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

makoto · Dec 18, 2011

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

New bell installed in hope of reconstruction

A new hanging bell has been installed in front of the central train station in disaster-hit Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, in hope of reconstruction.

Sunday, December 18, 2011 04:43 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111217_18.html

Laden's death, March 11 disaster as No.1, 2 news

...The March 11th earthquake and tsunami as well as the subsequent accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was ranked second.

Sunday, December 18, 2011 13:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111218_15.html
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Sankei news

pine tree

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JMA

15:09 JST 18 Dec 2011 38.7N 142.1E 40 km M4.3 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111218151310391-181509.html

makoto · Dec 19, 2011

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

Teachers take disaster-response training program

Public school teachers in Japan are taking part in a 4-day course to help them better prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

Monday, December 19, 2011 12:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111219_12.html
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Yomiuri online

Disaster-hit areas face revenue drop

Three quake-hit prefectures and 33 coastal municipalities in those prefectures are expected to see about 100 billion yen less in tax revenue than they initially projected for this fiscal year, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111218003796.htm

Feelings about U.S. are complex / Disaster relief operations appreciated, but major ally not fully trusted

Ninety-four percent of Japanese respondents to a recent opinion poll appreciate the U.S. military's relief operations for Japan in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111218003925.htm
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AJW

In quake debris, survivors find hope and means to earn a living

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate Prefecture--Enterprising women in this disaster-stricken northern city are not letting mountains of quake debris faze them.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201112190009
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

1.16 mil. travelers expected to use Narita airport during holidays

CHIBA (Kyodo) -- An estimated 1,167,000 travelers are expected to use Narita airport during the year-end and New Year holidays, up 1 percent from the same period a year earlier, Narita International Airport Corp. said Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/news/20111219p2g00m0dm064000c.html

No. of China visitors to Japan rises in Nov. for 1st time since March quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of Chinese travelers to Japan jumped 35.0 percent in November from a year earlier to 92,300, the first rise since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and a record number for the month, the government said Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/news/20111219p2g00m0dm062000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan Working to Pass on Disaster Memories

Tokyo, Dec. 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan's public and academic sectors are working to make available scattered footage and information linked to the March 11 disaster and the ensuing nuclear crisis, with an eye to passing on the lessons to future generations.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011121900556
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Sankei news

temporary house at Kesennuma city

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JMA

12:55 JST 19 Dec 2011 38.3N 142.0E 40 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111219130009391-191255.html

makoto · Dec 20, 2011

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

Australia, Japan resume EPA talks

Japan and Australia have resumed talks on a bilateral trade deal after a 10-month pause following the March 11th disaster.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 14:12 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111220_24.html
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AJW

Researchers: 225 schools may lie on active faults

A university research team is asking the government to take steps to ensure student safety, after finding that 225 schools are likely to lie on active faults, with 780 other schools located close to such rifts.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/quake_tsunami/AJ201112200057n
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japanese quake-hit youths visit Moscow school

MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- A group of 17 Japanese high school and university students who lost their relatives in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster visited a Moscow school Monday to meet Russian youths.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/20/20111220p2g00m0dm012000c.html

Japan, Australia restart FTA talks suspended after March disaster

CANBERRA (Kyodo) -- Japan and Australia resumed negotiations Tuesday on a bilateral free trade agreement, after they were suspended in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit eastern and northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/20/20111220p2g00m0dm018000c.html

China to contribute to recovery of tourism in Tohoku: diplomat

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- China will encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the Tohoku region to help revive local tourism following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Minister Han Zhiqiang of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/20/20111220p2g00m0dm022000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan 2011 Paper, Paperboard Shipments Seen Down Due to Disaster

Tokyo, Dec. 20 (Jiji Press)--Paper and paperboard shipments in Japan are expected to fall 1.7 pct to 25.77 million tons in 2011 from the previous year, the first decline in two years, the Japan Paper Association said Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011122000630
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JMA

15:26 JST 20 Dec 2011 40.1N 142.7E 30 km M5.0 Iwate-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111220153116391-201526.html

makoto · Dec 25, 2011

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

Japan projects 2.2% growth in FY 2012 on quake reconstruction work

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government estimates that the Japanese economy will grow a real 2.2 percent in fiscal 2012 from the previous year, helped by stronger domestic demand related to reconstruction in areas affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, government officials said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2g00m0bu116000c.html

Japan keeps assessment that economy recovering slowly

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese economy has been slowly recovering, although downward pressure from the March earthquake and tsunami remains, the government said Wednesday, maintaining its basic economic assessment for the second straight month.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2g00m0bu141000c.html

Gov't to spend over 3 tril. yen for quake relief under FY 2012 budget

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is set to earmark between 3 trillion and 3.5 trillion yen (about $38.5 billion to $45 billion) for reconstruction work following the March earthquake and tsunami under an initial budget for the next fiscal year, government sources said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2g00m0dm025000c.html

Gov't plans law revision to enhance high-rise disaster readiness

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government's Fire and Disaster Management Agency plans to introduce a bill to parliament, possibly next year, to enhance disaster preparedness at high-rise buildings in light of lessons learned from the massive earthquake in March, agency sources said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2g00m0dm080000c.html

50 percent of people in quake-stricken region have no prospects for rebuilding homes

Nearly 50 percent of people in disaster-hit northeastern Japan, who have been regularly surveyed by the Mainichi, said they have no prospects for repairing or rebuilding their homes in the future, and 20 percent of them still do not have jobs, according to the latest poll.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2a00m0na013000c.html

