Japan: JAXA Successfully Launches Next-Generation H3 Rocket Into Space 2

JAXA (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) launched its new flagship H3 rocket into space in a second attempt on Saturday, February 17, and announced that it confirmed the rocket has reached orbit as planned. The H3 lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima at 9:22 a.m., JST.

Murata gold, Shimizu bronze in Olympic boxing

Murata gold, Shimizu bronze in Olympic boxing

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Ryota Murata (L) and Satoshi Shimizu pose with their medals during a press conference at the Main Press Centre in Olympic Park on Aug. 12, 2012. Murata won the gold medal in the men's middleweight class while Shimizu won the bronze in the men's bantam class at the 2012 London Olympics.

6,000 sign petition for Thai orphan fighting to settle in Japan

6,000 sign petition for Thai orphan fighting to settle in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Mevisa Yoshida, a 13-year-old Thai orphan girl, speaks to reporters in front of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau building in Tokyo on July 5 after applying to the bureau for long-term resident status. She, along with her lawyer Satoshi Murata, also submitted a petition signed by over 6,000 people calling on the immigration authorities to grant long-term resident status.

6,000 sign petition for Thai orphan fighting to settle in Japan

6,000 sign petition for Thai orphan fighting to settle in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Mevisa Yoshida, a 13-year-old Thai orphan girl, speaks to reporters in front of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau building in Tokyo on July 5 after applying to the bureau for long-term resident status. She, along with her lawyer Satoshi Murata, also submitted a petition signed by over 6,000 people calling on the immigration authorities to grant long-term resident status. (Kyodo)