Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead & missing - March 27+

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead & missing - March 27+

Japan's economy to grow, but downside risks remain

The Japanese economy is expected to grow moderately in the fiscal year that starts this April, but downside risks remain.

Monday, January 02, 2012 09:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_06.html

Emperor greets public, wishes them a better year

The Emperor used his annual New Year greetings to the public to say that he hopes 2012 will be a better year for the Japanese people as the country recovers from last year's earthquake and tsunami.

Monday, January 02, 2012 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_09.html

Dept. stores begin 2012 with "lucky bag" sales

Most department stores in Japan opened for the new year on Monday. They were packed with people who wanted to buy bargain packages known as lucky bags.

Monday, January 02, 2012 15:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_11.html
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AJW

Researchers: 30% chance of magnitude-9 quake in 30 years

Chances are 30 percent that a magnitude-9 earthquake will strike along the Japan Trench between the Tohoku region and Chiba Prefecture within the next 30 years, a government research council said.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201020001

1st sunrise of 2012 gives hope to disaster survivors

People in disaster-stricken northeastern Japan were greeted with a spectacular glowing orange sunrise on New Year’s Day, a sign many in the Tohoku region hoped would herald the arrival of better times in 2012.

The sun rises on Jan. 1 behind the lone "miracle" pine tree that was left standing after the tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture. (Eijiro Morii)

A man watches the first sunrise at a port in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, on Jan. 1. (Toshiyuki Hayashi)
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f2ojWhRK9A4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The year's first sunrise was partly obscured by thick clouds in Tokyo on Jan. 1. The tower in the center is Tokyo Sky Tree, which opens in May. (Minako Yoshimoto)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201020012

TIES THAT BIND: Nadeshiko Japan players didn't do it alone

What is the power of sports? That was a question many athletes in Japan were asking themselves in 2011 following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of eastern Japan.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/...AJ201201020047
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Emperor receives greetings, hopes for united rebuilding effort

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Sunday received New Year's greetings at the start of 2012 from other imperial family members and foreign ambassadors, while expressing hope in his New Year's message for cooperative and patient efforts to rebuild society after the nation was devastated by a series of natural disasters last year.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm001000c.html

Coast Guard mystified as boat lost in March 11 tsunami found on other side of Japan

KAMI, Hyogo -- A small fishing boat swept away from its home port in Iwate Prefecture by the March 11 tsunami was discovered here -- all the way on the other side of Japan's largest island of Honshu -- on Dec. 31.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na008000c.html
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Sankei news

lucky box sales
at Aoba ward, Sendai city

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Ritual lion dance performed in tsunami-hit Miyagi

Dancers in a tsunami-hit town in northern Japan performed a traditional New Year lion dance to remember the victims and pray for reconstruction.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 03:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120103_03.html

Emperor wishes public a better year

Emperor Akihito says he hopes 2012 will be a better year for the Japanese people as the country continues to recover from last year's earthquake and tsunami.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 03:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_17.html

Governments in Japan review disaster prevention

Japan's central and local governments are considering a revision of the current anti-earthquake and tsunami measures following the March 11th disaster and resulting meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 09:08 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120102_18.html

Job measure in hardest-hit areas urgently sought

Finding employment is taking on an added urgency for survivors of last year's disaster in northeastern Japan.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012 15:16 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120103_11.html
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Yomiuri online

Riot police witness disaster, recovery / Dispatched officers lift spirits, ensure safety of evacuees

Although the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred more than nine months ago, riot police are still patrolling the devastated areas.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120102001335.htm
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AJW

Lion roars a welcome to the new year for quake survivors

In celebration of the new year, a troupe performed a traditional “shishimai” lion dance on Jan. 2 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, offering inspiration to survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Children and residents of temporary housing watch a "shishimai" lion dance at Yonesaki Junior High School in tsunami-hit Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Jan. 2. (Eijiro Morii)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201030038
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Over 70&#37; of top Japan firms see economy as slowing or flattening

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More than 70 percent of 105 leading Japanese companies surveyed by Kyodo News see economic activity in Japan as either receding or flattening out against the backdrop of the yen's steep appreciation and slowdowns in the U.S. and European economies, according to survey findings released Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu015000c.html

Dept. stores begin 2012 business with lucky bags, winter bargains

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Major department stores kicked off business for 2012 on Monday as crowds of shoppers sought "lucky bags" filled with discount goods and other New Year bargains.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm002000c.html