Disaster survivors in Japan look back on year of hardship, lessons

As 2011 draws to a close, people in areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake disaster and subsequent nuclear crisis are looking back on a year filled with pain and devastation -- and a period that has taught them the importance of family bonds.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/21/20111221p2a00m0na014000c.html
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Jiji press

Job Climate Still Severe in Tsunami-Hit Areas: Govt Report

Tokyo, Dec. 21 (Jiji Press)--Northeastern Japan's Pacific coast areas ravaged by the tsunami caused by the March 11 powerful earthquake have not fully benefited from postdisaster reconstruction demand in terms of employment, a government report said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122100745

Japan Winter Bonuses Up for 2nd Straight Year

Tokyo, Dec. 21 (Jiji Press)--Winter bonuses at major Japanese companies rose for the second straight year this year following a slump amid the global financial crisis, a private-sector survey showed Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122100925

Domestic Trips by Japanese Seen Recovering in 2012

Tokyo, Dec. 21 (Jiji Press)--The number of overnight or longer domestic trips by Japanese people in 2012 is expected to recover after a drop this year thanks partly to new iconic broadcasting tower Tokyo Sky Tree, JTB Corp. said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122101076
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Sankei news

xmas tree at nursery school
in rikuzentakata city, Iwate

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JMA

11:06 JST 21 Dec 2011 39.6N 142.1E 50 km M4.6 Iwate-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111221111130391-211106.html

makoto · Dec 25, 2011

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

Picture books for toddlers in Iwate

KAMAISHI, Iwate--Illustrator Yusaku Narushi turned his life around making picture books, and this year he is using his talent to bring Christmas cheer to children in the region hit by the March 11 tsunami.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111221003013.htm
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AJW

Giant pandas may land in disaster-hit Sendai zoo

When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited disaster-hit Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in May, he gave stuffed toy pandas to children there.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201112220037
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Students from Los Angeles learn about tsunami damage in Ishinomaki

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Twenty-three college students from Los Angeles on Wednesday visited the city of Ishinomaki in northeastern Japan, which was ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in an educational tour to learn about the scale of the devastation.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/22/20111222p2g00m0dm005000c.html

Gov't to prepare 3.8 tril. yen under new account for reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government will prepare around 3.8 trillion yen ($48.8 billion) under a new budget account earmarked for reconstruction work following the March earthquake and tsunami, officials said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/22/20111222p2g00m0dm007000c.html

Winter bonuses at major firms rise for 2nd year in row

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- This winter's average bonus at major companies rose 3.62 percent from the previous year to 802,701 yen, rising for the second year in a row and rebounding to above 800,000 yen for the first time in three years, the Japan Business Federation said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/22/20111222p2g00m0dm009000c.html

Tsunami hit Iwate city faster than most people could run: research

The massive tsunami that ravaged northeastern Japan on March 11 surged into the Iwate Prefecture city of Miyako at a speed of 8 meters per second, faster than many people could run, a team of researchers has calculated.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/22/20111222p2a00m0na016000c.html
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Jiji press

KDDI to Open Mobile Phone Subscription Center in Quake-Hit Sendai

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Dec. 22 (Jiji Press)--KDDI Corp. <9433> said Thursday it will set up a mobile phone subscription center in Sendai, the capital of disaster-hit Miyagi Prefecture, in February.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011122200568

Japan Targets 3 Pct Nominal Growth

Tokyo, Dec. 22 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government's key policy panel on Thursday set a target of achieving some 3 pct nominal growth on average between fiscal 2011 and 2020.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122201116
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Sankei news

xmas tree in disaster area

makoto · Dec 25, 2011

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

Emperor Akihito turns 78

.....The Emperor said he feels sorry for those who lost family members and people close to them in the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

Friday, December 23, 2011 09:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111223_03.html

Emperor celebrates 78th birthday

....In his address, the Emperor noted many lives were lost this year in the earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan in March, along with the flooding and mudslides in the fall. He said his heart aches when he thinks of the victims and grieving families.

Friday, December 23, 2011 21:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111223_20.html
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AJW

360-degree video shows reality of disaster areas

Areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake were projected in the dome of a planetarium in Tokyo on Dec. 20 to provide a better perspective of the extent of the damage.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201112230005w
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japanese quake-hit youths visit Kremlin at Russia's invitation

MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- A group of 17 Japanese high school and university students who lost family members in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster visited the Kremlin in Moscow, the seat of Russia's presidential office, on Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/23/20111223p2g00m0dm004000c.html

China likely to lease pandas to zoo in disaster-hit Sendai

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- China is likely to agree to leasing giant pandas to a zoo in the city of Sendai, which was affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, to cheer up children there, government sources said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/23/20111223p2g00m0dm005000c.html

Emperor turns 78, shows concern for people in disaster-hit areas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Emperor Akihito expressed concern and support for people who have been affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, reflecting on the past year on the occasion of his 78th birthday Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/23/20111223p2g00m0dm017000c.html

makoto · Dec 25, 2011

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

Fashion, beauty firms' support warms heart of disaster victims

ISHINOMAKI (Kyodo) -- As a severe winter revisits areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, supportive services offered by two firms focused on fashion and beauty appear to be warming the hearts of people who have lost everything and now live in temporary housing.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2011/12/20111224p2g00m0fe015000c.html

Soccer: Dortmund pull Kagawa from Sendai charity match after blood tests

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Borussia Dortmund stopped Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from playing in a charity match on Friday after blood tests on the local favorite came back with less than encouraging results.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0sp063000c.html

