Japan Information and Culture Center, EMBASSY OF JAPAN SEARCH FOR STABILITY ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA PROVES ELUSIVE

North Korea continues to persist with its nuclear and long-range missile development programs, dissemination of weapons of mass destruction and inflammatory rhetoric in defiance of international concerns even after Japan’s attempt to normalize relations by Prime Minister’s visit in late September. This poses a threat to the entire Asian-Pacific region and constitutes grave concerns in the countries of the region. Therefore, Japan, the U.S., South Korea, China and Russia have all been involved in diplomatic efforts to strongly urge North Korea to dismantley their nuclear, so far to no avail. Tokyo and Washington have been working together closely on the issue.

ecretary of State, Colin Powell, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, hosted Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi, and Minister of State for Defense and WINTER 2002 Director General of the Defense Agency, Shigeru Ishiba, in the W S December meeting of the Security Consultative Committee CONTENTS (SCC.) They addressed in particular, North Korea and its program for the development of weapons of mass destruction. The part of the joint The Pyongyang Declaration statement related to North Korea is as follows: In his landmark visit, Koizumi seeks to “The Ministers expressed grave concern about the threat North normalize ties with the enigmatic North. 2 Korea continues to pose to regional security and stability. The Ministers expressed great regret over North Korea’s recent letter to the IAEA and Diplomatic efforts pressed Normalization, trilateral and other talks the public statement that it plans to resume the operation and construction take place on a number of fronts. 3 of nuclear facilities, and agreed the North Korean decision flagrantly disregards the international consensus that the North Korean regime must fulfill all its commitments and, in particular, dismantle its nuclear Updating anti-terror measures 3 weapons program. The Ministers also agreed that North Korea’s pursuit Viewpoint of a nuclear weapons capability violates the Agreed Framework, the The search for a package deal on Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, its IAEA Safeguards Agreement, and disarmament and other issues is clouded by a strong domestic reaction over the South-North Joint abductees. 4 Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Chronology of North Korean Peninsula. The Korean ties 5 Ministers stressed that The quality of Afghan peace the international Sadako Ogata sees a precedence-breaking community has made it reconstruction effort underway there. 6 clear that North Korea’s Beyond Differences relations with the The “King of Japan” in dealing with outside world will hinge ancient China, was really a shogun on its willingness to seeking trade. 7 dismantle its nuclear Noble Prizes; new street artists weapons program. The For the first time, Japan has two winners Ministers urged North in one year; Tokyo streets come alive. 8 Korea to give up any Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, middle, with Undersecretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, left, and Secretary of nuclear weapons program State Colin Powell, right, in Washington, DC on December 16, Japan Now is online! (see page 2) 2002. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette) http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm in a prompt and verifiable fashion in order to be in they would make every possible effort for an early compliance with all of its international obligations. normalization of the relations, and decided that they They also expressed serious concern over North would resume the Japan DPRK normalization talks in Korea’s ballistic missile programs and urged North October 2002. Both sides expressed their strong Korea to cease all ballistic missile-related activities, determination that they continue to sincerely tackle including the development, testing, exportation, and any of the outstanding problems between Japan and deployment of ballistic missiles and related technology the DPRK, based upon their mutual trust in the and know-how. course of achieving the normalization, The Ministers also urged North Korea’s full 2. The Japanese side regards, in a spirit of humility, compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention the facts of history that Japan caused tremendous and adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention. damage and suffering to the people of Korea through The Ministers stressed that North Korean use of its colonial rule in the past, and expressed deep weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear, remorse and heartfelt apology. chemical, and biological weapons would have the Both sides shared the recognition that, gravest consequences. providing economic cooperation after the Reaffirming their commitments under the U.S.