Emperor wishes public a better year in New Year's greetings

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito offered his annual New Year's greetings to a total of 70,000 well-wishers who gathered over five sessions at the Imperial Palace on Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm003000c.html
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Jiji press

INTERVIEW: Nomura to Support Agriculture for Local Revitalization

Tokyo, Jan. 3 (Jiji Press)--Leading Japanese stockbroker Nomura Holdings Inc. <8604> will promote support for the farm sector to help revitalize local areas after the country was rocked last year by massive natural disasters and a government decision to consider joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, the head of the group's agribusiness arm has said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011123000500

U.S. Events to Mark Centennial of Cherry Tree Gift from Japan

New York, Jan. 3 (Jiji Press)--A series of events are set to start in Washington, New York and other U.S. cities to mark the 100th anniversary of the donation of a number of cherry trees to the country from Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010400287
____________________________________________
Sankei news

“shishimai” lion dance at temporary house

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

New Year fish auction at tsunami-hit Kesennuma

The fish market in Kesennuma northeastern Japan has held its first auction of the New Year. The city in Japan's disaster-hit northeast is a major tuna and swordfish port.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_11.html

Noda: Democrats to call for tax talks next week

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will ask opposition parties to take part in discussions on a proposed consumption tax increase next week.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:12 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_12.html

Calligraphy performance in quake-hit city

Schoolgirls in Ofunato City have demonstrated their skill at calligraphy to express hopes for early reconstruction of the region severely hit by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 19:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_30.html

Disaster-hit sake maker celebrates first brewing

A Japanese sake maker in Iwate Prefecture has celebrated the New Year with its first brew since the March disaster last year.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 19:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120104_29.html
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Yomiuri online

Curry brings hope to disaster-hit town

ONAGAWA, Miyagi--Local residents from the tsunami-hit town of Onagawa have begun developing test dishes using a mixture of curry spices blended by an Indian volunteer worker.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120103001558.htm

Hirata: 'Quake made me surrender' / Says devastating scenes made him question his miserable life as fugitive

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120103003585.htm
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AJW

TIES THAT BIND: Disaster survivors, dad inspired Murofushi

This is Part 2 of a series on how Japanese athletes have strengthened their ties with family, coaches and teammates ahead of the London Olympics.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/...AJ201201040014
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Hot times in Ishinomaki: Public bathhouse hit by tsunami reopens

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- A public bathhouse here has reopened for the first time since the Great East Japan Earthquake, attracting throngs of local residents.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na001000c.html


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Jiji press

Global Insurers' 2011 Disaster-Linked Payments Hit Record

Frankfurt, Jan. 4 (Jiji Press)--Natural disaster-related losses at the global insurance industry hit a record high in 2011 mainly due to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, German reinsurance giant Munich Re said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012010500110

Number of Strong Quakes Hit Record in Japan in 2011

Tokyo, Jan. 4 (Jiji Press)--The number of earthquakes in Japan measuring lower 5 or above on the country's seismic intensity scale of 7 totaled 68 in 2011, the highest figure since statistics started in 1926, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010400843
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Sankei news

New Year fish auction

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Insurance payouts marked record high in 2011

Insurance companies made record payouts last year in response to disasters around the world. Total payments for the year reached 105 billion dollars.

Thursday, January 05, 2012 11:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120105_15.html

March earthquake created nearly 7,000 aftershocks

Japan's Meteorological Agency says last March's magnitude 9.0 earthquake was followed by nearly 7,000 aftershocks strong enough to be felt by humans.

Thursday, January 05, 2012 19:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120105_27.html
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Yomiuri online

Iwate business eyes making soy sauce cakes a local speciality

KAMAISHI, Iwate--A roll cake flavored with soy sauce made by a company with old roots in the city of Kamaishi has become a popular symbol of reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake in Iwate Prefecture and around the nation.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120104003568.htm

2012: rebuilding disaster-hit areas / Mayors, town officials stress working together to recover from March 11

Areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake kicked off the first working day of the year Wednesday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120104005301.htm
_____________________________________________
AJW

Earthquakes prompt record insurance claims in 2011
*REUTERS

Natural disasters, led by catastrophic earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, cost a record $380 billion in 2011, more than double the figure for 2010 and triple the average for the past decade, insurance experts reported on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201050048

Disaster-hit fish markets open new year with hope

It seemed like business as usual, at a fish market in Miyagi Prefecture's Kesennuma port, as freshly caught bigeye tuna and sharks were unloaded from four fishing boats on Jan. 4.