Japan's outstanding debt to rise to record 937 tril. yen in FY 2012

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The outstanding balance of state and local government debt at the end of fiscal 2012 is expected to rise to an all-time high of 937 trillion yen, the government said Saturday, revealing its draft budget that will leave the country with the worst fiscal health among major economies.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0bu061000c.html

Disaster-struck Japan set for record-high spending

TOKYO (AP) -- Disaster-struck Japan is headed to record-high budget spending of 96 trillion yen ($1.2 trillion) as the nation tackles the costs of recovery from the March earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0bu074000c.html

120 students died in March disaster after being picked up by parents

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More than a third of the pupils and students aged 15 or under who died or went missing in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan lost their lives after being picked from school up by their parents, a survey by Kyodo News showed Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0dm004000c.html

March disaster ranks as top Japan story in 2011

TOYKO (Kyodo) -- The earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan on March 11 and the ensuing crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant was the top-ranked domestic news story of 2011 in a Kyodo News poll released Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0dm007000c.html

Japan's outstanding debt to rise to record 937 tril. yen in FY 2012

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The outstanding balance of state and local government debt at the end of fiscal 2012 is expected to rise to an all-time high of 937 trillion yen, the government said Saturday, revealing its draft budget that will leave the country with the worst fiscal health among major economies.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0dm008000c.html

Cabinet agrees to record 93.56 tril. yen FY 2012 budget

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda agreed Saturday to a record-high 93.56 trillion yen ($1.20 trillion) initial budget for the next fiscal year, highlighting the pressures on the government to fund social security and quake-reconstruction work while trying to maintain fiscal discipline.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0dm010000c.html

New budget fails to accelerate Noda's austerity drive

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has pledged fiscal restoration in Japan but he has apparently failed to match his words with deeds, with the country's new budget signaling the need for more government spending while showing shortages in tax revenues.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2g00m0dm021000c.html

Tsunami death rate higher among residents with disabilities

The death rate from the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami hit the disabled in northeastern coastal municipalities twice as hard as those without disabilities, the Mainichi has found.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/24/20111224p2a00m0na010000c.html
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Sankei news

pine tree

makoto · Dec 26, 2011

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

Yomiuri online

49% of budget funded by bonds / Cabinet OK's FY12 budget, sets 3.78 tril. yen aside for reconstruction

A record 49 percent of the revenue in the government's general account in the fiscal 2012 budget comes from government bonds.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111224002832.htm

100 Santas come to town

Volunteers clad in Santa Claus costumes pose in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, before leaving for the prefecture's devastated coastal areas Saturday morning. About 100 volunteer Santas from around the nation entertained children living in temporary housing units and handed them sweets as part of the "100 Santas coming to town!" project led by Tono Magokoro Net, a nonprofit organization based in the city. More than 10 million yen was donated to buy Christmas presents for the children.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20111225dy01.htm
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AJW

100 Santas coming to town!
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L80WcVtbHZ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

New Year's good luck charms ready for shipment

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--In a normal year, "shimenawa" craftsman Tetsuo Suzuki would be making his New Year's good luck charms of thick cords of rope fashioned from dried rice husks from an acquaintance's rice fields.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201112250007a

Pets left homeless by tsunami get second lives

A new project is under way that is giving a new leash on life to man's best friend.

Toru Oki and four canine pals who will undergo training to become therapy dogs are flanked by two animals who already have successfully completed their training. (Makoto Kaku)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201112250003a
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japanese actor portrays tsunami survivor in Hollywood play

LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- "Why? Why am I the only one left?!" cried actor Yuki Matsuzaki into the imaginary night sky between him and his audience.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/news/2011/12/20111225p2g00m0et005000c.html
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Jiji press

China to Lease Panda to Sendai

Beijing, Dec. 25 (Jiji Press)--Premier Wen Jiabao of China on Sunday expressed its intention to lease a giant panda to the city of Sendai at the request of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122600006
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Sankei news

xmas tree in disaster area

makoto · Dec 26, 2011

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

Haneda Airport evacuation plan

Japan's transport ministry has drawn up an evacuation plan for Haneda Airport in Tokyo to prepare for a major tsunami.

Monday, December 26, 2011 10:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111226_10.html
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Yomiuri online

Firms shun Tohoku public works / Unprofitable small-scale projects in disaster-hit region go begging

Many public works projects that have been opened for bids in the Tohoku region have attracted few or even no takers, as businesses appear to be shunning small-scale work as unprofitable, especially amid a labor shortage caused by increased building activity as the region recovers from the March 11 disaster.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111225001368.htm
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

March 11 disasters, fading interest in 3D drag down Japan box office totals

In addition to the effects of the triple March 11 disasters, loss of interest in 3D movies and fewer hit titles have the Japanese movie industry suffering one of the worst years at the box office in recent memory, preliminary ticket sales results show.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/news/2011/12/20111226p2a00m0na015000c.html

Wen expresses willingness to lease giant pandas to Japan

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed willingness to lease giant pandas to a zoo in the disaster--hit Japanese city to cheer up children there, a Japanese government official said Sunday, saying Wen talked about the matter with a smile during a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/26/20111226p2a00m0na001000c.html
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Jiji press

Tsunami Evacuation Plan Compiled for Haneda Airport

Tokyo, Dec. 26 (Jiji Press)--The transport ministry on Monday unveiled an emergency plan for evacuation of passengers and staff at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda in case a warning of huge tsunami is issued for areas facing Tokyo Bay including the airport.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122600546

