December 2011

Japanese report calls response to TEPCO nuclear meltdown at Fukushima confused, bumbling, AP Says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 27, 2011

A report on the response to the nuclear disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant caused by the March 11, earthquake and tsunami paints a picture of confusion.

Arrest of former Yamaguchi-gumi member stirring entertainment world

By CJ • December 27, 2011

Gangster taken into custody for attempting to defraud investors out of 300 million yen

Fireman unable to pay tab opens extinguishers inside Kabukicho hostess club

By CJ • December 23, 2011

Suspect opened three fire extinguishers and sprayed white retardant powder at establishment’s entrance

Popularity of smart phones in Japan fueling scams

By Kenji Nakano • December 22, 2011

Young people finding multi-function smartphones appealing face risk of fraud

Inflated yen a magnet for Koreans selling spring in Japan

By Kazutaka Shimanaka • December 22, 2011

Opportunities await Korean females in Japan

North Korea’s new untested leader to share power with military, Reuters says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 22, 2011

Kim Jong-il’s son will rule North Korea jointly with his uncle and the military, Reuters reported, citing a source it said is close to Pyongyang and Beijing.

Olympus HQ, former president’s house raided by prosecutors, AP says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 21, 2011

Investigators raided the headquarters of troubled camera and endoscope maker Olympus

Japan chooses Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth jet to replace aging fighter fleet, AFP says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 21, 2011

The Japanese Defense Ministry officially chose Lockheed Martin’s Lightning II F-35 stealth fighter over competitors to become its next generation fighter jet, Agence France-Press said.

Japan seeks meeting with U.S., S. Korea following North Korean leader’s death, AFP says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 20, 2011

The Japanese government wants to hold high-level talks with the U.S. and South Korea over the unfolding situation in North Korea following the death of Kim Jong-il, Agence France-Presse said.

North Korean TV reports ‘Dear Leader’ died from heart failure, the Associated Press says

By Michael Blaskoski • December 19, 2011

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il apparently died from heart failure Dec. 17, two days before his death was officially announced, the Associated Press reported, citing state media.