- normalization by the Japanese side to the DPRK side, Japan Security Treaty, they reiterated their strong including grant aids, long-term loans with low interest interest in a peaceful resolution of security issues rates, humanitarian assistance through international associated with North Korea. The U.S. side reaffirmed organizations, over a period of time deemed that the U.S. has always been open to dialogue in appropriate by both sides, and providing other loans principle. The Ministers also reaffirmed that the Japan- and credits by such financial institutions as the Japan North Korea normalization talks and the Japan-North Bank for International Cooperation with a view to Korea security talks, based on the Pyongyang supporting private economic activities, would be Declaration between Japan and North Korea, serve as consistent with the spirit of this Declaration. They important channels to resolve security issues and the decided that they would sincerely discuss the specific abduction issue. The Ministers called for the scales and contents of the economic cooperation in expeditious resolution of such issues.” the normalization talks. Both sides, pursuant to the basic principle JAPAN-DPRK PYONGYANG that when the bilateral relationship is normalized both Japan and the DPRK would mutually waive all their DECLARATION property and claims, and those of their nationals, that had arisen from causes which occurred before August Prime Minister Koizumi visited 15, 1945, decided that they would discuss this issue Pyongyang on Sep. 17 (the first by a of property and claims concretely in the normalization Japanese Prime Minister) in the talks. attempt to normalize relations between Both sides agreed that they would sincerely the two countries, estranged since before World War discuss the issue of the status of Korean residents in II. During and after his trip, he made clear that Japan and that of cultural property. 3. Both sides confirmed that they would comply normalization talks will not be concluded until and with international law and would not commit conducts unless security issues including the DPRK’s threatening the security of the other side. With respect nuclearization and abduction issues are resolved. to the outstanding issues of concern related to the Subsequent reactions by DPRK, however, are clearly lives and security of Japanese nationals, the DPRK against the Pyongyang Declaration, which was side confirmed that it would take appropriate signed by Prime Minister and DPRK Chairman Kim measures so that these regrettable incidents, that took Jong-Il, and in which both sides pledged “to make place under the abnormal bilateral relationship, would every possible effort” to normalize ties and comply never happen in the future. with all related international agreements for an 4. Both sides confirmed that they would cooperate JAPAN overall resolution of the nuclear issues on the Korean with each other in order to maintain and strengthen NOW Peninsula. Here is the text of the declaration. the peace and stability of North East Asia. Both sides confirmed the importance of 2 1. “Both sides determined that, pursuant to the establishing co-operative relationships based upon spirit and basic principles laid out in this Declaration, mutual trust among countries concerned in this region, and shared the recognition that it is important to have a framework in place in order for these ANTI-TERROR EFFORTS BOLSTERED regional countries to promote confidence-building as the relationships among these countries are In their Dec. 16, Security Consultative Committee normalized. (SCC) meeting, Japan and the U.S. agreed that Sept. Both sides confirmed that, for an overall 11 represented “an assault on the basic values of resolution of the nuclear issues on the Korean freedom and democracy shared by the two nations,” and that “continued action and cooperation remain Peninsula, they would comply with all related of the highest importance.” The Ministers international agreements. Both sides also confirmed “expressed appreciation for each side’s the necessity of resolving security problems comprehensive efforts in the counter terrorism including nuclear and missile issues by promoting campaign.” On Nov. 19, the Cabinet decided to dialogues among countries concerned. extend the duration of logistic activities of the Self The DPRK side expressed its intention that, Defense Forces (SDF) in support of the anti- pursuant to the spirit of this Declaration, it would terrorism military activities by six months, and to further maintain the moratorium on missile launching enable the Maritime SDF to dispatch additional in and after 2003. Both sides decided that they transports, destroyers and amphibious ships and to would discuss issues relating to security.” transport Thai military units to Afghanistan. And, On Dec. 4, the Government dispatched an Aegis vessel to the Indian Ocean. The Aegis has advanced radar DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS CONTINUE APACE and information-processing capabilities to enhance • On Oct. 27, in a trilateral meeting at the APEC safety during at-sea refueling. summit in Mexico, the leaders of Japan, the U.S. and South Korea called on Pyongyang to comply in “a