Japan

September 01, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - "I understand that Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda has offered his resignation today. Japan is our leading ally in Asia and a vibrant democracy.

I want to express to the Prime Minister my appreciation, which I believe is shared by the American people, for his leadership on climate change and the support that Japan's Self Defense Forces have offered U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

Our alliance with Japan is based on common values and interests, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with Prime Minister Fukuda's successor in the months and years ahead to strengthen and deepen cooperation between our two nations and to create a truly global partnership."

Source: Barack Obama campaign

Washington -- 10 June 2008 -- Astronauts from the U.S. space shuttle Discovery have finished their final jobs on the International Space Station, and held a news conference from space. The Discovery astronauts Monday flexed the robotic arm that is part of the Japanese science laboratory they helped to install on the space station.

Japanese Experiment Module, or JEM, also called Kibo: Japanese Experiment Module, or JEM, also called Kibo, in its new home on the International Space Station. This view depicts Kibo's exterior, backdropped by solar array panels for the orbital outpost and one of its trusses. NASA photo.    » read more »

7 May 2008 -- A series of strong earthquakes in the Pacific Ocean shook eastern Japan and Tokyo early Thursday. Early reports indicate the quakes caused no serious damage or injuries, and authorities say there is no risk of a tsunami.

Tokyo, Japan: Photo by Alex Masters (CC)

The strongest jolt, magnitude 6.7, hit shortly before 2 a.m., local time (12:45 p.m. Wednesday EDT / 1645 Wednesday UTC). It was centered about 35 kilometers below the surface, at a spot in the ocean about 160 kilometers east of Tokyo.    » read more »

4/7/2008 -- NORFOLK (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) with its crew of approximately 3,200 Sailors departed Norfolk, April 7, to begin its journey to Yokosuka, Japan to replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the United States' only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

Aircraft carrier USS George Washington: Photo courtesy U.S. Navy    » read more »

RHP Terumasa Matsuo from Shikoku Island League in Japan

BOSTON, 03/30/2008 -- The Boston Red Sox have signed free agent righthanded pitcher Terumasa Matsuo from the Independent Shikoku Island League in Japan.

The announcement was made by Boston Red Sox Vice President of International Scouting Craig Shipley and Pacific Rim Coordinator Jon Deeble in Shikoku, Japan.    » read more »

31 March 2008 -- Japan's jobless rate has risen for the first time in five months, and Chevron Corporation has discovered large offshore natural gas deposits in Vietnam. Naomi Martig in Hong Kong has more on these and other business stories from the region.

Japan's unemployment rate has risen for the first time in five months, partly because exports to the United States fell. Japanese officials say the jobless rate rose to 3.9 percent in February, up from the 3.8 percent recorded the previous month.

Analysts say the increase is not worrisome, but that it does indicate that companies are concerned about hiring workers as they deal with rising costs and slower U.S. consumer spending.    » read more »

03/25/2008, TOKYO, JAPAN -- The Boston Red Sox today set their 2008 opening day roster with the following moves:

--Placed righthanded pitcher Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 19 with a lower back strain.

--Optioned catcher Dusty Brown to Triple-A Pawtucket of the International League.

--Purchased the contact of catcher Kevin Cash from Triple-A Pawtucket.

The three moves put the Red Sox' roster at 27 players, one under the allowable limit for the Ricoh Opening Series Japan 2008. Of that number, 25 players will be active for the two games in Japan versus the Oakland A's.

The two inactive players for this two-game series are righthanded pitchers Mike Timlin (cut on right ring finger), and Tim Wakefield (started Sunday's game versus Yomiuri).    » read more »