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+

NHK

Jordanian, Thai doctors to arrive in Fukushima

Doctors from Jordan and Thailand are to work with Japanese doctors in Fukushima to assist evacuees suffering from "economy-class syndrome" and other diseases.....

Saturday, April 23, 2011 10:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_08.html

Kitazawa thanks special US nuclear rescue team

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa has expressed gratitude to a special US military unit that has been dispatched to Japan to stand ready for an emergency at the disaster-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.....

Saturday, April 23, 2011 15:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_13.html

Toyota may add power outlets to more hybrid cars

Toyota Motor is considering the addition of a power outlet for home appliances to more of its hybrid vehicles.....

Saturday, April 23, 2011 15:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_15.html

Pope Benedict Q&A with earthquake survivor

Pope Benedict the 16th says he is praying for the children who are suffering in Japan....

Saturday, April 23, 2011 02:55 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_03.html she is a child actress, Elena Matsuki
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Yomiuri online

Japan earmarks first 4 trillion yen for post-quake rebuild

Japan's Cabinet approved on Friday almost $50 billion of spending for post-earthquake rebuilding, a downpayment on the country's biggest public works effort in six decades....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104220205.html

Time names Fukushima mayor, Miyagi doctor in top 100

NEW YORK--A mayor whose online plea spotlighted the plight of his city's residents in the early days of Japan's nuclear crisis and a doctor who worked through the March 11 disaster were among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104220204.html

Increased power supply eases summer savings goal to 15%

The government will lower its electricity savings goals for this summer's peak power consumption in the Tokyo area and the Tohoku region to a flat 15 percent compared with levels last summer, sources said.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104220210.html
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Jordan, Thailand to send medical teams to Fukushima

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Jordan and Thailand are to send medical teams to Fukushima Prefecture to help local medics treat survivors of the devastating March 11 quake and tsunami, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Friday.....

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

Gov't to scrap 1,000 yen expressway toll limit in June

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Transport minister Akihiro Ohata said Friday that the government will scrap the 1,000 yen upper limit for expressway tolls on national holidays in June to help secure funds for an extra budget in fiscal 2011 for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

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

Pope responds to question from Catholic girl in quake-stricken Japan

ROME (Kyodo) -- Pope Benedict XVI, in his first attempt to field questions from TV viewers, responded Friday to a question posed by a 7-year-old girl about the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan's northeast....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html

Kan says debt issuance, perhaps tax hike needed for reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Friday the government will most likely need to issue new bonds for a sizable second extra budget, expected to be drawn up around June, to finance reconstruction in the earthquake- and tsunami-hit northeastern region.....

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

Emergency callouts in tsunami-ravaged coastal areas reach record high

Ambulances were dispatched over 1,500 times to evacuation shelters in coastal areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in the month following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and the ensuing nuclear power plant crisis, it has been learned....

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

Tokyo Disney Resort under pressure to cut down on power consumption

URAYASU, Chiba -- The operator of Tokyo Disney Resort is under pressure to reduce electric power consumption in anticipation of a power shortage this summer.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na019000c.html

Japan quake briefly cut U.S. military computer links

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colorado (AP) -- The Air Force says computer links with some U.S. bases in the Pacific were severed by the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, but one of its cyber squadrons restored them within five hours....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm060000c.html
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Sankei news

Otsuchi town, Iwate pref
4/23
Kesennuma city, Miyagi pref
4/23

JMA


http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/201...e_back_up.html

[Emily]

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

This is a story about Toru Kawana of Gilbert, AZ a former photographer for the East Valley Tribune and current firefighter for the Scottsdale Fire Department, and his experience in Japan for the last two weeks in Koriyama helping his mother there. (Koriyama is described as being on the other side of a mountain from the damaged Fukushima power plant.)

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/loc...cc4c002e0.html

Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2011 9:00 am | Updated: 3:51 pm, Fri Apr 22, 2011.

By Mike Sakal, East Valley Tribune
One of the first things Toru Kawana noticed was the missing clock on the wall.

It had been hanging in the same spot at his mother?s house in Koriyama, Japan for more than 50 years ? longer than Toru has been alive....
....
One night last week, Kawana was in a deep sleep ?when the whole world shook? again. ??It might be the big one,? I thought because it lasted several seconds longer and stronger than the aftershocks I have been feeling every day since I came to Japan on April 12,? he said. ?For the last 10 days, I feel like I have been sleeping at the firehouse ... ready to get up and get to work. It can?t be healthy feeling like this every day endlessly.?...

The article examines some differences in the perspectives between mother and son.

[makoto]

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

NHK

Australian PM visits tsunami-ravaged town

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited a town devastated by the March 11th disaster on Saturday, becoming the first foreign head of state to enter the affected areas.....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 00:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_25.html

Govt panel to discuss creative reconstruction

The head of the government's reconstruction panel says he wants to discuss creative reconstruction plans for areas devastated by the March 11th disaster.....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 00:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_18.html

Mayors see little prospect of rebuilding lives

An NHK survey of municipalities affected by the March 11th disasters has found that 60 percent of them see little or no prospect of rebuilding residents' lives....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 00:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/23_22.html

Landslide, flood, aftershock warnings in Tohoku

Japanese weather officials are warning of the possibility of landslides and flooding in disaster-affected areas caused by bad weather through Monday.....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 10:57 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/24_09.html

SDF to conduct 3rd massive search operation

Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the US military will start a third massive search on Monday for about 12,000 people who remain unaccounted for after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 12:37 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/24_11.html

Over 26,000 dead or missing

Over 26,000 people are dead or missing after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami as of Sunday morning....

Sunday, April 24, 2011 14:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/24_14.html
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Yomiuri online

Schools welcome displaced / Over 1,000 private schools offer places to students affected by disaster

More than 1,000 private schools nationwide have offered to accept about 6,600 middle and high school students from areas hit by last month's massive earthquake and tsunami, it has been learned.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110423002370.htm
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Asahi com

For some Kamaishi residents, rail tracks led to safety

KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture--In a race for their lives against the deadly tsunami on March 11, about 20 residents ran in a line along the tracks of the JR Yamada Line. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104230224.html

Tsunami spared few at elementary school in Ishinomaki

Lessons learned from the tsunami spawned by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake showed that even schools once thought to be safe havens were vulnerable, and some parents who could get their children to higher ground saved them. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104240105.html
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Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Quake- and tsunami-stricken city starts project to employ beleaguered local residents

OFUNATO, Iwate -- The city government here is launching a project to give local residents who lost their homes or jobs after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami construction jobs in a bid to rebuild the local community.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na021000c.html

Nostalgic hot spring inn opens doors to evacuees, restoration workers

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- A nostalgic hot spring inn famous for its kerosene lamps has been offering accommodation free to evacuees and restoration workers in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na022000c.html

Miyagi governor proposes new entity to promote reconstruction

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai on Saturday proposed establishing a new institution linking the state and three prefectures devastated by last month's mega earthquake and tsunami, as well as disaster-hit municipalities in the region, to promote integrated post-quake reconstruction.....

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

Australian PM is 1st foreign leader to visit tsunami-hit area

MINAMISANRIKU (Kyodo) -- Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Saturday visited a Japanese coastal town devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, becoming the first foreign leader to travel to the disaster-hit area.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm013000c.html

Lesson from the past: Edo era roads, towns built just out of tsunami's reach

It seems the people who built the Edo-period road running up the northeast coast of Japan knew something about the dangers of tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na025000c.html

Japan to launch massive search for quake bodies

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan plans to send more than 20,000 soldiers into its northern disaster zone Monday in an intensive mission to recover the bodies of those killed in last month's earthquake and tsunami.....

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


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Jiji press

Used Vehicle Demand Surging in Disaster-Hit Areas in Japan

Murata, Miyagi Pref., April 24 (Jiji Press)--Demand for used vehicles is soaring in the Tohoku northeastern Japan region, which was hit by the March 11 disaster.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042400014

Sengoku Eyes Income Tax Hike for Quake Reconstruction

Watari, Miyagi Pref., April 24 (Jiji Press)--Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku suggested Sunday that the Japanese government should consider a temporary income tax hike to help pay for the reconstruction of areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042400055

Tohoku Tourism Industry Slowly Coming Round

Tokyo, April 24 (Jiji Press)--Tourism businesses in the Tohoku northeastern Japan region have slowly been recovering from the devastation caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, though those in Fukushima Prefecture still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel due to the unfolding nuclear crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> power plant hit by the disaster. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042400198
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Sankei news

at Minamisanriku town, Miyagi pref

[makoto]

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

More seawater damage on farmland found

More farmland in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan was found to have been damaged by seawater.....

