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+

Sumida River fireworks festival

.......The Sumida River Fireworks Festival was held one month later than usual due to a schedule change following the March 11th disaster of quake and tsunami......

Sunday, August 28, 2011 02:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_27.html
________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Evacuees want PM with vision

Victims in the disaster-hit region are eagerly awaiting the election of Prime Minister Naoto Kan's successor in the hope that the new prime minister will show leadership and a future vision for the region.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110827003540.htm
______________________________________
Asahi com

Sumida River fireworks festival
<iframe width="300" height="198" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kKtk2FTvL-A?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
____________________________________________
Sankei news

dyke of Dacite and amphibole "Obara no zaimokuiwa" at Shiroishi city, Miyagi pref
after 3/11


The Obara no zaimokuiwa was designated as a natural treasure in 1934
before 3/11


Balloon Festival at Ofunato city, Iwate pref


local elections at Otsuchi town, Iwate pref

[makoto]

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

Noda elected new DPJ president

Japan's main governing party, the Democratic Party, has elected Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda as its new leader....

Monday, August 29, 2011 15:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_20.html
Noda profile
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_21.html

Overseas media reactions to DPJ election result

......British broadcaster BBC had a live report from Tokyo. Its correspondent said Noda faces a daunting agenda, including rebuilding from the March 11th disaster, bringing the nuclear crisis under control and fiscal reform....

Monday, August 29, 2011 17:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_22.html
__________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Repair work on affected condos making little headway

Repair work on condominiums damaged in the March 11 disaster have been slow to begin due to conflicts in sharing the costs of repair work......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110828002197.htm
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Ex-town division chief wins election to succeed dead mayor in Iwate

OTSUCHI (Kyodo) -- A former division chief in the town office won Sunday's election in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, to fill the vacancy left by the death of the mayor, who was killed in the March earthquake and tsunami.......

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

Fire brigade makes final search for 4 children missing since tsunami

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- Firefighters here on Aug. 28 made their last official search for four children who remain unaccounted for since the March 11 tsunami......

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

Goya seedlings arrive too late for disaster-hit residents to grow to beat the heat

KAMAISHI, Iwate -- Evacuees in temporary housing in Iwate and Fukushima prefectures are questioning the effectiveness of a "green curtain" campaign to beat the heat because bitter gourd (goya) seedlings are arriving too late to be planted to create shade......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na015000c.html


___________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Ups Economic Assessments for 9 Regions

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--The Cabinet Office on Monday revised up its economic assessments for nine of Japan's 11 regions, mainly in central and eastern areas, on the back of industrial production recovery due to the easing of supply-chain disruptions caused by the March 11 disaster......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011082900615

ANALYSIS: Postquake Reconstruction Key Task of New Leader Noda

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--Postdisaster reconstruction will be one of the biggest tasks that face new Democratic Party of Japan President Yoshihiko Noda, who is certain to become the nation's next prime minister.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011082900824

Japan's Noda May Face Difficulty over Fiscal Policy

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--Yoshihiko Noda, expected to become Japan's new prime minister Tuesday, has the challenge of living up to a promise of maintaining fiscal discipline.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011082900846

Japan's Demand Shortfall at 20 T. Yen in April-June

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan had an estimated demand shortfall of some 20 trillion yen on an annualized basis in the April-June quarter, the Cabinet Office said Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011082900862

Japan's Opposition Leader Urges Early Lower House Breakup

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's leading opposition Liberal Democratic Party decided on Monday it will adopt a more confrontational approach to the next administration of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, to be headed by newly elected leader Yoshihiko Noda, seeking an early dissolution of the House of Representatives for a general election.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011082900863
____________________________________________
Sankei news

Yutaka Ikarigawa, 60 years old
new Otsuchi town mayor, Iwate pref
http://www.facebook.com/yutaka.ikarigawa

[makoto]

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

July jobless rate worsens for 2nd month

Japan's jobless rate worsened in July for the second straight month......

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 10:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_13.html

Temporary workers hit record 40&#37; in Japan

A government survey shows that temporary employees made up nearly 40 percent of Japan's private-sector workforce last year, a record high......

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 11:31 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_15.html

Kan issues statement upon resignation

.....Kan also apologized that his cabinet could not respond satisfactorily to the March 11th disaster and nuclear accident......

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 12:21 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_19.html

Noda named Prime Minister

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 13:38 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_22.html

July household spending down for 5th month

Japanese household spending in July fell compared to the same period last year, due largely to the effects of the March disaster......

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 16:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_29.html

Opposition shows mixed reactions to cabinet change

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party is demanding that the new prime minister call snap general elections. But another opposition party, New Komeito, says the Lower House should not be dissolved until post-disaster reconstruction efforts are on track......

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 16:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_27.html
____________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Chances of big quake below Tokyo rising

The possibility of a huge plate-boundary earthquake amplified by simultaneous moves in two or more focal areas beneath Tokyo has been increasing since the Great East Japan Earthquake, according to the University of Tokyo's Earthquake Research Institute.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110829003976.htm
_____________________________________________
Asahi com

Volunteerism spreads among Japanese companies

Volunteerism has gained new impetus among companies in a ripple effect since the Great East Japan Earthquake....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290243.html

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN GLOBE

REBUILDING THE FUTURE

As reconstruction sputters, urban planners step up: Miyagi, Japan
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290226.html

Port-au-Prince losing opportunity for a brighter future
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290228.html

Banda Aceh commemorates tragedy with 'tsunami tourism'
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290230.html

U.S mayor tells Tohoku not to waste chance for rebirth
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290231.html

Christchurch tackling quake rebuilding in earnest
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290232.html

A 'chicken and egg' situation for recovery--New Orleans
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108290233.html
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

More Japanese firms embrace teleworking after March disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's major firms are increasingly implementing programs to enable their employees to work from home to raise productivity, meet workers' family needs and cut greenhouse gases emitted through commuter transportation......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu046000c.html

Nonregular employees account for 38.7% of Japan's total workforce

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu047000c.html

Japan's jobless rate climbs to 4.7 percent in July

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu053000c.html

Japan to stay on course for fiscal discipline under Noda

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu054000c.html

Miyagi governor urges South Korea to ease travel restrictions

SEOUL (Kyodo) -- Japan's Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai urged South Korea on Monday to ease travel restrictions imposed on the prefecture in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm012000c.html

Relative political unknown Noda to take over 'daunting task': NYT

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who has been elected to lead the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, is a relative political unknown who faces heavy responsibility as the next prime minister of Japan, The New York Times reported Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm016000c.html

New premier-elect Noda sticks to tax hike plans

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's incoming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated Tuesday he would stick to the government's plan to raise some taxes to secure funds for reconstruction work following the March earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm075000c.html
__________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Auto Output Down 9.4 Pct in July

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011083000786

Japan July Household Spending Down 2.1 Pct

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083000120

Japan July Jobless Rate Rises to 4.7 Pct

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083000124

DBJ to Form Reconstruction Fund in Miyagi

Tokyo, Aug. 30 (Jiji Press)--The state-backed Development Bank of Japan said Tuesday that it will set up a pool of funds worth 5 billion yen Wednesday to support disaster-hit businesses in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011083000900

Noda Eyes Early Compilation of Emergency Economic Package

Tokyo, Aug. 30 (Jiji Press)--Yoshihiko Noda, new leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, expressed his intention Tuesday to compile a package of emergency economic measures at an early time to help the nation combat the yen's sharp appreciation and overcome deflation.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083000472
____________________________________________
Sankei news

panorama photo

Noda named Prime Minister
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...2011/0830noda/

[makoto]

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

Higher floors sustained greater quake damage

Firefighting authorities say higher floors of houses and office buildings in Tokyo sustained more damage than lower levels when the March 11th earthquake shook the metropolis......