Japan SDF Troops to Fully Withdraw from Disaster Areas

Tokyo, Dec. 26 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Self-Defense Forces troops who have been sent to northeastern and other areas after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the subsequent nuclear crisis are poised to fully end their rescue and support missions in the affected areas.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122600713
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Sankei news

an exhibition of news photo, Osaka

makoto · Dec 27, 2011

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

Japanese children clean up beach in Thailand

Japanese children have cleaned up a beach in Phuket, southern Thailand. The effort was part of a project to thank Thai people for supporting the March disaster victims in Japan.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 11:08 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111227_14.html

Govt panel says M9.0 quake possible

A Japanese government panel says a huge earthquake of magnitude 9.0 could strike central to western Japan in future.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 18:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111227_25.html
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Yomiuri online

Evacuees face serious noise dilemma / Mothers worried thin walls at temporary housing units create stress for children

KAMAISHI, Iwate--Thin walls and a lack of soundproofing have led to noise problems for people living in temporary housing units built after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111226002283.htm
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AJW

Sanriku line in disaster area
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mlPEmSPArn8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

German hoping people can knit Tohoku communities together

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- About a week after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan and shocked the entire nation, Bernd Kestler, who teaches knitting in Yokohama, unexpectedly received a parcel from a friend in Germany.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2011/12/20111227p2g00m0fe074000c.html

Ishinomaki residents rebuilding disaster-damaged shrine in bid to revive area

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- A group of residents here have taken on the herculean task of restoring a quake and tsunami-damaged local shrine in a bid to attract evacuees to return and revive the area.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2011/12/20111227p2a00m0na007000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan Steps Up Fight against Tsunami

Tokyo, Dec. 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government Tuesday revised the country's basic disaster guidelines substantially, including beefing up measures against tsunamis.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122700086

Japan Panel Sees Larger Epicentral Area for Possible Huge Quake

Tokyo, Dec. 27 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese panel of experts said Tuesday that it now sees a doubled area south of the country's main island as the epicentral region of a possible gigantic earthquake.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122700244

Tsunami Awareness Varies between Coastal, Inland Dwellers

Tokyo, Dec. 27 (Jiji Press)--Immediately after the gigantic earthquake on March 11, 65.4 pct of people living along the sawtooth coastline in northeastern Japan predicted the ensuing tsunami while 58.7 pct of those living more inland did not, a land ministry survey has shown.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122700603
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Sankei news

an exhibition of news photo, Fukuoka

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JMA

02:56 JST 27 Dec 2011 38.0N 141.7E 90 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111227030136391-270256.html

16:33 JST 27 Dec 2011 38.2N 142.2E 30 km M4.2 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111227163707391-271633.html

makoto · Dec 29, 2011

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

2011 TOP 10 DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL NEWS STORIES / Disasters loom large in '11 news

The Great East Japan Earthquake, which left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing, was chosen by readers of The Yomiuri Shimbun as this year's top domestic news event.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111226001531.htm

Tale of generous mortician made into book

A mortician who voluntarily embalmed the bodies of people killed in the Great East Japan Earthquake so bereaved families could say goodbye to their loved ones is the subject of a recently published book.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111227003028.htm

Area of focal regions for megaquake doubled

Possible focal regions for a megaquake that experts say could occur along the Nankai Trough off the southern coast should be doubled in size from previous estimates, according to an interim report compiled Tuesday by a Cabinet Office panel.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111227003857.htm

Sacred ties

Men hang a sacred rope from a temporary hall of worship at Hakusan Shrine on Tuesday in Onagawacho, Miyagi Prefecture, which was hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The March 11 tsunami washed away stone steps at the shrine, resulting in the relocation of its main facilities about 200 meters away from where they were originally situated. The rope was donated by a shrine in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20111228dy01.htm
______________________________________________
AJW

Mirage islands spotted at sea near tsunami-hit town

A mirage of a series of floating islands appeared Dec. 27 off the coast of Ishinomki, Miyagi Prefecture, an area hard hit by the March 11 earthquake.

A mirage of a series of floating islands appears in the Ogatsu area of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture on Dec. 27. (Shiro Nishihata)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201112280024
______________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Fisherman writes emotional letter to only daughter killed in tsunami

KAMAISHI, Iwate -- As the year 2011 draws to a close, Kikumatsu Sasaki, a 76-year-old fisherman here, wrote an emotionally-charged, apologetic letter to his only daughter, Chiyako, who was killed at the age of 44 by tsunami triggered by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake. It reads:

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2011/12/20111228p2a00m0na019000c.html

Gov't to enhance tsunami measures, panel doubles quake focal area

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government's disaster prevention panel on Tuesday revised the basic plan for disaster preparedness in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, seeking to reinforce measures against tsunami waves that caused most of the damage in the disaster in northeastern Japan, officials said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/28/20111228p2g00m0dm011000c.html

Quake-hit localities see 70% rise in workers taking mental sick leave

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Local government officials who took sick leave for mental ailments between April and October following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami increased 70 percent over a year earlier in 33 seriously damaged municipalities, a Kyodo News survey showed Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/28/20111228p2g00m0dm013000c.html

DPJ discusses plan for consumption tax rise starting 2013

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/28/20111228p2g00m0dm121000c.html
_________________________________________
Jiji press

Banks Ease Terms for 698 B. Yen of Loans in Disaster Areas

Tokyo, Dec. 28 (Jiji Press)--Japanese banks have eased the terms of loans worth nearly 700 billion yen for borrowers in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Financial Services Agency said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122800858
___________________________________________
Sankei news

temporary house at Ishinomaki city

makoto · Dec 29, 2011

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

Disaster debris still remain in Tohoku

The Japanese government is struggling to remove millions of tons of debris from the country's northeast, more than 9 months after the March earthquake and tsunami.