Monday, April 25, 2011 07:43 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_08.html

Kan facing difficult political situation

Prime Minster Naoto Kan faces a difficult political landscape as his ruling Democratic Party suffered setbacks in nationwide local elections on Sunday.

Monday, April 25, 2011 06:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_05.html

Government to set up a disaster study panel

The Japanese government is setting up a panel to revise its existing basic disaster preparedness policy.....

Monday, April 25, 2011 11:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_09.html

3rd massive search for the missing underway

Japan's Self-Defense Force is conducting a third large-scale search for 12,000 people who remain missing since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.....

Monday, April 25, 2011 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/25_16.html
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Yomiuri online

FROM SQUARE ONE / Mismatch leaves nation divided

The country's electricity grid is effectively split in two by mismatched power frequencies--the supply is 50 Hz in eastern Japan, and 60 Hz in western Japan. The "electricity border" runs from Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture to the Fujigawa river in Shizuoka Prefecture. ....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20110424dy02.htm

FROM SQUARE ONE / Japan's unique electric history

Recent electricity shortages faced by Tokyo and its vicinity after several power plants were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake have shed light on the weaknesses of the nation's power distribution systems.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20110424dy01.htm

Anchored by community spirit / Village's determination to recover inspires N.Z. woman to stay put

NODAMURA, Iwate--"A real tsunami..." As assistant language teacher Georgia Robinson watched the water push through the village, she remembered the fear a book about tsunami had inspired in her as a child in her native New Zealand.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110424002152.htm

Sharing disaster-area workers' emotional, mental load

A psychotherapist has been assigned to to care for Ground Self-Defense Force colleagues in Fukushima Prefecture who are suffering shock as a result of their search and rescue work in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110424001718.htm

Canadian filming quake-hit Kesennuma

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--A Canadian researcher has focused her camera on Kesennuma in a project that may last a decade to show how the devastated city and residents are recovering from last month's massive earthquake and tsunami....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110424001230.htm

2 men hand 50 mil. yen to evacuees, disaster-hit city

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi--Two men handed envelopes of cash to evacuees at several shelters in disaster-hit Ishinomaki last week, as well as more than 5 million yen in cash to a branch of the city government, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110424002254.htm
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Undersea robots fail to locate any bodies during search

TOKYO (kyodo) -- Two robots that were used to search in the sea for people missing following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami did not find any bodies in five days of operations through Saturday in Pacific coastal waters off northeastern Japan, a research group involved with the project said Sunday.....

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

118 medical facilities wrecked in 3 tsunami-hit prefectures

TOKYO (kyodo) -- At least 118 medical facilities in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures were battered by the massive tsunami triggered by the March 11 earthquake, rendering them unusable for clinical examinations or treatment, medical association officials said Sunday.....

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

Removal of tsunami-wrecked fishing boats starts in Kesennuma

TOKYO (kyodo) -- A salvage agency started full-fledged operations Sunday to remove fishing boats sunk, stranded or dumped inland by the March 11 earthquake-triggered tsunami in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

Kan vows to address huge debt despite big reconstruction spending

Tokyo (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Monday he will lay out a plan to mend Japan's tattered public finances, although sizable spending increases are needed for reconstruction of the northeastern region devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm026000c.html

Group of men leave behind huge cash donations at quake shelters

A group of men visited several shelters and a disaster headquarters in Miyagi Prefecture between April 20 and 23 and left behind at least 30 million yen for evacuees, it has been learned.....

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

Schoolboy's diary reveals struggle of losing father in tsunami

On March 11, the day northeastern Japan was ravaged by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, 12-year-old Yuta Hakoishi saw his father driving back home in his truck, and prayed that he wouldn't be swallowed by the tsunami. It was the last time that the 12-year-old, a student at Osawa Elementary School in the town of Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, saw him alive. The following account that Yuta wrote and submitted to the Mainichi Shogakusei newspaper sheds light on his feelings after the tragedy......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na025000c.html
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Jiji press

Japan to Outline Reconstruction Task Force During Golden Week

Tokyo, April 25 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano on Monday showed the government's intention to draft during the coming Golden Week holidays an outline of a planned task force for implementing postdisaster reconstruction projects.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042500522

Thefts Increase in Disaster-Hit Miyagi Pref.

Tokyo, April 25 (Jiji Press)--The number of thefts in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, increased about 25 pct in the month after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, a prefectural police survey showed Monday....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042500586

Iwate Pref. to Set Up Fund for March 11 Disaster Orphans

Morioka, Iwate Pref., April 25 (Jiji Press)--The Iwate prefectural government will set up a special fund to provide financial support to children aged under 18 who were orphaned by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Governor Takuya Tasso said Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042500588

Japan to Reduce SDF Deployment in Quake-Hit Areas

Tokyo, April 25 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa on Monday instructed Self-Defense Forces leaders to consider reducing the size of troop deployments in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042500649
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Sankei news

panorama photo

Okawa school
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...11/0424ookawa/

3rd massive search, Minamisoma city, Fukushima pref
4/24

[makoto]

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

SDF personnel to have mental checkups

Japan's Defense Ministry will provide mental health checks for Self-Defense Force personnel engaged in the recovery of bodies and other work in areas affected by the March 11th disaster.....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 07:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_02.html

BOJ to cut FY2011 growth forecast

The Bank of Japan is expected to revise downward its forecast of the nation's economic growth for this fiscal year as a result of the March 11th quake and tsunami. But it is likely to project a return to the recovery track as early as autumn......

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 07:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_01.html

Toyota to cut production in South America

Toyota Motor will slow output at its plants in South America due to a shortage of parts from Japan....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 12:49 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_15.html

Prisoners donate more than 20-mil yen

Prisoners all over Japan have donated the equivalent of more than 260,000 dollars to people affected by the March 11 disaster....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 14:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_23.html

Honda hopes to resume full production by year-end

Honda Motor says it wants to return its production in Japan to pre-disaster levels this year....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 16:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_24.html

Japan's thanks US for disaster relief

CNN has begun airing a video message to thank the United States for supporting Japan following the March 11th disaster....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 17:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_26.html

Desalting of tsunami-hit rice paddies begins

Work to remove salt from rice paddies that were covered by tsunami waves following the March 11th earthquake has begun in northeastern Japanese prefectures.....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 17:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_27.html

Work begins to remove boats sunk by tsunami

Work has begun to remove fishing boats sunk by the March 11th tsunami at a port in northeastern Japan....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 17:46 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_28.html

Sumo wrestlers to make donations for 10 years

Sumo wrestlers have promised continued donations for the next 10 years to support children in areas stricken by the March 11th disaster....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 21:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/26_38.html
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Yomiuri online

Kitasato U. moving Iwate Pref. campus

OFUNATO, Iwate--Kitasato University is relocating the functions of its Sanriku Campus in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, to its Sagamihara Campus in Kanagawa Prefecture because many of its students lost their housing accommodations in the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110425003411.htm

Malnutrition rife in quake zone

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--Due to deteriorating hygiene caused by power blackouts, suspension of the water supply and poor nutrition from food distributed at evacuation centers, protecting disaster victims' health has become a serious issue in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. ....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110425003912.htm

Miyagi govt unveils regional redevelopment plan

SENDAI--The Miyagi prefectural government has drawn up future blueprints of 14 coastal cities and towns that were damaged by the March 11 disaster, classifying areas to be redeveloped into three models--"plain type," "ria coast type" and "urban type," it was learned Monday......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110425004049.htm
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Asahi com

Governors seek to rebuild, but differ on timetable, funding

While the governors of Miyagi and Iwate prefectures presented varied and detailed proposals April 23 for rebuilding in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato had none because he said he has been dealing with the crises at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104250128.html

Moves escalate to topple Kan after poor election results

Disappointing local election results have increased political activity to topple Prime Minister Naoto Kan as he tries to compile a plan to pull Japan out of the mess from the March 11 disaster.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104250129.html
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Japan airs thank you message for U.S. help over disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan on Monday started to air a video message through CNN expressing gratitude for U.S. support over the March 11 earthquake and ensuing nuclear crisis.....

