ScribbleLive

@elainekirk @hudebnik @bo Hi and bye, must dash out, but this [top link on list] is worth a read - the NCG's recent rather damning response to the UK's consulation on Pu stocks: www.nuclearconsult.com

Lady Gaga: Japan is safe to visit

Pop singer Lady Gaga has assured the world that Japan is safe to visit following the March 11th earthquake and nuclear accident.

Dressed in black, Lady Gaga told reporters in Tokyo on Thursday that she was shocked by the news of the quake and became determined to act for the country.

The singer said that in addition to raising funds for survivors, she wants to encourage tourists from around the world to visit Japan. She said she loves the passion of the Japanese people and that she is eager to return for a concert tour.

Lady Gaga has donated about 3 million dollars to people in the disaster-hit areas, including revenues from wristbands that she designed bearing the message "We Pray for Japan."

At the news conference, the head of Japan Tourism Agency, Hiroshi Mizohata, handed the singer a letter of appreciation from the government for her efforts in highlighting the safety of Japan.

Lady Gaga is scheduled to stay in the country until July 1st. On Saturday, she will appear at a musical event in Chiba City, near Tokyo.

After making her debut in the United States in 2008, Lady Gaga has sold more than 26 million records. She is famous for her outrageous outfits and social activism.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 16:24 +0900 (JST)
www3.nhk.or.jp

Trial opens over legality of Fukushima plant

A Japanese court has begun a trial over the legality of the government's authorization of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, where an accident took place on March 11th.

The trial opened at the Tokyo District Court on Thursday, more than 3 months after the outbreak of the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The plaintiff is Takanori Eto, a 30-year-old law student who lives in Tokyo. He filed suit against the government, demanding the nullification of its authorization for building the plant. He maintains that the government was sloppy in its safety assessment for authorizing the plant as it failed to assume a huge earthquake and tsunami.

In Thursday's hearing, the defendant - the government - argued that only those who live within 100 kilometers from the Fukushima Daiichi plant are eligible to file a damages suit and that the plaintiff, who lives more than 200 kilometers away is not.

The plaintiff complained of health concerns over milk and other food for his 4-month-old baby daughter.

However, the government counter-argued that even food with radioactive material exceeding the national safety limit will not pose immediate health risks. It said the radioactive levels of food now available in Tokyo are below the limit.

The plaintiff said the government's argument that he is in no position to sue is wrong, because he is actually suffering from the present accident. He said many people are concerned about damage to their health, and the government should be held fully accountable.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 18:14 +0900 (JST)
www3.nhk.or.jp

the last samurai:

Kan will do his utmost in reconstruction efforts

Prime Minister Naoto Kan says he will do his utmost during the extended session of the Diet to help rebuild the areas affected by the March 11th disaster and to bring the Fukushima Daiichi power plant under control.

Kan reiterated his resolve to reporters on Thursday in Okinawa. He said he is prepared to risk everything in tackling this primary task.

Regarding the relocation of the US Futenma Air Station, he said he understands how much people in Okinawa want the base to be moved out of their prefecture, or out of Japan altogether.

He said he has tried hard to fulfill their wishes, but the situation looks difficult.

He said the government must do all it can to eliminate the danger posed by the Futenma base, and to make sure the base will not remain in its present location indefinitely.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 16:56 +0900 (JST)
www3.nhk.or.jp

i agree kan is very important as a counterweight against the industry. i think he will get stronger from day to day.

@Edano Kan can probably spend a whole day just counting the knives in his back

Japan warns China against exploring in EEZ off Tohoku region

TOKYO, June 23, Kyodo

Japan warned China on Thursday not to conduct what appears to be marine research in Japan's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone off the northeastern Tohoku region, State Foreign Secretary Chiaki Takahashi said.

A Chinese marine research vessel apparently explored Japan's EEZ without obtaining Tokyo's consent on Thursday morning, triggering an immediate warning from the Japan Coast Guard in the Pacific Ocean off Miyagi Prefecture.

Tokyo also urged Beijing through diplomatic channels not to engage in such activities, Takahashi told a press conference. english.kyodonews.jp

i hope the chinese break the laws.