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_12.html

Industrial output rises in July

Japan's industrial output in July rose for a 4th straight month, as a recovery in the supply of parts boosted automobile production......

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 16:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_27.html

Parties split over taxes for reconstruction funds

Japanese political parties are divided over increasing taxes to fund the effort to rebuild eastern Japan after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Sunday, July 31, 2011 16:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_18.html

SDF's major disaster relief activities end

Self-Defense Force units ended most of the aid missions they had undertaken in northeastern Japan following the March 11th earthquake and tsunami on Wednesday.....

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 19:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_30.html

Evacuation centers close in northeastern Japan

More and more evacuation centers have closed in northeastern Japan, nearly 6 months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region......

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 19:57 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_26.html
__________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Noda a low-profile but down-to-earth politician
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110830005159.htm
__________________________________________
Asahi com

Markets mixed on new leader Noda's call for tax hikes

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108300402.html

Noda to push ahead with Kan's tax hike ideas

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108300274.html
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Most Japan automakers report weak July production

TOKYO (AP) -- Most Japanese automakers reported lackluster vehicle production and sales for July, underscoring ongoing malaise in the industry as it grapples with a strong yen, precarious global economy and recovery from the March 11 tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu057000c.html

Japan's industrial output up for 4th straight month

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial production rose 0.6 percent in July from the previous month for the fourth straight monthly rise, in a fresh sign of recovery from the aftermath of the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami, government data showed Wednesday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu062000c.html

Markets hopeful of Noda's fiscal rehab but cautious of early tax hike

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu063000c.html

EU leader hopes for Japan's recovery from quake under Noda

BRUSSELS (Kyodo) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed hope Tuesday that Japan will recover from the damage triggered by the catastrophic March 11 earthquake and tsunami under incoming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm007000c.html

Local governments closing tsunami lost-and-found rooms

Local governments in tsunami-hit areas are starting to close rooms holding photographs and other items of unknown ownership recovered from the rubble and must decide what to do with the left over items.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na015000c.html

Last shelters in Iwate close, 1st in 3 hard-hit prefectures

YAMADA (Kyodo) -- Residents of the four remaining shelters in Iwate began moving out Wednesday as local authorities prepared to close all public shelters later in the day, making it the first prefecture to do so among the three hardest-hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm093000c.html
_______________________________________
Jiji press

INTERVIEW: Tokyo Disney Resort Visitor Numbers Recovering

Urayasu, Chiba Pref., Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--The number of visitors to Tokyo Disney Resort is recovering after a plunge following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the operator's president said in an interview.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011083100717

Miyagi Governor Urges Asiana to Fully Resume Flight Services

Seoul, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--Governor Yoshihiro Murai of Japan's Miyagi Prefecture asked Asiana Airlines President Yoon Young Doo Wednesday for the airline's full resumption of flight services between Seoul and Sendai, the prefecture's capital.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083100376

Japan's Noda to Meet with LDP Tanigaki Thurs.

Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--The ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party agreed Wednesday that their leaders will meet on Thursday........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083100835

Japan Defense Chief Orders End to SDF Disaster Relief Mission

Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa on Wednesday ordered an end to the Self-Defense Forces' relief activities in the areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011083100715

(Update) Hirano to Stay as Reconstruction Minister

Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--Japan's incoming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has decided to keep Tatsuo Hirano as minister in charge of reconstruction of areas ravaged by the March 11 disaster, an informed source said Wednesday night.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090100015
_______________________________________
Sankei news

Yamamoto town, Miyagi pref


temporary lighthouses
Onagawa port, Miyagi pref


shelter closes

Yamada town, Iwate pref
30 Aug., 17 evacuees live

[makoto]

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

Quake disaster drills to be held throughout Japan

Earthquake drills are being held across Japan on Thursday on the occasion of the 88th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake.......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 07:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_01.html

Removing debris remains a challenge in Tohoku

Local governments in northeastern Japan are still struggling to remove debris from the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, nearly 6 months later......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 07:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_04.html

Donald Keene moves to Japan for good

One of the world's top experts on Japanese literature, Donald Keene left New York for Tokyo on Wednesday to settle in Japan for good........

Thursday, September 01, 2011 07:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_05.html

Noda set to launch new cabinet on Friday

Incoming Japanese leader Yoshihiko Noda will launch his new cabinet as early as Friday. Noda was officially elected Japan's 95th Prime Minister earlier this week.......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 07:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_06.html

Ban Ki-moon sends letter to Noda

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has invited Japan's new Prime Minister to a summit meeting on nuclear power in New York later this month.....

Thursday, September 01, 2011 07:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_08.html

Tokyo drills for major earthquake

.....A government-led drill started at 8AM on Thursday with a scenario that a magnitude-7.3 earthquake had occurred below the northern part of Tokyo Bay.......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 12:51 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_17.html

Tsunami drills held on Okushiri Island

An island in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido that suffered a deadly tsunami 18 years ago has held tsunami drills on this year's national disaster exercise day.......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 20:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_29.html

Okushiri Island tsunami
<iframe width="250" height="170" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YneZXe8gkig?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Noda proposes suprapartisan talks on tax and more

Japan's incoming prime minister has proposed setting up suprapartisan working-level talks on 3 key issues, including the rebuilding of the disaster-hit east.......

Thursday, September 01, 2011 20:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_28.html

____________________________________
Yomiuri online

Noda mulls makeup of new cabinet / Continuity expected in key portfolios

Prime Minister-elect Yoshihiko Noda spent Wednesday morning at Democratic Party of Japan headquarters studying the makeup of his cabinet, which could include the reappointments of Goshi Hosono as state minister in charge of the nuclear crisis, and Tatsuo Hirano as state minister for recovery from the March 11 disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110831006170.htm

Quake resistance work needed at 23,000 public school buildings

Nearly 23,000 buildings at public primary and middle schools around the country, except for the three quake-hit prefectures in Tohoku, are not sufficiently earthquake resistant or have not been checked for earthquake resistance, the education ministry has said......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110830006132.htm
__________________________________________
Asahi com

Quake disaster drills
<iframe width="300" height="198" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1xZK8zIXC_g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Climbers pray for a new dawn for Tohoku

As light began to filter through clouds over the Tsugaru Plain, climbers holding a banner saying "Ganbaro Tohoku" (Hang in there, Tohoku) welcomed the sunrise on the top of Mount Iwaki as part of the Oyama-Sankei fall festival in Aomori Prefecture on Aug. 29........

