TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s prime minister pledged Monday, Jan. 25, to “start from scratch” in re-examining a key military deal with Washington on relocating American troops, risking the ire of its key ally after a local election in Okinawa showed that residents oppose any new Marine bases in their region.
Japan’s PM wants equal ties with U.S.
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s prime minister said Monday, Jan. 4, he will press for more equal ties with Washington this year, the 50th anniversary of a joint security treaty that grants many special privileges to U.S. troops stationed in the country.
NWAW’s January must-reads
By Samantha Pak Northwest Asian Weekly “Train Man” By Hitori Nakano Del Ray Books, 2004 What would you do if you came across a cute girl (or guy) and had […]
Raymond Jiro Takisaki: Father, business owner, military man, and dedicated volunteer
Takisaki had eight siblings and was living in Seattle when the United States entered World War II. His mother, Mine Takehana, died soon after she gave birth to her last child. Takisaki and his siblings were raised by their father, Tomotsu S. Takizaki (the spelling of the surname was later changed), a grocery store and antique store owner, who was born in Tokyo.
Ethnic Uighur journalist detained in China
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese police have jailed an outspoken Uighur journalist for allegedly endangering national security, a colleague said on Oct. 30, adding to the scores of detentions reported in the restive Xinjiang region since deadly ethnic rioting erupted there four months ago.
Vietnamese musicians learn from a Japanese American master
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The conductor of the New York Philharmonic wielded his baton as an instrument of diplomacy on Oct. 15. His words, however, weren’t all sweet.
Rising seas threaten Shanghai and other major cities
SHANGHAI (AP) — This city of 20 million rose from the sea and grew into a modern showcase, with skyscrapers piercing the clouds, atop tidal flats fed by the mighty Yangtze River.
Designer Yamamoto files for bankruptcy protection
TOKYO (AP) — Yohji Yamamoto Inc., a fashion house famous for its austere black designer clothes, filed for bankruptcy protection on Oct. 9, a victim of slumping sales as Japanese women turn to cheaper casual outfits during a prolonged economic downturn.
Editorial: The 30th anniversary of U.S.–China relations is also a time for all Asian Americans to celebrate
“I’m guessing that by the end of the year that the U.S.- China relationship is going to be sailing higher and will be more positive as a relationship than at any other time in the 30 years of our formal diplomatic relationship,” Jon Huntsman said. Huntsman is the new U.S. ambassador to China. “That’s just my hunch.”
Bumbershoot performers dance like drumming
Morning rainfalls and cold weather couldn’t keep people away from the 39th annual Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival at Seattle Center this past Labor Day weekend, which was held on Sept. 5 through Sept. 7. The festival drew thousands of people over the course of three days, all whom poured onto the grounds for local and national music, arts, and comedy acts.