Thursday, December 29, 2011 22:38 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111229_21.html
_________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Relocated disaster victims hard to track down / Some March 11 survivors left isolated as aid groups get tied up by red tape, privacy concerns

Regulations intended to protect personal privacy have hampered relief efforts for people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, with aid supplies still not reaching many people living in facilities being rented by local governments.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111228003791.htm

Dispatched police conclude Kesennuma traffic mission

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--The last police officers dispatched to Kesennuma from other prefectures to direct traffic after the March disaster returned home Monday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111227004060.htm
____________________________________________
AJW

S. Korean paper revises headline on March 11 disaster

SEOUL--One of South Korea's leading daily newspapers, the JoongAng Ilbo, has published a revised version of its front-page coverage of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, acknowledging its original headline, "Sinking Japan," was inappropriate.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/quake_tsunami/AJ201112290010
_____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Sendai high school rugby team marks emotional start to national championship

HIGASHIOSAKA, Osaka -- The rugby team of disaster-stricken Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School marked a promising and emotional start to the National High School Rugby Tournament, which kicked off here on Dec. 27.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/archive/news/2011/12/29/20111229p2a00m0sp006000c.html

Chef returns home after quake to serve food in disaster-hit Sendai

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- A chef from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, recently returned to Japan after spending 17 years in Italy, following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated his hometown.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/29/20111229p2g00m0dm004000c.html

DPJ struggles to narrow gap on consumption tax hike plan starting 2013

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/29/20111229p2g00m0dm008000c.html
_____________________________________________
Jiji press

Donations Appear as Shareholder Perk

Tokyo, Dec. 29 (Jiji Press)--With listed Japanese companies racking their brains to increase the number of individual shareholders, some introduced donations as a shareholder perk this year after the March earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011122800915

makoto · Dec 30, 2011

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

Fishery catch badly affected by March disaster

The fishery catch through October in 3 Japanese prefectures affected by the March disaster was down 70 percent from the same period last year.

Friday, December 30, 2011 08:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111230_05.html

New Year exodus continues

In Japan, trains and air planes are packed and expressways congested with people traveling to their hometowns and resorts for the New Year holidays.

Friday, December 30, 2011 13:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111230_10.html

Fish markets hold last auction of the year

Fish markets in northeastern Japan, devastated by the March earthquake and tsunami, held their last auctions of the year on Friday.

Friday, December 30, 2011 14:38 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111230_12.html
_____________________________________________
AJW

Clay doll creator to tour disaster areas

After feeling physically helpless in removing rubble from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, a woman in Tokyo's Nerima Ward focused on something smaller to ease the suffering of disaster victims.

Works by Yuki Goto to be displayed in the disaster areas (Provided by Yuki Goto)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201112300001

Somber return for families in disaster areas

While many Japanese return annually to their family homes for the New Year's holidays, this year was a much more somber affair for those heading to prefectures devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in March.

Passengers returning to family homes crowd the platform at JR Sendai Station on Dec. 29. (Masaru Komiyaji)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201112300019
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

New Year holidaymakers jam flights, trains, expressways

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The rush of travelers heading for hometowns and abroad for the year-end and New Year holidays began Thursday, jamming flights, trains and expressways across Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/30/20111230p2g00m0dm013000c.html

2,383 disaster victims identified by DNA analysis: surve

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- A total of 2,383 victims or about 15 percent of people who died in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures have been identified by DNA analysis, a survey by the National Police Agency showed Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/30/20111230p2g00m0dm015000c.html

___________________________________________
Jiji press

Noda to Visit 3 Disaster-Hit Prefectures in Jan.

Tokyo, Dec. 30 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda plans to visit three disaster-hit northeastern Japan prefectures in January to inspect progress in reconstruction work, it was learned Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011123000594
______________________________________________
JMA

18:35 JST 30 Dec 2011 38.7N 141.7E 70 km M4.2 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20111230183804391-301835.html

makoto · Dec 31, 2011

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

20% of disaster-hit farmland restored by spring

Japan's agriculture ministry says only 20 percent of the farmland devastated by the March 11th tsunami could be restored before the planting season next spring.

Saturday, December 31, 2011 10:31 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111231_07.html
_____________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Businesses locked out of aid / Red tape denying tsunami-hit firms access to government subsidies

Strict guidelines covering the distribution of government aid are preventing businesses devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake from receiving urgently needed subsidies.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111230004821.htm

Evacuees enjoy early toshikoshi soba

OTSUCHICHO, Iwate--Evacuees living in a temporary housing complex after the Great East Japan Earthquake enjoyed eating toshikoshi soba (traditional "passing-of-the-year" noodles) a little early this year.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111230004251.htm
_________________________________________
AJW

Steps taken to protect firefighters in tsunami

Yoshinobu Owada, head of a unit of the No. 4 branch of the Ofunato fire brigade in Iwate Prefecture, recounts his brush with death and says he would never put anyone else in such a situation.

