oward the end of summer vacation, children are hard at play. Satirical cartoon by Ichihanahana (August 30, 2009)

In the afternoon of August 28, about 250 citizens and teachers took “Surround Tokyo Education Board” action in front of the metropolitan government building to attack Governor Shintaro Ishihara for reprimanding teachers who refused to stand up for “Kimigayo” national anthem. Starting around 4 p.m., the g

Around 4 p.m. on August 27, Nike Japan and Shibuya Ward Office signed the naming rights agreement to reconstruct the Miyashita park, but the ceremony was closed to the public. Nearly 10 citizens gathered at the entrance hall of the ward office with signs against Nike Japan in hands. Nike Japan president ended up leaving the buil

On Aug. 15, two events were held at Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall in Nanjing. One was an opening ceremony to an exhibition “Pictures of August 15 drawn by 100 Japanese cartoonists.” (See photo) About 200 people including 100 from Japan gathered for the event. The exhibition was open for three months as the first s

Iraq Veterans Against War (IVAW) held a 40-hour talk rally, “Winter Soldier,” to hear from veterans about war and their conscientious testimonials to the world in March 2008. The media organizations, however, have not reported on it because of the seriousness of the testimonies. The testimonials of veterans called, �

[Bangladesh] The National Committee on Protection of Oil, Gas Mineral Resources, Power and Ports has called a half-day hartal in Dhaka for Sep 14 in what will be first general strike since the Awami League-led coalition government took office in January. Committee convener Sheikh Mohammed Shahidullah announced the general str

[Bangladesh] At least 22 people were injured on Wednesday in Dhaka as police clubbed activists of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports after they attempted to besiege Petrobangla headquarters over recent exploration deals with international companies. Progressive Students' Front, a co