Manhole cover with popular ghost manga character

Manhole cover with popular ghost manga character

Photo shows a miniature version of a manhole cover with an illustration of Kitaro, the protagonist of the popular Japanese ghost comic series "Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro" by manga creator Shigeru Mizuki in his hometown of Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on Oct. 30, 2024. The city began giving out the item as one of its gift incentives for "hometown tax" donations.

7 countries sign UN convention on judicial sale of ships in Malta

STORY: 7 countries sign UN convention on judicial sale of ships in Malta SHOOTING TIME: June 19, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:51 LOCATION: Valletta CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the signing ceremony STORYLINE: Malta and six other countries on Wednesday signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships. During a ceremony presided over by Malta's President Myriam Spiteri Debono, the document was signed by Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Spain, Cote d'Ivoire, and Antigua and Barbuda. The document, adopted in 2022 by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. The first signing ceremony of the convention was held in September 2023 in Beijing, when 15 countries and re

Maltese PM launches 250 EVs for public service

STORY: Maltese PM launches 250 EVs for public service SHOOTING TIME: May 15, 2024 DATELINE: May 16, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:32 LOCATION: ATTARD, Malta CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people attending the expo 2. various of Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela visiting the expo STORYLINE: Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday launched a fleet of 250 government electric vehicles (EVs) during his visit to the Public Service Expo at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Center. The expo, themed "Investing in Skills," kicked off on Wednesday and will run until Sunday. Abela said the launch of the cars is a reflection of the government's commitment to safeguarding the environment, as part of a wider drive to reach the country's environmental targets and become carbon-neutral. He highlighted several incentives to help Maltese families invest in renewable energy, and outlined key projects that the government is currently implementing, mainly the shore-to-ship project which is decreasing emissions by 90

Lebanon, Cyprus looking for comprehensive solution to Syrian refugee issue

STORY: Lebanon, Cyprus looking for comprehensive solution to Syrian refugee issue SHOOTING TIME: April 8-9, 2024 DATELINE: April 10, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:07 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcoming visiting Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides 2. various of talks STORYLINE: Lebanon and Cyprus emphasized on Monday their keenness to maintain strong ties and preserve security in both countries and the East Mediterranean by finding a comprehensive solution to the Syrian refugee crisis, according to a statement by the Lebanese Council of Ministers. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati agreed to work with the European Union to establish a practical framework for providing the Lebanese government with more aid and giving the displaced Syrians incentives to return to their homeland. The Cypriot president arrived in Lebanon on Monday to discuss ways to solve the Syrian refugee crisis and address its r

Economic incentives attract 766 investment projects in Russian Arctic region: official

STORY: Economic incentives attract 766 investment projects in Russian Arctic region: official SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 7, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:02 LOCATION: ST. PETERSBURG, Russia CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the plenary session 2. various of the activities and expositions during the session STORYLINE: A total of 766 investment projects have been announced for implementation in the Russian Arctic region after the creation of a local economic preferences system, a senior Russian official said on Thursday. Russia's strategy to support the development of the Arctic region, which has been implemented since 2020, has attracted 766 investment projects, said Gadzhimagomed Guseinov, the first deputy minister for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, at the plenary session of the 13th International Forum "Arctic: Today and the Future" held in St. Petersburg. The total investment will reach 1.75 trillion rubles (about 19 billion U.S. dollars), and the projects are expected

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

Belt and Road Export Trade Policy

LIANYUNGANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 26, 2023 - Tax staffs introduce tax incentives for the export of "Belt and Road" automobile engines to enterprises in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China, October 26, 2023.