Buyers assess the quality of tuna at a fish market in disaster-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, on Jan. 4. (Eijiro Morii)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...J201201050008y

Tokyo government to launch fire prevention project

The Tokyo metropolitan government will launch in April a 10-year project to rebuild areas crammed with wooden buildings to mitigate possible catastrophic fires, government officials said.

Wooden houses are concentrated in an alley in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. (The Asahi Shimbun)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201050041

Iconic Japanese food store in San Francisco closes

LOS ANGELES--A local Japanese grocery store in the United States that survived some tough times in its long and colorful history has closed, another apparent victim of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...J201201050006z
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Reinsurer: Record natural disaster losses in 2011

BERLIN (AP) -- The devastating earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand made 2011 the costliest year yet for the insurance industry in terms of natural disaster losses, a leading reinsurance company said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu067000c.html
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JMA

03:03 JST 05 Jan 2012 38.1N 141.9E 50 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-050303.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

March disaster forced over 500 firms to shut down

More than 500 companies across Japan went bankrupt due to the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country's northeast last March.

Friday, January 06, 2012 07:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120106_03.html

Charity concert planned for March 11 in Paris

A charity concert will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on March 11th to mark the first anniversary of the disaster in northeastern Japan.

Friday, January 06, 2012 11:28 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120106_10.html
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Yomiuri online

Saitama Pref. to take tsunami countermeasures

SAITAMA--The Saitama prefectural government has begun work to include tsunami countermeasures in its regional disaster management plan, it has been learned.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120105006007.htm
_____________________________________________
AJW

Once-deluged beachfront inn reopens in Kamaishi

KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture--On March 11, Akiko Iwasaki got swallowed up by the dark waters of the deadly tsunami in this seaside town.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201060014
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan, China to support fund project for disaster orphans

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and China plan to support an initiative to launch a fund aimed at facilitating exchanges between children of the two countries who lost one or both parents due to the natural disasters last year and in 2008, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm010000c.html

Catastrophe bonds drawing attention in financial industry

Catastrophe (CAT) bonds, which bear high interests but whose principals may not be repaid to investors in case of a huge natural disaster, are drawing increasing attention in the financial industry.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na012000c.html

Anonymous man donates building materials to disaster-hit Iwate firm

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- An anonymous man donated blocks of wood for building twice last year to a construction company here whose mill was destroyed by the March 11 tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na014000c.html


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JMA

01:47 JST 06 Jan 2012 38.7N 142.3E 40 km M4.9 Miyagi-ken Oki




jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/201201...91-060147.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Recovery predicted for April / Business leaders confident, but press for reforms, sales tax hike

The economy will begin recovering in April thanks to rising demand for reconstruction projects in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, leaders of the nation's three major business organizations have predicted.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120106005169.htm

Maps help plot road to recovery in Tohoku

City planners in areas devastated by the March 11 quake and tsunami are using special maps of damage conditions to help them draft reconstruction plans, and Google has launched a project to archive before-and-after images of the disaster-hit zones.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120106005503.htm

Water colors

Firefighting ships spray colored water with the Tokyo Sky Tree in the background during Dezomeshiki, an annual January parade of fire departments, on Friday off Koto Ward, Tokyo. About 2,700 firefighters participated in the annual event held near Tokyo Big Sight exhibition hall. In addition to modern displays, performers of traditional firefighters' acrobatic ladder-climbing, dating back to the Edo period, flew banners with messages of encouragement for the Tohoku region.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20120107dy01.htm
__________________________________________________ ________
AJW

annual January parade of fire departments
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T7ZGvU9VYfU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

'Safe Japan' promotion continues after free-flight plan rejected

After its plan to give free flights to foreign bloggers was rejected, the Japan Tourism Agency decided to continue its promotion of Japan through a program focused on the disaster-hit Tohoku region.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201201070014
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Conveying the true feelings of disaster victims

Six months have passed since I moved from Tokyo to begin reporting from the Sanriku Coast in Iwate Prefecture, an area devastated by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Each day I notice the feelings of people affected by the disasters -- the sadness of losing a loved one, the feeling of self-condemnation for surviving while others have died, and worries about the future. During my time here, I've also been taught the importance of time spent with family and friends -- things that I had taken for granted.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/...na005000c.html