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201108310237.html
_______________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan's vehicle output in July falls for 10th consecutive month

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu057000c.html

Japan factory output falls short of expectations

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu063000c.html

Report calls for clarifying Japan, U.S. troops' roles in disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Defense Ministry on Wednesday stressed the need to clarify the roles played by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military forces when responding to a major disaster in Japan to avoid confusion at the initial stage.......

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

Spending by foreign travelers in Japan sinks 47&#37; in April-June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Money spent by foreign visitors during stays in Japan in the April-June quarter plummeted 46.9 percent from a year earlier to an estimated 120.8 billion yen, as the number of travelers halved following the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, data released Wednesday by the Japan Tourism Agency showed........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm007000c.html

Japan holds 1st annual disaster drill since March disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emergency drills were held Thursday across Japan involving some 517,000 participants in 35 prefectures, in the first such annual exercises since the catastrophic March quake and tsunami hit the country's northeast, the Cabinet Office said.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm038000c.html

Noda vows constant efforts for economic, quake-recovery measures

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's incoming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda pledged Thursday to make constant efforts to boost economic growth and Japan's recovery from the March earthquake and tsunami during meetings with the country's three major business lobbies......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm111000c.html

Only 15 percent of schools destroyed by quake to be fully reconstructed: survey

Only 15 percent of public schools destroyed by the March 11 tsunami are set to be fully reconstructed in the foreseeable future, according to a survey that the Mainichi Shimbun conducted on local governments in disaster-hit areas........

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


______________________________________
Jiji press

March Disaster-Linked Japan Biz Failures Reach 320

Tokyo, Sept. 1 (Jiji Press)--The cumulative number of companies that went bankrupt as a result of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan reached 320 as of Wednesday, Teikoku Databank Ltd. said Thursday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011090100835

People Join Disaster Drills across Japan

Tokyo, Sept. 1 (Jiji Press)--People across Japan took part in annual disaster drills on this anniversary of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake on Thursday........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090100462

Noda, Opposition Leaders Confirm Postdisaster Cooperation

Tokyo, Sept. 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan's incoming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Thursday secured major opposition parties' cooperation in swiftly enacting a third supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to finance full-blown reconstruction projects in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090100832
________________________________________
Sankei news

Disaster Drills

in Tokyo





in Osaka

[makoto]

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

Corporate profits down for 1st time in 7 quarters

Japanese corporate profits fell for the first time in 7 quarters in the April-June period, as the March quake and strong yen dealt a heavy blow to manufacturers......

Friday, September 02, 2011 12:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_20.html

Fujimura outlines new Cabinet priorities

....Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told a news conference on Friday the new government's top priority will be the reconstruction of areas hit by the March 11th disaster. He said the government has very real problems to tackle, including an early resolution to the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant, fiscal reform and global financial problems...

Friday, September 02, 2011 13:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_19.html

Noda cabinet launched

.....Post-disaster reconstruction minister Tatsuo Hirano and nuclear crisis minister Goshi Hosono retained their posts. Hosono also serves as environment minister.....

Friday, September 02, 2011 16:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_23.html

Noda vows to speed up reconstruction efforts

Japan's new Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, says he will speed up recovery from the March 11th earthquake and tsunami and work to contain the nuclear accident in Fukushima as his top priorities.......

Friday, September 02, 2011 20:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_34.html
____________________________________________
Yomiuri online

PROSPECTS FOR NODA ADMINISTRATION / Long-term initiative needed to rebuild Japan

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901005567.htm

PROSPECTS FOR NODA ADMINISTRATION / Power shift marks start of new era

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901005564.htm

PROSPECTS FOR NODA ADMINISTRATION / Recovering public trust in politics is crucial

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901005545.htm

Most tsunami shelters pass test / Thousands saved on March 11 in facilities' 1st emergency use

Of the 88 buildings designated as tsunami shelters in coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Chiba prefectures, at least 50 were effective in saving local residents' lives on March 11, according to research by The Yomiuri Shimbun......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901004853.htm

Emergency! Where are we? / Govt bodies yet to work out specific disaster readiness plans

Eight out of 13 government ministries and agencies have yet to assess how many of their employees could get to work within a certain amount of time in the event a powerful earthquake hits Tokyo, a Yomiuri Shimbun survey has found......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901005673.htm

SDF to reduce troops in Tohoku

The Defense Ministry has announced the end of large-scale deployment of Self-Defense Forces personnel to support areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901005411.htm

Disaster drills held nationwide / Country prepares for possible large quake, tsunami

The central and local governments, police and power companies conducted large-scale disaster drills on Thursday, the first Disaster Prevention Day since the March 11 tsunami and earthquake.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110901006048.htm
____________________________________________
Asahi com

Auto production gradually back on track in July

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109010341.html

Japan disaster drills hold greater sense of urgency
*REUTERS

Over half a million people across Japan took part in annual drills on Sept. 1 to prepare for natural disasters, but this year's exercises held a more immediate sense of urgency following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the northeast coast in March......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109010369.html

Disaster drills transformed after March 11 earthquake

With a new sense of urgency, the central and local governments started holding upgraded and expanded disaster drills around Japan. But in the areas that prompted such alarm, local leaders and residents were too busy trying to rebuild from the March 11 disaster to prepare for the next one......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109010373.html

Education boards add tsunami to disaster prevention list

The March 11 mega-earthquake that left more than 20,000 people dead or missing has prompted education boards around the nation to add tsunami to the list of disasters to prepare for, an Asahi Shimbun poll shows.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109010330.html
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan Aug. new vehicle sales down 22.4&#37; on year

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

Quake curtails Japan's 2nd qtr business investment

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Corporate capital spending in Japan shrank 7.8 percent in the three months through June from a year earlier for the first decline in four quarters, affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, the government said Friday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu054000c.html

Azumi required to balance reconstruction and fiscal consolidation

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Jun Azumi, a former Diet affairs chief of the ruling party, assumed the post of finance minister on Friday in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, and will be tasked with financing reconstruction work following the March disaster and restoring Japan's worsening fiscal health......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm112000c.html

Fishing haul gap widens in quake- and tsunami-ravaged areas

A fishing haul gap is widening between regions devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, adding to the woes of victims trying to recover from the disasters......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na011000c.html
____________________________________________
Jiji press

Noda Vows to Give Top Priority to Postquake Reconstruction

Tokyo, Sept. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Friday he will give his top priority to reconstruction after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090200597

[makoto]

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

Noda faces challenges in passing 3rd extra budget

Japan's new Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, says he wants to quickly compile the third supplementary budget for the current fiscal year in order to rebuild areas that were hit by the earthquake and tsunami in March......

