Chambers, Ohuruogu in Britain's World Champs squad Jul 29, 2009
World and Olympic champion Ohuruogu has been handed a berth in the 400m despite concerns over her fitness, and she is joined by Nicola Sanders who followed her home in Osaka two years ago. Chambers' inclusion in the 100m was expected despite failing to guarantee his place after being beaten by Williamson in the trials in Birmingham. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Usain Bolt lights up London with superb 100m win Jul 25, 2009
Britain's Nicola Sanders, a silver medallist behind compatriot Christine Ohuruogu in the last World Championships in Osaka, continued her return from an ankle injury to win the women's 400m ahead of the American duo of Shana Cox and Monica Hargrove. "I was exhausted coming into the home straight but I'm pleased with the win," Sanders said. (India Times, India)
Delaware State U. scientists refine hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle power plants Jul 25, 2009
Scientific and engineering progress has enabled Toyota to make the 350-mile drive from Osaka to Tokyo, expending only 70 percent of the fuel supply of an FCV, reports MSNBC. "Toyota Motors . . . is planning on releasing a fuel-cell car by 2015 in its attempt to retain its lead in the global race for green cars," says Masatami Takimoto, a vice president with the company. Honda's FCX Clarity was chosen by 59 world jurors as 2009 World Green Car. (EurekAlert!)
Solar eclipse shrouds Asia in darkness after dawn Jul 22, 2009
Sun begins to partially eclipse over downtown Osaka, western Japan, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century pitched a swath of Asia into near-darkness after dawn, as millions watched the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon Wednesday. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
As cheap as...gold?? Jul 21, 2009
Osaka was rated the second most expensive city making Japan the only country with two cities in the top 10. Moscow was third, Geneva fourth and Hong Kong fifth. (iAfrica.com)
Japanese trial putsa culture in dock Jul 15, 2009
Scott North is Professor of Sociology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University. (Copyright 2009 Asia Times Online (Holdings) Ltd. All rights reserved. (Asia Times Online)
Administration continues response to swine flu outbreak Jul 13, 2009
Freshman Ryang Cho was delayed in Osaka during his flight home last week when all passengers on board were required to remain in quarantine for approximately 40 minutes and have their photos taken and temperatures measured by authorities. Sophomores Brian Chen and Joshua Gross had been aboard a flight headed to Narita from Detroit that carried the first confirmed case of swine flu for Japan. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Deals hidden in Japan's alleys and on subways Jul 13, 2009
Getting around: The plentiful and impeccable taxis, driven by white-gloved, scrupulously honest cabbies, will take you door to door in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other cities, but they are pricey and sometimes pokey in the heavy traffic. Better to take the subway. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Delhi most expensive Indian city for expats: Survey Jul 12, 2009
Globally, Tokyo moved ahead of Moscow as the most expensive city for expatriates in the world and is followed by another Japanese city Osaka at the second place. Moscow comes at the third place in the global ranking and is followed by Switzerland's Geneva (4th), Hong Kong (5th), Zurich (6th), Denmark's Copenhagen (7th), New York city (8th place), China's Beijing (9th) and Singapore (10th). (India Times)
SA cheap for expats Jul 8, 2009
Osaka was in second place making Japan the only country with two cities in the top 10 followed by Moscow in third, Geneva at four and Hong Kong fifth. Due to the strengthening dollar, all US cities became more expensive. (iAfrica.com)
All Nippon Air Reviews Four Services From Kansai Airport as Demand Drops Jul 7, 2009
All Nippon Airways Reviews Osaka Kansai Airport Route Changes - Bloomberg ... All Nippon Airways Reviews Osaka Kansai Airport Route Changes ... July 7 (Bloomberg) -- , Japans largest domestic carrier, is reviewing four routes from Osakas Kansai airport due to a drop in demand. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Konishiki to lead Japan campaign Jul 4, 2009
This time, Marriott joins with partners Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Polynesian Cultural Center for a drive through three key Japanese cities Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo in October. "Led by Hawai'i's favorite son, Konishiki, Marriott's Spirit of Aloha Tour will bring a wave of good will to Japan in promoting Hawai'i as a great vacation destination for travelers seeking to explore the romance and culture of the Hawaiian Islands while enjoying the luxury of a Marriott Hawaii resort," said... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Japanese visitors may soon be back Jun 26, 2009