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

Calorie intake of most quake victims in Miyagi falls short of target

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The calorie intake of evacuees following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami fell short of the target of 2,000 kilocalories at around 90 percent of the 266 shelters in Miyagi Prefecture, a survey by the prefectural government showed Monday......

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

Emperor, empress to visit quake-hit areas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will visit Miyagi Prefecture, one of the areas worst hit by the catastrophic March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster, on Wednesday to meet evacuees, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm017000c.html

Temple in quake-hit town keeps 250 urns containing ashes of victims

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A local temple in this quake- and tsunami-ravaged town is keeping about 250 urns containing the ashes of victims after it was entrusted with them by their bereaved families......

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


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Jiji press

Japan Emperor, Empress to Visit Disaster-Hit Tohoku Region

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will visit three northeastern prefectures devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami around the Golden Week holidays that start Friday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600129

Japan to Boost Special Tax Grants for March Disaster Relief

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--Japan's government on Tuesday adopted a bill to boost its fiscal 2011 special tax revenue grants to local governments by 120 billion yen to aid municipalities affected by the March 11 disaster.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600180

Free Accommodations Eyed for Students Seeking Jobs after Disaster

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--The labor and education ministries decided Tuesday to offer free accommodations until the end of March 2012 for university and other students who are seeking jobs in the Tokyo metropolitan area after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan. ......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600297

Govt to Cover Up to 90 Pct of Municipal Reconstruction Costs

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government decided at a cabinet meeting Tuesday to submit legislation to subsidize 90 pct of reconstruction projects led by municipalities devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600320

2,800 Inmates in Japan Make Donations for Disaster Victims

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--About 2,800 inmates across Japan have made donations for victims of the March 11 quake and tsunami, Justice Minister Satsuki Eda said Tuesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600331

Nagano Governor Seeks State Support for Quake-Hit Village

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Naoto Kan for state support to rebuild a village in the central Japan prefecture damaged by a powerful earthquake on March 12.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600336

Japan OKs Municipal Reconstruction Lottery

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on Tuesday approved a nationwide lottery planned by nine prefectures and two cities to finance reconstruction of northeastern, eastern and central Japan areas hit by the March 11 disaster. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600359

High Levels of Arsenic Found in Groundwater in Miyagi Pref.

Kesennuma, Miyagi Pref., April 26 (Jiji Press)--Arsenic at levels higher than the permitted limit has been found in groundwater in this northeastern Japan city, adding to worries of people living in evacuation centers following last month's earthquake and tsunami. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600837

Kan Hopes to Provide Enough Temporary Housing by Mid-August

Tokyo, April 26 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Tuesday he will do his best so every evacuee who wishes to move to temporary housing can do so by around the Bon holidays in mid-August, at the latest....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042600884
__________________
Sankei news

<iframe width="150" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ch/maps?hl=fr&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;ll=37.300958,14 0.191383&amp;spn=0.010241,0.012789&amp;z=14&amp;ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.ch/maps?hl=fr&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;ll=37.300958,14 0.191383&amp;spn=0.010241,0.012789&amp;z=14&amp;so urce=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">fujinuma damlake</a></small> Sukagawa city, Fukushima pref http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujinuma_Dam
Sukagawa city http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukagawa,_Fukushima


The dam broke by 3/11 earthquake, 6 persons died and 2 persons still missing


3/11 earthquake, Sukagawa city
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="300" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9bEQ0uluC44?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[makoto]

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

Quake-hit residents digging home wells

Residents of a devastated city in northeastern Japan are having wells dug at their homes to secure water for domestic use.....

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 06:29 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_01.html

Imperial couple visits tsunami-hit area

Japan's Emperor and Empress are visiting the areas of Miyagi Prefecture devastated by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.....

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_14.html

Experts: Quakes increased before March 11 disaster

Experts say increased seismic activities in the Pacific Ocean in recent years may have been a sign of the massive quake of March 11th.....

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 06:29 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_02.html

Outlook on Japan debt rating lowered

US credit rating firm Standard & Poor's says it may downgrade its rating of Japan's government bonds, as the country's ongoing nuclear crisis could worsen the nation's budget deficit.....

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 16:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_25.html

Govt council to review disaster preparedness plan

The Japanese government council on disaster preparedness has decided to drastically revise its plans for dealing with earthquakes and tsunamis......

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 18:43 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_29.html

Japanese chip maker shows quake-hit plant

Major Japanese semiconductor maker Renesas Electronics has given the media a tour of a plant in Ibaraki Prefecture that was hit by the March 11th earthquake.....

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 20:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/27_37.html
__________________
Yomiuri online

Searching for memories amid tsunami debris

NATORI, Miyagi--Yoshio Suzuki and one of his sons have searched the rubble of Yoshio's former home for photographs of their hometown in Miyagi Prefecture nearly every day since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110426004316.htm

Moving away, staying together / 1,400 households in Miyagi Pref. willing to relocate inland en masse

About 1,400 households in nine coastal areas in Miyagi Prefecture that were pummeled by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are considering shifting en masse to inland parts of the prefecture, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110426005056.htm

Liquefaction victims in line for financial aid

The government plans to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of houses damaged by soil liquefaction in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110426004794.htm
__________________
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Tax relief measures enacted for disaster victims

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A package of tax relief measures was enacted Wednesday for victims of the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami that chiefly hit northeastern Japan, the first step in tax breaks for reconstruction for individuals and businesses......

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

Kan eyes making temporary homes available for all evacuees by Aug.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Tuesday he aims to make temporary housing units available by Japan's Obon holiday season in mid-August for all evacuees affected by the March 11 natural catastrophe.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

Gov't not to adopt daylight saving time due to high costs, confusion

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government decided not to introduce daylight saving time as a way to address the expected electricity shortage this summer, amid worries about the huge costs involved and social confusion, sources close to the matter said Tuesday.....

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

Japanese doctor says TIME chose him as symbol of quake victims

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- A Japanese doctor who was recently chosen as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people said Tuesday he believes he was picked as a symbol of all the people who have been courageously fighting against difficulties after being affected by the March 11 disaster in his country.....

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

Quake renders 90&#37; of fishing boats in 3 prefectures unusable

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- The March 11 tsunami rendered around 90 percent of the 29,000 fishing boats in the three most severely hit prefectures unusable, according to provisional tallies by the three prefectures.....

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

Property damage in 4 quake-hit prefectures estimated at 16 tril. yen

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Property damage in the four northeastern prefectures hardest hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami is estimated at a combined 16,373 billion yen, or 7.9 percent of their total asset values, the Development Bank of Japan said Wednesday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm089000c.html

Man has prison sentence suspended after engaging in tsunami volunteer work

OSAKA -- A man here has had his prison sentence suspended after he engaged in volunteer activities to help victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na006000c.html

Lack of support for homes damaged by liquefaction in spotlight after Japan quake

Residents whose homes have been left leaning as a result of liquefaction triggered by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake on March 11 have complained of a lack of support under the Natural Disaster Victims Relief Law, sparking a government review of relief standards.....

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

Stairs along concrete wall in village saved many lives from killer tsunami

TONI, Iwate -- Stairs along a concrete wall at the foot of a hill in this fishing community saved the lives of many residents from the deadly tsunami that was triggered by the March 11 earthquake that destroyed scores of homes.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na019000c.html


_____________
Jiji press

(Corrected/Update) S&P Cuts Japan Long-Term Rating Outlook to Negative

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--Standard & Poor's said Wednesday it may cut its AA minus long-term sovereign credit rating assigned to Japan due to concerns that the country's fiscal conditions will deteriorate further following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700350

Japan Enacts Law on Special Tax Breaks for Disaster Victims

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--Japan's parliament enacted special legislation on Wednesday to reduce tax burdens on individuals and businesses affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700362

Japan's Fuel Imports Soar in March

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--Japan's fuel imports soared in March as the oil industry's supply capacity slumped due to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700420

Applicants Soar for Holiday Voluntary Work at Disaster Areas

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--Applications for voluntary work in the disaster-hit areas during the Golden Week holidays are flocking to assistance organizations, with numbers standing at several times requested levels. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700605

INTERVIEW: Disaster Victims Looking to Regain Their Lives: Japanese Doctor

New York, April 26 (Jiji Press)--The survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan are now looking forward to a time when they can return to normal life, Japanese doctor Takeshi Kanno, who made Time magazine's annual list of the world's 100 most influential people, said in an interview Tuesday. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700645

Japan Govt to Raise Quake Insurance Burden-Sharing

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government will shoulder a greater amount of earthquake insurance payments, so that insurance companies can retain adequate reserves in the wake of the March 11 quake, informed sources said Wednesday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700681

Disaster Damage in 4 Japan Prefecutres Exceeds 16 T. Yen: Report

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., April 27 (Jiji Press)--The March 11 earthquake and tsunami caused a total of 16,373 billion yen worth of damage in the four most severely affected prefectures, the Tohoku branch of the Development Bank of Japan said Wednesday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700724

BOJ Urged to Buy Reconstruction Bonds

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--The government should issue reconstruction bonds to help the nation recover from the March 11 disaster and get the Bank of Japan to buy them, a group of lawmakers and private economists suggested Wednesday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700802

Japan Reconstruction Panel Not to Focus on Funding: Acting Chair

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese government advisory panel is likely to sidestep how to finance rebuilding projects when it draws up its first set of proposals on reconstruction following last month's earthquake and tsunami, a senior panel member said Wednesday. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700823

Japan to Revise Basic Plan on Disaster Management

Tokyo, April 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government decided Wednesday to revise its basic plan on disaster management following the unexpectedly strong earthquake and subsequent devastation on March 11. ...