prompt and verifiable manner” with all international obligations and pledged “to seek to resolve this matter peacefully in close consultation trilaterally and with other concerned nations around the globe.” • On Oct 29-30, the 12th round of Japan-North Korea Normalization talks also took place in Malaysia, where Tokyo sought “an overall resolution of the nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula.” The North responded that it was open to dialogue, and would abide by the Pyongyang Declaration. The Japanese side placed the highest priority issues of security and the abduction by North Korea to eliminate its nuclear weapons program, strongly Korea of Japanese nationals over the years. For the North supported the IAEA resolution of Jan. 6, and noted that Koreans, the core issues were normalization of the unanimous passage of the resolution underscores the diplomatic relations and economic cooperation. At the broad international consensus that the current North same time, they expressed understanding for the Korean actions are unacceptable. necessity to resolve issues of concern in accordance with • On Jan. 10, North Korea announced that it was the Japan-DPRK Declaration. withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. • On Jan. 6, the Board of Governors of the International Japan expressed its “grave concern,” and Foreign Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting in Vienna Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi strongly urged North Korea unanimously voted on a resolution on “Implementation of to retract the decision, and said Japan will closely the Safeguards Agreement with North Korea.” It said it coordinate with the U.S. and South Korea as well as the was sending a clear and unified message to North Korea to IAEA on the development. “immediately stop every action which North Korea has taken to lift the freeze of the nuclear facilities,” restore the • 12th Round of Normalization Talks: seals, immediately resume talks with the IAEA and www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/nt/round12.html quickly take concrete action to abolish in a verifiable • Joint U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Statement: JAPAN manner its plans for nuclear development. www.mofa.go.jp./region/asia-paci/n_korea/nt/joint0210.html NOW • On Jan. 7, delegations of Japan, the United States, and • TCOG Joint Press Statement: the Republic of Korea held the year’s first Trilateral http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/nt/ Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting in joint0301.html 3 Washington. The three delegations called upon North JAPAN-NORTH KOREAN RELATIONS ARE CLOUDED BY THE “ABDUCTEE” ISSUE by former President Jimmy Carter’s visit to Pyongyang, BY but this unnerving experience, coupled with the MASAO OKONOGI aftershock of the Daepodong missile incident in 1998, saw the subsequent birth of the Neighboring Emergency Law. Now there is an ever-increasing possibility that the U.S. will attack Iraq, having also identified North Korea as part of the “Axis of Evil.” For Japan, an Iraq-type military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula would be the first external threat to its national security since Professor Masao Okonogi of Keio World War II. Kim Jong Il’s decision to invite Prime University presented a paper at the Minister Koizumi to Pyongyang was clearly intended to Sigur Center for Asian Studies at The prevent North Korea from becoming the “second Iraq.” George Washington University Nov. 22 Hence, Kim’s first political decision was to admit to the in Washington, D.C., on Japan-North Korean abduction of Japanese citizens and to apologize. relations. The highlights of his remarks: This Kim did manage to do with great diplomatic skill, only revealing the fact that eight of the ormalization of relations with North Korea abductees had already died until after securing the (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) has Koizumi visit and agreement on a Joint Declaration. been one of the greatest historical issues Had Prime Minister Koizumi stomped away from the confronting Japan. If during the course of a summit table and returned to Japan without signing the N Japanese-North Korean normalization process, declaration, Japan’s unified, and hard-line domestic North Korea’s nuclear program could be suspended, response would have delayed the normalization talks and the development, deployment and export of its indefinitely. So in some respects, Kim’s brinkmanship long-range missiles could be halted, one of the two great was a success. potential military issues facing Japan — the other But, Kim found he had to do more than simply involving the Taiwan Strait — would be resolved. With resolve the abduction cases. He was supposed to have that in mind, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi became planned to make a second political decision on the the first Japanese Prime Minister to visit Pyongyang on suspension of the development, deployment, and export Sept. 17. His aim was to put forward a package deal of long-range missiles, and to cooperate with the that would resolve both the past problem of Japan’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IDEA) on nuclear colonial occupation of Korea and the present problems weapons inspections. If no such concessions are made of the abduction over the years of Japanese citizens by during U.S.