Sasebo spinning tops

Sasebo spinning tops

SASEBO, Japan - Sasebo spinning top craftsman Sadaemon Yamamoto decorates spinning tops with painting of rabbits at his shop ''Sasebo Koma Hompo'' in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Dec. 28, 2010, to mark the coming year of rabbit in 2011.

Former soccer firm chief Mizohata to head tourism agency

Former soccer firm chief Mizohata to head tourism agency

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroshi Mizohata (file photo), 49, was appointed by the Cabinet on Dec. 25, 2009, to head the Japan Tourism Agency to succeed Yoshiaki Hompo, who has been the agency's commissioner since it was created in October 2008. Mizohata was previously a president of Oita Football Club Co., the managing corporation behind the soccer club.

Thick starch syrup retains strong popularity

Thick starch syrup retains strong popularity

KOBE, Japan - Masaru Kubo, the fourth generation head of the family that founded confectionary company Kotonojo Hinode Ame Hompo displays ''mizuame,'' or ''water candy'' at his office in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, on March 20, 2010. (Kyodo)

Sasebo spinning tops

Sasebo spinning tops

SASEBO, Japan - Sasebo spinning top craftsman Sadaemon Yamamoto decorates spinning tops with painting of rabbits at his shop ''Sasebo Koma Hompo'' in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Dec. 28, 2010, to mark the coming year of rabbit in 2011. (Kyodo)

Former soccer firm chief Mizohata to head tourism agency

Former soccer firm chief Mizohata to head tourism agency

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroshi Mizohata (file photo), 49, was appointed by the Cabinet on Dec. 25, 2009, to head the Japan Tourism Agency to succeed Yoshiaki Hompo, who has been the agency's commissioner since it was created in October 2008. Mizohata was previously a president of Oita Football Club Co., the managing corporation behind the soccer club. (Kyodo)