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042700998
______________________
Sankei news

panorama photo

Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...1/0425rikuzen/

at temporary home, Ofunato city, Iwate pref
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...1/0427kasetsu/

[makoto]

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

Bernanke: Japan quake impact temporary

US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the March 11th quake and tsunami in Japan will only have a temporary impact on the US economy.....

Thursday, April 28, 2011 11:41 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_15.html

Buddhist service held at tsunami ravaged city

A joint memorial service for the March 11th tsunami victims was held at a Buddhist temple in a northern Japanese city on Thursday......

Thursday, April 28, 2011 15:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_24.html

Japan's industrial output marks record plunge

Japan's industrial production marked a record plunge in March due to the impact of last month's earthquake and tsunami.....

Thursday, April 28, 2011 15:07 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_26.html

Japan's household spending marks record drop

Japanese household spending marked the largest decline on record in March in the wake of last month's quake and tsunami......

Thursday, April 28, 2011 16:50 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_30.html

Government to begin Cool Biz campaign early

The Japanese government has decided to begin its annual energy-saving campaign from May 1st, a month earlier than usual, in response to expected power shortages this summer......

Thursday, April 28, 2011 16:50 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_27.html

Saving arts and crafts in tsunami-hit Ishinomaki

Experts have begun work to restore cultural assets damaged by last month's earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan......

Thursday, April 28, 2011 17:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_28.html

Gov't warns of risk from quake-caused subsidence

Japan's land ministry has found that areas of land below-sea-level in the Sendai plain, Miyagi Prefecture, have increased 5-fold after the March 11th earthquake.....

Thursday, April 28, 2011 17:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_31.html
___________________
Yomiuri online

Hometown tax pours in to quake-hit prefectures

The governments of the prefectures hit by the March 11 earthquake are receiving a strong stream donations via the furusato nozei (hometown tax) system, which encourages people to contribute to their hometown despite living elsewhere......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110427003262.htm

Govt to monitor asbestos in earthquake-hit areas

A panel will be set up to devise measures to prevent workers clearing debris in areas devastated by the March 11 disaster from contracting asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, it has been learned......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110427006115.htm
___________________
Mainichi jp(KYodo, AP)

378 students killed with 158 others missing in March 11 disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan killed 378 elementary, junior high and senior high school students and left 158 others missing, the boards of education in the three hardest-hit prefectures said Wednesday......

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

Gov't eyes drastic review of post-quake, tsunami countermeasures

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A government panel headed by Prime Minister Naoto Kan decided Wednesday to make a drastic review of existing measures to address a major earthquake or tsunami, in the wake of the unprecedented catastrophe that hit the country last month, panel members said.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html

Survivors mourn children killed in tsunami at school memorial

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami on Thursday mourned 74 students and 10 teachers from an elementary school in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, lost in the disaster, as similar services were held across Japan's heavily affected northeast......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm037000c.html

US Red Cross tsunami donations buying appliances

TOKYO (AP) -- The head of the American Red Cross says the $185 million it received in donations and pledges for Japanese tsunami relief is buying essential household appliances such as rice cookers for people who lost their homes and are living in temporary housing.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm096000c.html

Insurers struggle to make huge payouts for quake victims

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- Insurance companies have been struggling to make large payouts on policies for victims of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake as more than 15,000 people have been confirmed dead or missing.....

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

Medical team from southern Japan provides psychological care for quake relief workers

MIYAKO, Iwate -- A medical team comprised of workers from two hospitals in southern Japan is providing psychological care for local government officials and evacuation shelter managers in quake- and tsunami-hit areas......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na018000c.html


_______________
Jiji press

Japan March Jobless Rate at 4.6 Pct, Excluding Quake-Hit Areas

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The seasonally adjusted jobless rate in Japan, excluding three northeastern prefectures hit hardest by the March 11 disaster, stood at 4.6 pct in March, unchanged from the previous month, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said Thursday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800159

Japan Industrial Output Falls Record 15.3 Pct in March

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan's industrial production in March dropped a record 15.3 pct from the previous month due to the impacts from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Thursday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800166

Japan to Lower Summer Electricity Saving Targets

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan will lower electricity saving targets for this summer in eastern and northeastern Japan thanks to recovering power supply capacities, industry minister Banri Kaieda said Thursday. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800470

BOJ Keeps Policy Rate Target Unchanged

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Bank of Japan decided by a unanimous vote to keep its monetary policy unchanged at its Policy Board meeting on Thursday.
The central bank will continue guiding the unsecured overnight call rate to a range from zero to 0.1 pct. The target rate remained unchanged since October last year.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800479

Japan to Extend Cool Biz Campaign by 2 Months

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government decided Thursday to extend the period of the "Cool Biz" casual clothing campaign by two months this year in response to possible power shortages in the summertime. ...

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800653

Japan to Set Road Map for Key Policy Talks Soon

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan on Thursday decided to set a road map for resuming discussions on key economic policy issues that have been suspended due to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800654

Japan to Help Home Owners Affected by Quake-Loosened Soil

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government has decided to provide financial and other assistance to owners of homes damaged by an earthquake-triggered phenomenon called soil liquefaction, officials said Thursday. ......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800766

Japan Economy Likely to Resume Recovery in FY 2011 2nd Half: BOJ

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese economy is expected to start picking up in the autumn after suffering a slump stemming from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Bank of Japan said Thursday. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800801

Household Survey Shows Quake-Inspired Donation Gain

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government's household spending survey released Thursday showed a sharp increase in donations, inspired by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. ......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800858

Supply Chain Constraints Likely to Ease in Autumn: BOJ Chief

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Supply-chain constraints in Japan caused by last month's massive earthquake and tsunami are likely to ease in autumn, Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said Thursday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800927

INTERVIEW: DPJ Criticisms of Govt Shameful, Maehara Says

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Former Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara slammed the ruling party for criticizing the government's response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800943

Japan March Construction Orders Down 11 Pct

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Construction orders received by 50 major contractors in Japan in March fell 11.0 pct from a year before to 2,008.5 billion yen, the infrastructure ministry said Thursday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042800944

Japan Embassy Releases Support Messages from Chinese

Beijing, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese embassy in Beijing on Thursday made public messages of support received from people across China since the massive earthquake and tsunami ravaged northeastern Japan on March 11. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042801011
_____________________
Sankei news

SDF search, Miyagi pref
4/28 4/28

Buddhist service "forty‐ninth day after death"


at Okawa school
47 news
Okawa school memorial service

[makoto]

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

Seabed rose by 7m near quake focus

Researchers have found that the seabed off northeastern Japan surged by as much as seven meters, and shifted about 50 meters southeastward, in the March 11th earthquake....

