UNESCO conference on parks with geological heritage

UNESCO conference on parks with geological heritage

SHIMABARA, Japan - The 5th International UNESCO Conference on Geoparks begins in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, on May 12, 2012. Scientists and environmental conservationists from around 30 countries will discuss measures to protect and make use of geological features and scenic areas in various parts of the world.

20 years after fatal volcanic disaster

20 years after fatal volcanic disaster

SHIMABARA, Japan - Shimabara Mayor Shuichiro Yokota (front L) offers flowers at a cenotaph during a ceremony in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, on June 3, 2011, to commemorate the 43 victims of a huge pyroclastic flow from Fugen Peak of Mt. Unzen on the 20th anniversary of the disaster.

Kyuma apologizes, retracts A-bombing comments

Kyuma apologizes, retracts A-bombing comments

SHIMABARA, Japan - Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma offers his apology over his controversial remarks on the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan at a press conference in his constituency in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, on July 1. He effectively retracted his comments made the previous day amid a barrage of criticism from some officials of Japan's ruling camp as well as A-bomb victims and opposition parties. ''I am sorry that my remarks gave an impression that A-bomb victims were made light of,'' Kyuma said.

Kyuma apologizes, retracts A-bombing comments

Kyuma apologizes, retracts A-bombing comments

SHIMABARA, Japan - Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma offers his apology over his controversial remarks on the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan at a press conference in his constituency in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, on July 1. He effectively retracted his comments made the previous day amid a barrage of criticism from some officials of Japan's ruling camp as well as A-bomb victims and opposition parties. ''I am sorry that my remarks gave an impression that A-bomb victims were made light of,'' Kyuma said.