A floodgate built on the 8-meter breakwater Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture was swept away in the March 11 tsunami. (Eiichiro Suganuma)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/quake_tsunami/AJ201112310001

Dealer helps customers say goodbye to quake-hit cars

MINAMI-SANRIKU, Miyagi Prefecture--Fumio Hatakeyama has been a car salesman for 40 years, and in the small seaside towns and villages where he works, it is still the human connection that sells automobiles.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201112310005
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Editorial: Overcoming the March 11 disasters

One cannot help but wonder how the actions of Japan and the Japanese people in 2011 in response to the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster will be evaluated by future generations.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/editorial/archive/news/2011/12/20111231p2a00m0na004000c.html

British envoy, 3 Japanese staff honored for tsunami rescue efforts

LONDON (Kyodo) -- British Ambassador to Japan David Warren and three of his Japanese staff members have been awarded New Year's honors in recognition of their work in the aftermath of the March earthquake and tsunami disaster and the ensuing nuclear crisis, the Foreign Office said Saturday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/31/20111231p2g00m0dm001000c.html

Awareness that natural disasters cannot be conquered could fade with time: experts

People's growing awareness that they cannot resist massive natural disasters could fade as time goes by, experts have warned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/12/31/20111231p2a00m0na011000c.html

__________________________________________
Sankei news

prepare for New Year

Yamamoto town, Miyagi pref

Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref

makoto · Jan 2, 2012

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

Tokyo's Ameyoko bustles with last-minute shoppers

Shoppers in search of ingredients for New Year's Day special dishes have flocked to Tokyo's discount shopping street "Ameyoko".

Sunday, January 01, 2012 00:28 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111231_15.html

Kamaishi bell installed in hope of reconstruction

Residents of Kamaishi City in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate have taken turns to ring a new bell installed in hope of reconstruction.

Sunday, January 01, 2012 00:28 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111231_17.html

Noda vows to enact consumption tax legislation

Sunday, January 01, 2012 09:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120101_04.html

Arrival of 2012 observed

Many worshippers have paid their first visit of the new year to shrines and temples in Japan, praying for the health of their family and rebuilding of life from the March disaster last year.

Sunday, January 01, 2012 12:51 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120101_12.html

New Year greeting cards delivery in disaster area

Post offices in disaster-hit areas of northeastern Japan have delivered New Year's greeting cards. Exchanging such cards is a popular tradition for Japanese people during the New Year holidays.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120101_15.html

Emperor delivers New Year message

The Emperor and Empress have received New Year greetings from family members at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Sunday, January 01, 2012 22:56 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120101_19.html
_______________________________________
Yomiuri online

'Where are our children?' parents ask / Search continues at primary school destroyed by tsunami more than 9 months ago

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi--Parents are still searching for missing children more than nine months after a tsunami inundated an Ishinomaki City primary school following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111231002887.htm

Business booms in Sendai on quake recovery

SENDAI--With reconstruction proceeding slowly in the Tohoku region's coastal areas, businesses in the city of Sendai, the economic hub of the area, have seen booming sales since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111231002954.htm
_______________________________________
AJW

Emperor gives new year's thoughts to disaster victims

In his message for the new year, Emperor Akihito expressed hope for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201010032

Quick estimates of big quakes challenge seismologists

In a race against time when every minute means the difference between life and death, earthquake researcher Satoshi Miura wants to be ready the next time a big quake hits, triggering a tsunami.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/analysis/AJ201201010013

Sunrise kite from tsunami-hit city on exhibit in Tokyo

A huge traditional kite emblazoned with a glowing rising sun from tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is on display at Tokyo Midtown.

The Hinodetenbata kite from the tsunami-hit town of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is on exhibit at Tokyo Midtown in Minato Ward on Dec. 27. (Kazuya Omuro)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201201010003
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving

In the Miyagi Prefecture town of Onagawa, most of the town center -- the greater part of which was destroyed by the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake -- is now vacant aside from several large buildings. Construction workers are pretty much the only people around.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120101p2a00m0na008000c.html

His Majesty the Emperor's New Year Thoughts 2012

Last year, it pained me greatly to see that many lives were lost to natural disasters, the Great East Japan Earthquake in the spring and torrential rains in many places in the summer and in the autumn. My heart also goes out to the people who regrettably can no longer live in the places they used to live because of the radioactive contamination caused by the nuclear plant accident. Last year was a truly distressing year. However, it has been heartening to note that, even under such conditions, the people were helping each other and many people were working hard to support the victims.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/01/20120101p2g00m0dm003000c.html

Year-end Presentation of Five Waka Poems by His Majesty the Emperor

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/01/20120101p2g00m0dm002000c.html

Year-end Presentation of Three Waka Poems by Her Majesty the Empress

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/01/20120101p2g00m0dm001000c.html

Noda vows to implement social security, tax reforms

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed his resolve in a New Year address Sunday to implement reforms in Japan's social security and tax systems in a bid to help revive its economy.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/01/20120101p2g00m0dm033000c.html
_______________________________________________
Jiji press

Noda Resolved to Attain Japan's Rebirth

Tokyo, Jan. 1 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, in a New Year message on Sunday, underscored his determination to help Japan achieve a revival after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the resultant nuclear crisis that rocked the nation last year.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010100015
______________________________________________
Sankei news

first sunrise of 2012

at temporary house, Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref

disaster measures town office at Minamisanriku town, Miyagi pref

"Hatsumode" first shrine visit of New Year
Otsuchi inari shrine at Otsuchi town, Iwate pref

New Year greeting cards delivery
at Minamisanriku town, Miyagi pref

makoto · Jan 2, 2012

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

Japan's economy to grow, but downside risks remain

The Japanese economy is expected to grow moderately in the fiscal year that starts this April, but downside risks remain.

