An Epic Battle Forgotten in Japan

Dignitaries and guests are gathering on Guadalcanal to commemorate the battle that marked a turning point in World War II, halting Japan's advance. While the battle is a significant part of American historical memory, it is largely forgotten in Japan, overshadowed by other wartime events. Japanese wartime leaders suppressed news of the defeat, and the battle's horror and sacrifice are not widely recognized in Japan. Military historian M.G. Sheftall notes the devastating impact of the battle on Japanese troops and the reasons for its obscurity in Japanese memory.

Japan: Sailor kills woman, self in Okinawa

A U.S. Navy sailor fatally stabbed a Japanese woman and then killed himself in Okinawa, leading to an investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and local police. Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeo Akiba, expressed extreme regret and sought cooperation from U.S. Ambassador William Hagerty. The incident has intensified local resentment towards the American military presence in Okinawa, which hosts a significant portion of U.S. troops in Japan. Okinawa's governor, Denny Tamaki, continues to advocate for the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma off the island.

Hydrogen bomb vs. atomic bomb: What's the difference?

Hydrogen bombs are significantly more powerful than atomic bombs, using nuclear fusion instead of fission. North Korea claims to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, which, if true, marks a significant advancement in its nuclear program. This claim has drawn international condemnation. The article also notes that only a few countries possess hydrogen weapons, while others have nuclear fission-based arsenals.

Apology, memorial in Japan mark reconciliation for American POWs

Representatives of former American POWs and Mitsubishi Materials Corp. took a significant step towards reconciliation with a formal apology and the dedication of a memorial plaque at the Hanawa mine in Japan. The plaque honors the American POWs who suffered and died under harsh conditions while forced to work in the mine during World War II. This act of reconciliation comes as Japan increasingly examines its wartime past. The memorial is seen as a bold and courageous step by Mitsubishi, acknowledging its role in wartime abuses and aiming to foster greater cooperation between Japan and the United States.

Tsunami advisories lifted after Japan earthquake

Japan lifted tsunami advisories following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the coast of Fukushima, which injured at least 14 people but caused no major damage. The quake, an aftershock of the 2011 disaster, disrupted transportation and prompted evacuations. A 1.4-meter tsunami wave was reported, but no significant damage occurred. Tokyo Electric Power Co. confirmed no damage or radiation changes at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potential aftershocks and urged caution.

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Japan, evacuations ordered

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima, Japan, causing transportation disruptions and evacuation advisories. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, later downgraded to an advisory. Minor injuries were reported, and a small tsunami wave reached the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant without causing damage. The quake, felt in Tokyo, led to temporary power loss at Fukushima Dai-ni nuclear power plant and interruptions at Sendai airport and bullet train services. Japan, a seismically active region, continues to recover from the 2011 disaster.

Stakes high in Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in New York is crucial for addressing trade and defense concerns. Abe aims to salvage the Trans-Pacific Partnership and secure U.S. defense commitments amid Trump's 'America First' stance. The meeting marks Trump's first with a foreign leader, raising questions about his foreign policy direction, especially in Asia. Abe seeks to emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, while Trump has yet to finalize his foreign policy team. The potential rejection of TPP could shift Asian partners towards a China-inclusive trade deal, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Concerns also arise over U.S. troop costs in Japan and the implications of a potential drawdown.

As Duterte speaks, U.S. military might need to listen

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's demand for U.S. troops to leave the Philippines poses a challenge to America's strategy to counter China's influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. currently has troops stationed in the Philippines and conducts major training exercises there. Duterte's statements, including insults towards President Obama and talk of 'separation' from the U.S., have caused concern among world leaders and defense analysts. The potential need to relocate U.S. troops and the implications for regional security and U.S. military strategy are being debated by experts.

Japanese hope to return to islands seized by Russia in 1945

Hiroshi Tokuno and other former residents of Shikotan Island, expelled by Russian soldiers in 1945, hope to return home as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prepares to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The potential deal involves Japan investing in Russia's Far East in exchange for the return of some islands. The dispute has hindered Japan-Russia relations for decades, preventing a formal peace treaty. Abe's proposal includes economic cooperation, but challenges remain, including the presence of 20,000 Russians on the islands and the broader geopolitical implications involving the United States.

Japanese are working themselves to death--literally

Matsuri Takahashi, a 24-year-old employee at Dentsu, committed suicide due to overwork, a phenomenon known in Japan as karoshi. The Tokyo Labor Bureau ruled her death as such after finding she had been required to work over 100 hours of overtime per month. This case has prompted the Labor Ministry to investigate Dentsu and may accelerate workplace reforms. Japan faces a broader issue with excessive overtime, with 23% of companies having employees work over 80 hours of overtime per month, a threshold considered dangerous. Despite labor laws, loopholes allow for excessive overtime, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sought recommendations for improving the work environment.