Mainichi :: Monday, April 27, 2009

• Gov't approves record 13.9 trillion yen additional budget
  The government submitted a fiscal 2009 supplementary budget draft to the Diet Monday, setting aside a record 13.9 trillion yen in extra spending to help pull Japan out of the global financial crisis. continued ...


• Japan, Russia agree on Northern Territories visits without immigration cards
  The Japanese and Russian governments have agreed on a system permitting groups to visit the disputed Northern Territories without presenting embarkation and disembarkation cards, Japanese and Russian diplomatic sources said. continued ...


• DPJ-backed Kawamura wins Nagoya mayoral race
  NAGOYA -- A former legislator backed by the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has won the local mayoral election, beating a ruling coalition-supported candidate. continued ...


• Editorial :: Time for restrictions on hereditary politics
  The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Political Reform Promotion Headquarters has decided to establish a party bylaw restricting hereditary succession of politicians, and plans to incorporate it into the party's manifesto for the next general election. continued ...