Monday, January 02, 2012 09:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_06.html

Emperor greets public, wishes them a better year

The Emperor used his annual New Year greetings to the public to say that he hopes 2012 will be a better year for the Japanese people as the country recovers from last year's earthquake and tsunami.

Monday, January 02, 2012 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_09.html

Dept. stores begin 2012 with "lucky bag" sales

Most department stores in Japan opened for the new year on Monday. They were packed with people who wanted to buy bargain packages known as lucky bags.

Monday, January 02, 2012 15:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_11.html
_________________________________________
AJW

Researchers: 30% chance of magnitude-9 quake in 30 years

Chances are 30 percent that a magnitude-9 earthquake will strike along the Japan Trench between the Tohoku region and Chiba Prefecture within the next 30 years, a government research council said.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/analysis/AJ201201020001

1st sunrise of 2012 gives hope to disaster survivors

People in disaster-stricken northeastern Japan were greeted with a spectacular glowing orange sunrise on New Year’s Day, a sign many in the Tohoku region hoped would herald the arrival of better times in 2012.

The sun rises on Jan. 1 behind the lone "miracle" pine tree that was left standing after the tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture. (Eijiro Morii)

A man watches the first sunrise at a port in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, on Jan. 1. (Toshiyuki Hayashi)

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/02/20120102p2a00m0na008000c.html
_____________________________________________
Sankei news

lucky box sales
at Aoba ward, Sendai city

makoto · Jan 3, 2012

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

Ritual lion dance performed in tsunami-hit Miyagi

Dancers in a tsunami-hit town in northern Japan performed a traditional New Year lion dance to remember the victims and pray for reconstruction.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 03:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120103_03.html

Emperor wishes public a better year

Emperor Akihito says he hopes 2012 will be a better year for the Japanese people as the country continues to recover from last year's earthquake and tsunami.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 03:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_17.html

Governments in Japan review disaster prevention

Japan's central and local governments are considering a revision of the current anti-earthquake and tsunami measures following the March 11th disaster and resulting meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 09:08 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_18.html

Job measure in hardest-hit areas urgently sought

Finding employment is taking on an added urgency for survivors of last year's disaster in northeastern Japan.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 15:16 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120103_11.html
______________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Riot police witness disaster, recovery / Dispatched officers lift spirits, ensure safety of evacuees

Although the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred more than nine months ago, riot police are still patrolling the devastated areas.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120102001335.htm
__________________________________________
AJW

Lion roars a welcome to the new year for quake survivors

In celebration of the new year, a troupe performed a traditional “shishimai” lion dance on Jan. 2 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, offering inspiration to survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Children and residents of temporary housing watch a "shishimai" lion dance at Yonesaki Junior High School in tsunami-hit Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Jan. 2. (Eijiro Morii)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201201030038
_____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Over 70% of top Japan firms see economy as slowing or flattening

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More than 70 percent of 105 leading Japanese companies surveyed by Kyodo News see economic activity in Japan as either receding or flattening out against the backdrop of the yen's steep appreciation and slowdowns in the U.S. and European economies, according to survey findings released Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/03/20120103p2g00m0bu015000c.html

Dept. stores begin 2012 business with lucky bags, winter bargains

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Major department stores kicked off business for 2012 on Monday as crowds of shoppers sought "lucky bags" filled with discount goods and other New Year bargains.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/03/20120103p2g00m0dm002000c.html

Emperor wishes public a better year in New Year's greetings

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito offered his annual New Year's greetings to a total of 70,000 well-wishers who gathered over five sessions at the Imperial Palace on Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/03/20120103p2g00m0dm003000c.html
_______________________________________
Jiji press

INTERVIEW: Nomura to Support Agriculture for Local Revitalization

Tokyo, Jan. 3 (Jiji Press)--Leading Japanese stockbroker Nomura Holdings Inc. <8604> will promote support for the farm sector to help revitalize local areas after the country was rocked last year by massive natural disasters and a government decision to consider joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, the head of the group's agribusiness arm has said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011123000500

U.S. Events to Mark Centennial of Cherry Tree Gift from Japan

New York, Jan. 3 (Jiji Press)--A series of events are set to start in Washington, New York and other U.S. cities to mark the 100th anniversary of the donation of a number of cherry trees to the country from Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010400287
____________________________________________
Sankei news

“shishimai” lion dance at temporary house

makoto · Jan 4, 2012

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

New Year fish auction at tsunami-hit Kesennuma

The fish market in Kesennuma northeastern Japan has held its first auction of the New Year. The city in Japan's disaster-hit northeast is a major tuna and swordfish port.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_11.html

Noda: Democrats to call for tax talks next week

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will ask opposition parties to take part in discussions on a proposed consumption tax increase next week.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:12 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_12.html

Calligraphy performance in quake-hit city

Schoolgirls in Ofunato City have demonstrated their skill at calligraphy to express hopes for early reconstruction of the region severely hit by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 19:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_30.html

Disaster-hit sake maker celebrates first brewing

A Japanese sake maker in Iwate Prefecture has celebrated the New Year with its first brew since the March disaster last year.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 19:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_29.html
___________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Curry brings hope to disaster-hit town

ONAGAWA, Miyagi--Local residents from the tsunami-hit town of Onagawa have begun developing test dishes using a mixture of curry spices blended by an Indian volunteer worker.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120103001558.htm