Today, McCartney and Uchiyama will be outlining a $627,000 marketing proposal that will blanket two key commuter trains in Tokyo and Osaka with images of Hawai'i and also feature television advertising. The intensive advertising includes posters, images and even strap-hangers with Hawai'i messages. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Panasonic Announces Eco Ideas Declaration in Asia Pacific Jun 16, 2009
Osaka, June 5, 2009 - (ACN Newswire) - Panasonic Corporation and its regional headquarters for Asia Pacific, Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte ... Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 9 ... The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. (JCN Network, Japan)
JAL and JR Tokai Team Up to Boost Inbound Tourist Demand Jun 16, 2009
The core of JR Centralfs operations is the Tokaido Shinkansen, the main transportation artery linking Japanfs principal metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The Company also operates a network of conventional railway centered on the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas. (JCN Network, Japan)
Jetstar plane makes emergency landing in Guam Jun 16, 2009
The Jetstar plane was about four hours into its flight from Osaka, Japan, to Australia's Gold Coast when the pilots noticed a small flame and smoke in the cockpit near the window, spokesman Simon Westaway said. A pilot used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, which did not spread to the cabin, he said. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Japan wants yen to be the anchor of Asia Jun 5, 2009
22 Aug 2008: It doesn't appear on any official maps, but a short train ride from the affluent, neon-lit streets of central Osaka lies Kamagasaki, Japan's biggest slum. . (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
Laws gang up on everyone's rights, not just bikies May 29, 2009
In the past two weeks, at least 1400 schools and preschools were forced to close temporarily in the Osaka region (akin to every school in Melbourne closing) after several outbreaks in school groups returning from overseas excursions. Big companies, including the Bank of Tokyo, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi, have reportedly told staff to avoid non-essential business travel. (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Carnival Passengers, Crew Get Swine Flu on Luxury Cruise in South Pacific May 29, 2009
Japan, with the most infections after Canada, Mexico and the U.S., said have caught the bug, mostly students in the of Osaka and Hyogo. There isnt much difference between a high school in Osaka and a luxury cruise liner in the South Pacific -- they are both ideal breeding grounds for this virus, said , a Manila-based spokesman for the WHOs Western Pacific region. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Japan Plays Down Swine Flu Threat to Curb Panic; Tokyo Confirms Third Case May 22, 2009
Japan had 283 cases of swine flu as of yesterday, the majority in and around Osaka, 400 kilometers (250 miles) west of Tokyo ... The cancellations to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and other western Japan destinations cost the tourism industry about 4 ... Japans largest mobile-phone operator, canceled four press conferences to announce new phone models in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, the company said in a today, citing the widening flu outbreak. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
In Japan, Swine Flu Spreading Quickly May 22, 2009
Since May 16, when Japan confirmed its first instance of the flu being transmitted among the domestic population, the virus has hopscotched through the western prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo, where more than 4,400 schools and some businesses have been temporarily closed. Initially, efforts to contain the disease which included the establishment of a special committee chaired by Prime Minister Taro Aso appeared to be successful. (Time.com)
Swine Flu Spreads in Japan as Government Eases Response; U.S. Toll Climbs May 22, 2009
Japan has reported no deaths from swine flu and had 283 cases as of yesterday, with the majority of infections in and around Osaka prefecture, 400 kilometers (250 miles) west of the capital ... As many as 362,200 people canceled visits to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and other western Japan destinations, costing the tourism industry about 4. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
* Japan and China confirm new cases as flu virus spreads May 22, 2009
About 4,500 schools, mostly in the western prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo, have closed their doors until the end of the week. The local government in neighboring Shiga Prefecture, which also confirmed its first case on Wednesday, was also urging its schools to follow suit. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Japan eases anti-swine flu measures May 22, 2009