Teens visit tsunami-ravaged area in Miyagi on school trip

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- About 90 students of a public high school in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, visited a tsunami-ravaged area in Miyagi Prefecture, northeast Japan, on Saturday after their school trip's destination was changed in order for them to learn from the disaster.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm002000c.html
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Jiji press

Anxiety over Everyday Life Weighs on Japan Disaster Victims

Tokyo, Jan. 7 (Jiji Press)--Anxiety over everyday life is weighing down on survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami as they face up to the loss of jobs and homes. Many of them experience serious mental pain, experts said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012010700228
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Sankei news

Teens visit tsunami-ravaged area in Miyagi on school trip

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JMA

21:31 JST 07 Jan 2012 38.2N 141.7E 50 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/201201...91-072131.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

March 11 survivors facing hardships

An NHK survey on people living in a temporary housing complex following the March 11th disaster paints a grim picture.

Sunday, January 08, 2012 00:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120107_23.html

4,000 buildings designated as tsunami shelters

A survey has found that Japanese municipalities designated around 4,000 buildings to serve as tsunami shelters as of October of last year, with the number doubling in the few months after the March 2011 disaster.

Sunday, January 08, 2012 12:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120108_12.html
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Yomiuri online

Researchers strive to discover whether dogs also like hot springs

OKAYAMA--Are hot-spring baths as relaxing for dogs as they are for humans? A research team from a professional training college in Okayama City is looking into the matter.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120106001647.htm
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo,AP)

Mobile phone firms to collaborate on disaster voice message service

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and other mobile phone operators will team up to jointly provide a voice message service to help subscribers confirm their safety in the event of natural disasters, officials of the companies said Saturday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu048000c.html

Man who continued publishing magazine after March 11 disasters receives award

SENDAI -- A man who continued publishing a magazine here despite harsh conditions following the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami became the recipient of the annual "Shuppan Azusakai Shinbunsha Gakugei Bunkasho" award, given to distinguished publishers.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na001000c.html
araemshi http://homepage2.nifty.com/araemishi/
araemishi twitter https://twitter.com!/araemishi

Quake, tsunami victims organize musical to express gratitude for disaster relief help

HIGASHIMATSUSHIMA, Miyagi -- Some 120 people from Miyagi Prefecture, one of the most affected areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, have organized an original musical to express their gratitude for people's help following the disasters.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na002000c.html
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Sankei news

coming of age ceremony at Miyako city, Iwate pref

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JMA

13:41 JST 08 Jan 2012 38.6N 141.9E 50 km M4.2 Miyagi-ken Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-081341.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Japan to install tsunami monitoring system at sea

The Japanese government will install a large scale tsunami monitoring system on the Pacific seabed to speed up its warning process.

Monday, January 09, 2012 05:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_01.html

Govt to create disaster-aid inventory database

The Japanese government will launch a national database of food and other goods to enable speedy aid distribution in times of disaster.

Monday, January 09, 2012 11:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_14.html

Ishinomaki fire brigade mourns comrades

A fire brigade in tsunami-hit Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture has dedicated its New Year ceremony to members who perished in the March 11th disaster.

Monday, January 09, 2012 12:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_16.html

Experts developing disaster awareness video book

A group of experts in Japan is developing a digital book to help people better prepare for natural disasters. The devastating earthquake and tsunami last March led to the project's creation.

Monday, January 09, 2012 22:41 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_19.html
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AJW

PHOTO/ Young survivors come of age in quake-hit Tohoku

A 19-year-old in a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, clutched a photograph of a friend killed in the March 11 tsunami, one of the many reminders of the devastation inflicted by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OgviHqKxRhs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
A participant at a Jan. 8 Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, sits next to a framed photograph of a friend who died in the March 11 disaster. (Satoru Ogawa)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201090019
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Iwate Pref. native finds meaning in working for revival of tsunami-hit hometown

OFUNATO, Iwate -- When Ofunato native Takehiro Oikawa called a friend back in his hometown over the summer, asking if he could send anything to the earthquake- and tsunami-devastated city, his friend's answer cut him to the quick: "I want you not to forget the catastrophe that happened here."