-North Korea talks, there will be no North Korea, as well as bilateral security in general. normalization between Japan and North Korea and There was hope that in the post 9/11 economic cooperation with Japan will be impossible. environment, there might be willingness for And now, without an early decision to accept the compromise. However, the Japanese government has nuclear inspections it will be impossible for North been suffering from a dual nightmare dealing with Korea to prove that it is any different from Iraq. North Korea. On the one hand, there has always been Facing deteriorating diplomatic fortunes, the worry that Tokyo might be diplomatically upstaged Kim needs peaceful coexistence with the new South by Washington. Indeed, when South Korean President Korean administration (following the recent Presidential Kim Dae Jung met with Secretary General Kim Jong Il elections) and hardliners toward the North are in in June 2000, and then-Secretary of State Albright abundance, to reconstruct his failed economy through visited Pyongyang, North Korea had unilaterally broken economic cooperation provided by Japan. Also, the UN off talks with Japan. Had President Clinton visited Security Council’s unanimous approval for Iraq’s Pyongyang in the December of 2000, Japan would have acceptance of nuclear inspections has been a big blow. found itself on the outside looking in. Clearly Kim has failed to draw any distinction between The second nightmare has been the worry that North Korea and Iraq, and his demand of a U.S. non- North Korean issues would escalate into a military aggression treaty is a weak one. JAPAN conflict. When Pyongyang withdrew from the Non- For those who have been observing North NOW Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in March 1993, and Korea’s lawlessness it may be difficult to imagine Kim Washington demanded an inspection of underground observing international rules. After all, North Korea has 4 nuclear facilities, Tokyo had no policy for dealing with a formidable record of terrorism, assassinations and any ensuing military escalation. The crisis was averted assaults. However, it may be possible for Kim to desist from radical behavior. In order not to jeopardize the summit meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi, he A CHRONOLOGY OF acknowledged North Korea’s distressed condition JAPAN-NORTH KOREAN while admitting the Japanese abductions and the maritime infiltrations and apologized for them. RELATIONS Nonetheless, if Kim has altered his external • June 1965. Japan, South Korea sign a basic behavior to meet new realities, albeit modestly, the treaty and normalize diplomatic ties. South Korea political system remains unchanged. He has made abandons its demand for compensation for Japan’s some economic adjustments, seeking outside help on 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. some projects and announcing an “economic reform” North Korea announces it maintains the right to plan in July. While maintaining socialist principles, demand compensation. the reforms seek to motivate the work force and • March 1989. Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita increase productivity through the partial suspension apologizes for Japan’s colonial rule and calls on of rationing and a revision of salary and pricing North Korea to open talks. mechanisms — a recognition of the failure of the • Jan. 1991. First round of talks on normalizing planned economy. It will not be easy to retreat from ties held in Pyongyang. • Nov. 1992. The 8th round of normalization talks the policy, but it is also very little, very late. breaks down over Tokyo’s allegations that a Japan’s goal as suggested by the summit Japanese woman was kidnapped and forced to involves reforming the regime rather than teach Japanese to terrorists in North Korea. overthrowing it. The Pyongyang Declaration promises • May 1993. Nodong missile launch test over the normalization based on “mutual trust,” and outlines Sea of Japan. the important aspects of economic cooperation, such • March 1995. Korean Peninsula Energy as grant aid, long-term loans at low interest rates, Development Organization (KEDO) established. humanitarian assistance and loans and credits • Aug. 1998. North Korea launches a Taepodong- through financial institutions, such as the Japan Bank 1 missile over Japan, which imposes sanctions. for International Cooperation. • Dec. 14, 1999. Japan lifts freeze on food aid to However, at present, Japan’s public anger over North Korea, removing last of Taepodong sanction. the abduction issue is extremely strong, negatively • Dec. 21, 1999. The Red Cross societies of affecting the framework of any comprehensive package Japan and North Korea agree to conduct a new investigation into “missing Japanese nationals.” deal. The Japanese public wants a full explanation of • April 2000. 