InfoAnda - Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mine

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Japan PM, opposition rival face off in first debate | 28 May 2009
Yemeni army says retakes militant stronghold of Jaar | | 12 June 2012
Egypt opposition threatens to boycott runoff | 1 December 2010

Europe seizes control of Greek budgetary sovereignty | 16 February 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mine

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mine By MARI YAMAGUCHI,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 5 minutes ago TOKYO - Japan has acknowledged that Allied prisoners of war were put to work in a coal mine owned by Prime Minister Taro Aso's family, reversing previous denials after newly found documents provided proof. The Health and Welfare Ministry said Friday that the wartime documents showed that 300 British, Dutch and Australian prisoners worked at the Aso family mine in Fukuoka, southern Japan, from April 1945 through Japan's surrender four months later. It was the first time the government had acknowledged the use of prisoners at an Aso mine. Two Australian POWs died at the mine, according to a government official who verified the authenticity of the documents. The disclosure could deal a further blow to the embattled prime minister, whose approval rating has plunged to about 20 percent in just three months since taking office. Aso has repeatedly come under fire for gaffes and lack of leadership through the global economic crisis. The acknowledgment of the Aso wartime legacy came in response to questions submitted last month by opposition lawmaker Yukihisa Fujita, along with a copy of the documents, which contained records from the prison camp at the mine. Fujita demanded that the government verify their authenticity and the use of Allied POWs at Aso's family mine _ a practice the government has long denied. Aso has kept mum over the latest embarrassment. Earlier this year, he distanced himself from revelations in other wartime documents that Korean forced laborers were used at his grandfather's mine. "I was only 5 at the time, and I have no personal memory of that," Aso said at the time. Aso briefly served as president of the family company _ now called the Aso Group _ before becoming a lawmaker Health and Welfare Ministry official Katsura Oikawa confirmed Thursday that the 43 pages of documents that Fujita submitted _ after they were found in the ministry storage _ were genuine. Oikawa told a parliamentary committee that the documents had been overlooked for decades because the government had put little effort into examining wartime records. Japan has acknowledged it used prisoners for forced labor in mines, shipyards and jungles during World War II. "Many other mining companies had used such prisoners as laborers, and the latest revelation could trigger a wider probe into Japan's treatment of prisoners during the war," said Hiroshi Kawahara, a political scientist at Tokyo's Waseda University. Historians say many prisoners were beaten and some were executed and contend that the POW death rate at the Japanese camps was seven times higher than that at Allied camps. Thousands of women across Asia were also forced into sex slavery for Japanese troops. Katsumi Doi, another health ministry official, said Friday prisoners were not mistreated at the Aso mines. "There is no evidence showing the POWs being abused at the mine," he said, despite the fact that Oikawa said two of the 197 Australian prisoners at the mine died. Like hundreds of Japanese companies, the Asos' also used civilians forcibly brought from Korea during Japanese colonial rule of that country. Some health officials told local media that using POWs for labor was standard practice during the war, according to reports published Friday. Aso's conservative Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled for most of the postwar era, has often resisted public release of wartime documents. But the opposition bloc, which now controls the upper house after the sweeping election victory last year, now has more access to such information. Doi said the ministry has now submitted all documentation available. Fujita, a lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, accused Aso of avoiding his responsibility and the government of looking the other way. Aso was not present at the upper house committee meeting. Fujita could not be reached for comment late Friday. ___ Associated Press Writer Shino Yuasa contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Malaysia's Lee to meet Indonesian rival TaufikAFP - 1 hour 38 minutes ago Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mineAP - 2 hours 4 minutes ago Rice expects NKorea to agree eventually on nuclear verificationAFP - 2 hours 21 minutes ago Aussie repays fellow traveller... 39 years later: reportAFP - 2 hours 56 minutes ago TV actor Chew Chor Meng says he has muscular dystrophyChannel NewsAsia - Saturday, December 20 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Global economy seen sinking into 'severe' 2009 recession: report New York oil price slumps below $34 a barrel Actress Jennifer Aniston appears naked in GQ magazine Ageing L'Oreal heiress defends billion-dollar giveaway 'Orderly' bankruptcy mulled for US carmakers View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Saturday, 20 December 2008
NKorea produces more food, but still needs aid
Lions home after 0—0 draw against Vietnam in AFF Suzuki Cup
Beauty salon director, food court partners charged with tax evasion
New Thai PM admits business leaders unhappy with cabinet picks
S$3m motor sports extravaganza to be held later this month at Changi
Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box 35% short of collection target
Japan slashes rates as growth path vanishes
US senator on four—day visit to Singapore
Sri Lanka: Dispute over gas price creates shortage
Chanel closing handbag tour due to meltdown
S$3m motor sports extravaganza to be held later this month at Changi
Japan admits POW labor used in PM's family mine
Sunny times return for Lebanon tourism
Videogame music, the "new art form"