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/arch...na004000c.html
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Sankei news

Ofunato Marathon competitions

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JMA

02:04 JST 09 Jan 2012 38.8N 142.2E 40 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-090204.html

07:13 JST 09 Jan 2012 39.3N 142.1E 50 km M5.0 Iwate-ken Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-090713.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Lucky man race for 2012

About 3,000 men raced through a shrine compound in Nishinomiya, western Japan on Monday, vying for the honor of being the luckiest man of the year.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 15:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120110_18.html he is a disaster-relief volunteer

KDDI to begin e-mail tsunami warning service

Japanese telecom firm KDDI will begin providing texted tsunami warnings to its mobile phone subscribers.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 16:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120110_20.html

Cabinet approval rate plunges to 30&#37;

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 17:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120110_23.html

Noda visits disaster-hit areas

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has reiterated the need to speed up reconstruction efforts in disaster-hit northeastern Japan.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 19:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120110_26.html
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AJW

If anyone can make Tohoku smile, the candy man can

A group of confectioneries whose offices and factories are located in the six prefectures that form the Tohoku region will be selling a joint packaged set to show solidarity in support of reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The Michinoku-shu set of confections made in Tohoku's six prefectures (Provided by the steering committee for Michinoku-shu)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311dis...AJ201201100043
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AJW

Noda says stronger local industry will rebuild disaster-hit areas

ISHINOMAKI (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda took time out from political wrangling on Tuesday to get a firsthand look at how local businesses are surviving in disaster-hit northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm134000c.html

Former disaster-relief volunteer wins dash to shrine to become 'happiest man' in Japan

NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo -- A 21-year-old student became Japan's "happiest man" after he was the first among thousands to reach the main shrine in a traditional shrine festival here.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na010000c.html

Quake disaster survivors see bleak future as unemployment benefits run out

Survivors of the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami will start losing their unemployment benefits this month as Japan marks 10 months since the disaster, though many of them are struggling to find work.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na016000c.html

Disaster-stricken Ofunato holds annual marathon despite need to change courses

OFUNATO, Iwate -- An annual marathon that is a major event in this disaster-stricken city was held this year despite visible scars from last year's March 11 triple disasters.


http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na019000c.html
__________________________________________________ ____
Jiji press

5 Major Japan Nonlife Insurers Log Premium Revenue Growth

Tokyo, Jan. 10 (Jiji Press)--All five major Japanese nonlife insurance companies posted year-on-year growth in premium revenue in April-December 2011 partly thanks to premium hikes for automobile insurance in April, according to their reports released by Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011000951

JETRO to Help Disaster-Hit Japan Textile Makers in U.S.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011000797

Japan's Reconstruction Bonds Attract Solid Demand

Tokyo, Jan. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Finance Ministry said Tuesday that bonds issued in December to raise funds from individuals for postdisaster reconstruction attracted strong demand, with sales coming to 745.4 billion yen.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011000944

Noda Visits Disaster-Hit Northeastern Areas

Ishinomaki, Miyagi Pref., Jan. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed his resolve to improve the living conditions of those hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami during his visit to affected areas in the northeastern prefectures of Miyagi and Iwate on Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011000973
__________________________________________________ ____
Sankei news

Lucky man race for 2012
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZD-idaWyMps?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

i love this race

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

JAPAN SINCE THE QUAKE -- Redefining happiness / People seek to connect with others

Every Japanese was feeling times were changing before March 11. The nation's birthrate remained at low levels while the population continued to age quickly. The government's fiscal condition was getting worse. The global financial crisis had hit the nation hard. Voters were disappointed with the performance of the Democratic Party of Japan, which had taken the reins of government from the Liberal Democratic Party in 2009.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120110006109.htm
__________________________________________________ ____
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Incidents of fire in Japan up 12&#37; in Jan.-June 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of fire incidents in Japan in the first half of 2011 rose 12.0 percent from a year earlier to 27,557, excluding Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, which were hardest hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the government said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm015000c.html

Police wage intensive search for missing 10 months after March disaster

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Police carried out an intensive search for people still missing in the March earthquake and tsunami in Miyagi Prefecture Wednesday 10 months after the disaster wreaked havoc on Pacific coastal areas of northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm027000c.html

Dragon-like tree attracts visitors in disaster-stricken Kesennuma

KESENNUMA, Miyagi -- A pine tree that looks just like a dragon in this disaster-stricken city is attracting visitors since it was recently discovered, local residents say.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na008000c.html