Friday, April 29, 2011 13:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/29_13.html
_______________
Yomiuri online

Govt panel to overhaul disaster readiness plans

A government panel has decided national disaster readiness plans need to be overhauled to strengthen preparations for major tsunami in light of the Great East Japan Earthquake that has left more than 25,000 people dead or missing. .....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428005520.htm

Old tsunami story causes teachers worry

Given the devastation caused by last month's massive tsunami, schoolteachers are increasingly concerned about how to teach disaster-related subjects in class......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428005515.htm

Kid gloves needed in classes on reducing disaster impact

Teachers in disaster-stricken areas are torn between the need to educate students about the importance of antidisaster measures and healing trauma suffered by children after last month's earthquake and tsunami......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428005509.htm

Sendai recovery proceeds with 1st baseball since quake

SENDAI--Seven weeks after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Sendai takes another step toward recovery today, as the city's pro baseball team, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, plays their first game here this year.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428006867.htm

Joblessness adding to woes / Companies dismissing workers, but most have nowhere to turn

In the aftermath of last month's Great East Japan Earthquake, employment has become another source of anxiety for people in disaster-hit areas as many who lost their jobs because of the disaster cannot find other work....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428007357.htm

424 schoolteachers to head for disaster areas

The education ministry plans to increase the number of schoolteachers in disaster-hit areas by more than 400 to help handle student's emotional needs and improve schooling, sources said Thursday......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110428006598.htm
____________________
Asahi com

Quake costs cast shadow over Japan's bond rating

A fresh warning on Japan's government bond rating underscored the daunting task of rebuilding public finances while funding post-quake reconstruction. .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104280203.html
_________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Gov't submits 1st extra budget for post-quake rebuilding to Diet

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government submitted the first extra budget for fiscal 2011 to parliament on Thursday aimed at rebuilding areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

DPJ eyes tax hike, partial capital relocation in postquake vision

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The ruling Democratic Party of Japan unveiled a set of proposals Thursday for the country to rebuild from the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including a tax hike and relocation of some of the capital's functions......

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

Chinese journalists change image of Japan after covering March disaster

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- A number of Chinese journalists saw their long-held negative views about Japan and its people change completely after traveling to northeastern Japan to cover the aftermath of the March 11 quake-tsunami disaster, according to their reports to a recent symposium with university students in Beijing.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html ex-image of Japan by china government

PTA head calls for memorial for students and teachers at tsunami-devastated school

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- The head of the PTA at a tsunami-devastated elementary school here has called for the city government to build a memorial for the victims.....


Severe job shortages in Miyagi after tsunami disaster

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- Among the many things lost when a massive tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11 were jobs. With many employers unable to predict if and when their businesses will resume operations, unemployment centers in areas that suffered the most destruction have been filled day after day with people applying for unemployment benefits or looking for work.....

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




_____________
Jiji press

Roos Pledges U.S. Support for Disaster-Hit Tohoku Region

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., April 29 (Jiji Press)--U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos on Friday pledged his country's continued support for the reconstruction of areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042900329

Housing Loan Forgiveness Possible for Quake Victims: Minister

Tokyo, April 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Financial Services Minister Shozaburo Jimi indicated Friday that it could be possible for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to have their outstanding housing loans waived if they need to borrow fresh loans for the rebuilding of their damaged houses or the construction of new houses.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042900410

Electronics Retailers Boosting Sales of Power-Saving Products

Tokyo, April 29 (Jiji Press)--Large electronics retailers are trying to boost sales of highly energy-efficient products as consumers are increasingly aware of the need to save electricity amid persistent worries about power shortages in eastern Japan in summer this year.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011042900457
_____________________
Sankei news

power saving at Kasumigaseki station, Tokyo

[makoto]

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

Japan, US plan security talks at early date

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed on the need to hold bilateral security talks at an early date....

Saturday, April 30, 2011 12:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_09.html

China lifts advisory against travel to Japan

China has lifted its advisory against travel to Japan....

Saturday, April 30, 2011 16:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_15.html
_________________
Yomiuri online

Volunteers in earthquake-hit areas exceed 130,000

More than 130,000 people have volunteered their time and energy to help with disaster relief in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20110429dy01.htm

Hair-cutting laws trimmed back in quake-hit areas

The government has given barbers and beauticians a break in areas affected by the March 11 earthquake, easing laws to allow them to clip and style at shelters or makeshift shops near temporary housing sites.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110429005118.htm

Coast guard releases March 11 footage

The Japan Coast Guard released Thursday 6-1/2 hours of video footage of the March 11 tsunami, taken at the second Regional Coast Guard headquarters Sendai Air Station and its Kesennuma Coast Guard Station in Miyagi Prefecture.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110429004411.htm
__________________
Asahi com

100 Chinese back on sightseeing tours to Japan

DALIAN, China--About 100 Chinese from three sightseeing tours had filed applications for Japanese visas by April 27, ending a dearth in tours of Japan caused by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, Uichiro Niwa, Japan's ambassador to China, said.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104290140.html

Deadly decision: Straying from evacuation procedures

OTSUCHI, Iwate Prefecture--Mieko Onodera is largely credited with protecting so many children at Otsuchi Elementary School from the March 11 tsunami. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104290134.html

Tokyo bakery providing way for unemployed to make some bread

A Tokyo baker, moved by the unfolding disaster in northern Japan, is hiring people who lost their jobs in the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami or accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104290135.html

Daughter's body found after memorial service

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi Prefecture--Akemi Karino received a mobile phone call immediately after the memorial service on April 28 for staff and children of Okawa Elementary School, where 84 students and teachers are missing or confirmed dead following the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104290142.html
________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Kan expresses readiness to make Tohoku Expressway toll-free

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Saturday said a proposal to make the Tohoku Expressway linking the Tokyo metropolitan area and Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan toll-free was "promising" to help spur the regional economy ravaged by the March 11 quake and tsunami....

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

Tourist traffic peaks at onset of 'Golden Week' holidays

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Air, railway and road traffic of travelers flowing out of Tokyo for the annual Golden Week holidays peaked Friday, the onset of the 10-day vacation period through May 8, but at a relatively modest amount following the March 11 quake-tsunami disaster.....

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

U.K. experts split on Japan's political future following disaster

LONDON (Kyodo) -- Observers in Britain are divided on the prospects of a grand coalition forming in Japan following the March 11 natural disaster and ensuing nuclear crisis....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html

Chinese premier may visit quake-hit area in Japan

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao may visit one of the areas in Japan hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami when he travels to Tokyo in late May for a trilateral summit of Japan, China and South Korea, sources familiar with Japan-China relations said Friday.....

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

Japan, China, South Korea agree to share info on major natural disasters

BUSAN, South Korea (Kyodo) -- The environment ministers of Japan, China and South Korea met in Busan on Friday and agreed to promote information-sharing and personnel training to help minimize the impact on the environment in times of major natural disasters....

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

Gov't eyes setting up reconstruction agency in draft postquake law

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government envisages taking legislative steps to set up a reconstruction agency within a year after enforcement of its planned basic law on reconstruction from the March 11 quake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan, the law's draft showed Friday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm013000c.html

Many prefectural governors unhappy with Kan's handling of disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Just over half of Japan's prefectural governors do not believe that Prime Minister Naoto Kan has done well in handling the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis, a Kyodo News survey showed Friday.....

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

Thousands of volunteers head to quake-tsunami disaster areas in northeast Japan

Thousands of volunteer workers from across the country headed to parts of northeastern Japan devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to help with reconstruction efforts on April 29, the first day of the annual Golden Week holiday period....

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

Schools hit by quake, tsunami struggling to provide proper lunches for children

Schools in some areas hit by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami are still having trouble providing proper lunches for children, raising nutritional health concerns.....

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

Government eases summer power-reduction target but concerns over supply remain

The government's electricity-saving target for summer peak-period energy consumption in areas serviced by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) and Tohoku Electric Power Co. has been relaxed to 15 percent for both business and residential customers, a stark change in policy that has delayed a definitive statement regarding the government's power shortage policy....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na013000c.html
_____________________
Jiji press

Japanese Companies to Review Quake Countermeasures

Tokyo, April 30 (Jiji Press)--Nearly 30 pct of Japanese companies are considering reviewing their earthquake countermeasures in the wake of last month's 9.0-magnitude tremor, a survey showed......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011043000246

Japan Lower House Passes 4-.T.-Yen Extra Budget

Tokyo, April 30 (Jiji Press)--Japan's House of Representatives on Saturday passed a supplementary budget to finance reconstruction measures following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011043000252

INTERVIEW: Miyagi Governor Wants Clear Words on Money

Tokyo, April 30 (Jiji Press)--Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai on Saturday called for clear words on financial resources in a basic reconstruction plan for areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011043000276

Japan Panel to Make Some Reconstruction Proposals in May

Tokyo, April 30 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese government panel on postquake reconstruction on Saturday decided to make some of its proposals to Prime Minister Naoto Kan in May, ahead of its first report set for release late June. ...

