Creator of adult cartoons seeks meeting with Tokyo vice gov.

Creator of adult cartoons seeks meeting with Tokyo vice gov.

SAPPORO, Japan - Creator of adult cartoons Reiji Urashima removes snow from the home of an elderly resident in Yubari, Hokkaido, in northern Japan on Jan. 21, 2011, to satisfy a condition set by Tokyo Vice Gov. Naoki Inose for an interview on an ordinance amended to toughen restrictions on the sale of cartoons and animations containing ''extreme'' depictions of sexual acts.

Nezame-no-toko

Nezame-no-toko

Nezame-no-toko Gorge is the most beautiful of the eight scenic points of Kiso. The view of the gorge with granite protruding into the Kiso River is breathtaking. Huge rock formations such as Byobuiwa (folding screen rock) can be seen. At its narrowest point, the river is only 7 meters wide and roars with rapids. The shrine visible in the centre is known for the legend of Urashima Taro, and for Rinsenji Temple up on the river terrace.==Date:unknown, Place:Nagano, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number80‐14‐0]

Nezame-no-toko

Nezame-no-toko

The steep flow of Urashima in the Nezame no toko, a scenic spot along the Kiso River on the Nakasendo. The same scene as the photo numbered 1560 is photographed again from a farther distance. This valley was formed from the granite, which was formed about 700 million years ago, washed away by the steep flow of the Kiso River.==Date:unknown, Place:Nagano, Photo:Kusakabe Kinbei, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number38‐9‐0]

Nezame-no-toko

Nezame-no-toko

The steep flow of Urashima in the Nezame no toko, a scenic spot along the Kiso River on the Nakasendo. (Presently Agematsu-cho of Kiso gun). Originates from the legend that Urashima Taro fished here to hang his fishing strings. It is known for the square granite rock and caves forming the scenery.==Date:unknown, Place:Nagano, Photo:Kusakabe Kinbei, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number38‐8‐0]

Creator of adult cartoons seeks meeting with Tokyo vice gov.

Creator of adult cartoons seeks meeting with Tokyo vice gov.

SAPPORO, Japan - Creator of adult cartoons Reiji Urashima removes snow from the home of an elderly resident in Yubari, Hokkaido, in northern Japan on Jan. 21, 2011, to satisfy a condition set by Tokyo Vice Gov. Naoki Inose for an interview on an ordinance amended to toughen restrictions on the sale of cartoons and animations containing ''extreme'' depictions of sexual acts. (Kyodo)

Japanese probe makes world's 2nd-longest deep-sea cruise

Japanese probe makes world's 2nd-longest deep-sea cruise

TOKYO, Japan - The Urashima, a Japanese deep-sea probe, is hoisted out of the sea after achieving an unmanned submerged cruise of 220 kilometers, the second longest in the world after the 262 km achieved by a British probe. The photo was released June 22 by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. The Urashima, measuring 9.7 meters long, 1.3 meters wide and 1.5 meters high, started the cruise at a depth of 800 meters June 8 and covered the 220 kilometers in 43 hours before suspending the cruise due to an approaching typhoon. (Kyodo)

Self-guiding submarine dives to record 1,753 meters

Self-guiding submarine dives to record 1,753 meters

TOKYO, Japan - The Urashima, a self-guiding, cable-free research submarine, is hoisted after diving to a depth of 1,753 meters, a world record for a dive by an unmanned, unguided submersible. The photo was provided by the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center on Dec. 12.