Today's First in US, China and Japan

Even today's not July First in America, it is in Japan and China (after 12pm), there are several First regarding the three countries:

1. Pres. Bush becomes the First sitting president to visit Elvis Graceland, he is there to accompany Japan's PM Koizumi.

2. Japan ranks first among all countries with highest percentage (21%) of population over 65 years old, AND also ranks first in the world with lowest percentage (13.6%) of population below 15 years old.(TBS)

3.First railway line to Tibet opens today, not only the Gormo-Lhasa railway is the first train lines ever built in Tibet, it is also the world first railway built in such high attitude. The train cars attendants wear such a beautiful uniform that you will be misled and think you are sitting in a Airbus 380 jetliner.

What's for Dinner, Japanese or Chinese?

I love Chinese foods, I love Japanese foods, and I love cooking. So I did the following comparisions: Welcome to the White House Dining, Japanese vs. Chinese.

At last night's official dinner to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi, here is the menu,

Maryland She Crab Soup
Crackling Fishers Island Oysters
Clos Pegase Chardonnay "Mitsuko Vineyard" 2004

Texas Kobe Beef with Cracked Black Pepper
Shitake Mushroom Jus

Silver Corn Pilaf
Sesame-coated Wild Asparagus
Ridge Zinfandel "Lytton Springs" 2004

Jicama-Cucumber Chiffonade
Lemon Vinaigrette

"Sweet Serenity"
A Bonsai Garden
Almond Parfait

Kumquat-stuffed Cherries
Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2000

Just 70 days ago, on April 20th, at the same dinning room, President Bush put out a Luncheon to welcome president Hu Jintao, here is the menu,

Butter Heirloom Corn Broth
with Scallions

Seared Ginger-scented Dumplings

Wild-caught Alaskan Halibut
with Mushroom Essence

Sugar Snap Peas, Spring Legumes, and Sweet Carrots

Freckles Bibb Lettuce with Grilled Eggplant
Banyuls Vinaigrette

"A Good Fortune"
Melon Three Ways
Candied Ginger and Orange Peel
Warm Almond Cakes

Newton Chardonnay "unfiltered" 2002

Bush Urges better SinoJapan Ties, Koizumi blames China for Yasukuni

During yesterday's US-Japan Summit, President Bush did raise a worst ever Sino-Japan relations, compared to US-Japan Honeymoon relations, China and Japan like a couple in a cold war. President Bush obviously wants to do some marriage counciling there.

Prime Minister Koizumi, according to a TBS report, critized China for the bilateral ties. He said, Why Chinese leader (President Hu Jintao) cite only Yasukuni issue and refuse to hold summit talks with Japan, is beyond his comprehension.

Today should be the peak of the honeymoon, both Bush and Koizumi will tour the Elvis Graceland.

a shadow in US-Japan Honeymoon

There is no doubt that relations between Washington and Tokyo are at its best ever. As President Bush said in a welcoming ceremony to Japan's PM Koizumi to the White House, 60 years ago, the two countries were at war, now, become friends as close as it could be.

However, similarily no one would be surprised that Japan and US relations could sour over uncertainity after Mr. Koizumi's stepdown this September, and Yasukuri issue shed a long shadow into the two.

One question is how the US should address this sensitive issue to Mr. Koizumi and his successor. To Mr. Bush and his team, Yasukuni is a domestic issue and should be up to Japan's leaders, however, as China and South Korea get tense with Japan, and Sino-Japan, South Korea-Japan relations fall into a new low bottom, Mr. Bush's "don't ask, don't tell" policy seems to be doing more harms than good.

In a Q&A session with Japan's Diet this January, Mr. Koizumi said, Even there are different opinions regarding his Yasukuni visits, however, he never heard criticism from Pres.Bush.

A scholar from CSIS, Derek Michtell, said in an interview with TBS, Compared to Chinese and South Koreans, Americians don't pay close attention to the Yasukuni issue, however, this issue may damage Japan's credibility. ("米国では中国・韓国に比べ、あまり靖国問題に関心は払われていませんが、いずれ米国の日本に対する信用を多少傷つけることになるかもしれません」（戦 略国際問題研究所　デレク・ミッチェル上級研究員）

Now it may the time for Mr. Bush to say something to Mr.Koizumi or to his successor. Otherwise, it will remain a long shadow in US-Japan's Honeymoon.