Hirata: 'Quake made me surrender' / Says devastating scenes made him question his miserable life as fugitive

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120103003585.htm
______________________________________________
AJW

TIES THAT BIND: Disaster survivors, dad inspired Murofushi

This is Part 2 of a series on how Japanese athletes have strengthened their ties with family, coaches and teammates ahead of the London Olympics.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201201040014
______________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Hot times in Ishinomaki: Public bathhouse hit by tsunami reopens

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- A public bathhouse here has reopened for the first time since the Great East Japan Earthquake, attracting throngs of local residents.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/04/20120104p2a00m0na001000c.html

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Jiji press

Global Insurers' 2011 Disaster-Linked Payments Hit Record

Frankfurt, Jan. 4 (Jiji Press)--Natural disaster-related losses at the global insurance industry hit a record high in 2011 mainly due to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, German reinsurance giant Munich Re said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012010500110

Number of Strong Quakes Hit Record in Japan in 2011

Tokyo, Jan. 4 (Jiji Press)--The number of earthquakes in Japan measuring lower 5 or above on the country's seismic intensity scale of 7 totaled 68 in 2011, the highest figure since statistics started in 1926, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010400843
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Sankei news

New Year fish auction

makoto · Jan 5, 2012

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

Insurance payouts marked record high in 2011

Insurance companies made record payouts last year in response to disasters around the world. Total payments for the year reached 105 billion dollars.

Thursday, January 05, 2012 11:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120105_15.html

March earthquake created nearly 7,000 aftershocks

Japan's Meteorological Agency says last March's magnitude 9.0 earthquake was followed by nearly 7,000 aftershocks strong enough to be felt by humans.

Thursday, January 05, 2012 19:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120105_27.html
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Yomiuri online

Iwate business eyes making soy sauce cakes a local speciality

KAMAISHI, Iwate--A roll cake flavored with soy sauce made by a company with old roots in the city of Kamaishi has become a popular symbol of reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake in Iwate Prefecture and around the nation.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120104003568.htm

2012: rebuilding disaster-hit areas / Mayors, town officials stress working together to recover from March 11

Areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake kicked off the first working day of the year Wednesday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120104005301.htm
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AJW

Earthquakes prompt record insurance claims in 2011
*REUTERS

Natural disasters, led by catastrophic earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, cost a record $380 billion in 2011, more than double the figure for 2010 and triple the average for the past decade, insurance experts reported on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/analysis/AJ201201050048

Disaster-hit fish markets open new year with hope

It seemed like business as usual, at a fish market in Miyagi Prefecture's Kesennuma port, as freshly caught bigeye tuna and sharks were unloaded from four fishing boats on Jan. 4.

Buyers assess the quality of tuna at a fish market in disaster-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, on Jan. 4. (Eijiro Morii)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201201050008y

Tokyo government to launch fire prevention project

The Tokyo metropolitan government will launch in April a 10-year project to rebuild areas crammed with wooden buildings to mitigate possible catastrophic fires, government officials said.

Wooden houses are concentrated in an alley in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. (The Asahi Shimbun)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/quake_tsunami/AJ201201050041

Iconic Japanese food store in San Francisco closes

LOS ANGELES--A local Japanese grocery store in the United States that survived some tough times in its long and colorful history has closed, another apparent victim of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201050006z
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Reinsurer: Record natural disaster losses in 2011

BERLIN (AP) -- The devastating earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand made 2011 the costliest year yet for the insurance industry in terms of natural disaster losses, a leading reinsurance company said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/05/20120105p2g00m0bu067000c.html
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JMA

03:03 JST 05 Jan 2012 38.1N 141.9E 50 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120105030819391-050303.html

makoto · Jan 6, 2012

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

March disaster forced over 500 firms to shut down

More than 500 companies across Japan went bankrupt due to the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country's northeast last March.

Friday, January 06, 2012 07:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120106_03.html

Charity concert planned for March 11 in Paris

A charity concert will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on March 11th to mark the first anniversary of the disaster in northeastern Japan.

Friday, January 06, 2012 11:28 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120106_10.html
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Yomiuri online

Saitama Pref. to take tsunami countermeasures

SAITAMA--The Saitama prefectural government has begun work to include tsunami countermeasures in its regional disaster management plan, it has been learned.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120105006007.htm
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AJW

Once-deluged beachfront inn reopens in Kamaishi

KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture--On March 11, Akiko Iwasaki got swallowed up by the dark waters of the deadly tsunami in this seaside town.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201201060014
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan, China to support fund project for disaster orphans

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and China plan to support an initiative to launch a fund aimed at facilitating exchanges between children of the two countries who lost one or both parents due to the natural disasters last year and in 2008, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/06/20120106p2g00m0dm010000c.html

Catastrophe bonds drawing attention in financial industry

Catastrophe (CAT) bonds, which bear high interests but whose principals may not be repaid to investors in case of a huge natural disaster, are drawing increasing attention in the financial industry.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/06/20120106p2a00m0na012000c.html

Anonymous man donates building materials to disaster-hit Iwate firm

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- An anonymous man donated blocks of wood for building twice last year to a construction company here whose mill was destroyed by the March 11 tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/06/20120106p2a00m0na014000c.html

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JMA

01:47 JST 06 Jan 2012 38.7N 142.3E 40 km M4.9 Miyagi-ken Oki

jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20120106015151391-060147.html

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

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