In the worst-affected prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo in western Japan, people who have a fever after returning from overseas can now go to regular hospitals and not just special "fever clinics" set up to contain the new flu. More than 4,800 schools and kindergartens, mostly in western Japan, remained closed to slow the spread of the virus, the education ministry said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
H1N1 flu cases on the rise in Australia, Taiwan May 22, 2009
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H1N1 virus spreads in Asia, protection wobbly May 21, 2009
About 4,500 schools, mostly in the western prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo about 400 km (250 miles) from Tokyo, have closed their doors until the end of the week. The local government in neighbouring Shiga prefecture, which also confirmed its first case on Wednesday, was also urging its schools to follow suit. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Flu cases soar to 10000 May 20, 2009
Japan's first domestic cases of swine flu were confirmed Saturday in the western cities of Kobe and Osaka, where they spread quickly in and between two high schools that had met for a volleyball tournament. Hundreds have since been tested for the virus, and face masks have become ubiquitous on subways and in shopping centres of the affected prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo in the central region of the main island of Honshu. (iAfrica.com)
Panasonic to cut top executives' pay May 20, 2009
OSAKA: Japan's Panasonic Corp plans to cut the annual pay of its president and chairman in the current business year by 30% to take responsibility for the company's projected financial deficit in fiscal 2009, company sources said on Wednesday. The pay cuts will target president Fumio Otsubo and chairman Kunio Nakamura, and other board members will see their pay slashed 20%, they said. (India Times, India)
Nations Urge Caution Over Flu Response May 19, 2009
Most of the new cases involved high school students in the western prefectures of Hyogo and Osaka who had not traveled overseas. Spain and Britain have the highest numbers of cases in Europe, reporting 103 and 101 cases, respectively. (CBS News)
Japan has more confirmed cases of A/H1N1 flu May 19, 2009
HONG KONG, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of A/H1N1 cases in Japan has reached 144 after 48 more infections were confirmed Monday in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures. Tourists wearing masks walk down the street in Osaka May 15, 2009. (Xinhuanet, China)
Japan closes 4000 schools May 19, 2009
Japan's first domestic cases of the (A)H1N1 virus were confirmed last Saturday in the western cities of Kobe and Osaka, where they spread quickly in and between two high schools that had met for a volleyball tournament ... Hundreds have since been tested for the virus, and face masks have become ubiquitous on subways and in shopping centres of the affected prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo in the central region of the main island of Honshu. (iAfrica.com)
Sizzling summer fares, from $49 May 19, 2009
Fly Japan Airlines to Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese destinations from more than 40 U.S. cities. Sample one-way fares: HonoluluTokyo $636; San FranciscoOsaka $774; NYCNagoya $804; and more. (MSNBC -- Travel)
WHO resists declaring pandemic over H1N1 flu May 19, 2009
" Until Friday, Japan thought it had kept the virus at bay. The majority of the 163 new cases are concentrated in Kobe and Osaka after two high schools met for a volleyball tournament, with some players and coaches feeling feverish after the games. Authorities said the real number of infections could already be in the hundreds with the virus spreading fast in the densely populated island nation. "This is not just a matter for Hyogo and Osaka," said Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe. "We have to act... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Nations urge WHO not to declare phase 6 swine flu pandemic May 19, 2009
A family leaves Nisitenma elementary school in Osaka, Japan, after it was closed May 18 among 2,000 others in attempts to slow the spread of H1N1 virus. SWINE FLU: H1N1 VIRUS. (USA Today)
Schools Close As Spike in Swine Flu Cases Hits Japan May 19, 2009
18, 2009 Commuters wear masks as precaution against swine flu in Osaka, Japan, on May 18, 2009 Kyodo News / AP ... In a sudden surge that took Asian health officials by surprise, the Japanese health ministry confirmed on Monday at least 125 new cases of the A(H1N1) virus or swine flu in the country's western prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo ... Government officials are still unsure of how the virus reached Osaka and Hyogo, or how long it has been circulating in the region's highly populated urban... (Time.com)
16 more swine flu cases in Japan May 17, 2009
The 16 are all teenagers at several high schools in the western prefectures of Hyogo and Osaka, a ministry official Haruki Ogawa said ... Three high school students and a teacher from Osaka had returned from a school trip to Canada in early May and were detected at Tokyo's main international airport. (India Times, India)