10th round of talks held. The two what happened, the return of all the family members of hold negotiations in Pyongyang, marking a victims and adequate compensation. The need to landmark resumption of talks that collapsed in resolve the abduction issue first has overtaken any 1992. sentiment for a deal, which is why the Japanese-North • June 2000. South Korean President Kim Dae Korean negotiations reopened in October produced no Jung meets North Korean leader Kim Jong IL in results. And, North Korea continues to adopt a defiant Pyongyang for the first-ever inter-Korean summit. and obstructive attitude towards its newly revealed • July 2000. Foreign Minister Yohei Kono and plans to develop enriched uranium and nuclear North Korean Foreign Minister hold the first-ever weapons, in turn making the settlement of the foreign ministerial meeting between the two abduction cases even more difficult. nations. As the party most directly concerned, South • Aug. 2000. Tenth round of talks held. Korea puts the highest priority on peace, and strongly • Oct. 2000. Eleventh round of talks held. • Dec. 2001. North Korea’s Red Cross Society supported Prime Minister Koizumi’s visit and the suspended efforts to search for “missing Japanese.” Pyongyang Declaration. Consequently, if the U.S. • March 2002. North Korean Red Cross Society hard-line continues, and regardless who is President in says it is prepared to resume talks on the missing. the South, cooperation on a governmental level will • Aug. 2002. High-level talks in Pyongyang to continue. However anti-U.S. sentiment among the pave the way for negotiations on diplomatic ties. younger generation will intensify. In short, while the • Sept. 17, 2002. Prime Minister Junichiro U.S. stance on this issue is global, and South Korea’s Koizumi visits North Korea and signs Joint JAPAN position is local, Japan, as a regional power is Declaration. NOW expected to take on a unique role. Unfortunately, the • Oct. 29-30, 2002. Twelfth round of abduction issue will now prevent it from fulfilling its normalization talks held in Malaysia. 5 function as a facilitator. “JUDGED NOT BY WAR, BUT THE QUALITY OF PEACE”

On Nov. 6, Dr. Sadako Ogata, former UN High Commissioner for breaking attempt. At the time the Bonn Agreement Refugees and Special Representative had not been reached, and the political roadmap for of the Prime Minister on Afghan the establishment of a legitimate government was still aid, spoke to the Japan-America Society in unclear. It was indeed exceptional that a Washington on Japan contributes to conflict reconstruction conference would take place in resolution and post-reconstruction problems. advance of a clear political settlement. The overall The highlights: thrust was to send the political message that the international community would be forthcoming with he United States led the war against terrorism significant assistance once the Afghans agreed on with the backing of a wide range of coalition peace. partners. Japan was quite swift in joining the ranks. It adopted the Anti-Terrorism Special There are many countries that face conflict resolution Measures Law, which passed the Diet on 29 and post-conflict reconstruction —- Angola, Sri T Lanka, Sudan, Congo to cite a few. Personally, I have October. Japan became engaged in support activities by Self-Defense Forces vessels providing supply of worked for humanitarian causes. Saving the lives of fuel to U.S. and U.K. ships in the Indian Ocean, the people, especially the victims of conflict and waters which had not been recognized as falling violence have been uppermost on my mind. This is within areas of Japan’s defense. It sent humanitarian not to say that I am against military interventions. assistance goods by Air-Force C-130s for Afghan There were times, whether in the Balkans or in refugees in Pakistan. Quick action came through central Africa that I found early military action partly because of the serious calls of the times, but necessary to help save the people from greater danger also because of the painful memory of the l990-l99l and misery. Gulf war when Japan was not ready to send troops in support of Operation Desert Storm. However, I am convinced that military action alone cannot address the fundamental causes I do not think, however, that Japan’s role that cause conflicts. should be assessed primarily in terms of military contributions. In the case of post September 11th the US led military action received wide international support What to me seem more fundamental are the because there was consensus view on the need to contributions it offered to make for the reconstruction eliminate the terrorist haven that had developed in of Afghanistan. At a meeting between Prime Minister Afghanistan. There was also agreement that the Koizumi and President Bush in Shanghai in the end international community had to reconstruct the of October, Mr. Koizumi had pledged Japan’s Afghan state and society not only for humanitarian commitment to reconstruction efforts as Japan’s but also security reasons. Japan seized the military contributions would be necessarily limited. It opportunity to play a major part in the reconstruction is my understanding that the two leaders agreed on process. At times, building peace might require their respective roles to reinforce their common decisive military action. However, such action would objectives. It is upon a clear appreciation of their have to be linked with effective humanitarian and mutually supportive inputs that the United States and reconstruction efforts. Japan co-hosted the Senior Officials Meetings on Afghan reconstruction in Washington on 22 Ultimately, international interventions would be November. I wish to give due credit to the early judged not by the war, but by the quality of the JAPAN convening of the Washington meeting, not because I peace they leave. NOW was asked by the Prime Minister to be his Special Representative for Afghan assistance, but more 6 because the early linking of military action with For full text, www.us-japan.org/dc/events/ogata reconstruction efforts stands as a precedence 2002.html “Beyond Differences,” a look at Japanese culture and history. THE “KING OF JAPAN”

SEEKS CHINA TRADE The old masters could not begin to keep up with the demand created by the Chinese (for 30,000 swords in one particular year) and satisfy the market at home. s the 13th century began, a mission left Japan The main event for the samurai class in the for China, bearing fine gifts and the hope for Muromachi period was the Onin War, which began in stable relations and friendly commerce after 1467 and went on for nine long years. It was during many troubled years between the two countries. this war that the shogunate lost all control over the Apparently unaware that there was an emperor daimyo. This war was devastating, resulting in the A physical destruction of most of the daimyo families in Japan, the Chinese sent a letter of reply to the “King of Japan.” The Chinese worldview was based on the while they battled each other to the death. In the belief that all countries were somehow united under the ensuing power vacuum, smaller landowners swept in, Chinese emperor. Central to this belief was the attempting to elbow each other out of the better pieces acceptance by these other nations of the primacy of of land. The old daimyo, now gone, had depended on China, shown by the tribute brought to the Chinese the shogunate, which appointed them to their positions emperor by those nation’s emissaries. and awarded them lands. The old daimyo held lands Japan had accepted this worldview of China’s that were mostly scattered about; in large part because primacy only once in its history, in the 6th century. the shogunate wanted to make sure they did not have What was different about this investiture by China was too much power in a single location. that it was accepted not by an emperor but by a shogun The new landowners, however, thanked no one — the ever intelligent Yoshimitsu, a man who for what they had attained, only their own prowess or understood that diplomatic relations meant the good luck. They were totally independent and very opportunity for large-scale legitimate trade with Japan’s powerful. Their domains were only limited by the enormous neighbor to the east. Heretofore, most of the amount of land in a specific area that each could “trade” had been as a by-product of raids on the defend. At first, the new landowners’ holdings were Chinese coast by Japanese pirates, who preyed on any much smaller in total acreage than the old domains — boat luckless enough to be found on the high seas. The but they were far easier to protect. And while the old Japanese government had also had enough of these daimyo had to visit Kyoto and pay tribute as part of the men, which was shown by suppression of their way the shogunate controlled their power, the new activities and by turning some of the pirates over to the landowners had no such curbs on their ambition. Chinese to be executed in exquisitely terrible ways These new daimyo developed the feudal designed to discourage further forays. relationship to suit changing times and needs, one that It is hard to know what Yoshimitsu had in reflected the vision of these new leaders who wanted mind, but he could never be accused of thinking small. nothing more than the freedom to run their own lands In 1407, when the widow of the former emperor died, as they saw fit. No more were there absentee Yoshimitsu had his own wife appointed to the position landowners depending on the loyalty of men they saw of empress dowager, a clear further step in the direction for perhaps half of the year. The new daimyo either of unifying the shogunate and the Imperial household. gave their vassals land, or confirmed the ownership of But the next shogun, Yoshinori, was assassinated in the land that a vassal brought with him by conquest. 1441 before he could create a true feudal monarchy, This lord/vassal relationship was often used, as well, and the shogunate slipped back into being only the with the headmen of the villages. This ensured strongest member of a fractious coalition of powerful protection for the village. It also ensured an ongoing lords that periodically threatened to annihilate one source of food for the new daimyo and his men. Less another. welcome to the villagers — but unavoidable — was the One of the most sought-after goods produced by demand made on the village men to provide a ready Japan at this time was the sword — originally source of foot soldiers in times of military need. introduced into the Chinese court among Japan’s JAPAN tribute gifts. Sometime between the 13th and the 17th Carol Marleigh Kline is a freelance writer in NOW centuries, however, the secrets of the old-style samurai Washington, D.C. who spent 11 years living in sword were lost because of the need created by endless Japan. In the next issue she will write about “The 7 fighting, a need that called for quantity over quality. House Codes, Rules for Samurai to Live By.” TWO WIN NOBEL PRIZE

The 2002 Nobel Prize for physics will be shared by Masatoshi Koshiba, 76, professor emeritus at the University of Yasuji Ohagi, winner of numerous international awards, including second Tokyo, and two other scientists. The prize at the Havana International Guitar Competition, made his U.S. Nobel Prize for chemistry will go to Koichi Tanaka, concert debut at the JICC and the John F. Kennedy Center, in January. 43, a researcher at Shimadzu Corp., a maker of precision instruments. This is the first time that two DANCING IN THE STREETS Japanese have ever received Nobel Prizes in the same year, and the third year in a row that a Japanese has With just a license, musicians, mimes, received the Prize for chemistry, another first. Japan and other artists can now for the first has now had 12 Nobel laureates. The Nobel Prizes time perform their art in specially will be presented in Stockholm, Sweden on Dec, 12. designated public locations in downtown Tokyo, giving the capital city a whole oshiba will share the prize for physics with new sense of vibrancy. Raymond Davis Jr., 87, of the Univ. of Pennsylvania, and Riccardo Giacconi, 71, he new license system, a godsend for street president of Associated Universities Inc. in the performers, was put into effect in September. K U.S. Koshiba made use of a device for The official name of the system is “Heaven observing subatomic particles constructed by the Artist.” Previously, it had been extremely University of Tokyo’s Institute for Cosmic Ray T difficult to secure street licenses due to traffic Research in Kamioka, Gifu Prefecture. The device is a and safety concerns. The new system, modeled after tank called Kamiokande holding 3,000 tons of water one in New York, has opened high-pedestrian-traffic 1,000 meters below ground and equipped with precise areas of Ginza and Shinjuku, ideal locations for street sensors. Koshiba took the lead in planning the performers. In response, some 647 groups, most of construction and created a system for observing them from the Tokyo area, applied for licenses and neutrinos. Neutrinos are subatomic particles, and they 247 groups passed the first stage of the examination are released throughout the universe in great quantities and took part in public auditions in July. Participants when a dying star goes supernova and explodes. ranged in age from 16 to 79 and included both men Capturing neutrinos would allow scientists to “peer” and women. A total of 115 groups in the inside stars and obtain information about their “performance” category and 25 in the “music” development. category received certification, including 12 non- Receiving the Nobel Prize for chemistry along Japanese groups. A wide variety of performance with Tanaka were John B. Fenn, 85, of Virginia artists, such as mimes, jugglers, dancers, and Commonwealth University, and Kurt Wüthrich, 64, a magicians can now be seen on Tokyo’s streets, a new professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. and novel form of entertainment for the average They shared the award for developing new methods of Japanese pedestrian. studying and analyzing proteins and other biological macromolecules. Tanaka was born in Toyama City in 1959. He graduated from Tohoku University in 1983 with a degree in engineering and joined Shimadzu JAPAN NOW is a publication of the Corp. During his college years, Tanaka was an ordinary Embassy of Japan for distribution to readers in the student and was unsuccessful when applying at Sony United States. However, the opinions and material Corp. — his first choice during his job hunt. Tanaka contained herein do not necessarily represent the went from being an unknown corporate researcher to views or policies of the government of Japan.

one of the most talked-about scientists in the world Japan Information and Culture Center JAPAN overnight. Of all the Japanese Nobel laureates to date, EMBASSY OF JAPAN NOW [email protected] Tanaka is the first born after the end of World War II. http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm He is also the second youngest and is not a professor 8 1155 21ST STREET, NW or PhD holder. When told he won the prize, Tanaka WASHINGTON, DC 20036 was still wearing his company work uniform. 202-238-6900