The Fukushima nuclear disaster still a hot issue, but generally in the focus of Japan's nationalistic ability to rally and work together.
New Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been criticized for singing the national anthem, some saying it's a symbol of Japan's past militarism and imperialism. Abe was Prime Minister for less than a year in 2006, before he resigned. Now he has won the most recent election and has just started his term. Actually, "Take Back Japan" (「日本を取り戻す」) was the LDP slogan for the most recent election. Abe sang Japan's de facto pre WWII national anthem, which has been replaced by a newer anthem for a long time. That newer anthem, however, was only given legal status in 1999, so some people still stick to the old one.
Interestingly, many Japanese scholars believe Mt. Fuju is going to erupt very soon. According to the article, Fuji-san's magma chamber has an internal pressure of 1.6 megapascals, higher than when it last erupted. Experts also believe the recent earthquake and tsunami (and repeated subsequent earthquakes since) are a big indicator of this as well.
Finally, costume designer Eiko Ishioka, who has died, was nominated by the American Movie Academy for an Oscar. Good for her.
International:
- S Korean man stabs himself at airport to protest arrival of Japan envoy
- Abe eyes statement that would supersede 1995 government apology
- New Japan PM: China's Island Dispute Moves 'Wrong'
- Japan to boost military budget amid regional tensions
Politics:
- Seoul may have female leader but Tokyo's is long way off: poll
- Even gangsters live in fear of Japan's gun laws
- Japan PM Abe sings national anthem as step to "take back Japan"
Other:
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