid disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Disneyland operator Oriental Land Co. said Thursday it posted a consolidated net loss of 3.80 billion yen for the April to June quarter, remaining in the red for the second quarter in a row, as it closed the amusement park and other facilities for more than a month due to damage caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2g00m0bu044000c.html

Rakuten falls into red in 1st half of 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Online shopping mall operator Rakuten Inc. said Thursday it fell into the red in the January to June period with a group net loss of 41.35 billion yen, against a net profit of 17.15 billion yen a year earlier, as it posted an extraordinary loss of 81.38 billion yen on reconstructing its credit card business.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2g00m0bu045000c.html

Toyota Prius stays atop new car sales ranking for 2nd month

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid car was Japan's best-selling vehicle in July, clinching the top spot for the second straight month, as supply recovered from a temporary shortage resulting from the March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster, industry groups said Thursday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2g00m0bu048000c.html

Japan logs 317 bil. yen trade deficit in first 20 days of July

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan registered a 317.43 billion yen trade deficit in the first 20 days of last month, affected by slower production following the March earthquake and tsunami, the Finance Ministry said Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2g00m0bu049000c.html

U.S. Vice President Biden to visit Japan on Aug. 22-24: Edano

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will visit Japan on Aug. 22-24 and meet with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan to express steadfast U.S. support for Japan's efforts to rebuild following the March 11 earthquake and address its nuclear crisis, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Friday........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2g00m0dm009000c.html

1,040 paper cranes made by 96-year-old woman to honor tsunami victims displayed at festival

SENDAI -- A local woman who says the devastation caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami is far worse than the damage left by the firebombing of Sendai during World War II has made some 1,000 paper cranes in honor of the recent disaster's victims......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/05/20110805p2a00m0na015000c.html
______________________________________________
Jiji press

Many Big Japan Firms Raise Profit Estimates

Tokyo, Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--About 10 pct of major Japanese companies have raised their group recurring profit forecasts for the year that ends in March 2012, a Jiji Press survey found Friday.........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080500888

Biden to Visit Japan Disaster-Hit Region

Washington, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will start on Aug. 16 a tour of Japan, China and Mongolia, with a plan to visit a northeastern Japan region hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the White House said Thursday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080500274

Japan to Delay Deadline for FY 2012 Budget Requests by One Month

Tokyo, Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Ministry of Finance decided Friday to push back the deadline for fiscal 2012 budget requests by government agencies by one month until the end of September.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080500422

Japan Disaster-Linked Suicides Total 16 in June

Tokyo, Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--The number of people who committed suicide in Japan for reasons related to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami totaled 16 in June, the Cabinet Office said Friday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080500968

Singapore Students Join Volunteer Work in Tsunami-Hit City

Rikuzentakata, Iwate Pref., Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--Some 70 Singapore university students participated in volunteer activities on Friday in this northeastern Japan city devastated by the March 11......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080500988

Japan to Cover 2.5-T.-Yen Pension Shortfall with Disaster Bonds

Tokyo, Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government has decided to use special bonds to finance postdisaster reconstruction projects for covering 2.5 trillion yen it needs to secure in the public pension field, officials said Friday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080600002
___________________________________________
Sankei news

Neputa festival, Aomori

found articles
Watari town, Miyagi pref

 

[makoto]

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

Summer festivals underway in Tohoku

The summer Tanabata star festival is underway in Sendai, northeastern Japan......

Saturday, August 06, 2011 14:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_17.html
________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Disaster strikes community ties / Local associations disband, go dormant as neighborhoods disperse

Their members forced into temporary housing units or living in other prefectures, many neighborhood associations in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have been dissolved or stopped functioning.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110805005867.htm
_______________________________________
Asahi com

Nikkei hits 5-month low, investors hold breath ahead of US jobs
*REUTERS

TOKYO-- Japanese stocks on Friday tumbled to their lowest since the post-quake rout in March as investors ran for exits after the worsening financial crisis in Europe compounded anxiety over a weak U.S. economy that has come close to stalling......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050294.html

Tokyo Disney Resort operator suffers 1st loss in 1st quarter

Fewer visitors to the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, following the March 11 disaster resulted in an operating loss of 3 billion yen ($37.56 million) during the April-June period for Oriental Land Co., the operator of the theme park.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050348.html