__________________________________________________ _________
Jiji press

Biz Sentiment Improves in 3 Disater-Hit Japan Prefectures

Tokyo, Jan. 11 (Jiji Press)--Business sentiment in the three northeastern Japan prefectures hit hardest by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami improved in December thanks to brisk demand related to postdisaster reconstruction, a Teikoku Databank Ltd. survey showed Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011100823

Microsoft Launches Free PC Project for Disaster-Hit Small Firms

Tokyo, Jan. 11 (Jiji Press)--Microsoft Co. said Wednesday that it has launched a project to provide used personal computers for free to small firms in areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including most badly affected Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011100921
__________________________________________________ __________
Sankei news

10 months after

Miyagi Prefecture police


Wakaba ward, Sendai city


Otsuchi town, Iwate pref

__________________________________________________ __________
JMA

08:23 JST 11 Jan 2012 38.4N 141.8E 60 km M4.2 Miyagi-ken Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-110823.html

10:16 JST 11 Jan 2012 39.5N 143.6E 10 km M4.7 Sanriku Oki


jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-111016.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Japanese writers invited to Paris Book Fair

Nobel laureate Kenzaburo Oe and 21 other Japanese writers have been invited to this year's Paris Book Fair.

Thursday, January 12, 2012 12:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120112_17.html

New Year poetry reading held at Imperial Palace

The annual New Year's poetry reading took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday.

Thursday, January 12, 2012 14:18 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120112_20.html
__________________________________________________ ___
Yomiuri online

43,000 move from hard-hit Tohoku prefectures

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120111006111.htm

Job creation key to postdisaster recovery

Following a decline in the populations of areas hit hard by the March 11 disaster, special reconstruction zones have launched job-creation initiatives to curb a potential mass exodus of residents, as seen in previous disasters.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120111006035.htm

JAPAN SINCE THE QUAKE -- Redefining happiness / Disaster spurs strengthening of family ties

This is the second installment of a series of articles looking into the impact of the March 11 disaster on Japanese values. This article focuses on a growing tendency among Japanese to seek stronger family ties.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120111006710.htm

Continuing search

Miyagi prefectural police officers search among breakwater blocks for missing people on the coastline in the Iwaisaki district of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, on Wednesday, the 10-month anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. As of Jan. 4, 1,861 of the prefecture's residents remained missing, with the last missing person found Dec. 13. The prefectural police started a regular twice-a-week search for missing people on Wednesday following irregular search efforts by diving teams and other units.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20120112dy01.htm
__________________________________________________ _____
AJW

Emperor, empress compose poems for disaster areas

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko expressed their feelings toward victims of the March 11 disaster in the Tohoku region in their poems read at the New Year Poetry ceremony on Jan. 12.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201201120065
__________________________________________________ _______
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Nobel laureate Oe, 21 other Japanese invited to Paris Book Fair

PARIS (Kyodo) -- Nobel literature laureate Kenzaburo Oe and 21 other Japanese writers have been invited to France's largest book fair Salon du Livre to be held in March in Paris, the organizer said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et146000c.html

Forum report urges flexible response to major crises on Japan quake

GENEVA (Kyodo) -- The World Economic Forum issued a report Wednesday calling for a flexible response to major crises based on lessons learned from the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan last March.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu116000c.html

Japan bank lending rises 0.5&#37; in Dec., up for 3rd straight month

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu129000c.html

Japan's Nov. current account surplus down 85.5%

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu130000c.html

Emperor recounts visit to tsunami-affected areas in New Year poem

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito recounted his visit to areas devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in a poem recited at the annual New Year Poetry Reading Ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm090000c.html

Woman visits daily place where missing husband called for citizens to evacuate from tsunami

MINAMISANRIKU, Miyagi -- A woman here continues to visit every day the office of her husband, missing since the March 11 tsunami, to leave gifts and speak out to him.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na007000c.html
________________________________________________
Jiji press

Special Unemployment Benefit in Disaster Areas Begins Expiring

Tokyo, Jan. 12 (Jiji Press)--Special unemployment benefit began coming to an end on Thursday in the three northeastern Japan prefectures hit hardest by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year, labor ministry officials said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011200987
__________________________________________________ ___
Sankei news

disaster prevention forest in Sendai city seashore

__________________________________________________ _______
JMA

14:37 JST 12 Jan 2012 38.3N 142.6E 10 km M5.4 Miyagi-ken Oki





jma http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/3/2012...91-121437.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Criminal offenses fall below 1.5 mil. in 2011

The number of criminal offenses last year in Japan fell below 1.5 million for the first time since 1981.

