wsj Japan

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  Ozawa Pledges New U.S. Base Pact

  Ichiro Ozawa, the insurgent challenger in Japan's intensifying race for prime minister, vowed to rip up an agreement with the U.S. over a military base and played down the need for a concrete plan to curb borrowing.

  • Japan Real Time: A Case of Deja Vu?

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• Top News

• Rising Yen Helps Japan's Stocks

  With the yen at 15-year highs, these are gloomy times for the export-driven Japanese economy. But the rising yen has benefitted some shares: defensive issues that can withstand—or even thrive under—a strong currency.

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  Japanese Men Vacation With Virtual Girls

  More than 1,500 male fans of the Japanese dating-simulation game LovePlus+ have flocked to resort town Atami for a date with their videogame character girlfriends.

  • Video: On Vacation With a Virtual Girlfriend
  • Japan Real Time: Virtual Girls, Real Boys
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  JAL's Latest Plan Unveils Deep Cuts

  JAL unveiled a bankruptcy restructuring plan that accelerates a cut in its work force and trims unprofitable routes more than expected.

  • Japan Real Time: More Bows, No Janet Jackson
  • Heard: JAL Failure, ANA Tail Wind for Now
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  Japan Looks to 'Eco-points' for Boost

  Japan's government, grasping for ways to rev up a deflating economy on the cheap, is extending a subsidy plan for consumers who trade in their old appliances and television sets for more energy-efficient models.

  • Video: $11 Billion Stimulus Unveiled

• Ozawa to Challenge Prime Minister

  Japan's ruling party leadership vote in September will pit one of its most powerful memers, Ichiro Ozawa, against Prime Minister Naoto Kan

• Japan Considers Fuel-Tax Increase

  Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it plans to propose raising taxes on fossil fuels to fund initiatives to fight climate change, beginning in the fiscal year starting April 2011.

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  Measures Fail to Contain Yen

  Japan's government offered a modest stimulus package and the central bank took steps to curb the rising yen, but a tepid market reaction leaves policy makers under pressure to do more.

  • News Hub: Japan Moves to Hamper Yen's Rise
  • Japanese Government Bond Yields Rise
  • Japan Real Time: Bank of Japan, a Step Ahead?
  • Poll Gives Japan's Prime Minister a Boost
  • Preview: Firms React to Strong Yen
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  Polls Give Japan's Premier a Boost

  Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan received a new boost in his bid to hold onto office, with public-opinion polls showing an overwhelming majority of voters favoring him over challenger Ichiro Ozawa.

  • Japan Real Time: Kan v. Ozawa
• Japan Manufacturing Rises

• China Warns Japan Firms on Wages

• Noda Threatens 'Decisive' Yen Action

• Japan's Kingmaker Seeks the Crown

• Kan Steps Up Tone of Yen Comments

• Hyundai's China Sales to Top Korea

• Toyota Recalls 1.3 Million Cars

• Sony Points to U.S. Softness

• Asahi Extends Push Into Australia

• Japan's Paradox: Strong Currency, Weak Economy

• Hitachi, GE Extend Nuclear Reach

• Ozawa: Americans Are 'Simple-Minded'

• Japan's Yen Drives Bear Market

• U.S. Steps Up Toyota Scrutiny

• Japan Export Growth Slows Down