U.S. VP Biden to visit China, Japan, Mongolia
*REUTERS

WASHINGTON-- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will travel to China later this month to help strengthen U.S. ties with Beijing in a trip that will also include stops in Japan and Mongolia, the White House said on Thursday.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050277.html

Office workers get in the mood ... with 'yukata'

AIU Insurance Co. is blazing a trail that would have been unthinkable not so long ago in terms of the government's 'Super Cool Biz' energy saving campaign......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050285.html

Canada and Fiji offer education to disaster victims

Canada and Fiji have set up programs to give young victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake the chance to study abroad......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050286.html

Tax hikes for rebuilding likely to increase

Higher taxes are in the cards following the government's decision to increase the value of post-quake reconstruction bonds by 2.5 trillion yen ($31.30 billion)......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108050291.html
__________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Listed firms expect 26% rise in earnings in 2nd half of FY 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Listed nonfinancial companies in Japan are expecting a steep rebound in earnings in the second half of fiscal 2011 as supply chains of industrial products will recover from disruptions following the March 11 disaster and reconstruction work will stimulate demand, Mizuho Securities Co. said Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/06/20110806p2g00m0bu080000c.html

Japan's key economic index marks record gain in June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's index of leading economic indicators, which shows how the economy is likely to perform in coming months, marked a record rise for the second consecutive month in June, adding to signs that the nation's economy is on a recovery track after the devastating March earthquake and tsunami, a government report showed Friday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/06/20110806p2g00m0bu087000c.html

Disaster-related suicides reach 16 in June; 80% over 50

Suicides in June due solely to the March 11 megaquake and tsunami reached 16, with those aged 50 and over topping 80 percent of the total, the Cabinet Office revealed on Aug. 5 in the first release of disaster-related suicide statistics......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/06/20110806p2a00m0na013000c.html

After-effects of quake, tsunami, nuclear crisis hobble job market in disaster-hit areas

The after-effects of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and ensuing Fukushima nuclear crisis have cast a shadow over job opportunities for graduating students in the disaster-hit areas......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/06/20110806p2a00m0na019000c.html

March disaster denies 427 graduates job offers, delays hiring of 2,472 others

Some 126 companies have revoked job offers to a total of 427 new high school and university graduates in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said on Aug. 5......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/06/20110806p2a00m0na020000c.html
__________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan to Study Public-Private Partnerships for Reconstruction

Tokyo, Aug. 6 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese infrastructure ministry plans to study the feasibility of public-private partnerships in projects to rebuild areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, officials said Saturday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080600319

Japan Eyes Discretionary Money for Disaster-Hit Municipalities

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Aug. 6 (Jiji Press)--Reconstruction Minister Tatsuo Hirano revealed Saturday that the Japanese government is studying ways to provide disaster-hit municipalities with money they can use at their discretion.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080600376
________________________________________
Sankei news

Kuji city, Iwate pref

Summer festivals at Sendai city

 

[makoto]

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

Yomiuri online

Helping nurses help more / How does the govt envisage expanding nurses' role in health care?

Q: Are there special nurse systems in other countries?

A: Some advanced nations, including the United States, have introduced a system of national practitioners (NPs). NPs are nurses who are allowed to perform examinations, make diagnoses and prescribe drugs, among other things.

Amid the shortage of doctors after the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, Japanese who have been certified as NPs in the United States visited the stricken areas to treat people......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110802004267.htm

16 disaster-related suicides recognized in June

Sixteen people committed suicide in June due to problems triggered by the March 11 disaster, according to the Cabinet Office in its first-ever release of such data.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110806003055.htm

Ray of light in debris cleanup / Wreckage in residential areas in 3 prefs should be gone this month

The mounds of debris the March 11 disaster dumped in residential areas and near temporary shelters are expected to be completely removed this month, an Environment Ministry survey has found.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110806002832.htm
___________________________________________
Asahi com

World Bank to tell how Japan mitigated quake damage

The World Bank will serve as an "ambassador" to help developing countries understand how Japan minimized damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake, an official in charge of disaster prevention strategies said.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108060204.html
_____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Post-tsunami Iwate fishing industry faces uncertain future

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- Fishermen, around a dozen of them, silently set to work with scissors, cutting scallop farm nets from a mass of metal wires -- just one small part of the awesome damage inflicted on this port town by the March 11 tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/07/20110807p2a00m0na007000c.html


__________________________________________
Sankei news

Japanese cultural festival opening ceremony in Brazil

Summer festival at Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref

Yunohama beach at Tsuruoka city, Yamagata pref

 

[makoto]

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

Minus growth expected for 3rd quarter in Japan

Private research firms expect Japan's gross domestic product for the April-to-June period to shrink for a 3rd consecutive quarter.......