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011043000341
______________________
Sankei news

panorama photo

Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...rikuzen_matsu/

gymnasium at nobiru school, Miyagi pref

[makoto]

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

NHK

Disaster toll reaches 25,681

More than 25,000 people are dead or missing in the March 11th quake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.....

Sunday, May 01, 2011 09:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_02.html

Sightseeing boat resting on roof to be removed

Authorities in Iwate Prefecture will start work to remove a sightseeing boat that was carried by the March 11th tsunami and ended up on top of a two-story building....

Sunday, May 01, 2011 09:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_08.html

Photos found under rubble put on display in Iwate

In one of the towns devastated by the March 11th tsunami, photographs found in the debris are being displayed so that they can be returned to their owners....

Sunday, May 01, 2011 14:11 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_17.html

Argentine concert for Japan

About 600 Argentineans demonstrated their support for the victims of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami at a charity concert on Saturday near the capital Buenos Aires....

Sunday, May 01, 2011 16:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_18.html

African aid on track

Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto says Japan's commitment to contributing to Africa's development will remain unchanged after the March 11th disaster.....

Sunday, May 01, 2011 23:20 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/01_24.html
____________________
Yomiuri online

Evacuees in tents not happy campers

YAMAMOTOCHO, Miyagi--Aya Nagaki has been staying in a tent with her 12-year-old son and her parents since the start of April. However, this is no family camping trip....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110430003156.htm

Tokyo group gets intl help for 'Quilts for Hope'

A group of women in Ota Ward, Tokyo, has been making patchwork quilts from pieces of cloth sent by children around the world, and plans to donate the comforting blankets to people affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110430002817.htm

Civil servants could face 10% pay cut / Money saved to help fund quake recovery

The government tentatively decided Saturday to cut salaries of national public servants by about 10 percent to fund reconstruction programs in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, government sources said.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110430003055.htm
____________
Asahi com

Debris disposal poses problems for quake-affected areas

The disposal of the mountains of debris left by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are causing headaches for the devastated areas. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104300098.html

Quake-hit districts cannot cope with influx of volunteers

Some municipalities devastated by the March 11 earthquake are turning away volunteers wanting to help with the clear-up because they do not have the infrastructure to cope with the visitors. ......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104300100.html

Dalai Lama offers prayer, urges Japan to move forward

The 14th Dalai Lama offered a prayer on April 29 for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake at Gokokuji temple in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward. The Dalai Lama's prayer was made 49 days after the 9.0-magnitude March 11 quake rocked the Tohoku region, leaving more than 25,000 people dead or missing. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104300090.html

Birthplace of jazz helps Miyagi musicians play again

KESENNUMA, Miyagi Prefecture--Across the Pacific, the birthplace of jazz reached out to help a local group of school musicians keep their sound alive following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake. ......

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104300094.html
_______________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Slate tile manufacturers in Miyagi look to team up to survive

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- Slate tile manufacturers here are looking to set up a joint business in the hope of conserving the traditional local industry devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na024000c.html

Famous lighthouse shut down by quake to shine again within the year

IWAKI, Fukushima -- A well-known lighthouse here whose beam has been out since the earthquake on March 11 will shine again within the year, the Japan Coast Guard has decided.....


http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio.../01/index.html

Love blooms at shelter as evacuee and volunteer set to marry

MINAMI-SANRIKU, Miyagi -- At a shelter for evacuees in this tsunami-ravaged town, a new bond has formed, leading to a promise of marriage.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na026000c.html

U.S. college offers scholarship for quake-affected Japanese students

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A U.S. university in Arkansas has set up a new scholarship for Japanese students who were affected by the March 11 catastrophic earthquake and ensuing tsunami.....

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

Gov't assumes 3 yrs for removal of debris from disaster areas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Environment Ministry is assuming that it will take three years for the three prefectures in northeastern Japan worst hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to finish removing massive piles of debris left by the disaster, the ministry told Kyodo News on Saturday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html

52 nursing homes in Miyagi, Iwate unable to operate after quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A total of 52 nursing homes in coastal areas of Iwate and Miyagi prefectures have become unable to operate due to damage caused by the March 11 massive earthquake and tsunami, local municipal officials said.....

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

Woman awaits lover who proposed to her 2 days before tsunami

MINAMI-SANRIKU, Miyagi -- A 34-year-old woman in this small coastal town is anxiously hoping to see her lover again who had proposed to her two days before the March 11 earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na027000c.html
__________________
Jiji press

(Update) Japan May Withdraw Corporate Tax Cut to Finance Reconstruction

Tokyo, May 1 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed his readiness Sunday to consider withdrawing a corporate tax cut plan and cutting government employee salaries to secure funding for postdisaster reconstruction.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050100200
________________
Sankei news

after tsunami at Asahi city, Chiba pref

[makoto]

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

NHK

Matsumoto: Japan's African aid on track

Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto says Japan's commitment to aiding Africa's development will remain unchanged after the March 11th disaster......

Monday, May 02, 2011 06:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_05.html

Cool Biz begins one month earlier at Tokyo govt

Some Tokyo Metropolitan government staff wore light clothing to work on Monday, as the annual energy-saving campaign has begun a month earlier than usual.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 14:59 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_20.html

Japan's average monthly salary drops in April

The average monthly salary of Japanese corporate workers, including overtime pay, dropped slightly in March from a year ago. This reflects the impact of the earlier quake and tsunami.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 15:39 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_21.html

Diet enacts 1st extra budget for disaster relief

Japan's Diet has passed a 4 trillion yen, or about 49 billion dollar, extra budget to finance the reconstruction of areas devastated by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 16:51 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_22.html

Miyagi fishermen paid to remove debris in ports

Fishermen in one of the areas hardest hit by the March 11th disaster have begun clearing debris in seaports in the first step toward restoring their battered industry.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 17:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_23.html

Missing town official in tsunami confirmed dead

A woman who saved many lives on March 11th as tsunami swept through a seaside town in northeastern Japan has been confirmed dead.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 18:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_25.html RIP

April new car sales plunge to lowest ever

New car sales in Japan in April plunged to the lowest monthly figure on record in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in March......

Monday, May 02, 2011 16:51 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_26.html

Tokyo shares recover 10,000-mark

Tokyo share prices rose on Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei average recovering the 10,000-mark for the first time in about one-and-a-half-months since the March 11th disaster......

Monday, May 02, 2011 18:17 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_27.html

More than 25,500 dead or missing in Japan disaster

A total of 25,536 people are dead or missing from the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan's northeastern coast on March 11th.....

Monday, May 02, 2011 19:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_29.html
_____________
Yomiuri online

Doctor, kids plant trees, pledge to meet 20 yrs on

A volunteer doctor and children in the tsunami-hit Yuriage district of Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, have pledged to meet again in 20 years to view the cherry trees they recently planted as a symbol of hope for the future......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110501002661.htm

Stranded boat may be left on roof

MORIOKA--It is a stunning sight--a large sightseeing boat deposited on the roof of a family-run inn by the March 11 tsunami--and the Iwate prefectural government may leave it there as a memorial for the Great East Japan Earthquake.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110501002385.htm

Enjoying life's darker side / Energy-saving steps highlight appeal of keeping lights low

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant have forced people in Japan to fundamentally reconsider many aspects of daily life.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110501002617.htm

U.S. military winds down disaster relief operation

The U.S. military on Saturday ended the main activities of its Operation Tomodachi (friend) disaster relief operation, in which as many as 18,000 personnel had been mobilized....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110501002656.htm
_____________________
Asahi com

American stays to help disaster-stricken town

SHICHIGAHAMA, Miyagi Prefecture--A week after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Marti McElreath, an American working at Shichigahama International Village in Miyagi Prefecture, was notified that the U.S. Embassy had recommended the evacuation of U.S. citizens living within 80 kilometers of Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105010110.html
_________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

N.Y. marks 49th-day memorial for victims of Japan's March 11 disaster

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Around 50 New Yorkers gathered Friday at a park in Manhattan on the 49th day since the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami wreaked havoc on northeastern Japan, marking the day Buddhists believe the dead pass on to the next world.....

U.S. military ends Tomodachi quake relief operation

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. military has almost terminated its Operation Tomodachi relief activities in areas hit by the March 11 quake-tsunami disaster, while it will continue to airlift personnel and supplies as needed, the Japanese Defense Ministry said Sunday.....

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

Matsumoto vows to double Japan's ODA target for Africa as pledged

DAKAR (Kyodo) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto said Sunday his country will steadily implement its pledges to increase aid to Africa despite a cut in overall foreign aid to help finance reconstruction from the March 11 quake-tsunami disaster.....

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

Traffic jams heightened tsunami death toll after March 11 quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Traffic jams following the devastating March 11 earthquake added to the death toll by tsunami in coastal areas of northeastern Japan, as many cars were stranded and swallowed up by the big waves, survivors said Sunday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm008000c.html

Kan promises temporary homes for all evacuees by Aug. holiday season

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Sunday that all evacuees affected by the March 11 natural disasters would "definitely" have temporary housing by Japan's mid-August Obon holiday season......

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

Keene has no doubt Tohoku 'will rise again' after 3/11 disaster

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Having witnessed Tokyo rebuild itself into a "great city" after World War II, Donald Keene, a prominent Japanese literature scholar, is confident Japan's Tohoku region will do the same after the country suffered its worst postwar natural disaster on March 11....

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

Diet to enact 4 tril. yen 1st emergency budget after quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Diet will enact Monday a 4.02 trillion yen (some $50 billion) extra budget for fiscal 2011, the first in a series of emergency spending packages to fund reconstruction after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

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

Locals perform traditional dance to help pray for quake recovery

OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A group of local residents staged a traditional dance performance in prayer for the recovery of their hometown ravaged by the devastating March 11 quake and tsunami.......

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

Iwate locals want war-scarred railroad bridge restored following tsunami damage

MIYAKO, Iwate -- A group of residents here is set to launch a campaign to restore a war-scarred railroad bridge after it sustained severe damage in the March earthquake and tsunami......

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

Evacuees need environment where they can confront own sorrow, says expert

Psychologist and Kwansei Gakuin University professor Masaaki Noda, who has interviewed evacuees staying at shelters after fleeing their quake- and tsunami-hit neighborhoods, recently talked about desirable ways to extend relief to such victims and to help restore their neighborhoods......

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


________________________
Jiji press

Japan Parliament OKs FY 2011 1st Extra Budget

Tokyo, May 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan's parliament enacted on Monday the first supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to finance reconstruction work in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami mainly in northeastern Japan. ......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050200453

Japan to Cut Troops in Disaster-Hit Areas

Tokyo, May 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan plans to decide after the Golden Week holiday period on a cut in the number of Self-Defense Forces troops deployed to the areas hit by the March 11 quake and tsunami, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said Monday......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050200538

Many Listed Firms Log Net Losses, Profit Falls in Jan.-March

Tokyo, May 2 (Jiji Press)--Many major Japanese companies posted net losses or year-on-year drops in net profits in January-March after the March 11 quake and tsunami forced them to book special losses, a Jiji Press survey found Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050200592

Yomiuri Giants, Tokyo Dome to Cut Electricity Use in Summer

Tokyo, May 2 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese professional baseball team Yomiuri Giants and venue operator Tokyo Dome Corp. <9681> unveiled their plan Monday to cut power consumption during games at the team's indoor stadium in July through September. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050200710

Miyagi Panel Member Wants Solar Power for All Rebuilt Homes

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., May 2 (Jiji Press)--Former University of Tokyo President Hiroshi Komiyama on Monday proposed that solar panels be installed on all homes in Miyagi Prefecture to be reconstructed after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050200755
________________
Sankei news

Miki Endo saved many lives, Minamisanriku town
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/02_25.html

[makoto]

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

NHK

Carp streamers flown at shelter in Kesennuma

More than 220 carp streamers bearing messages of encouragement are on display at an evacuation center in one of the areas worst-hit by the March 11th disaster....

Tuesday, May 03, 2011 14:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_19.html
______________
Yomiuri online

Many facilities open doors to help pregnant evacuees

SENDAI--An increasing number of facilities are offering accommodations for pregnant women displaced by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but information about the services is only reaching a few people.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110502003568.htm

Donated clothing unwanted, destined to be dumped

Piles of secondhand clothing sent to regions hit hardest by the Great East Japan Earthquake for victims have been left unused, forcing local governments to dispose of them.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110502003563.htm
_________________
Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Diet enacts 4 tril. yen post-quake emergency budget

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Diet on Monday enacted the first emergency budget of 4.02 trillion yen (around $50 billion) to help reconstruct areas affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, while the finance minister suggested Japan could depend on special debt to create an envisaged second extra budget......

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

Police to compile DNA database in 3 tsunami-hit prefectures

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Police in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures plan to compile a database of DNA samples from relatives of people who remain unaccounted for following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to speed up identification, police sources said Monday......

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

Miyagi flower producer to ship carnations that survived tsunami flooding

NATORI, Miyagi -- A flower producer here is shipping carnations that survived the March 11 earthquake and tsunami with Mother's Day coming up on May 8.....

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

2 elderly women at shelter who formed sister-like bond fear separation

YAMADA, Iwate -- Two women in their 70s who have been taking refuge at an evacuation center in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, since barely surviving the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are apprehensive about moving into temporary housing for disaster evacuees......

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


________________
Jiji press

68 Pct of Ships Washed Ashore May Be Reusable in Miyagi

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., May 2 (Jiji Press)--A total of 3,156 ships were washed ashore in Miyagi Prefecture by the tsunami triggered by the March 11 earthquake, and some 68 pct of them may be reusable after repair work, according to a survey by the northeastern Japan prefecture released Monday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050300004
_____________________________
Sankei news

panorama photo

volunteers at Ishinomaki city, Miyagi pref
http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/panor...502ishinomaki/

searching for the owner of the album
Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref

[makoto]

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

Japan, US to boost disaster co-operation

The US government says the United States and Japan should work more closely together to deal with natural disasters that could trigger instability in the Asia-Pacific region.....

Wednesday, May 04, 2011 13:35 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_13.html
_________________
Yomiuri online

Flowers encourage disaster victims

NATORI, Miyagi--People affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have been encouraged by flowers....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110503005083.htm

Doctors to receive subsidies / 300,000 yen per month to help reopen small clinics in quake-hit areas

Doctors whose medical facilities and equipment were destroyed or damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami will receive a monthly subsidy of 300,000 yen from the Japan Medical Association......

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110503004567.htm
_________________
Asahi com

Tsunami-stricken, but carnations bloom for Mother's Day

NATORI, Miyagi Prefecture--Flower grower Fusako Miura in the Kozukahara district in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, saw two of her greenhouses destroyed by the March 11 tsunami, but she is up and running again just in time for Mother's Day on May 8. .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105030095.html

Post-quake life continues to sap evacuees' mental strength

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--Survivors of the deadly March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami are facing another challenge as they ponder the rebuilding of their lives and what comes next. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105030098.html

Spanish town offers Japanese evacuees citizenship

A helping hand and generous offer has been extended 10,500 kilometers from a small Spanish city to Miyagi Prefecture, where 15,000 people were killed or missing from the Great East Japan Earthquake. .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105030104.html

From tsunami-hit city, handwritten newspapers displayed in U.S. museum

WASHINGTON--In the immediate aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, newspaper company chief Koichi Ohmi learned that paper's printing presses were waterlogged, electricity was cut off and reporters couldn't be contacted. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105030101.html

New damage standards will help victims of liquefaction

The waterfront area along Tokyo Bay was hit by one of the worst examples of soil liquefaction in the world following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, according to an expert on the phenomenon. .....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105030106.html
______________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Gov't cost-cutting unit not to screen projects this yr due to quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A government panel tasked with cutting wasteful spending has decided not to screen projects this year, giving priority to reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, panel sources said Tuesday.....

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

Japanese thank Taiwan for generosity in newspaper ads

TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Two Taiwan newspapers on Tuesday ran advertisements paid for by grateful Japanese citizens thanking the Taiwanese people for their support in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan.....

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

Japan, U.S. to enhance cooperation in disaster response: U.S. official

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japan and the United States should strengthen cooperation in disaster response in the Asia-Pacific region, in light of their coordination in the rescue efforts following the March 11 earthquake, a senior Pentagon official said Tuesday....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm005000c.html

Britain pledges assistance to disaster-hit Japan

LONDON (Kyodo) -- Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed his "great admiration" for Japan's "resilience" Tuesday and offered support for the country's reconstruction following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster......