...Criminal offenses decreased a total of 16 percent in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, which were hit-hard by the March 11th disaster last year.....

Friday, January 13, 2012 06:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_02.html

Nankai quake may cause sustained jolts in Osaka

A panel of seismologists has predicted that a magnitude 8 earthquake in western Japan would cause long-period ground motions lasting more than 5 minutes in the commercial hub of Osaka.

Friday, January 13, 2012 18:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_18.html

Japan's new cabinet launched

Friday, January 13, 2012 17:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_22.html
__________________________________________________ _____
Yomiuri online

JAPAN SINCE THE QUAKE -- Redefining happiness / Young people question the meaning of work

This is the third installment of a series of articles looking into the impact of the March 11 disaster on Japanese values. This article focuses on a growing tendency among Japanese to redefine the meaning of work.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120112006768.htm

Quake victims to lose unemployment aid

More than 4,000 people in the disaster-hit areas of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures will lose their unemployment benefits by the end of February, according to labor ministry estimates.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120112006774.htm
__________________________________________________ _______
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Machine tool orders rise 35.5&#37; in 2011 on reconstruction demand

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Total orders for machine tools in 2011 rose 35.5 percent in value terms from the previous year to 1.33 trillion yen, increasing for the second consecutive year, due mainly to reconstruction demand in the wake of natural disasters including the March earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan and the massive flooding in Thailand, an industry body said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu149000c.html

Special unemployment benefits to end for 4,000 quake-hit people

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Around 4,000 people will become ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits in coastal areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, devastated by the March 2011 disaster, by the end of February as special extensions begin to expire from Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm010000c.html

Disaster drill for foreigners held in Tokyo

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo metropolitan government held a disaster drill Friday to help foreign residents better prepare for earthquakes and other natural disasters amid heightened attention following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm118000c.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Yomiuri online

JAPAN SINCE THE QUAKE--Redefining happiness / Many seeking less materialistic lifestyles

This is the fourth installment in a series of articles looking at the impact of the March 11 disaster on Japanese values. This article focuses on people who changed their lifestyles following the disaster.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120113006522.htm
__________________________________________________ _____________
AJW

Exam-takers flock to 'lucky' rock that survived quake

A huge rock at a shrine in Miyagi Prefecture, that seems to be defying the odds by hanging tough on a steep slope despite the ground-shaking March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, is being used as inspiration for anxious exam-takers.

A "lucky" rock and huge ring made of reeds at the Tsuriishi shrine in disaster-hit Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture (Shigetaka Kodama)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201201140004
__________________________________________________ ____
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Number of business failures in Japan fall 4.4% in 2011

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu068000c.html

Okada shows confidence over cross-party talks on sales tax

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm001000c.html

Race is on to save literary treasures buried in mud by March tsunami

YAMAGATA -- The date is Dec. 13, 2011, and the handful of students cloistered away in one room at the Tohoku University of Art and Design (TUAD) here are on a mission. With faces covered in white surgical masks and brushes and bamboo tools in hand, they are trying to do nothing less than save small but precious slices of history and culture, one page at a time. In short, they are cleaning rare books, caught in last year's tsunami and still caked in dried mud.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na006000c.html
__________________________________________________ _________
Sankei news

University Testing Center Examination in Aoba ward, Sendai city


2011 photo exhibition in Japan Newspaper Museum, Yokohama city

__________________________________________________ __________
JMA

18:58 JST 14 Jan 2012 40.2N 142.5E 30 km M4.7 Iwate-ken Oki



http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-141858.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Audio email service to begin to confirm safety

Japanese mobile phone carriers will start a service to use data communications for sending audio messages even when telephone service is disrupted following a severe disaster.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 14:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120115_20.html

New Year shinto ritual held in quake-hit Miyagi

The traditional Shinto ritual of burning New Year decorations has been performed in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture to pray for good health.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 14:50 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120115_21.html
__________________________________________________ _______
Yomiuri online

JAPAN SINCE THE QUAKE--Redefining happiness / Messages for loved ones, prayers for a nation