Monday, August 08, 2011 06:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_01.html

Mid-term review of tsunami warning system released

Japan's Meteorological Agency has unveiled an interim report on the country's tsunami warning system, based on information learned in the March 11th disaster....

Monday, August 08, 2011 23:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_31.html
________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Many Kesennuma evacuees fled tsunami by car

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--Despite authorities' advice to escape on foot, about half of this city's residents fled by car when the March 11 disaster occurred, a recent survey has found....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110807002350.htm

The trauma of disaster victims / Jobs, consultation services needed to assuage bleak future of survivors

Anxiety over a jobless future, fears of being a burden--these apparently are major reasons why some people in disaster-stricken areas decided to put an end to it all by committing suicide.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110807002247.htm
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan's current account surplus down 50.2% in June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's current account surplus fell 50.2 percent in June from a year earlier to 526.9 billion yen, the government said Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/08/20110808p2g00m0bu032000c.html

Dollar falls to upper 77 yen as G-7 fails to reverse downtrend

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar fell to the upper 77 yen level Monday in Tokyo following Standard & Poor's downgrading of the U.S. credit rating, with the Group of Seven countries' commitment to seek stability in financial markets failing to reverse the dollar's downtrend.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/08/20110808p2g00m0bu033000c.html

July business failures rise for 3rd month in row due to quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of corporate failures in July increased 1.4 percent from a year earlier to 1,081 with many firms still being forced into bankruptcy due to the effects of the March earthquake and tsunami, a credit research agency said Monday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/08/20110808p2g00m0bu087000c.html

'Economy watcher' sentiment improves for 4th month in July

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Business sentiment among people with jobs sensitive to domestic economic conditions improved for the fourth straight month in July, adding to signs that the Japanese economy has been recovering following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the government said Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/08/20110808p2g00m0bu090000c.html

Emperor, empress visit quake evacuees in Tokyo

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited a public housing complex in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward on Monday to encourage those who have evacuated from Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in the wake of the March earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear emergency......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/08/08/20110808p2g00m0dm083000c.html
_______________________________________________
Jiji press

INTERVIEW: Murata to Make Products at Multiple Bases

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese electronics component maker Murata Manufacturing Co. <6981> plans to make the same products in more than one place to hedge the risk of supply chain disruptions, company President Tsuneo Murata said in a recent interview......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080800562

Major Japan Brewers Log 1st-Half Operating Profit Growth

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--All of Japan's four major brewers scored year-on-year growth in group operating profit in the January-June first half thanks to substantial declines in advertising spending......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080800716

Kirin to Launch Nonalcoholic Beer-Like Drink in U.S. in Sept.

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--Kirin Brewery Co. said Monday that it will start to sell its Free beer-flavored beverage with zero alcoholic content on a trial basis in the U.S. West Coast including Los Angeles in late September....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080800815

Sekisui to Sell House with Fuel, Solar, Storage Cells

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--Sekisui House Ltd. <1928> said Monday that it will launch in Japan a house with an electricity supply system that uses fuel cells, solar panels and storage batteries.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011080800889

METI to Set Up Fund with Pref. for Double Loan Problem

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Monday it will set up a fund with the government of disaster-hit Iwate Prefecture to help firms tackle the "double loan" problem.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080800937

Japan to Mull Backup of Tokyo's Capital Functions

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government will consider having a backup of Tokyo's capital functions to prepare for possible terrorist attacks or large-scale natural disasters like the one that hit northeastern Japan in March....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080800292
____________________________________________________
Sankei news

Emperor, empress visit

the forest was damaged by seawater at Rikuzentakata city

 

[makoto]

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

Bankruptcies rise in Japan

Corporate failures in Japan increased in July from a year ago, largely due to a reduction in public projects hitting construction firms.......

Tuesday, August 09, 2011 03:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/09_01.html

Japan disaster survivor wins soroban contest event

A survivor of the March 11th disaster in eastern Japan has won a calculation event in a national contest for use of the soroban, or Japanese abacus.......