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

Mother who gave birth day after quake reunites with helpers

ISHINOMAKI, Miyagi -- A mother who gave birth here the day after the March 11 earthquake with the help of other survivors returned with her family on May 3 for a reunion with those who came to her aid......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na003000c.html

Teen to fly carp streamers in memory of little brother who died in tsunami

HIGASHIMATSUSHIMA, Miyagi -- An 18-year-old here will decorate the sky with carp streamers on May 5, "Children's Day" in Japan, in memory of his little brother and other children who died in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.....

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


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Sankei news

traffic jam at Ishinomaiki city, Miyagi pref

[makoto]

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

NHK

ASEAN confident Japanese economy will recover soon

The finance ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three have agreed that the Japanese economy will soon return to a recovery track following the March 11th disaster.....

Thursday, May 05, 2011 09:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_02.html

Dollar exchange rate dips below 81 yen in NY

On the New York foreign exchange market, the yen rose to the upper 80 yen level against the dollar on Wednesday.....

Thursday, May 05, 2011 01:30 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_03.html

Thai medical team to be dispatched to Fukushima

A send-off ceremony for a team of Thai doctors and nurses heading for disaster-hit Fukushima prefecture was held at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Bangkok on Wednesday.....

Thursday, May 05, 2011 05:00 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_06.html

Gergiev holds fundraising concert for Tohoku

World-renowned conductor Valery Gergiev has held a concert to raise donations for the victims of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.....

Thursday, May 05, 2011 09:12 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_10.html
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Yomiuri online

Lack of PTSD specialists threatens disaster survivors

Experts fear a mental health crisis is looming because fewer than 20 psychotherapists specializing in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available to practice in the disaster-hit Tohoku region, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110504004530.htm

50% of surveyed firms hit hard by disaster / Companies describe effects of supply chain disruptions, plans to handle likely power shortages

A recent survey of more than 100 major domestic firms has revealed further evidence of just how seriously the March 11 disaster damaged the nation's economy, with crippled supply chains, a nationwide mood of self-restraint and expected electricity shortages hindering corporate activities in a wide range of industries.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110504004334.htm

Tokyo ward looks to overseas shoppers

An American woman's purchases in a shopping street in Ota Ward, Tokyo, have helped give local government officials and shop owners some idea of how to attract more foreign tourists to the ward.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110504004256.htm

Money not reaching victims / Lack of staff, difficulty in identifying recipients seen behind delay

Only a tiny fraction of the money donated to help survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake has made it into the hands of disaster victims nearly two months since the devastation of March 11.....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110504002700.htm
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Asahi com

Carp streamers of hope flutter high for Children's Day

Carp streamers are fluttering high in the skies, with wishes for speedy restoration and recovery from the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, at a number of localities affected by the disaster.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105040083.html

Tohoku cops inspired by chief who gave life in tsunami

RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate Prefecture--On March 11, Takata Kanbu station police Chief Shunichi Takahashi was looking forward to retiring in four days. ...

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105040082.html
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Miyagi gov. seeks reconstruction plan based on regional needs

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai stressed the need Wednesday to compile the reconstruction plan for the disaster-hit Japan's northeastern region based on conditions of each area.....

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

Aid Eyed to Rebuild Areas Hit by Quake-Caused Landslides

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., May 5 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano on Thursday showed the government's intention to help reconstruct areas hit by landslides triggered by the March 11 earthquake in the Tohoku northeastern region......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050500246

Sengoku Stresses Support for Quake-Hit Central Japan Village

Sakae, Nagano Pref., May 5 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku stressed the government's intention Thursday to provide full-fledged reconstruction support to the village of Sakae, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, which was hit by a powerful earthquake March 12.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050500528

Japan Growth Seen Slowing to 1.5 Pct in 2011: U.N. Body

Geneva, May 5 (Jiji Press)--Japan's real economic growth is seen coming to 1.5 pct in 2011, down 0.2 to 0.3 percentage point from the baseline forecast, due to the effects of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific said Thursday.....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050500272

(Update) Aid Eyed to Rebuild Areas Hit by Quake-Caused Landslides

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., May 5 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano on Thursday showed the government's intention to help reconstruct areas hit by landslides triggered by the March 11 earthquake in the Tohoku northeastern region. ....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050500518
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Sankei news

Kazo city, Saitama pref

[makoto]

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

Charity dinner held for Japan in London

Celebrities in Britain gathered on Wednesday in central London for a charity dinner and auction to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.....

Friday, May 06, 2011 03:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_23.html

Japan offers cooperation in disaster prevention

Japan's government says it wants to use lessons from the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in the country's northeast to help improve disaster prevention facilities in the Asia-Pacific region.....

Friday, May 06, 2011 03:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_25.html

LDN market sees dollar dip below 80 yen

On the London foreign exchange market, the dollar fell below 80 yen briefly on Thursday, the lowest level in nearly seven weeks......

Friday, May 06, 2011 03:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_28.html

Dollar dips below 80-yen level in NY

On the New York foreign exchange market, the dollar fell below the 80-yen-level for the first time in nearly 7 weeks.....

Friday, May 06, 2011 03:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_02.html

Toyota's China sales down 23.5% in April

Toyota Motor's sales in China plunged by more than 20 percent in April, due apparently to parts shortages caused by the March 11th disaster in eastern Japan.....

Friday, May 06, 2011 16:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_22.html

Imperial couple visit disaster-hit Iwate

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have met survivors of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Iwate Prefecture.....

Friday, May 06, 2011 18:22 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_28.html

Govt panel was preparing to warn of major tsunami

A Japanese panel of seismologists knew about the risk of a major tsunami in northeastern Japan before disaster struck on March 11th. The group had put together a report in February and was planning to release it in April....

Friday, May 06, 2011 18:51 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/06_27.html
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Asahi com

Picture books bring smiles to young earthquake victims

OFUNATO, Iwate Prefecture--Childrens' book editor Chieko Suemori has been involved in efforts to deliver books to children in Lebanon and other war- and disaster-stricken countries as a member of the International Board on Books for Young People. ....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105050094.html
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

DPJ quake task force deputy head plays golf in Philippines

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Three lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, including the deputy head of its task force to deal with the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, played golf Thursday in the suburbs of Manila, Kyodo News learned Friday.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm017000c.html

Quake-hit residents wish to rebuild homes in scenic area

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Residents of the picturesque Matsushima area in Miyagi Prefecture, whose homes were swept away by the March 11 quake-induced tsunami, will likely be allowed to rebuild their homes in the otherwise restricted area to preserve the landscape, authorities say.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm019000c.html

Evacuee families try to budge Boeing jet in charity event

Evacuee families staying at a hotel in Tokyo, people invited from disaster-hit Iwate Prefecture and others combined forces in a "tug of war" with jetliners at Haneda Airport on May 5.....

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

Emperor, empress visit quake-hit Iwate to express sympathies

HANAMAKI (Kyodo) -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Iwate Prefecture, one of the prefectures most severely hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster, on Friday to give encouragement and extend their sympathies to the evacuees there.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...dm074000c.html

132 children left without both parents after quake and tsunami

The number of children in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures whose parents died or remain missing in the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake had reached 132 as of May 4, according to a survey by the Mainichi......

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

Grad student says heavy quake damage in Fukushima matches location of ancient lake

A University of Tokyo graduate student says that an area in central Fukushima where the prefecture's heaviest damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake was seen matches the area where an ancient lake is thought to have existed.....

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na019000c.html

Quick-thinking school staff saved children's lives from March 11 tsunami

YAMAMOTO, Miyagi -- In this idyllic Miyagi Prefecture town on the border with Fukushima Prefecture, the decisions and actions of leaders at two coastal elementary schools saved the lives of students and staff from tsunamis that washed over breakwaters following the massive quake that struck northeast Japan on March 11......

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na022000c.html



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Jiji press

March 11 Disaster Triggers 66 Japan Biz Bankruptcies

Tokyo, May 6 (Jiji Press)--The March 11 earthquake and tsunami left 66 firms in Japan bankrupt by the end of April, Teikoku Databank Ltd. said Friday. .....

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050600478

Japan Emperor, Empress Visit Disaster-Hit Iwate Pref.

Kamaishi, Iwate Pref., May 6 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Friday visited Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku northeastern region, which was devastated by the March 11 powerful earthquake and tsunami......

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011050600994
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Sanekei news

Rikuzentakata city, Iwate pref