This is the fifth and final installment in a series of articles looking into the impact of the March 11 disaster on Japanese values. This article focuses on the growing popularity of "ending notebooks"--notebooks recording final thoughts for people outliving them--and an increase of people praying.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120114003932.htm

Entrance exams begin for university hopefuls

Two days of unified college entrance exams began Saturday at 709 test sites nationwide, including four temporary test sites specially set up in disaster-hit Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures to reduce the burden on applicants in the areas.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120114003874.htm
__________________________________________________ _____
AJW

The traditional Shinto ritual of burning New Year decorations in Aoba ward, Sendai city
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pm628ooL3YE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Authors try to encourage students in tsunami-stricken Tohoku

MORIOKA, Iwate Prefecture--Well-known authors and celebrities provided inspirational messages for a booklet to encourage high school students in Iwate Prefecture affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201201150003
__________________________________________________ ______
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Singer-songwriter composes tune for disaster-stricken Ishinomaki

KOBE -- A local singer-songwriter has written a tune dedicated to Ishinomaki, one of the most severely affected cities in the Tohoku region following the March 11 quake and tsunami, to encourage disaster victims and remind people not to forget about them.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...na006000c.html

Woman aspires to replace pine trees lost to March tsunami

RIKUZENTAKATA (Kyodo) -- The Pacific coast of Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, used to be lined with some 70,000 pine trees. Now almost all have disappeared, swept away by the tsunami triggered by last March's devastating earthquake.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/arch...fe014000c.html

Encouraging disaster victims to try hard and cheer up could put pressure on them

Encouraging victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake to try hard to overcome their hardship or cheer up could put pressure on them or even push them to breaking point, victims and experts say.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/arch...na009000c.html
__________________________________________________ _
Jiji press

Disaster-Hit Processed Food Makers Promote Sales in U.S.

San Francisco, Jan. 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese processed food makers hit by the earthquake and tsunami last March 11 promoted their products to U.S. distribution and restaurant industries at a food exhibition that opened in San Francisco on Sunday for a three-day run.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600463
__________________________________________________ ____
Sankei news

The traditional Shinto ritual of burning New Year decorations in Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref

__________________________________________________ _______
JMA

19:36 JST 15 Jan 2012 38.8N 142.1E 50 km M4.1 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-151936.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Major Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 on Mar 11, Many thousands dead &amp; missing - March 27+

Iwate Pref. to commisssion land assesments

Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan says it will commission outside experts to make property assessments of areas struck by a tsunami last March.

Monday, January 16, 2012 18:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_26.html

Disaster-affected firms take part in US food show

Companies from areas affected by last year's massive earthquake and tsunami are taking part in a US food trade fair to try and expand their business overseas.

Monday, January 16, 2012 19:20 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_29.html
__________________________________________________ ___________
Yomiuri online

Treasured pine still standing tall after tsunami

MINAMI-SOMA, Fukushima--Izumi no Ichiyo Matsu, a 400-year-old pine tree on the coast of Minami-Soma City, has survived the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent salt pollution.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120115003080.htm

Local govts helping condos brace for quakes

In recent years, a growing number of local governments have been supporting earthquake-resistance upgrades for condominiums built before quake-resistance standards were strengthened.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120115002916.htm
__________________________________________________ __________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan actor Watanabe to attend Davos economic forum

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese actor Ken Watanabe will attend an annual meeting of the World Economic Forum to start in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 25 to give a speech on the March earthquake and tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan, his office said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/archive/...et096000c.html

Japan's core machinery orders surge 14.8&#37; in November

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu082000c.html

Former teacher, disaster orphan hold concert in tsunami-devastated city

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- A former teacher who worked to help students psychologically recover from the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and a girl who lost four family members to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami hosted a concert together here on Jan. 15, where they sung in hope for the revival of the area.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na009000c.html

Tsunami victims make own relocation plans amid slow gov't progress

ONAGAWA, Miyagi -- Residents of a fishing community in this tsunami-stricken town have set about finding relocation sites by themselves -- countering the local government's slow action.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na016000c.html
__________________________________________________ _
Sankei news

<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KDtYV_f0Je0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Candle Night of 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in Itami city, Hyogo pref

__________________________________________________ _____
JMA

10:38 JST 16 Jan 2012 38.4N 141.9E 60 km M4.0 Miyagi-ken Oki


http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/2012...91-161038.html