Why Mr. Koizumi wasn't able to speak in US Capitol?

Being in a steadfast ally and "best ever relationship" with the United States, Japan not only contributed troops to Iraq, sent aid workers to Afghanstan, but Japan also payed billions of dollars to fund the first gulf war, war on terror and Iraqi war. As a New York Times article describes, Mr. Bush is going to say "goodbey" as well as "good job" to his closest friend, Mr. Koizumi.

However, Many of the foreign leaders to whom he is closest, like Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain, are not only awarded to Camp David, Crawford ranch, but They are also given a chance to speak at Captiol Hill, in front of 100 US senators and over 500 US delegates. Looking back both UK and France leaders got seven speeches, Italy got six and Germany got four.

According to a TBS report, Japan did inquire about the possiblity, But it failed. Because congressman Henry Hyde, House International Relations Committee. As a World War II veteran, Hyde opposed Koizumi's Yasukuni visit. In a letter to Chairman of Japan's Lower House , Hyde pointed, As long as Mr. Koizumi doesn't stop visiting Yasukuni, US congress will not invite him to speak in the chamber.

In an interview with TBS, Hyde said, "I think strongly about Japan's Prime Minister going to the Yasukuni Shrine. What I want Mr. Koizumi to pay attention is (don't hurt) feelings of American WWII veterans".
"私は日本の首相が靖国神社に行くべきでないと強く思っています。私が小泉首相に配慮してほしいと思うのは第２次世界大戦に参戦したアメリカ人の感情についてです」（ハイド米下院議員）

Thanks for "Love me Tender"

At the end of the joint press briefing, around 12pm, after Mr. Bush has thanked everyone for coming, Mr. Koizumi volenteered to speak, he came to the microphone, and in front of all media cameras, he said,

"Thanks, American People, for Love me Tender".

BREAKING: Koizumi says Better US-Japan relations not at expense of other countries

In a joint press briefing that is still undergoing at this post (11:59am), Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi said, US-Japan alliance is not at the expense of Japan's bilateral relations with others, at one point, he singled out China.

Koizumi urged media not to interprete that he only wants good relations with US, he wants to also improve relations with other countries, too. He said, a "Better relations with the United States" will gurantee better relations with other countries, and that's what his intention is.

Koizumi just finished his speech at White House Ceremony

Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi just finished his speech at a welcoming ceremony held at the White House at 9:27am, US east standard time.

It is a sunny, cozy morning in Washington DC, the tempture is around 80F, and Mr. Koizumi looks his best. He emphases the importance of a srtong US-Japan alliance, sounded like a warping up to his 5 year tenure as one of Japan's most popular, chasmatic leaders.

Koizumi comes to DC

Tomorrow, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi arrives in DC. It seems the he will occupy the DC schedule from 9am to 9:50pm, all day long. Take a look,

9 a.m.: Pres. Bush with Mrs. Bush, welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the White House.
9:50 a.m.: Holds Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi.
11:50 a.m.: Holds a joint press availability with Prime Minister Koizumi.
7 p.m.: With Mrs. Bush, greets Prime Minister Koizumi.
7:20 p.m.: With Mrs. Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi, holds a photo opportunity. White House,
8:05 p.m.: With Mrs. Bush, hosts official dinner with Prime Minister Koizumi. White House, State Dining Room.
9:50 p.m.: With Mrs. Bush, attends entertainment in the East Room.

I have two questions, one, why it is a Official dinner, instead of a state dinner, who official it is? Two, which kind of entertainment is going to be? American Bluegrass?

Yasukuni, Yasukuni

Just when Japanese PM Koizumi arrives Canada, and starts his farewell trip to North America, Yasukuni issue becomes a hot topic again between China and Japan.

Mr. Koizumi told reporters on his way that, he is free to visit Yasukuni Shrine any times, it is his personal choice. While China immediately responds that, Koizumi may be going to visit Yasukuni before his steping down in this fall.

At a forum held yesterday at Center for Security and International Studies(CSIS), an influential think tank in Washington DC, two top Japan and East Asian scholars, Kurt Campell(not Randy Shriver as I reported on my previous post) and Mike Green debated hotly about Yasukuni issue.