Tuesday, August 09, 2011 15:21 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/09_27.html
____________________________________
Yomiuri online

120,000 bldgs destroyed by tsunami

The March 11 tsunami destroyed about 120,000 buildings in six prefectures in the Tohoku and Kanto regions, a government survey shows......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110808002550.htm
_______________________________________
Asahi com

Intervention, easing impact fading as Nikkei plummets
*REUTERS

Japan's Nikkei stock benchmark tumbled on Aug. 8 to its lowest since the immediate aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, hit by sharp falls in the U.S. market as worries over the global economy dominated the mood, offseting a boost from Japan's currency intervention and monetary easing the previous day......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108080287.html

Bank of Japan pumps yen into money market

The Bank of Japan allowed 4.8 trillion yen ($61.5 billion) to flood the money market on Aug. 8 in an attempt to suppress the value of the yen and provide extra liquidity amid rising concerns about the effect on the global economy of the U.S. and European debt crises......

Karuta reader from quake-hit area gets 2nd place in competition

FUKUSHIMA--Rina Okabe was determined to enter the karuta reading segment of the all-important 35th All Japan High School Cultural Festival but was so distracted by the March 11 disaster that she had to start from scratch in preparing for it......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108080268.html

Evacuees prepare for Bon festival

MIYAKO, Iwate Prefecture--People displaced by the Great East Japan Earthquake prepared for Bon, Japan's traditional festival of the dead, on Aug. 7 by burning pine roots in front of temporary homes in the grounds of the Greenpia Sanriku Miyako hotel......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108080270.html

Sendai festival-goers remember quake dead

SENDAI--Hundreds of thousands of people visited the quake-hit city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, over the weekend for the Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Japan......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108080277.html
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Bridgestone half-year group net profit up 22%

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Bridgestone Corp. said Monday its group net profit in the January-June period increased 21.6 percent from a year earlier to 54.12 billion yen on brisk sales of tires, its mainline product, both in Japan and overseas.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/09/20110809p2g00m0bu052000c.html

Gov't needs to study economic stimulus to fight yen's surge: Noda

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government needs to study additional measures to boost Japan's economic growth by overcoming the negative impact from the recent sharp rise of the yen in the currency market, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Tuesday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/09/20110809p2g00m0bu055000c.html

Intervention effects fade, credit negative for Japan economy: Moody's

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Moody's Investors Service said Monday the impact of Japan's currency market intervention last Thursday to weaken the yen was limited, so the recovery of the export-led Japanese economy from the March earthquake remains threatened by a strong yen.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/09/20110809p2g00m0bu057000c.html

Gov't to upgrade economic view amid signs of recovery from disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is set to upwardly revise its basic assessment on Japan's economic conditions, encouraged by recovery in production and exports from a significant slowdown in the wake of the March earthquake and tsunami, officials said Monday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/09/20110809p2g00m0bu058000c.html

Dollar slides to lower 77 yen level after falls in global stocks

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar fell to the lower 77 yen range Tuesday in Tokyo as a U.S. credit rating downgrade and subsequent sharp falls in global stocks prompted investors to seek the perceived safety of the yen......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/08/09/20110809p2g00m0bu061000c.html
_________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Govt to Upgrade Basic Economic View

Tokyo, Aug. 9 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government plans to upgrade its basic assessment in its monthly economic report for August, informed sources said Tuesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080900135

FEATURE: Singapore Youngsters Discover Allure of Tohoku

Tokyo, Aug. 9 (Jiji Press)--Although Tohoku is recognized around the world as the area devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, some 100 Singapore students discovered different sides to the northeastern Japan region during a six-day stay in the country through Monday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080900482

Japan's Population Shrinks in FY 2010: Ministry Data

Tokyo, Aug. 9 (Jiji Press)--Japan's population decreased 827,235 from a year earlier to 126,230,625 as of the end of fiscal 2010, registering a fall for the second straight year, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry said Tuesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080900696

Japan White Paper Lauds Twitter's Role in Disaster Areas

Tokyo, Aug. 9 (Jiji Press)--Social media such as the microblogging service Twitter played a role in supporting people in Japan's disaster areas soon after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the government said in a white paper on Tuesday....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011080900997

3rd Extra Budget Should Address Strong Yen: Yosano

Tokyo, Aug. 9 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government should include additional economic stimulus measures including those to deal with the yen's rise in a third supplementary budget for fiscal 2011, Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano said Tuesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011081000014
__________________________________________
Jiji press

under the sea, Miyagi pref

new breakwater rises by seawater pressure

volunteer high school students

temporary flower shop at Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref