Dell laptop explodes at Japanese conference (with pics

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Japan agrees to lift ban on U.S. beef

"AP - Japan agreed Wednesday to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports, pending planned inspections of U.S. meat processing plants, the agriculture ministry said. The Asian nation imposed the ban over concerns about mad cow disease."

Weird News: World Cup fever now includes crows

"Soccer is for birds here — more specifically the crows. A flock of the birds dressed in soccer jerseys showed off their dribbling and shooting skills at a Japanese zoo as football fever gripped the nation. The four young carrion crows at Tokuyama Zoo in western Japan...

Announcing TechCrunch Japan

"I am very pleased to announce that TechCrunch is now available in Japanese at jp.techcrunch.com. All TechCrunch content will be translated into Japanese and posted within a day or so of the English version. In addition, Japanese startups will be featured on the site, and...

North Korea insists it can test missiles

"TOKYO - North Korea asserted it has full autonomy to conduct missile tests, and outsiders do not have the right to criticize its plans, Japan's Kyodo News agency reported Tuesday. Before the latest statement, North Korea's apparent moves toward test launching a long-range...

India Eyes $12B in Foreign Investment

"India will likely attract $12 billion in foreign direct investment this year with growing interest among companies from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, a government official said Tuesday"

Japan PM announces Iraq withdrawal plan

"AP - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of Japanese ground troops from southern Iraq, moving to end the country's largest military mission since World War II."

Japan pulling troops from Iraq (CNN)

"Japan pulling troops from Iraq  —  TOKYO, Japan — Japan will withdraw its ground troops from Iraq, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced Tuesday.  —  Japan's 600 military troops based in the southern Muthana province are...

Japan PM announces Iraq withdrawal plan

"AP - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced his plan Tuesday to withdraw troops from Iraq at a ruling party meeting, an official said, moving to end Japan's largest military mission since World War II."

Japan wins first pro-whaling vote in two decades

"Reuters - Japan and its allies won a pro-whaling vote for the first time in two decades on Sunday at an international meeting."

Japan warned over abduction issue

"North Korea warns Japan against continuing to bring up the issue of abductions of its citizens in the 1970s and 80s."