Dr. Campell proposes that Bush administation, when warmly welcomes Mr.Koizumi to the White House and Graceland, should also take Yasukuni issue into consideration. Bush should candidly raise the issue with Koizumi, just the way that two friends disucss things that one party should paly catiously. While Dr. Green thinks that Bush administration shouldnot get into this issue at all.

Want more about the debate, here is a audio clip and transcript from CSIS website.

Sayonara, Koizumi

Among the discussions or forums being held in DC regarding Japanese PM Koizumi's legacy, one is obvious, under Mr. Koizumi's reign, a stongest ever friendship between US and Japan is built upon.

Prminist Minister Junichiro Koizumi, put out out a CD of Elvis songs to raise money for charity, honored President Bush's 59th birthday in 2005 by singing a verse from "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" at a gala in Scottland. (Washington Post)

In return, President Bush gave Koizumi a pair of initialed cowboy boots, and Koizumi publicly said he wouldn't see Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" becasue it was "politically biased".

Over the years, Koizumi has been a guest to Mr. Bush's Crawford ranch, where they chatted poolside hours, and Camp David, where they played baseball catch with gloves.

DC Briefings on Mr. Koizumi's visit

In a single day, June 27th, yes, that's tomorrow, there are four public forums, discussions or others you name it, are going to be held on Japanese PM Koizumi's visit to Washington DC. In case you are in Town, you can take a look, maybe not all of them, but at least one. I would recommend the first list, which is being held at CSIS with Micheal Green and Randy Shriver.

9:30 a.m. -- (JAPAN/KOIZUMI) BRIEFING -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) holds a briefing on the upcoming visit of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the White House.
Location: CSIS, B-1 Conference Level, 1800 K Street NW
Contact: Andrew Schwartz, 202-775-3242, aschwartz@csis.org

Noon -- (JAPAN/KOIZUMI) DISCUSSION -- Asia Policy Point, and Keidanren USA hold a discussion, "Koizumi's Legacy and What it Means for the U.S." Participants include Steven Vogel of the University of California, Berkeley.
Location: Keidanren USA, 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW
Contact: 202-822-6040

10 a.m. -- (JAPAN) NEWS CONFERENCE -- The National Press Club Newsmaker Program holds a news conference with John Malott, president and CEO of the Japan-American Society of Washington, "The Ever Evolving U.S.-Japan Relationship."
Location: National Press Club, 14th and F Streets NW
Contact: 202-662-7593

3 p.m. -- (JAPAN/KOIZUMI) BRIEFING -- The Washington Foreign Press Center (WFPC) holds a news briefing for foreign media on the upcoming visit of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Location: WFPC, National Press Building, 14th and F Street NW, Suite 800
Contact: Doris Robinson, 202-504-6353, robinsondm2@state.gov

Koizumi leaves for the N. America

Japan's Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi starts his trip to Canada and the US, and as Japanese Media reported, he will spread aUS-Japan alliance to the world.

Koizumi will talk to Canadian PM Harper in June 28th, and will held talks with Pres. Bush on Juen 29th, and will have a dinner with Bush and his wife, Laura. Since Mr. Koizumi is divorced, there will not be a Japanese first lady standing by his side.

Pres. Bush will thank Koizumi for his steadfast support on war to Iraq and sending Japanese SDF troops to Samawa, south of Bagdad. Mr. Koizumi will propose a US-Japan alliance in a global term, China, obviously will be a topic in the talks.

Chinese peple didn't hate Japanese after WWII

This year marks the 60th anniversary of return of millions of Japanese people from Manchuri to Japan after it was defeated in World War Two. At a first ever ceremony to mark the history episode, held in Huludao, Liaoning province, China's council member, Tang Jiaxuan, said, allowing Japanese people to return to Japan indicated Chinese people didn't hate Japanese, even Japan was defeated during the war.

Sixty years ago, China was under Nationalist's rule, Now, China is under Communist's rule, does it make some senses that the event was finanally and suddendly being remembered and celebraed? Does it mean that then Chinese people didn't hate Japanese, but now they do?

So many questions, so few obvious answers.

Caption this: Koizumi vs. Segway

Caption this: Beijing vs Olympics

Caption this:Bush vs. his man

后舍男孩 (backdorm boys),女子十二乐坊

Do you know them?