Saturday, September 03, 2011 07:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_05.html
___________________________________
Yomiuri online

More schools 1st refuge for kids in disaster

Drawing lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake, an increasing number of schools are considering keeping students at school instead of letting them go home to keep them safe in the event of a similar disaster......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110902004976.htm

Hopes high for Noda Cabinet / Bureaucrats praise appointment of business-oriented ministers

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110902005303.htm

Many disaster-response bldgs lie in tsunami zones

More than 60 percent of municipalities located in Pacific coastal areas that are at risk of being hit by major earthquakes have disaster management and evacuation facilities located in areas expected to be inundated by tsunami, a Yomiuri Shimbun survey has found......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110902005247.htm

Noda launches Cabinet / Lineup balances groups; PM vows to speed up disaster reconstruction

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110902005743.htm
___________________________________________
Asahi com

For firefighters, 9/11 and 3/11 make for inseparable bonds

NEW YORK--Eleven Japanese firefighters who pitched in at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks here were recently reunited with their American colleagues for the first time since the tragedy......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109020289.html

Keene begins new life in Japan

Donald Keene, the renowned scholar of Japanese literature, has decided to make Japan his permanent home. ......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109020241.html

Noda forms Cabinet, focuses on disaster recovery

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said handling the aftermath of the March 11 disaster will be the top priority of his Cabinet, a lineup that features a mixture of politicians representing various groups in the ruling party......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109020291.html
________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan's April-June GDP data likely to be revised downward: analysts

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu039000c.html

Noda orders compilation of steps on yen's rise at 1st Cabinet meeting

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm006000c.html

Japan's new PM Noda vows to speed up quake recovery

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Friday the utmost importance for his government is speeding up reconstruction of areas ravaged by the March earthquake and tsunami, and the resulting crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm021000c.html

Memorial service held in Iwate's Ofunato half year after disaster

KAMAISHI (Kyodo) -- A memorial service for victims of the March earthquake and tsunami was held Saturday in the city of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, ahead of the day marking six months from the disaster, which coincides with local elections......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm036000c.html

Noda Cabinet must mobilize all resources to restore disaster-hit nation

The Cabinet of new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, which was inaugurated on Sept. 2, must implement all possible measures to restore areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na001000c.html
_______________________________________
Sankei news

northern Tohoku 3 major festivals
at Ofunato city, Iwate pref

[makoto]

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

Boy arrested over bogus relief project

SHIZUOKA--A 16-year-old boy from Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, who pretended to be an official of an organization supporting victims of the March 11 disaster, was arrested last week on suspicion of defrauding a communications equipment company out of walkie-talkies and other items.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110903003458.htm
_______________________________________
Asahi com

Takashimaya to market goods made of cotton grown on tsunami-swamped rice paddies

Department store chain Takashimaya Co. announced a plan to sell goods made of cotton grown on rice paddies that were inundated by tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109030177.html

Taking over a daughter's dream to bridge Japan and U.S.

Andy Anderson never expected he would find himself trying to fill his daughter's shoes by acting as a bridge between the United States and Japan......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109030169.html

Tohoku tsunami washed arsenic ashore

Mud containing arsenic is being washed ashore in coastal communities already struggling to come to terms with the enormity of the destruction wrought by the March 11 mega-earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109030170.html

pacific saury festival at Meguro, Tokyo
pacific saury from Miyako city, Iwate pref
<iframe width="250" height="170" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6JfuTLkXb7g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Experiment to extract hydrocarbons from algae to start in quake-hit Sendai

SENDAI -- An experiment to extract hydrocarbons, a main component of petroleum, from algae is set to get under way in the autumn in this quake- and tsunami-hit city....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na004000c.html
___________________________________________
Sankei news

pacific saury festival at Meguro, Tokyo
pacific saury from Miyako city, Iwate pref


soon half a year

"SOS" of 3/11 at Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref
9/3

cars at Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref
9/3

[makoto]

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

Charity concert for reconstruction held in Ibaraki

A citizens' group in Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo, held a charity concert on Sunday to support the restoration of local historic buildings damaged by the March 11th earthquake....

Monday, September 05, 2011 11:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_16.html

Niigata hotels to accept tsunami survivors

Niigata City has assigned 5 hotels to serve as emergency shelters for residents in the event of a tsunami disaster....

Monday, September 05, 2011 16:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_24.html

Photo exhibit of 3/11 disaster opens in Tokyo

A photography exhibition in Tokyo is showing images of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami along with reconstruction efforts......

Monday, September 05, 2011 16:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_21.html

Tuna auction resumed at quake-damaged Choshi Port

Fish dealers at Choshi Port near Tokyo have resumed tuna auctions in a makeshift market that will serve until the facility damaged in the March 11th disaster can be rebuilt.....

Monday, September 05, 2011 16:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_26.html

Noda Cabinet gets down to business

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet got down to business on Monday, 3 days after its inauguration.....

Monday, September 05, 2011 18:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_28.html

China to send trade delegation to Japan

China plans to send a trade mission to Japan's disaster-hit regions.....

Monday, September 05, 2011 18:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_29.html
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Iwate's Ofunato dispatches 1st saury shipments since disaster

OFUNATO (Kyodo) -- Fishermen in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, on Monday sent off their first direct shipments of saury this season, seeing it as a symbol of recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March....

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

Meguro Saury Festival held despite Tohoku's supply difficulties

The annual Meguro Saury Festival, popular for the free distribution of the grilled fish, was held in Tokyo's Meguro on Sept. 4, bringing hope for the recovery of the disaster-struck Tohoku region, the festival's main saury supplier....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na007000c.html

U.S. NGO donates 42 used boats to disaster-hit fishermen

KESENNUMA, Miyagi -- A U.S. NGO has donated 42 used boats to fisherman here who lost their own boats to the March 11 tsunami.....

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

Tokyo citizens' group aims to support sexual minorities from quake-hit areas

A Tokyo-based citizens' group is trying to reach out to the needs of sexual minorities affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake by setting up a counseling service.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na018000c.html
_______________________________________
Jiji press

China to Invite Governors from Japan Disaster Areas to Trade Fair

Beijing, Sept. 5 (Jiji Press)--The Chinese government on Monday unveiled plans to invite the governors of the three northeastern Japan prefectures hit hardest by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to China's largest trade show to be held in October......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090500650

Japan Decides on Senior Vice Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries

Tokyo, Sept. 5 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Monday decided on the appointments of senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries, following the launch on Friday of the cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090500748

INTERVIEW: Azumi Says to Seek Tax Hikes for Reconstruction

Tokyo, Sept. 5 (Jiji Press)--New Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Monday that the government will seek public understanding about a tax increase to finance reconstruction programs in northeastern areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090500804
_________________________________________
Sankei news

saury shipments at Ofunato city, Iwate pref


temporary barber shop at Ofunato city, Iwate pref

[makoto]

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

Azumi to express resolve on fiscal reform at G7

.....Azumi said Prime Minister Noda has promised not to leave huge debts to the next generation after financing reconstruction from the March 11th disaster and reforming the social security and tax systems.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011 14:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_21.html

Nikkei falls below 8,600 on worries about Europe

Tuesday, September 06, 2011 16:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_25.html

Noda to visit areas hit by quake and typhoon

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will soon visit areas hit by the March 11th disaster and a recent tropical storm.....

