Koizumi denies plan for cabinet reshuffle

Koizumi denies plan for cabinet reshuffle

TOKYO, Japan - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi speaks at a media event at his official residence Dec. 6, 2001. The premier said he has no plans to conduct a cabinet reshuffle in the near future, although he is aware of calls for one from lawmakers of the ruling coalition parties.

(1)Nuke plant pipe ruptured under enormous pressure

(1)Nuke plant pipe ruptured under enormous pressure

HAMAOKA, Japan - File photo taken in November 2001 shows Chubu Electric Power Co.'s Hamaoka nuclear plant in Shizuoka Prefecture. The plant's operator and the government's nuclear body said Dec. 6, 2001 a steam pipe at the plant ruptured instantly under enormous pressure in November, causing a radioactive steam leak. Chubu officials said they suspect the pressure was due to explosive hydrogen combustion inside the pipe and they are investigating to prove their hypothesis.

(2)Nuke plant pipe ruptured under enormous pressure

(2)Nuke plant pipe ruptured under enormous pressure

NAGOYA, Japan - Ryosuke Mizutani, of Chubu Electric Power Co. explains how a radioactive steam leak took place in November at the company's Hamaoka nuclear plant in Shizuoka Prefecture at a media briefing in Nagoya on Dec. 6, 2001.

Filming of ancient Nara tomb begins

Filming of ancient Nara tomb begins

ASUAKA VILLAGE, Japan - An aerial photo shows the Kitora tomb in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, where researchers began filming the inside of the ancient tomb's chamber Dec. 6, 2001. Researchers want to get information for use in restoration work set to begin in 2003 on the tomb's mural paintings that date back from the late seventh century to early eighth century.