Two 20 something college students from Guangzhou Art College, become Youtube celebrity almost overnight, by lip syncing Backstreet Boys songs, such as "I just want you to know", etc.

Nick named as 后舍男孩, (backdormitory boys), they made themselves not only popular among young people around the world, but they also attract attentions from recording companies.

Like twelve Girls Band, who has been serving as ambassadors between China and Japan, Maybe one day, 后舍男孩 will be going to do a show in Japan, to improve ties among the young people, which is the true future of the two countries, just like one of Time 100, South Korean idol singer, Rain?

Japanese too like 午休(after-lunch nap)

When I was in Japan, one of "notoriety" of Chinese known to everyone in Japan, besides spiting in public, is

午休(After Lunch nap). Japanese coworkers like saying to me in my face, "How can you guys go to sleep right after lunch?” with their faces filled with surprises, as if Chinese are E.T. from outside space.

It is not surprising that Japanese got so surprised, because worldwide known for a nation of workaholics, Japan just CANNOT handle someone who appears sleep so much.

However, this is changing. In a Washington Post article, titled "Nation of Workaholics Sleeps on the Job", Japanese executives and students start taking naps after lunch. The result, fewer students now sleep during classes and test scores have gone up.

The reason for the change, it seems not sleeping enough is not only hurts Japanese people's health, it also harms the Japanese economy in general. Sleeping deprivation costs Japan's Economy 30 billion dollars per year, according to a news story reported by AFP.

During my whole periods in Japan, I was shocked to see so many people sleep on the Subway trains, AND, how easy to fall asleep on a packed train. After I stayed in Tokyo for a while, I was one of the sleepers on the trains, one time, I slept all the way from Chiba city in Chiba Prefecture to Yokohama, and forgot waking up to get off.

How I wished I could have an after lunch nap while I was in Japan!

Grassroot Efforts: one cartoon at a time

Japan is wellknown for its Manga, Cartoon, or in Chinese, 漫画。I grew up watching Japanese Cartoon shows on TV every day at 6pm. My favorite is 阿童木。

Japanese award winning Cartoonist Furuya Mitsutoshi (古谷三敏）, author of awarded cartoon, "爸爸，不行啊” came to Beijing, and had a discussion with young Chinese students. Who says that you need government to step forward to improve ties, So many Chinese and Japanes, young or old, such as Koto Hime princesses, have done their parts to demonstrate that China and Japan can work together。

International relations starts from small, sometimes just a cartoon at a time.

some laugh, some cry

When Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick resigns from Bush administration, and joins Goldman Sachs, Xinhua reports that Japanese media are laughing, as Zoellick was viewed as more close to China, and far away from Japan compared to his precedent, Richard Armitage, However, what Xinhua didn't say openly is, Chinese media are not happy to see Zoellick depart and a China hand gone.

Who's not afraid of North Korea?

When North Korea's planning to test launch a Tepedong-2 missle, and causes an international uproars, from the United States to New Zealand, from Japan to Australia, South Korea, certainly put out strongest ever warning to Kim Jung Il not to go forward, China sit out of the circle and keeps its silence.

Used to be an active host for the six party talks, China is obviously not satisfied with North Korea's missle testing, which is being viewed as a provactive action. However, being a solo friend of North Korea, China has to restrain from criticizing Kim openly.

But this silence is not costfree, Japanese government won't be pleased by China's silence, and South Korean government won't, either. How China's decision over North Korea's uproars will affect improve Sino-Japan relations, still remain a question mark.

China Japan News Around the World

Washington DC sees a key Sino-US figure departing, Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, is resigning. Famous for his statement that China should be a stakeholder in International relations, Zoellick will join Goldman Sachs. Unlike his precedent, Richard Armitage, who is mostly credited for buidling a strongest ever US-Japan alliance, Zoellick is a architect and set a tone for US-China relations.

Xinhua points out that Mr. Koizumi is going to have a farewell trip to the US, and it also picks up Koizumi's planned trip to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Xinhua also reports that Mr. Koizumi intents to propose a "US-Japan Global Alliance", to set up a tone for post-Koizumi leaders.