Tuesday, September 06, 2011 18:08 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_28.html

Noda, Wen reaffirm mutually beneficial ties

.....Noda spoke to Wen for the first time since taking office.
During their phone conversation, Japan's new leader thanked China for its support in the aftermath of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Tuesday, September 06, 2011 23:15 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_01.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

YIES / Business head: Consumption tax hike best resource for rebuilding

Funds for the reconstruction of areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami should be secured mainly by raising the consumption tax rate, Yasuchika Hasegawa, chairman of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, said Monday....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T110905004575.htm
_________________________________________
Asahi com

Noda aims to submit supplementary budget in October

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has put top priority on accelerating the passage of a third supplementary budget to pay for post-quake reconstruction, but faces stiff opposition within his own party to the taxes he wants to fund it with......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109050363.html
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

76&#37; of food business operators affected by massive quake, tsunami

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A total of 75.6 percent of Japanese food business operators were affected by the March 11 quake and tsunami, while 53.4 percent reported being influenced by quake-induced radiation leaks at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, according to Japan Finance Corp.'s nationwide survey released Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu063000c.html

Japan's new finance minister wants to lower corporate tax

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu070000c.html

China eyes sending mission to disaster-hit areas in Japan

BENJING (Kyodo) -- China plans to send a mission soon to areas of northeastern Japan affected by the March earthquake and tsunami as part of efforts to support Japan's post-disaster reconstruction, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Fu Ziying said Monday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm023000c.html

Sanriku Railway selling souvenir pieces of track as part of quake disaster recovery plan

After the Sanriku Railway was almost totally destroyed by the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the troubled owning company has launched a reconstruction fund-raising campaign by selling track parts as memorial objects......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na013000c.html

Number of welfare recipients in Japan nears record high

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of welfare recipients in Japan totaled 2,031,587 as of May, just short of the highest-ever monthly average of about 2.04 million recorded in fiscal 1951 in the aftermath of World War II, a government tally showed Tuesday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm043000c.html


___________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Tobacco Urges Govt to Sell All Stake

Tokyo, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--Japan Tobacco Inc. <2914> on Tuesday urged the government to sell all its equity stake in the company as a way to secure resources for the reconstruction of areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011090600764

Japan to Unveil Tax Hike Options Next Week: Azumi

Tokyo, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--Japan will announce as early as next week options for raising taxes temporarily to finance reconstruction projects after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Tuesday.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090600506

Disaster-Hit Miyagi Calls for Investment in Fisheries, Farm Sectors

Tokyo, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai called for investment, chiefly in the fisheries and agricultural sectors, in his prefecture, which was badly damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090600857

Number of Dead, Missing People in March Disaster Falls below 20,000

Tokyo, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--The total number of people who were killed or left missing in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan fell below 20,000 on Tuesday, the National Police Agency said.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090600880
_____________________________________________
Sankei news

looking for memories at Otsuchi town

[makoto]

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

Parents of American tsunami victim donate books

The parents of an American assistant teacher who was killed in the March 11th tsunami have donated books to the school in Ishinomaki where she taught English......

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 00:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_02.html

Noda talks with Medvedev, Lee by phone

....Medvedev congratulated Noda on becoming Japan's top leader and expressed Russia's readiness to help the country rebuild itself from the March disaster......

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 01:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_03.html

High dioxin levels found in disaster-zone rivers

Levels of dioxin exceeding the safety standards have been found in rivers and groundwater in 3 Japanese prefectures hit by the March 11th disaster.......

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 05:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_08.html

BOJ to maintain current monetary policy

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 16:03 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_29.html

Govt tax panel debates tax hike for reconstruction

The Japanese government's tax commission has resumed debate on possible tax increases to fund reconstruction after the March 11th disaster.....

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 20:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_42.html

Weather agency revises tsunami alerts

An expert study group at Japan's Meteorological Agency has compiled improved guidelines for issuing tsunami alerts, in the wake of the March 11th disaster......

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 20:56 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_41.html

Shirakawa: too high yen may hollow out industry

......Shirakawa said supply chains damaged by the March 11th disaster are recovering, but that a too-high yen could worsen business sentiment and prompt firms to shift operations abroad.....

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 20:56 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_43.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Tohoku nursing care facilities overcrowded

Nursing home facilities in the disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima have accepted 937 elderly, more than their enrollment limits, The Yomiuri Shimbun has found........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110906005501.htm

Restart of key crane gives Sendai port lift

SENDAI--One of four large cranes at Sendai-Shiogama Port in Sendai that were rendered unusable by the March 11 tsunami has resumed operation........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110906005028.htm

South Korean cartoonist to promote Miyagi Prefecture

The Miyagi prefectural government plans to invite a famous cartoonist from South Korea in December to publicize its recovery from the March 11 disaster to South Koreans.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110906002631.htm

Noda Cabinet to keep tax increase policy

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110906005237.htm
______________________________________________
Asahi com

As unemployment insurance dries up, quake victims struggle to find jobs

Only about 20 percent of survivors of the March 11 disaster seeking work through public job-placement offices in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures found employment by the end of July, labor ministry sources said.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109060435.html

Azumi to decide on consumption tax rate hike by year-end

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109060348.html
______________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Death notices filed for many missing people in 3 hard-hit prefectures

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese local authorities have accepted death notices filed by relatives of 3,250 people listed as missing after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in the three worst-hit prefectures, Justice Ministry officials said Tuesday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm014000c.html

Gov't plans mental care centers for kids orphaned by March disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The welfare ministry on Wednesday decided to set up mental healthcare centers for children who lost parents to the March disaster in the worst affected prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, ministry sources said......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm035000c.html

Demand for official recognition of nursing care needs high in disaster-hit areas

The number of applications from people seeking certification of their need for nursing care has increased in many areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, where people spent a long time in shelters......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na010000c.html
________________________________________
Jiji press

Seven-Eleven Japan, NTT East Installing Emergency Phones at Convenience Stores

Tokyo, Sept. 7 (Jiji Press)--Seven-Eleven Japan Co. and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corp. started Wednesday installing telephones for emergency use at outlets of the major convenience store operator......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011090700706

London Games Sculptor Designs Mobile Concert Hall for Tohoku

London, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--Sculptor Anish Kapour is designing a new mobile concert hall for Japan's Tohoku northeastern region hit by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090700263

BOJ Keeps Monetary Policy Unchanged

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090700385

Japan Tsunami Alert after Giant Quake Not to State Height

Tokyo, Sept. 7 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Meteorological Agency on Wednesday proposed that its initial tsunami warning after a giant earthquake should not give a projected maximum wave height................

