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10% jobless is Obama's new world

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WASHINGTON — For months he had warned it was coming but that did not ease the political shockwaves for President Barack Obama when U.S. unemployment topped 10%.…

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Waiting for Obama to decide on Afghanistan

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The entire international community is anxiously waiting for U.S. President Barack Obama to make his much delayed decision on expanding U.S. troop numbers in Afghanistan.…

DPJ fumbles JAL issue

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TOKYO — When the Democratic Party of Japan deposed a party that had enjoyed a half-century of almost unbroken rule, how it would deal with the financial…

The rules of hostessing

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As a hostess (and the only foreigner) at one very highly respected club in Kitashinchi, Osaka’s hostess club hot spot in Umeda, I am fortunate…

Australia ponders place in Japan's East Asian Community

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SYDNEY — Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's recently unveiled vision for an ''East Asian community'' has been welcomed by an unusual ally, Richard Woolcott, the ambassador responsible for…

Engage and criticize: Obama's split media strategy

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WASHINGTON — The same president who aggressively harnesses the power of the press to promote his agenda has taken to lacing his comments with criticisms of the…

The wackiest Japanese beauty products ever

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Have you ever wandered the aisles of your local Japanese drugstore chain wondering what most of the stuff is? Well, me too. And once I…

Concern mounting in U.S. over Japan's foreign policy

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WASHINGTON — The United States appears increasingly concerned about the new course of Japan's foreign policy, raising the specter of a showdown between Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama…

Hatoyama's 'fraternity' policy lacks substance

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Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has enjoyed high public support ratings since the Sept 16 launch of his government, but analysts say his policy which is…

Last train blues

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I just got back from a trip to New York and Seoul, both huge cities with extensive train systems and world-class nightlife. Whenever I visit…