January 2012

Japanese auto suppliers Yazaki, Denso admit to U.S. price-fixing, execs agree to prison terms, Detroit Free Press says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 31, 2012

Four Japanese executives for Yazaki Corp. are going to prison and the company has agreed to pay one of the largest anti-trust fines in U.S. history after the auto-parts company along with Denso Corp. plead guilty to price-fixing.

Japan’s population forecast to decline by two thirds over next century, AFP says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 31, 2012

The population of Japan is forecast to shrink by two thirds over the next century as the number of births falls below the replacement rate.

Japan unemployment rate up unexpectedly in December, Bloomberg says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 31, 2012

Japan’s unemployment rate edged up unexpectedly in December to 4.6% from 4.5% a month earlier, Bloomberg News said, citing Japan’s statistics bureau.

Tokyo cops seize uncensored 3D porn DVDs in Internet-sale crackdown

By CJ • January 30, 2012

Tokyo Metropolitan Police officers on Saturday raided a building in Nerima Ward being used for the sale of uncensored Sankei Shimbun (Jan. 30).

Japan nuclear reactor goes offline leaving only 3 in operation nationwide, Reuters says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 28, 2012

Only three of Japan’s nuclear reactors remain in operation after Chugoku Electric Power Co. shut its No. 2 reactor at its Shimane nuclear plant for scheduled maintenance Friday

Chinese man who petrol-bombed Japan’s South Korean embassy formally charged, AFP says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 27, 2012

A Chinese man who fire-bombed the Japanese embassy in Seoul, South Korea because his grandmother was forced into sexual slavery for the Japanese Imperial Army has been formally charged by prosecutors.

Chinese hooker club busted in Shibuya

By CJ • January 27, 2012

Offered customers sexual services inside a one-room apartment

Nishi Azabu celebrity playpen target of Tokyo police gang probe

By Kenji Nakano • January 27, 2012

Tokyo Metropolitan Police are focusing multiple investigations on a lavish club in upscale Nishi Azabu frequented by celebrities.

North Korean defectors say 571 South Koreans abducted, Chosun Ilbo reports

By Michael Blaskoski • January 26, 2012

North Korea has kidnapped 571 South Koreans since the end of the Korean War.

Japanese government hid a warning millions may need to flee Tokyo after nuclear disaster, AP Says

By Michael Blaskoski • January 26, 2012

The Japanese government kept secret a worst-case scenario report by experts that warned there was the possibility the meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant may require the forced evacuation of tens of millions from Tokyo.