Ex-PM Hatoyama announces retirement from politics

Ex-PM Hatoyama announces retirement from politics

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in July 1986 shows Yukio Hatoyama (C, front) celebrating with his wife Miyuki (to the right) and supporters at his campaign office in Muroran, Hokkaido, after winning a House of Representatives seat for the first time. Hatoyama, who was the first prime minister following the Democratic Party of Japan's ascent to power in 2009, said on Nov. 21, 2012, that he will not run in the Dec. 16 general election for the House of Representatives and will retire from politics.

3 held for drug smuggling

3 held for drug smuggling

SAPPORO, Japan - Photo shows the Singaporean-registered freighter Sun Honor docked in Muroran, Hokkaido, on Dec. 2, 2010. Police said on Dec. 6 they have arrested two Chinese crew members of the ship and a Japanese man on suspicion of smuggling some 5 kilograms of illegal stimulants into Japan.

Hatoyama announces decision to step down as premier

Hatoyama announces decision to step down as premier

TOKYO, Japan - A woman puts up a newspaper extra reporting Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's announcement that he will step down, at JR Muroran Station in Muroran, Hokkaido, the prime minister's constituency.

Hatoyama's 1st election

Hatoyama's 1st election

TOKYO, Japan - Yukio Hatoyama (C), now president of the Democratic Party of Japan, is seen celebrating with his wife Miyuki (R) and supporters at his campaign office in Muroran, Hokkaido, in July 1986 after winning a House of Representatives seat for the first time.

Hatoyama's wife celebrates DPJ victory

Hatoyama's wife celebrates DPJ victory

SAPPORO, Japan - Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama, celebrates her husband's reelection in the House of Representatives election at his campaign office in Muroran, Hokkaido, on Aug. 30.

(5)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

(5)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

MURORAN, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious ship Oosumi (R) leaves the Hokkaido port of Muroran on Feb. 20 for Kuwait to carry supplies for Ground Self-Defense Force troops stationed in Iraq.

(3)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

(3)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

MURORAN, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious ship Oosumi (R) cruises off the Hokkaido port of Muroran on Feb. 20. It left the port for Kuwait to carry supplies for Ground Self-Defense Force troops stationed in Iraq. The destroyer Murasame (L) escorts it.

(1)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

(1)Amphibious ship with supplies for Iraq leaves for Kuwait

MURORAN, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious ship Oosumi (front) cruises off the Hokkaido port of Muroran on Feb. 20 after leaving the port for Kuwait to carry supplies for Ground Self-Defense Force troops stationed in Iraq. The destroyer Murasame (back) escorts it.

(3)MSDF ship set to load supplies for Iraq in Muroran

(3)MSDF ship set to load supplies for Iraq in Muroran

MURORAN, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) transport ship Oosumi is berthed at Muroran port in Hokkaido on Feb. 18. The 8,900-to ship has been assigned to haul supplies for Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops stationed in Iraq. It will pick up light armored vehicles and other equipment before heading to Kuwait.

(1)MSDF ship set to load supplies for Iraq in Muroran

(1)MSDF ship set to load supplies for Iraq in Muroran

MURORAN, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) transport ship Oosumi arrives at Muroran port in Hokkaido on Feb. 18. The 8,900-to ship has been assigned to haul supplies for Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops stationed in Iraq. It will pick up light armored vehicles and other equipment before heading to Kuwait.