3 convicted Japanese traffickers return from Australia

3 convicted Japanese traffickers return from Australia

NARITA, Japan - Kichiro Asami (L), Masaharu Katsuno (C) and his brother Mitsuo speak to reporters at Narita airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Nov. 7 after arriving there from Australia. They were released on parole after being imprisoned for the past 10 years on charges of smuggling heroin into Australia. They have claimed they were falsely charged because their interpreter was inadequate.

Former farm minister Tazawa dies at 83

Former farm minister Tazawa dies at 83

AOMORI, Japan - Former farm minister Kichiro Tazawa (file photo) died Dec. 12 of esophagus cancer at a hospital in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. He was 83. A former Liberal Democratic Party politician, Tazawa also served in the cabinet as head of the Defense Agency and the National Land Agency.

Former farm minister Tazawa dies at 83

Former farm minister Tazawa dies at 83

AOMORI, Japan - Former farm minister Kichiro Tazawa (file photo) died Dec. 12 of esophagus cancer at a hospital in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. He was 83. A former Liberal Democratic Party politician, Tazawa also served in the cabinet as head of the Defense Agency and the National Land Agency.

3 convicted Japanese traffickers return from Australia

3 convicted Japanese traffickers return from Australia

NARITA, Japan - Kichiro Asami (L), Masaharu Katsuno (C) and his brother Mitsuo speak to reporters at Narita airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Nov. 7 after arriving there from Australia. They were released on parole after being imprisoned for the past 10 years on charges of smuggling heroin into Australia. They have claimed they were falsely charged because their interpreter was inadequate. (Kyodo)