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090701028

Japan Panel to Present 3 Tax Hike Options for Reconstruction

Tokyo, Sept. 7 (Jiji Press)--The government's tax panel is expected to present three temporary tax hike options, urged Wednesday by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to study multiple proposals to finance Japan's postdisaster reconstruction with higher taxes.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090701048
______________________________________________
Sankei news

Seven-Eleven Japan, NTT East Installing Emergency Phones at Convenience Stores

[makoto]

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

Artwork for Japan disaster on display in UK

A large piece of art created by Japanese and British children for survivors of the March disaster in Japan has gone on display in London......

Thursday, September 08, 2011 07:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_06.html

NHK receives award for live tsunami coverage

NHK has received Japan's top journalism award for its live footage of the tsunami striking northeast Japan on March 11th.......

Thursday, September 08, 2011 10:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_16.html

Current account surplus down 42.2&#37; in July

Thursday, September 08, 2011 12:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_20.html

Convenience store chain develops sales vehicles

A major convenience store chain in Japan has developed vehicles to sell goods in areas with limited access to stores, including those affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Thursday, September 08, 2011 13:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_21.html

Japan down to 9th place in competitiveness ranking

Thursday, September 08, 2011 16:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_27.html

Need for nursing care increased after disaster

NHK has learned that the number of elderly people who need nursing care has increased in areas hardest hit by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami......

Thursday, September 08, 2011 19:33 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_31.html

Symposium held for 25-year-old exchange program

Japan's government has pledged to promote its JET program, which brings young people from overseas to participate in foreign language education and exchanges.......

Thursday, September 08, 2011 19:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_30.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

M-9 Tohoku quake cycle may be 260 years

The seismic cycle in which another magnitude-9 class offshore earthquake similar to the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake could hit the Tohoku region may be as short as 260 years, a Tohoku University researcher has found......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features...0906006251.htm

Displaced students want a school to call their own

Nearly six months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, many students in Miyagi Prefecture who attended schools that were severely damaged in the disaster still have to take lessons in school facilities that are not their own.........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110907005801.htm

Elderly left exposed to tsunami threat / Hundreds of facilities in danger zones need relocation, modification, survey finds

About 730 nursing care facilities housing over 27,000 elderly people are located in municipalities believed to be at risk of being hit by major earthquakes or inundated by tsunami, according to a recent survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110907005875.htm

47 schools unable to rebuild after disaster

Forty-seven schools that have been using other schools' facilities since the March 11 disaster still are undecided on where and how to rebuild their own facilities, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110907005515.htm
______________________________________________
Asahi com

Tohoku children overcoming the March 11 disaster

Smiles have returned to the faces of children in the Tohoku region, six months after their lives were surrounded by death, destruction and despair from the magnitude-9 earthquake and tsunami on March 11......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109070240.html

6 months after tsunami, fisherman refuses to give up hope

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi Prefecture -- Yutaka Abe lost three of his family members in the March 11 tsunami, but even now he has not abandoned hope of finding his wife alive.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109070391.html

Parents of U.S. tsunami victim donate books to elementary schools

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi Prefecture -- Family members of an American teaching assistant killed in the March tsunami have donated English books to a project that is setting up collections in her name at the schools where she taught....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109070232.html

Many hospitals in quake-hit areas still not back up to speed

Six months after the March 11 disaster that devastated northeastern Japan, many hospitals in the Tohoku region are still struggling to get back up to speed.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109070230.html
____________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Income tax hikes a key option to raise reconstruction funds

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government of new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is closer to a decision to provisionally raise individual and corporate income taxes in a bid to finance reconstruction work following the March earthquake and tsunami, officials said Wednesday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu057000c.html

Japan eyes 300 bil. yen job creation program under extra budget

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is set to implement a 300 billion yen ($3.88 billion) program to boost employment in Japan under a third extra budget for fiscal 2011 in response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami as well as the negative impact of the yen's recent sharp rise, officials said Thursday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu058000c.html

Japan's July composite economic index falls for 1st time in 4 months

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's benchmark composite economic index fell 0.3 point in July from the previous month for the first drop in four months, the government said Wednesday, suggesting that the recovery in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami is losing momentum.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu059000c.html

Core machinery orders down 8.2% in July, 1st drop in 3 months

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's core private-sector machinery orders in July fell a seasonally adjusted 8.2 percent from the previous month for the first fall in three months, with reconstruction demand in areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami losing some steam, the government said Thursday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu062000c.html

July current account surplus down 42% on rising imports

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's current account surplus fell 42.4 percent in July from a year earlier to 990.2 billion yen on increasing imports and the decreasing number of foreign tourists visiting the country following the March earthquake and tsunami, the government said Thursday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu063000c.html

Economy watcher index down for 1st time in 5 months in August

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Business sentiment among people with jobs sensitive to domestic economic trends deteriorated for the first time in five months in August, due partly to the yen's recent sharp appreciation and receded demand for televisions after Japan's shift to terrestrial digital broadcasting in July, the government said Thursday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/busin...bu113000c.html

U.S. girl raises funds for tsunami victims with handmade book

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The $115 of donations that 8-year-old Mackenzie Walsh raised for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan may be modest, but her effort and passion won her a surprise invitation to meet the Japanese envoy in Washington on Wednesday.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm035000c.html

54% of evacuees from disaster-hit prefectures eye settling elsewhere permanently

Eighty-seven percent of evacuees from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures -- hit hard by the March 11 megaquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis -- have no prospect of returning home, and 54 percent are considering settling elsewhere in Japan, according to a Mainichi poll.......

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

Fishing boat crewman-turned-disaster refugee to celebrate missing wife's 55th birthday

MINAMISANRIKU, Miyagi -- On Sept. 9, a fishing boat engineer-turned-disaster refugee here will celebrate the 55th birthday of his missing wife, who was caught in the March 11 tsunami......

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

Heart-soothing public bath for quake victims closes despite popularity

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- A public bath built in this city a month after the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami will close on Sept. 10, despite its enormous popularity among residents and volunteer workers.....

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

Mainichi Newspapers wins press awards for sumo match-fixing scoop and tsunami photos

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

Fishermen in quake-hit areas make hammocks in hope of returning to sea

KESENNUMA, Miyagi -- A group of fishermen in this quake- and tsunami-devastated city have begun selling hand-made hammocks made of fishing nets, profits from which they hope will help them return to sea......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na017000c.html

Researchers may have found clue to predicting destructive chain earthquakes

Researchers have found evidence that a destructive earthquake that struck Japan in 684 A.D. was actually a chain of earthquakes, and say that the findings could help predict when such a chain of earthquakes might strike next...........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na023000c.html
_______________________________________________
Jiji press

FamilyMart Develops Truck for Mobile Convenience Store

Tokyo, Sept. 8 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart Co. <8028> unveiled a newly developed truck Thursday that sells convenience store products.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011090800809

6 Months On: Many Tsunami-Stricken Factories Call It A Day

Sendai/Fukushima, Sept. 8 (Jiji Press)--Many factories in the coastal areas of northeastern Japan have been forced to shut down after sustaining damage from the monster tsunami that followed the March 11 earthquake.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090800636

OECD Sees Zero Growth in Japan for Oct.-Dec.