Hong Kong to offer more support for families with newborns

STORY: Hong Kong to offer more support for families with newborns DATELINE: Oct. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:04 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of speech scene 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): JOHN LEE, HKSAR Chief Executive 3. various of Hong Kong-related footage STORYLINE: China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will implement a raft of measures to encourage childbearing amid a low birth rate, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said Wednesday. A one-off cash bonus of 20,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 2,556 U.S. dollars) will be provided for each baby born on Wednesday or after in Hong Kong to a parent who is a Hong Kong permanent resident, and this measure will last for three years, Lee said in a policy address. Other incentives include a 20-percent rise in deduction ceiling for home loan interest or domestic rents, and priority arrangement for subsidized sale flat and public rental housing allocation. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): JOHN LEE, HKSAR Chief Executive "The Hong Kong Ho

China's FDI into Kenya expected to grow 10 pct in 2023: official

STORY: China's FDI into Kenya expected to grow 10 pct in 2023: official DATELINE: Sept. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (English): JUNE CHEPKEMEI, Acting managing director of KenInvest STORYLINE: China's foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kenya is projected to grow 10 percent this year, a government official said Monday. June Chepkemei, acting managing director of state-owned Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), made the remarks during a media briefing on the upcoming sixth Kenya International Industrial Expo and the Kenya Import and Export Fair in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The event is scheduled to take place from Sept. 21 to 23. SOUNDBITE (English): JUNE CHEPKEMEI, Acting managing director of KenInvest "Foreign direct inflows from China stood at 348 million U.S. dollars (in 2022). Going forward, we hope to see that grow by at least 10 percent, going by the incentives and the programs that the government h

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

(230905) -- BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A representative of Singapore signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

(230905) -- BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A representative of Saudi Arabia signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

(230905) -- BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A representative of China signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

(230905) -- BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2023 shows the signing ceremony of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, in Beijing, capital of China. The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-UN CONVENTION-SIGNING CEREMONY (CN)

(230905) -- BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A representative of Switzerland signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Kenya banks on private sector to scale up green financing

STORY: Kenya banks on private sector to scale up green financing DATELINE: Aug. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:32 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ECONOMY/ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of conference banners 2. various of conference exteriors 3. various of conference 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SOIPAN TUYA, Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry 5. various of attendees at the conference 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ELIZABETH MREMA, UNEP's deputy executive director 7. various of attendees at the conference STORYLINE: The Kenyan government has come up with a raft of policy and regulatory incentives to encourage the private sector to invest in the green economy and tame the escalating climate crisis, a senior official said Monday. Soipan Tuya, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said that by tapping into capital, technology and skilled manpower from the local private sector, the country's green transition will be accelerated. "We are committed

BYD to establish new production complex in Brazil

STORY: BYD to establish new production complex in Brazil DATELINE: July 6, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:18 LOCATION: SALVADOR, Brazil CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Portuguese): JERONIMO RODRIGUES, Governor of Bahia 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI KE, Executive vice president of BYD 4. various of the BYD store STORYLINE: Chinese automaker BYD on Tuesday announced its plan to establish a production base in Camacari in the Brazilian state of Bahia. The complex will comprise three new plants and is slated to begin operation in the second half of next year. The Camacari complex is expected to create around 5,000 job opportunities for the local community. SOUNDBITE 1 (Portuguese): JERONIMO RODRIGUES, Governor of Bahia "Today we are happy and we are going to implement our agreements step by step with BYD and other Chinese companies, which are going to establish plants in the Bahia state. We are reaffirming that we will provide assistance here, such as tax incentives, smooth logistics

Over 1.7 mln electric vehicles registered in India since 2020

STORY: Over 1.7 mln electric vehicles registered in India since 2020 DATELINE: March 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:26 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of New Delhi traffic STORYLINE: The Indian government Tuesday said that more than 1.7 million electric vehicles (EVs) were registered in the country since 2020. The information was given by the junior federal minister of heavy industries Krishan Pal Gurjar in the lower house of the Indian parliament. According to the minister, last year alone, 1,015,196 EVs were registered in the country. Prior to that in 2021 and 2020, the country registered 327,976 and 123,092 EVs respectively. Gurjar said this year until March 15, the number of EVs registered stands at 256,980. The minister said incentives were being provided to buyers of EVs in the form of upfront reduction in the purchase price of EVs under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-India) scheme. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporti

Indonesia launches subsidy for electric vehicles

STORY: Indonesia launches subsidy for electric vehicles DATELINE: March 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:06 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of electric vehicles (Courtesy of Wuling factory) 2. various of vehicles in Indonesia 3. various of vehicles queueing for petrol (Courtesy of Antara) STORYLINE: Indonesia's government on Monday officially launched a program of subsidies for purchasing electric motorcycles. The government has budgeted 455 U.S. dollars in subsidy for each purchase of electric motorcycles and 65 U.S. dollars for converting to electric vehicles starting on Tuesday. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that a total of 455 million U.S. dollars will be allocated for the program until 2024. It aims to reach 10 percent electric vehicle penetration as of 2024. Indrawati added that additional incentives, including tax holidays and value-added tax discounts, will be provided to cut the prices of electric cars and buses. The policies will be announced on April 1. Xinhua Ne

Indonesia to provide incentives for EV purchases

STORY: Indonesia to provide incentives for EV purchases DATELINE: March 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:49 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of press conference 2. various of Indonesian traffic 3. various of fuel queue in Pertamina 4. various of electric vehicles 5. SOUNDBITE (Bahasa Indonesia): LUHUT PANDJAITAN, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs STORYLINE: The Indonesian government will provide incentives for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) starting March 20, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said on Monday. "We hope that this policy can stimulate the market for EVs, boost the use of clean energy and decrease reliance on fossil fuels," said Pandjaitan in a press conference. SOUNDBITE (Bahasa Indonesia): LUHUT BINSAR PANDJAITAN, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs "Our target is 10 percent of the population will have used electric vehicles by the next year. If we already secure the 10 percent, i

Chinese automaker moves to meet Malaysian EV demand

STORY: Chinese automaker moves to meet Malaysian EV demand DATELINE: Feb. 24, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the vehicles 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CUI ANQI, General Manager, Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia sale company STORYLINE: Great Wall Motor (GWM), China's leading sport utility vehicle (SUV) and pickup manufacturer, is entering Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its range of vehicles. The Malaysian government looks to create suitable conditions for the EV sector including various tax incentives and the construction of supporting infrastructure, especially charging stations. These policy shifts have created a demand for such vehicles in the country with a range of companies introducing their products into the Malaysian market. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CUI ANQI, General Manager, Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia sale company "Malaysian market is very important in our ASEAN strategy. Automobile consumption is m

Hong Kong launches campaign to woo global visitors

STORY: Hong Kong launches campaign to woo global visitors DATELINE: Feb. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:06 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Hong Kong 2. SOUNDBITE (English): JOHN LEE, HKSAR Chief Executive STORYLINE: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday launched the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign to lure tourists, business travelers and investors to the city, with a series of incentives announced. SOUNDBITE (English): JOHN LEE, HKSAR Chief Executive "Today, I am happy to tell you that Hong Kong is welcoming every one of you to join us on our center stage, for Hong Kong is now seamlessly connected to the mainland of China and the whole international world. First and foremost, we have prepared 500,000 free air tickets to welcome tourists from every part of the world to come to Hong Kong. This, ladies and gentlemen, is probably the world's biggest welcome ever!" Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China. (XHTV)

Nakajima signs with A's

Nakajima signs with A's

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows free agent shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima homering during a Seibu Lions game against the Softbank Hawks at Seibu Dome in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo in September 2012. Nakajima is bound for the Oakland Athletics, with the two sides having agreed on a two-year, $6.5 million deal with additional incentives.

Lion's Nakajima in press conference

Lion's Nakajima in press conference

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Seibu Lions captain Hiroyuki Nakajima gives a press conference at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Jan. 10, 2012, after re-signing with the Lions for an estimated 280 million yen plus incentives. Nakajima said he plans to take another shot at playing in the majors in the following offseason as a free agent.

Iwakuma re-signs with Rakuten

Iwakuma re-signs with Rakuten

SENDAI, Japan - Hisashi Iwakuma speaks during a press conference at the head office of the Rakuten Eagles in Sendai on Dec. 26, 2010, after re-signing with the baseball club for an unchanged salary of 300 million yen, plus incentives. The right-hander returned to the Eagles after his negotiations with the Oakland Athletics fell apart.

Eagles' Yamasaki renews 250 mil. yen contract

Eagles' Yamasaki renews 250 mil. yen contract

SENDAI, Japan - The Rakuten Eagles' Takeshi Yamasaki speaks during a press conference on Dec. 20, 2010, at the ball club's head office in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The 42-year-old veteran re-signed with the Eagles for an estimated 250 million yen plus incentives, unchanged from the 2010 season.

Iwakuma re-signs with Rakuten

Iwakuma re-signs with Rakuten

TOKYO, Japan - Rakuten Eagles ace Hisashi Iwakuma speaks at a news conference in Sendai on Dec. 11, 2009, after re-signing with the Pacific League baseball club for 300 million yen plus incentives in 2010. Iwakuma will earn the same wage as this year after going 13-6 with a 3.25 ERA.

Hanshin signs former Seibu slugger Brazell

Hanshin signs former Seibu slugger Brazell

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Former Seibu Lions first baseman Craig Brazell, who has signed a contract with the Hanshin Tigers, attends a news conference at the Tigers' office in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, on May 28. Brazell's 25 million yen plus incentives contract runs through the end of the 2009 season.

Hanshin signs former Seibu slugger Brazell

Hanshin signs former Seibu slugger Brazell

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Former Seibu Lions first baseman Craig Brazell, who has signed a contract with the Hanshin Tigers, poses for photos during a news conference at the Tigers' office in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, on May 28. Brazell's 25 million yen plus incentives contract runs through the end of the 2009 season.

Gov't launches 'eco-point' system to spur sluggish economy

Gov't launches 'eco-point' system to spur sluggish economy

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai (L) is shown a television included in the ''eco-points'' program at an electronics store in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on May 15. The government kicked off its economic stimulus program the same day to spur spending, giving incentives in the form of eco-points for the purchase of eco-friendly home electronic appliances.

Nippon Ham ace Darvish signs 270 million yen deal

Nippon Ham ace Darvish signs 270 million yen deal

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yu Darvish smiles during a news conference in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on Dec. 1 after re-signing with the Pacific League club for an estimated annual salary of 270 million yen, up 70 million yen from 2008, plus performance incentives.

Nippon Ham ace Darvish signs 270 million yen deal

Nippon Ham ace Darvish signs 270 million yen deal

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yu Darvish speaks during a news conference in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on Dec. 1 after re-signing with the Pacific League club for an estimated annual salary of 270 million yen, up 70 million yen from 2008, plus performance incentives.

Iran president rejects incentives for suspending nuke program

Iran president rejects incentives for suspending nuke program

TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks in an interview with Kyodo News in Tehran on April 3. Ahmadinejad indicated he will reject a new package of incentives European countries are mulling to entice Tehran to suspend its nuclear program.

Iran president rejects incentives for suspending nuke program

Iran president rejects incentives for suspending nuke program

TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks in an interview with Kyodo News in Tehran on April 3. Ahmadinejad indicated he will reject a new package of incentives European countries are mulling to entice Tehran to suspend its nuclear program.

Kanemoto remains highest-paid Japanese player

Kanemoto remains highest-paid Japanese player

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Veteran Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto speaks at a news conference after re-signing for an estimated 550 million yen plus performance incentives at the club office in Nishinomiya on Dec. 27. He will remain the highest-paid Japanese player for the second year in a row.

N.Y. Yankees announce 5-year deal with Igawa

N.Y. Yankees announce 5-year deal with Igawa

OSAKA, Japan - The New York Yankees announced on Dec. 27 a five-year deal with Hanshin Tigers pitcher Kei Igawa, worth an estimated $20 million plus incentives. Picture (file photo) shows Igawa in tears after winning his 12th victory in a complete game against the Hiroshima Carp.

Iranian vice president critical of U.N. resolution on nukes

Iranian vice president critical of U.N. resolution on nukes

TOKYO, Japan - Visiting Iranian Vice President Esfandyar Rahim Mashaee speaks during an interview with Kyodo News in Tokyo on Aug. 1. Mashaee suggested that following the U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities by Aug. 31, Iran may give up considering the incentives package presented by six major nations.