9 students confirmed infected with new flu in Japan May 17, 2009
The 13 students, 12 from a high school in Osaka Prefecture and one in Hyogo Prefecture, had no record of overseas travel. The confirmation follows the discovery of Japan's first eight domestic cases of the new flu in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, which adjoins Osaka, on Saturday ... The 12 in Osaka Prefecture are from the Kansai Okura Senior High School in the city of Ibaraki. (Xinhuanet, China)
World flu figures soar May 17, 2009
In nearby Osaka, another nine students were considered suspected cases, local officials said. And as fears rose in Japan that the virus would spread across the country, World Health Organization spokesperson Dick Thomson told AFP in Geneva: "It is something we are looking at but we need to have an investigation.". (iAfrica.com)
'Ramen King' serves up enlightenment in a bowl May 15, 2009
The book winds up with Raskin again showing up uninvited in Japan and crashing his way into Ando's 2007 funeral in an Osaka stadium. At the time of his death, Ando was a national icon and his funeral was something like a Super Bowl halftime show, complete with special effects on the giant screen and a mass incense-burning ritual. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Three Japanese test positive for H1N1 flu May 9, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. It (the virus) will come in," said Nobuhiko Okabe, director of the Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre. "It would be wise to switch the emphasis of our strategies by assuming that the virus will spread," he said, suggesting more medical staff be deployed to clinics, rather than work in airports and quarantine programmes. He added that "it would be difficult to contain an outbreak in a city such Tokyo. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Way To Control Chaos? Rigid Structure Discovered In Center Of Air Turbulence May 7, 2009
Dr Sotos Generalis from Aston University in Birmingham, UK and Dr Tomoaki Itano from Kansai University in Osaka, Japan, believe their discovery of the Hairpin Vortex Solution could revolutionise our understanding of turbulence and our ability to control it. This rigid, set structure, named after its hairpin like shape was found within Plane Couette flow. (Science Daily)
Baseball & Beckham: sport in Japan May 6, 2009
The Osaka-based Hanshin Tigers recently clinched the competitive Central League title or "pennant" (their first title in 20 years), prompting widespread celebration. Following tradition, drunken hordes jumped into the river that flows through the heart of Osaka and made such a noise it was said you could hear it 50 kilometres away. (iAfrica.com)
Local Industry News & Notes for Sunday, April 26, 2009 May 3, 2009
Marriott will team up with Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Polynesian Cultural Center on the Japan tour that will launch in September with stops in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Niigata. The continuation of the U.S. tour will set off in January 2010 in Phoenix and end in Salt Lake City a month later with stops in Tucson, Albuquerque, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, St. Louis, Omaha, and Denver. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
JETRO Invitation Program for N-EXPO/KANSAI '09 Apr 29, 2009
Tokyo, Apr 29, 2009 - (JCN Newswire) - JETRO is now inviting applications for participation in the JETRO Zone at the 15th annual "N-EXPO/KANSAI '09," a leading environmental business exhibition that will be held in Osaka from September 3-5, 2009 ... N-EXPO/KANSAI '09 Outline Date:September 3 (Thu) - 5 (Sat), 2009 Venue:INTEX OSAKA Exhibitors:203 companies (in 2008) Visitors:48,503 (in 2008) Organized by:Nippo Co., Ltd.. (JCN Network, Japan)
Twists in the road Apr 16, 2009
The brilliant runner from New Zealand was both pioneer and champion, winning three world championships (1980, '82, and '84) and three Osaka Marathons (1986, '87, and '90). The only runner to race in each of the first four women's Olympic marathons, Moller claimed the bronze medal at the Barcelona Games in 1992 at the age of 37. (Boston Globe)
Seat 2B: The biggest business travel stories Apr 15, 2009
As for premium economy, Air France added the new cabin on three premier routes (from Paris to New York, Tokyo, and Osaka). But the fate of fourth class is far from secure. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Scripps research scientists model 3D structures of proteins that control human clock Apr 11, 2009
In addition to Getzoff and Hitomi, authors of the paper, "Functional motifs in the (6-4) photolyase crystal structure make a comparative framework for DNA repair photolyases and clock cryptochromes," include Luciano DiTacchio and Satchidananda Panda (a former Scripps graduate student) of the Salk Institute, Junpei Yamamoto and Shigenori Iwai of Osaka University, Sang-Tae Kim and Takeshi Todo of Kyoto University, and Andrew S. Arvai and John A. Tainer of Scripps Research. For more information,... (EurekAlert!)