Tokyo, Sept. 8 (Jiji Press)--Japan's economy is expected to post zero growth in price-adjusted real terms in the fourth quarter of 2011 after possibly growing at an annual rate of 4.1 pct in the third quarter, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090800780
_______________________________________
Sankei news

Convenience store chain develops sales vehicles

[makoto]

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

Japan revises Q2 GDP downward

Friday, September 09, 2011 11:21 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/09_22.html
__________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Natori seeks to integrate medical ways

NATORI, Miyagi--The city of Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, is looking to become a center of integrative medicine to provide care for disaster victims suffering from fatigue and stress caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110908006323.htm

Emergency meal supply not enough for big Tokyo quake

There will be a severe shortage of emergency meals for the massive number of people expected to be stranded in Tokyo if an earthquake directly hits the metropolitan area, according to the metropolitan government......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110908006105.htm

Library gift a tribute to U.S. teacher lost in tsunami

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi--The family of an American woman who died in the March 11 tsunami has presented students at a primary school in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, with a collection of 40 of her favorite books........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110908005314.htm

Shares may pay for recovery / Postal reforms key to raising 7 tril. yen for disaster reconstruction

The government and the ruling Democratic Party of Japan are considering allocating profits from sales of Japan Post Holdings Co. shares, which are wholly held by the state, to fund reconstruction from the March 11 disaster, according to sources........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110908005568.htm
_________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan economy shrank more than initial report

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's economy contracted the April-June quarter at an annual rate of 2.1 percent, worse than the initial estimate, the government said Friday, underlining the damage from the March earthquake disaster.....

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

Gov't should redouble efforts to find reconstruction funds: Furukawa

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government should accelerate its efforts to secure funds for reconstruction following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami but minimize possible tax hikes to that end, new economic and fiscal policy minister Motohisa Furukawa said Thursday......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm007000c.html

3 quake-hit prefectures face 40 bil. yen local tax shortfall

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, the prefectures hardest hit by the March earthquake and tsunami, are expected to see their tax revenues fall short of original projections by a combined 40 billion yen in the current fiscal year through next March, prefectural officials said Friday........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm038000c.html

'Surfing god' Lopez visits tsunami-damaged Chiba surf spot

ASAHI, Chiba -- Japanese-American "surfing god" Gerry Lopez paid a visit on Sept. 9 to the Iioka coast, a local surfing spot hit hard by the March 11 tsunami, and a friend whose surf shop was also damaged......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na005000c.html

Foreign tourist numbers recovering slowly but steadily 6 months after quake

Half a year after the March 11 earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster caused a sharp drop in foreign tourists to Japan, visitors from abroad are slowly but steadily reappearing.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na008000c.html
____________________________________________
Jiji press

Aeon to Buy All "Sanma" Saury from Tsunami-Hit Iwate Port

Tokyo, Sept. 9 (Jiji Press)--Aeon Co. <8267> said Friday that it will buy all "sanma" saury landed at a tsunami-hit port in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, and start selling the fish at the firm's supermarkets next week.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2011090900735

Japan's Revised GDP Shrinks 0.5 Pct in April-June

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090900125

6 Months On: Foreigners Returning to Japan, But Still Shun Eastern Part

Tokyo, Sept. 9 (Jiji Press)--Foreign travellers are gradually returning to Japan as six months have passed since the March 11 giant earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090900653

Donations for March 11 Victims Near 320 B. Yen: Red Cross

Tokyo, Sept. 9 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese Red Cross Society said Friday that the amount of donations collected by the Red Cross and the Central Community Chest of Japan for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami totaled 319,497 million yen as of the end of August.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011090900962
___________________________________________
Jiji press

Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref


an ad of Canned at Ishinomaki city, Miyagi pref

[makoto]

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

Drowning accounts for 90&#37; of tsunami

Japan's National Police Agency says more than 90 percent of the victims of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami died by drowning. More than half of those that drowned were aged 65 or older.......

Saturday, September 10, 2011 08:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_04.html

Noda pledges aid for rebuilding Miyagi

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has pledged to consider local needs for rebuilding disaster-hit Miyagi Prefecture in compiling the 3rd extra budget for this fiscal year......

Saturday, September 10, 2011 14:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_16.html

Joint memorial service held in Soma City

A joint memorial service was held in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, on Saturday for victims of the tsunami that hit the region in March.....

Saturday, September 10, 2011 16:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_18.html

March 11th body identification still underway

Police say the remains of 1,106 people have still not been identified 6 months after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami........

Saturday, September 10, 2011 21:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_21.html

Noda vows aid for rebuilding Tohoku

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda says he will consider local needs for rebuilding disaster-hit prefectures in compiling the 3rd extra budget for this fiscal year.......

Saturday, September 10, 2011 21:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_22.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Shizuoka beaches unprepared for Tokai quake

SHIZUOKA--In Shizuoka Prefecture, where disaster prevention measures are being considered for a possible Tokai Earthquake, protecting beachgoers has become a priority.........

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110909005555.htm

Evacuation manual for schools in works

The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has announced it will prepare a 20- to 30-page earthquake and tsunami emergency manual for schools and distribute it nationwide by the end of this year......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110909005606.htm
_________________________________________
Asahi com

Survey: Business sentiment drops in August over strong yen

Business sentiment among people in jobs sensitive to economic conditions fell 5.3 points in August from July to 47.3, marking the first decline since the Great East Japan Earthquake........

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109090294.html

'Mobile convenience store' heads to quake zone

A "mobile convenience store" will tour areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami offering frozen foods, hot drinks and other consumables to local people......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109090296.html

Coalition mulls Japan Post share sale to squeeze tax hike

The People's New Party, a junior coalition partner, has offered the government a way out of huge tax increases to fund post-quake reconstruction.......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109090297.html

Populations shrinking in Tohoku coastal cities

The shell of a gas station is one of the few indications that the Ogatsu district of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, was once home to a bustling shopping district........

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109090232.html
_________________________________________
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

7 out of 10 high school students will likely get jobs next spring

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The ratio of job offers to job-seeking high school students graduating next spring stood at 0.68 as of July 31, up 0.01 from a year earlier, meaning 68 out of 100 such teenagers will likely find employment upon graduation, according to a labor ministry report released Friday........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm009000c.html

Noda makes 1st trip to tsunami-stricken areas as premier

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda made a trip Saturday to Miyagi Prefecture, ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami, for the first time since he took office early this month.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm011000c.html

Child born day after quake brings hope from tsunami despair

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate -- She is fond of sunflowers and likes to play with water, said Shigeru and Yumi Sato, the parents of 6-month-old Nozomi, who was born on March 12 -- the day after the devastating earthquake and tsunami........

