By Tim Booth AP Sports Writer SEATTLE (AP) — Throughout Hisashi Iwakuma’s free agency, the Seattle Mariners remained in contact, and the team moved swiftly when the pitcher unexpectedly became available again. How quick? Less than 48 hours after finding out Iwakuma was back on the market, the Mariners completed a deal with the Japanese-born […]
Summons of Japanese media raises complaints of interference
By Mari Yamaguchi Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s ruling party summoned executives from two leading television networks Friday, the latest in a series of actions that opponents say endanger press freedom and intimidate the media. The Liberal Democratic Party’s panel on information and communications strategy questioned the executives from Asahi TV and public broadcaster […]
Suu Kyi visit highlights Japan’s economic push in Myanmar
By Elaine Kurtenbach AP Business Writer TOKYO, Japan (AP) — Japan’s long-deferred aspirations for a larger role in Myanmar are getting a boost this coming week with a visit by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The visit by Suu Kyi, in Japan for the first time in 27 years, […]
Japan’s new prime minister faces test to win back voters
TOKYO (AP) — Naoto Kan, the straight-talking populist named Japan’s new prime minister, faces a host of daunting tasks, from reviving the nation’s