6 Chinese died seperately during watching the Soccer World Cup television live broadcasting. One woman in Hangzhou, south of Shanghai, got too excited and died after wataching South Korea-France game, in which South Korean's Park Ji Sung scores in the 81st munute to tie 1-1 with France. 5 others, from 20 soemthing to 60s, died similarly in Southern provinces of Hunan and Guangdong.

Talking of the World Cup, just the rest of the world is as crazy as China, where soccer fans, men or women, young or old, deadly addicted to soccer games, Guess how many people in the United Stats like watching soccer? 4%. Most of these 4% will be new immgrants from Asia, Africa and Europen countries.

70% of Chinese and Japanese view each other negatively

In Japan, 71% of Japanese have a negative about China, and in China, more than 70% of Chinese view Japan unfavorably. This is a new public poll report released by Pew Research center on 06/13/06.

63% of Japanese view the United States favorably, 47% of Chinese like the U.S.
Among the people of other 14 countries, 63.5% of people view Japan favorably, while 55.7% of people have a favorable view about China.

This research is conducted via phone or personal interviews among 17,000 people in 15 countries from March to May, 2006. South Korea is not among the 15 countries.

Asahi Shimbun has a news story specially on how people in Japan, China view each other.

Soccer: what's funny about?

Today's funny friday, thinking of the ongoing World Cup, here is my take:

Before Togo made to the World Cup, I didn't know about this African country at all. (until now, I know not much, either). However, obviously, I am not alone. FIFA, Fideration of International Football Associations, has to pay big for being not knowing Togo enough. Before the game between Togo and South Korea, two nation's anthem were played. To every Togo national's surprise, their national anthem was not theirs, but South Koreans. In front of the world, South Korean's anthem was played twice!

FIFA was protested by Togo's Ambassador to Germany, who said that every Togo person was hurt emotionally, ritually and spiritually, according to a Xinhua news story.

Soccer: A realty check for China, India

When most of the world is watching the World Cup, do you ever wonder why two countries, which have more than one third of the World population, China and India, are not there?

Both China and India are also two fastest growing counties, China grows at 10%, and India at 7%, if two ever-growing powerful giants are not competing in the World Soccer field, is there something missing?

I don’t think China and India should be automatically qualified for the games, certainly they have to be good enough to get into the door first. However, we are living in the 21^st century, and looking around at this week’s games in Germany, except some new faces from Africa, dominating soccer powers are still traditional powers, Europeans, Latin Americans. Does soccer as the only worldwide sports, without China and India there, feels a bit irreverent to today’s flat world?

Mr. Koizumi goes to Elvis Graceland

When President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi meet on June 30th, (yes, that is only two weeks away), they not only talk and maybe hold a farewell party for Mr. Koizumi, who is leaving the office this fall, but Mr. Bush also plays his role as a host and escorts Mr. Koizumi, a wellknown fan of Elvis Presley, to Graceland, in Memphis.

According to a Washington Post story, Mr. Koizumi is such a fan of the King, that "he's sang Elvis tunes poolside at Bush's Crawford ranch and dazzled Condi Rice with his knowledge of Elvis trivia at a G8 dinner".

Mr.Bush, on the other hand, will become the frist sitting American president to visit the Elvis Presly's Memphis home, the only close one is Jimmy Carter, who stopped by several years after he left office. Bill Clinton, supposedly the biggest presidential Elvis Presley fan ever, didn't even stop by.

Yasukuni Visits: Constitutional not? Japanese Court to rule

Following my earlier post, an Osaka court rules that Prime Minister Koizumi's Yasukuni visits are not unconstitutional. According to ABC news story, Next week, Japan's Supreme Court will rule on this issue.

Obviously, 278 victims and relatives of World War Two have brought the lawsuit all the way to the Japan's highest court, up to now, all the lower court has ruled that the Yasukuni Visits are not unconstitutional.

However the result from the supreme court will be, there is no doubt that many people will pay a very close eye on it.

Japan China News around the World

China expands rapidly in Africa, but instead of producing locally, China export low cost goods to African market, importing raw materials such as copper, tinc, etc. Facing massive layoff in local textile factories, working class Africans are not satisfied with China’s ever-growing presence in the continent. (Washington Post)

Japan, at the same time, is torn between the US and China regarding Iran. Being the biggest trade partner to Iran, Japan consumes 22 percent of Iranian oil exports. Japan also has planned to expand its oil exploration and production there. However, Washington is pushing a harsh stand towards Tehran, and Japan also worries that sanctions will create a foothold for China, and seeing its lunch was eaten by China.(Washington Post)

An lawsuit against Mr. Koizumi’s Yasukuni visit in August 13, 2001 as unconstitutional , filed by 278 relatives and victims of WWII was defeated by Osaka court. (Asahi Online)

Kaiden Tsushi? (conveyor belt Sushi)

In DC, a new Japanese restaurant, Wasabi, is opening up soon. Located only a block from the White House, it is certainly going to attract tons of attention and big foot traffic, however, what's unique about this one is, it is first ever Kaiden Tsushi restaurant in DC.

By taking a sneak glanace at a description of the new Sushi Bar, I am not thrilled. Guess what they are going to put on the convey belt? Everyting, literally, everything. Sushi, certainly, salad, Mmm, Ok, Hot dish? too.......

In Japan, I had never ever seen a Kaiden Tsushi restaurant put hot dishes on the belt. You can get Tamago, Unagi, Maguro, Amaebi, etc, etc, but you won't get Mapotofu, Maponasu, Yakisoba, Udon, it is just not sound right Japanese.

While, I guess I am out of loop of what's trendy in Japanese resturant, or the food world has get too much fusion everything. I have wait and see....

best of Beyondyasukuni

Here are the best stories for the Last week,

1. the movie about a special kind of crain, also a joint project of Chinese directors and Japanese actors, financed by a Chinese businessman based in Tokyo, got no publicity about its Sino-Japan effort side, but mostly on its environmental course.
2. Japan is wellknown for its robots, but in the US, robots are used in the military area. Can China learn to use robots in its military as well? Take a look at this story.
3. In nowdays China, literally nothing surprises people. Even a matachmaking anency for asexuals, who wants marriage but not no sex. Can you image this?

Matchmaker for Chinese Asexuals

In China, More than one matchmaking services have been open for asexcuals. The services have been booming. In a Xinhua news story, one such agncy in the city of Tianjin, 2 hour driving distance from Beijing, in less two months after the service was lanched, Ms. Li, the matchmaker, has received more than 300 inquiries, over 30 registrated members, and 5 couples have started dating.

It is just a tip of the iceburge, the unknown but potentially huge pupulation to want no sex in their marriage lifes. unlike asexuals in the US, where they prefer not to date or marry, asexuals in China want to look and behave just like anyone else, except they don't want any sex involved.

It is certainly new for Chinese, and it may become trendy, some think it is just a reflection of a fact that sexless marriages are prevailingin in Chinese society. If the fact is sexless into a marriage, why not make it open and upfront?

Robots vs Military Aircrafts

When a Chinese military aircraft crashed and killed all 40 people on board, Japanese media were alert to recent report in Hong Kong that the military airplane is actually new type of Alert Military developed-KJ2000, by Chinese themselves.

China was in negotiation with Israelis in buying the core Radar technology, but because of strong opposition from Washington, Israelis backed off. China has to develop the aircraft on its own. The aircraft would be very useful facing a possible intrusion of air territory.

Just when Sino-US military relations warm up recently, people still can't forget the 2001 EP3 incident between Chinese Air force and American Spy planes, in which a Chinese plane crashed and the pilot was killed, and US plane was forced to land in Hainan Island.

But how about a Robot can do in this case, if there is a robot plane to try out, then there may be no such lose of valuable lives? Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington DC, has a discussion with irobots co-founder and chairman, Helen Greiner, check the video here.

Beyond Yasukuni: one movie at a time

Chinese Movie 鹤乡情 (Crane's Homeland)，directed by Chinese actor Lin Qiang and starred by Lin himself and Japanese actress Nakano Ryoko, had a showcase run in Beijing on June 5th, the World Environment Day.

Based on a ture story, this movie shot scenes in both northwestern China and Japan's Hokaidao. At a press briefing, first time director Lin Qiang said, he hope this moive will draw more attention to protect the special kind of cranes.（丹顶鹤）

The significance of this moive is not only that both Chinese and Japanese artists join in, but the moive is also financed by a Chinese businessman based in Tokyo. Even no one mentioned that how the movie will improve the Sino-Japan ties, but by doing it together, the completion of the moive has prove to the world, that even there are so many obstcles, Yasukuni and others, there is more topics that both Chinese and Japanese share same concerns.