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na004000c.html

Only 30 percent of tsunami-ravaged communities to relocate to safer ground: Mainichi survey

Only about 30 percent of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefecture municipalities hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami intend to rebuild on high ground or further inland from the coast, a recent Mainichi survey of regional mayors has revealed.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na005000c.html


________________________________________
Jiji press

6 Months On: Balloons Draw Mobile Industry's Attention

Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--Using balloons is one of ideas that mobile operators in Japan are studying after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to cope with possible collapses of base stations.........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091000180

To Reflect Disaster Areas' Requests in 3rd Extra Budget: Noda

Kesennuma, Miyagi Pref., Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Saturday that the government plans to reflect requests of disaster areas in its planned third supplementary budget for fiscal 2011......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091000239

Donations for March 11 Victims Top 390 B. Yen

Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--The amount of donations collected in Japan and abroad for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami has surpassed 390 billion yen, already more than double that for the January 1995 quake that devastated the western Japan city of Kobe and nearby areas..........

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091000264

19,800 Dead, Missing 6 Months after March 11 Disaster

Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--More than 19,800 people have been confirmed dead or listed as missing in the March 11 powerful earthquake and tsunami as six months will pass on Sunday after the catastrophe that mainly hit the Tohoku northeastern region.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091000396
____________________________________________
Sankei news

Noda visits disaster area


they finally find family graves at Ishinomaki city, Miyagi pref


pray silently before festival
reconstruction festival at shoubuda beach, Nanao town, Miyagi pref


temporary barbershop opens at Yamada town, Iate pref

[makoto]

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

Disaster recovery still elusive

Sunday marks half a year since the major earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan. The path to recovery still seems far away as many disaster survivors continue to struggle in rebuilding their lives......

Sunday, September 11, 2011 05:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_01.html

2 Japanese win acting prizes at Venice

......The film depicts the story of a junior high school boy abused by his parents and a girl also in an unhappy family environment but trying to support him.

The March 11th earthquake and tsunami caused director Sono to rewrite the original script just before shooting started. The setting was changed to post-disaster Japan and part of the story was shot in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, which had been devastated by the tsunami.....

Sunday, September 11, 2011 08:11 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_04.html

Families mourn for victims after 6 months

Bereaved families offered their prayers on Sunday for their loved ones who died in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan.......

Sunday, September 11, 2011 08:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_07.html

Memorial concert held in NYC

A memorial concert was held in New York City on Saturday for the victims of the September 11th attacks in 2001, including 24 Japanese.......

.......As it coincides with the half year since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, a Japanese singer from Sendai performed a song praying for the rebuilding of the stricken area........

Sunday, September 11, 2011 12:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_10.html

6-month anniversary events held for quake victims

Six months have passed since the major earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan on March 11th.....

Sunday, September 11, 2011 13:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_12.html

Moment of silence observed for disaster victims

A moment of silence was observed in the areas hit by the March 11th disaster on the 6-month anniversary on Sunday.....

Sunday, September 11, 2011 22:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_21.html
_________________________________________
Yomiuri online

6 MONTHS ON FROM MARCH 11 DISASTER

Consideration given to how to preserve bldgs

Onagawacho's reconstruction plan calls for the preservation of four tsunami-hit buildings, including a toppled police box and an office building owned by dietary supplement maker Onagawa Supplement. Surrounding areas will be turned into a memorial park.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110910002044.htm

Town wants to turn popular athletics park into residential area

A tug-of-war erupted over whether an Onagawacho athletics park that survived the March 11 disaster should be used as a site for desperately needed land for housing, or retained as one of the town's few remaining "assets."....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110910002810.htm

Onagawacho fighting for existence / After losing most buildings, hundreds of lives, town quickly maps out reconstruction

ONAGAWACHO, Miyagi--Hard hit by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, Onagawacho, Miyagi Prefecture, is fighting for its existence.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110910003370.htm

78&#37; of people worry about future big quake

Nearly 80 percent of Japanese worry that a major earthquake could occur in the area they live--the highest figure since 2002--and only 3 percent believe the Diet has done a good job handling the March 11 disaster, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110910003296.htm
___________________________________________
Asahi com

Devastated fishing cooperative gets new ship

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--Hundreds of people lined the pier of this quake-hit community on Sept. 10 to welcome the No. 8 Ohama Maru, a new fishing boat bought to replace vessels lost in the March 11 disaster......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109100199.html

Many tsunami-hit schools' evacuation guidelines inadequate

Nearly 40 percent of the 56 elementary and junior high schools in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, hardest hit by the March 11 disaster, did not specify evacuation areas in their disaster-prevention manuals, an Asahi Shimbun survey found........

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109100203.html

Correct magnitude of March 11 quake not used in tsunami warnings

Ten minutes after the March 11 earthquake, a Japan Meteorological Agency observatory accurately calculated the magnitude, but the figure was not used to revise early tsunami warnings, which underestimated the waves' height, The Asahi Shimbun has learned......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109100197.html
___________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Population outflow from disaster-stricken northeastern Japan continues

Municipalities in northeastern Japan hit hard by the March 11 earthquake, ensuing tsunami and nuclear crisis are fighting an uphill battle to contain population outflow, which threatens the very survival of local communities.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na011000c.html

Local observatory faster than agency in March quake size assessment

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A local seismological observatory in central Japan assessed the massive March 11 earthquake at magnitude 9.0 within about 10 minutes after it occurred, much quicker than the assessment by the Japan Meteorological Agency, observatory officials said Saturday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm004000c.html

Rebuilding nursing homes a major post-quake challenge for Japan

In the aftermath of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Japan is facing another major challenge: to rebuild its nursing home system and guarantee services will not degrade in the process.......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na012000c.html
________________________________________
Jiji press

2 Japanese Named Best Young Actor, Actress in Venice Film Festival

Venice, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Shota Someya and Fumi Nikaido won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for best new young actor or actress in the Venice Film Festival on Saturday for their superb performance in the movie "Himizu," directed by Sion Sono.......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091100077

Northeastern Japan Marks 6 Months after March 11 Disaster

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Sept. 11 (Jiji Press)--With prayers for the repose of disaster victims and early reconstruction of hometowns, people in northeastern Japan areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami marked six months after the disaster on Sunday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091100269

Iwate Gov. Tasso Wins 2nd Term in Delayed Election

Morioka, Iwate Pref., Sept. 11 (Jiji Press)--Incumbent Iwate Governor Takuya Tasso won a second four-year term in Sunday's election......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091200009

Keisuke Kuwata Holds Comeback Concert in Disaster-Hit Miyagi

Sendai, Sept. 11 (Jiji Press)--After undergoing an esophagus cancer surgery last year, popular Japanese pop musician Keisuke Kuwata gave the first full-fledged live concert in Miyagi Prefecture Sunday, in a move to mourn those who died in the March 11 disaster and support postdisaster reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku region......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011091200018
_____________________________________________
Sankei news

half a year

Minamisanriku town, Miyagi pref


Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref


okawa school
Ishinomaki city, Miyagi pref


Natori city, Miyagi pref


Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref