| Two explosions reported in Tokushima |
| 14 Oct 2008 |
| Two explosions were reported in Tokushima, the capital of the Tokushima Prefecture, on 13 October 2008. Two buildings -- a cultural hall associated with the Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai and the Japan-China Friendship Association house -- were damaged when explosions went off near their entrances. Officials stated that the staff who left the cultural building at approximately 2300 local time on 12 October did not report anything out of the ordinary; however, residents near the building reported a loud noise at approximately 0430 local time on 13 October. There were no reports of injuries, and according to officials, there have been no previous similar attacks in the area. Tokushima is located on the island of Shikoku, southwest of Tokyo.
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| Union strike likely affect more than a quarter of Japan Airlines' (JAL) flights |
| 30 Sep 2008 |
| A union strike is planned for 1 October, which will likely affect more than a quarter of Japan Airlines' (JAL) flights, with 152 domestic flights to be canceled and four flights to be delayed. The air carrier stated that the strike is over a number of issues, including reforming the wage system. JAL pilots indicated that they may extend the strike to 2 October, further disrupting operations; however, JAL insisted that no flights to and from the United States and other international destinations will be affected |
| An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck off Hokkaido island |
| 11 Sep 2008 |
| An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck off Hokkaido island in northern Japan at 0932 local time (0032 UTC) on 11 September 2008. The quake occurred at a depth of 21 mi/35 km and was centered approximately 79 mi/127 km southwest of Kushiro, Hokkaido. Authorities issued a tsunami warning but later lifted it. Several aftershocks measuring more than 5.0 on the Richter scale followed the initial earthquake.
Eyewitnesses stated that the tremor caused residences and buildings to shake for several seconds. There were no reports of significant damage or disruptions anywhere in Japan. Aviation officials closed Chitose Airport (RJCC/CTS) immediately following the earthquake so that ground crews could inspect the main runway for any damage. Reports indicate that no significant damage was found and the facility has reopened. Authorities in Honshu briefly advised residents to evacuate, but the evacuation order has since been rescinded |
| Typhoon Sinlaku has strengthened over the past 24 hours |
| 10 Sep 2008 |
| According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, Typhoon Sinlaku has strengthened over the past 24 hours and is expected to continue to do so over the next 24 hours. Sinlaku is currently stalled in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 460 mi/741 km south-southwest of Okinawa, Japan, and is slowly moving north-northwest at approximately 4.6 mph/4 kt. As of 0900 UTC, Sinlaku had maximum sustained winds of 176 mph/95 kt, with gusts of up to 213 mph/115 kt.
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| Tropical Storm Sinlaku has formed over the Pacific Ocean and is continuing to strengthen |
| 09 Sep 2008 |
| According to Meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, Tropical Storm Sinlaku has formed over the Pacific Ocean and is continuing to strengthen. Sinlaku is tracking north at 13 mph/7 kt and is located approximately 600 mi/963 km south-southwest of Okinawa, Japan. Sinlaku has maximum sustained winds of 111 mph/60 kt with gusts of 139 mph/75 kt and is expected to intensify over the next 72 hours.
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| P.M resigns after less than one year in office |
| 02 Sep 2008 |
| On 1 September 2008 Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda unexpectedly resigned after being in office for less than a year. Fukuda announced that he wanted to leave office so that a more popular successor could take over, as he has garnered little public support. The country has been experiencing political instability for two years. The decision to resign came shortly after the government announced that a stimulus package will be offered to boost consumer spending. The man most likely to replace Fukuda is Taro Aso, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Elections for a new party president will take place on 22 September. |
| Truck drivers demonstrate over fuel prices |
| 26 Aug 2008 |
| On 26 August 2008 thousands of truck drivers participated in demonstrations organized by the Japan Trucking Association to protest against rising fuel costs. The association estimated that as many as 20,000 people observed the protests, which consisted of convoys of trucks driving very slowly on roads and significantly impeding traffic. Banners warning that companies would be forced to raise surcharges to make up for the rising fuel prices were hung on many of the convoy vehicles. In addition to the slow-moving convoys, hundreds of people participated in various marches to demand a reduction of gas and highway toll prices.
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| Transport Ministry ground 25 aircraft |
| 22 Aug 2008 |
| The Transport Ministry has instructed Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways to inspect their Bombardier-manufactured Q400 aircraft for engine damage. The ministry issued the inspection order following a 12 August incident, in which a Japan Air Q400 aircraft was damaged during take off from the Itami Airport near Osaka. Inspections are expected to take place on 25 aircraft, which have been grounded until inspections clear them for takeoff.
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| Air China Flight received an anonymous bomb threat |
| 08 Aug 2008 |
| Air China Flight 406, en-route from Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport (RJGG/NGO) to Chongqing's Jiang Bei Airport (ZUCK/CKG) via Shanghai, received an anonymous bomb threat (written in Japanese) on 8 August 2008. The threat came via an email message warning that all Air China aircraft will be bombed if operations are not suspended. The email also stated that if the airline does not comply with this demand aircraft will be crashed into Olympic venues. Two aircraft at Fukuoka Airport (RJFF/FUK) in southern Japan immediately undder went inspection and were later cleared for takeoff. Flight 406 returned to Nagoya after the threat; the flight resumed later in the day. Officials believe that the threat was related to the Olympics. In addition to Flight 406, four other flights were delayed. Two at Tokyo's Narita International Airport (RJAA/NRT) under went inspection and were cleared for takeoff. One flight, headed to Beijing Capital International (ZBAA/PEK) was redirected to Tianjin. Beijing's airport is currently shut down as planned due to the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games, which began at 2000 local time (1200 UTC).
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| Aircraft catches fire after landing at Narita |
| 30 Jul 2008 |
| A Vietnam Airlines Boeing-777 aircraft caught on fire at Narita Airport (RJAA/NRT) on 30 July 2008 after landing at approximately 0741 local time (2241 UTC). Sources revealed that the aircraft had landed with smoke coming out of its right engine. Approximately one hour later, fire broke out in the engine; firefighters were prepared for the fire and quickly put out the flames. All 264 passengers and 13 crew members had safely disembarked before the fire broke out. An investigation is currently underway. |
| Japan hit by earthquake |
| 24 Jul 2008 |
| An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook the island of Honshu in northern Japan at 0026 local time (1526 UTC) on 24 July 2008. The quake, which occurred below the ocean's surface off the coast of the Iwate prefecture at a depth of 66 mi/105 km, also affected the more populated northern Aomori prefecture, located approximately 40 mi/63 km east of Morioka. The quake was reportedly felt most powerfully in Hirono but also in Tokyo, located approximately 310 mi/500 km to the south. There was no tsunami warning issued in relation to the quake.
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| 200,000 boats involved in strike action |
| 15 Jul 2008 |
| Japanese fisherman went on a major one-day strike on 15 July 2008 to protest increasing fuel prices. The strike, which included more than 200,000 boats and at least 400,000 workers, was reportedly the largest strike ever experienced in the fishing industry. Approximately 3,000 fishermen gathered in central Tokyo and marched toward the fisheries ministry. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations sponsored the strike, demanding that the government provide tax breaks on fuel and other forms of financial support in order to ensure the longevity of the fishing industry.
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| Police & G8 summit protesters in stand-off |
| 07 Jul 2008 |
| On 7 July 2008 protesters participated in a stand-off with police officers in Toyoura, as officials tried to block the demonstrators from marching toward the Group of Eight (G-8) summit. More than 100 anti-riot police officers arrived in 20 vans and stopped approximately 50 foreign protesters from advancing on the summit.
Meanwhile, on 5 July approximately 1,000 demonstrators gathered in a park in central Sapporo to protest against the G-8 conference. Four people have been reportedly arrested in conjunction with the 5 July protest, including a journalist. Police officers have been deployed in and around the city of Sapporo to monitor protest marches and demonstrations for the next few days. There have been no reports of any major disruptions or violence, although noisy demonstrations are expected to continue for the duration of the summit |
| Airport security increased for G8 summit |
| 01 Jul 2008 |
| Security has been increased at airports throughout Japan in light of the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) Summit, which takes place in Toyako, Hokkaido, from 7-9 July. Airlines have reportedly expanded their passport checks for passengers at boarding gates at Narita International Airport (RJAA/NRT), as well as other international airports nationwide. Authorities claim that cross-checking identification with passports and tickets helps to prevent terrorists from boarding flights. Previously only U.S.-bound flights had to undergo the additional security checks. Security has also been increased in Sapporo, where leaders other than those of the G-8 are scheduled to stay. Additional security measures include K-9 officers patrolling the facilities, specifically the Windsor Hotel Toyo in Toyako. Lake Toyo is also being monitored. Security cameras have also been installed throughout Hokkaido, and the Hokkaido Railway Company stated that it will restrict the use of baggage lockers at all stations in the vicinity of the summit venue..
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| Demonstrators gather at two separate G-8 summit protests |
| 30 Jun 2008 |
| More than 1,500 demonstrators gathered at two separate rallies in Toyako on 29 June 2008 to protest the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) summit. There were reports of scuffles between police officers and protesters near the city's railway station; at least one person was injured and several others were arrested. In the district of Shinjuku more than 500 people staged a protest over the same issue; several protesters were arrested for "preventing officials from carrying out their duties." Japan has increased security measures before the summit, which will take place there on 7-9 July.
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| Tropical storm Fengshen may hit Southern island |
| 19 Jun 2008 |
| On 19 June 2008 Tropical Storm Fengshen developed east of the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 52 mph/45 kt. As of 0600 UTC Fengshen was located approximately 1,125 mi/1,815 km south of Naha, Japan, and was moving west-northwest toward Manila, Philippines. However, meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies project that the storm will turn to the north and avoid making landfall in the Philippines. The tropical storm could strengthen to typhoon status by early 20 June as it moves toward the southern islands of Japan; however, it is too early to determine if the storm will strike the islands.
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| JAL strike affects 34 domestic flights |
| 19 Jun 2008 |
| Commuters travelling on Japan Airlines (JAL) and Japan Air Commuter were faced with flight cancellations on 19 June 2008 as pilots went on strike. Approximately 7,000 passengers were affected by the strike. Sources indicate that 34 domestic flights were canceled with Japan Airlines but no international flights were affected. Japan Air Commuter also canceled flights, primarily those destined for small islands in southern Japan. The strike occurred after JAL's union and management were unable to come to an agreement over summer bonus payouts.
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| Airline pilot union strike affects domestic flights only |
| 18 Jun 2008 |
| On 18 June 2008 two Japanese airline pilot unions launched strikes, causing significant delays and cancellations. Members of the Japan Air Commuter (JAC) labor union began a 48-hour strike early on 18 June that is expected to affect up to 138 JAC flights. Additionally, the Japan Airlines Domestic Pilot Union has planned a two-day strike to last through 19 June, which could give rise to the cancellation of 38 domestic flights. No international flights are likely to be affected during the strikes, which come in the aftermath of an apparent breakdown in negotiations over labor conditions.
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| Japan hit by earthquake with 7.2 magnitude |
| 16 Jun 2008 |
| At least six people are thought dead and more than 140 injured after a powerful earthquake struck northern Japan, triggering landslides. The 7.2-magnitude quake was centred on Iwate - a rural mountainous region on Japan's main island, Honshu.
Military helicopters have been taking in supplies and flying the injured to hospitals. A landslide at a hot spring reportedly buried seven people.
Also a small amount of radioactive water was leaked at a nuclear power station. Officials said there was no danger to the public from the minor spillage at the facility in Fukushima.
Seismologists had issued advance warning of the earthquake - which was followed by more than 150 aftershocks - moments before it struck around 0845 (2343 GMT on Friday).
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