NY Times introduces Mr. Abe and Mr. Fukuda

Over the weekend, an article on New York Times by Norimitsu Onishi, talked about the post-Koizumi politics, especially Mr. Abe Shinzo and Mr. Fukuda Yasuo's candidacy to take power. Again, Yasukuni is a hot debate issue.

Relations with China and South Korea is said to be a topic in this election, especially Sino Japan ties fall into the worst in a decade. However, Most Japanese politicians care more about domestic issues such as widening inequality gap between urban and rural areas than foreign policy, it seems that the Mr. Abe is set to win.

On Today's Washington Post, a feature story describes how over stressed Japanese destress, including bathing in sands.

Shanghai's New attraction

A wax figure museum, named after Madam Tussauds, recently opens door in Shanghai, with a single adult admission priced at 125 yuan, 15 dollars, it is certainly not cheap to see Bill Clinton, Putin, Bruce Lee, Terasa Deng and other 75 wax figures.

But you won't find any Japanese figures, no current Chinese politicians, either. Too sensitive to display? A museum staff assures a TBS reporter that in the future, Japanese figures will have presence in the museum.

China Japan News Roundup

• two Japanese citizens were detained and deported from Xinjiang, China's west Urghur region in April. Xinhua news has a feature disclosing this "illeague" discovery. (Xinhua)
• After Japan agrees to help build energy transportation pipelines for Middle Asian countries, four nations agree to support Japan's bid for UN security council seat. (Xinhua)
• Chinese deputy prime minister Huang Ju returns to work after abstaince from politic scenes for a while. (Asahi Shimbun)
• China releases 10 year(96-06)Environment White Paper, emphasis efforts to protect environment.(Asahi Shimbun)
• As Japan sees China shows flexiblity towards improving ties, Japanese government decides to defreeze the Yen based loan to China. (Yomiuri Shimbun)

Japan's whale hunting targeted

Japan, along with Norway, has refused to give up large-scale whale hunting, has been a target of critizeing campaign from International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) , which has put out billboards and adverstiments attacking Japan's killing whales in New York City, Los Angles and Washington DC subways.

In an article of Washington Post, a Japanese House member from Shimonoseki, a major whalling spot in Japan, Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, quoted, "the Japanese people are wondering: Why are whales only focused on in this manner?Beef, pork, chicken are all aminals; people eat them."

World Cup Ticket: China Vs Japan

When a Japanese travel agency asked a Chinese counterpart to arrange tickets for German World Cup games, no one anticipated that there will be a blame game to play out later between themselves.

Max Air Service, based in Tokyo, must be excited when it received 1,200 applications for its tours to Germany to watch the World Cup soccer games. Priced at 500,000 Yen(around $48,000 dollars) per person, the tour received over 1,000 applications. Japanese soccer fans are eager to see their national team to play in German turf.

However, the tickets are not arranged by itself, Japanese company asked a Beijing agency to buy them, 中国国际体育旅游公司, China International Sports Travel, a subsidiary under China State Sports Bureau. The reason seem to be that a state run Chinese company will be able to get the hot tickets.

It turned out that towards the end of May, tickets are still out of Japanese's reach. Seeing that the game will be opening in less than 20 days and getting the tickets are not likely, the Tokyo company canceled the tours. the Company head felt they are "cheated" by the Beijing agency.

On the other hands, Beijing company denied any wrongdoings, and said, all the deposits money of 7.2 million Yens have been returned to Max Air Service.

Who win and who lose? There seems to be multiple lessons learned here.

"サッカーワールドカップの観戦ツアーを東京の旅行会社が中止した問題で、仲介役の中国の旅行会社は、「前金を全額返金した。契約上、なんら問題はない」と反論しています。　「日本側は価格の問題で納得せず、返金を要求してきた。我が社は、これに同意し、すぐ返金の手続きをしました」（中国の旅行会社の会見）　中国の旅行会社は、このように述べ、日本円にしておよそ７２００万円の前金を４月中に返金したということです。　その後、日本側から再度、チケットの購入を求められましたが、「入手できない場合もあり得る」との条件で再契約していたということで、チケットを購入できなかったことは契約上、問題はないと反論しています。"（TBS 01日20:17）