Athlete goes au naturel Apr 2, 2009
Mesnil, silver medallist at the 2007 Athletics World Championships, in Osaka, Japan, recently saw his sportswear sponsor decide to scale down his contract given the ongoing global financial crisis. On Tuesday, Mesnil tried a slightly less controversial approach in parallel to his nude stunt by launching a ten-day attempt to get sponsors via the French version of the eBay online auction website. (iAfrica.com)
ANA Gets New Lounges at Fukuoka and Sapporo Mar 26, 2009
Premium Class passengers have been invited to use the ANA Lounges at Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Itami airports since April 1, 2008 ... Myvu Personal Media Viewer TrialFrom April 1 to May 31, customers using ANA Lounges in Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, Fukuoka and Sapporo Chitose will be able to enjoy video programmes in private and experience a big screen feeling using a Myvu personal media viewer, which is worn like eyewear. (JCN Network, Japan)
Alumni Update Mar 17, 2009
Up next, the Warriors will travel overseas to Okayama, Japan to compete in the Naris Cup, March 24-25, hosted by Osaka Gakuin University. Alaina Shull. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Japan unveils ‘cybernetic human' Mar 17, 2009
Other robots, like the ones from Hiroshi Kobayashi at the Tokyo University of Science and Hiroshi Ishiguro at Osaka University, have more human-like faces and have been tested as receptionists. But demands are growing for socially useful robots, such as ones that can care for the elderly and sick, said Yoshihiro Kaga, a government official in the trade and industry ministry. (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Khalid unveils list of ex-MBs travel expenses Mar 13, 2009
50 to fly to Tokyo, Guangzhou, Kunming, Osaka, Fukuoka and London in 2003 and RM74,972 ... Stuttgart, Beijing, Shahghai, Osaka and Tokyo. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Khir Toyo travel costs exceeded RM300,000 Mar 12, 2009
Among destinations visited by Khir were London, Bangkok, Beijing, Los Angeles, Dubai, Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Paris, Perth, Milan, Venice and Amsterdam. Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the statistics were from air travel warrants obtained from the Office of the Selangor Mentri Besar. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Big wins, big cash still a dream for club bosses Mar 2, 2009
Win through to the final of the Club World Cup, as Adelaide United almost did last season - falling to the Japanese team Gamba Osaka - and you are playing Manchester United and looking at a booty of $5 million to $10 million. The average turnover of FFA's A-League teams is $8 million to $10 million, and their owners are treading in a sea of red ink. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Letter from America Feb 26, 2009
Moreover, the world has known about them since at least 1964, when Japan inaugurated the Tokaido Shinkansen, which hurtled right past Mount Fuji on its way from Tokyo to Osaka at 200 kilometers, or 125 miles, per hour. 1. (International Herald Tribune)
Red Sox monitoring Dice-K from afar Feb 26, 2009
The game was played in Osaka, Japan, with Matsuzaka giving up five hits and two runs over 1 2/3 innings. "He threw 38 pitches," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Nikkei set to gain on weaker yen, US stimulus Feb 8, 2009
Nikkei futures traded in Chicago closed at 8,340 on Friday, up 280 points from the Osaka close, pointing to a higher opening. Market participants expect the benchmark Nikkei to trade between 8,000 and 8,300 yen on Monday. (India Times)
Yen-pinching as pastime in Japan Feb 8, 2009
Pat Kwan, an American who teaches English at an international school in Osaka, finds that his transportation arrangement generates a lot of cash. From his house in Ikoma, in Nara Prefecture, to central Osaka, a rail-and-bus commute would add up to about 40,000 a month. (International Herald Tribune -- Money Report)
