Neighbors demand preserving old home of empress

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in June 1999 shows the former house of Empress Michiko, wife of Emperor Akihito, in Tokyo's Shigawa Ward. A group of residents living near the house called for its preservation Nov. 1 to avoid having it torn down by the end of the month. ''Why hasten to tear it down? We've collected petitions from about 5,900 people as of Nov. 1,'' said Ikuo Sumi, leader of the group. (Kyodo)