'Johnny Mad Dog' cast accuses director of broken promises
Sierra Leone police ban Christmas fireworks
French court spares Les Miserables sequels
Aussie repays fellow traveller... 39 years later: report
Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mine
Web site lets fans sing with the King
Rice expects NKorea to agree eventually on nuclear verification
Jermaine Dupri says Janet Jackson is not pregnant
Mideast suffers Internet disruption: company
TV actor Chew Chor Meng says he has muscular dystrophy
Police: Man broke into Paris Hilton's home
Bush administration files trade case against China
Malaysia's Lee to meet Indonesian rival Taufik
Sotheby's sees 2008 Paris auction boost but Christie's slumps
Electronic Arts to cut more jobs, close studios
Arkansas family welcomes 18th child, a girl
Judge orders Steven Adler to more rehab
On the Net: Hulu is Web site of the year
9 researchers receive S$2m in funding to help commercialise new ideas
NKorea's Kim attends musical performance: state media
Anti-Semitism floods Internet after Madoff scandal: campaigners
Cruise, Theron to star in remake of French thriller
Angie Harmon, Jason Sehorn welcome third daughter
US recording association to stop piracy lawsuits
Protest by suitcase workers sent packing in China
Mexican pop star Luis Miguel's second son born
Elvis lovers sing Christmas duets with 'The King'
US circulates UN resolution to protect Iraq assets
All in Iraqi custody in Baath party plot freed
Croatia could complete EU membership talks next year: official
Obama campaign survey gets half million replies
Severed cables bring down phone lines linking Europe, Asia, Mideast
Oil prices mixed; New York contract expires below 34 dollars
NATO-Russia Council to hold landmark talks next month: envoy
Prestigious TED gathering to make live webcast debut
Iraq preachers demand release of Bush shoe attacker | International |
Hamas declares Gaza truce with Israel is at an end
US offers 13.4 bln dlr lifeline to GM, Chrysler
Russia unveils package for crisis-hit auto industry
Phone lines down between Europe, Asia, Mideast: France Telecom
Greek youths attack French institute | International |
EU reaches agreement on 2009 fish quotas
Israeli election hopefuls seek the Obama touch
Instant photo inventor Polaroid files for bankruptcy
Russian warships arrive in Cuba
Japanese seek to scrap Google's Street View
S. Korea completes troop pullout from Iraq
Bash Bush site sells on eBay in four days | Technology |
Officials: Aviation brigade going to Afghanistan
Video games may do the aging brain good | Technology |
Alpine resorts nervous as recession reaching peaks
Bush says peace talks have yielded progress
US, Ukraine look to strengthen ties
US drags China to WTO over 'protectionist' policy
Man wins case vs human flesh search engine | Technology |
US offers automakers $13.4 bln lifeline
U.S. says go slow in expanding .com on the Web | Technology |
Deep Throat, Watergate's secret informant, dies at 95
Thief breaks into Paris Hilton's home | Entertainment |
Oil prices mixed; New York contract expires below 34 dollars
New York oil price slumps below $34 a barrel
Cruise, Theron to star in remake of French thriller
Americans less likely to roam :study
No charges for Garrett in incident with paparazzo
Sri Lanka's navy destroys suspected rebel ship
Three Danish soldiers die in Afghanistan: Denmark
Google increases search share in November: comScore
Oprah Winfrey named PETA's 'Person of the Year'
Sri Lanka says navy destroyed suspected rebel ship
3 new faces co—opted into PAP’s Central Executive Committee
History, dissent cloud Pakistan's Mumbai reaction
Bangladesh's emergency leader prepares to step down
Chinese vice premier to visit Indonesia
China judge: Courts must maintain social stability
Overloaded river boat sinks in China, 15 dead
Pilgrims bring Christmas joy to Bethlehem
Underwater World Singapore successfully breeds leopard sharks
Blast at China coal mine traps 18
Global Weather-Celsius
Don't destabilize Russia, Putin warns foes | International |
Freed German hostages leave Yemen for home
British defence minister compares Taliban to Nazis
Russian car lovers continue anti-tariff protests
Belgium in limbo again after government collapses | International |
Tension surges in Gaza as truce ends
U.N. council says warcrimes courts may need follow-on | International |
Calm night in southern Sweden after recent riots
German Christmas cake theft sparks data scare
Three Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan | International |
Age will be no obstacle, insists veteran Holyfield
Ex-hostage Betancourt to take break from public life
UAE buys U.S. missiles in $3.3 billion deal: report | International |
Body of Ecuadorean killed in New York returns home
China says will aid Taiwan in economic slump | International |
Opponents file suit to annul gay marriages in California
Philippines hold mock suicide bomb drill to prepare for attacks
Iraq minister dismisses coup plot | International |
Illinois governor denies seeking to sell Obama's senate seat
Bangladesh deploys 50,000 troops ahead of polls: officials
Pakistani c.bank buys 11.22 bln rupees of T-bills
U.S. adds Kosovo, Azerbaijan to trade benefits program | International |
N Korean defectors send more leaflets to N Korea
Japan's cabinet OKs extra budget to stimulate economy
Sri Lanka navy destroys rebel arms ship: military
Citic Pacific shareholders approve bailout
Macau bars HK lawmakers from entering
Japan says POW labor used in PM's family mine
China face transplant patient dead: doctor
Malaysian minister praises Iraqi shoe-thrower
China promises economic assistance to Taiwan
Hollywood star scandals quiet in 2008 | Entertainment |
Police: Hilton's home burglarized, jewelry missing
Nearly 500 applications received for Dew Spring@Yishun flats
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Maoist rebels, Islamic militants funded by narcotics: Philippines police
Chronology of China's reform era
SKorea convicts 11 Chinese in sea scuffle
Hong Kong democrats barred from Macau ahead of rally
Myanmar arrests 19 North Korean defectors: police
SAF Landing Ship Tank, RSS Resolution returns from Gulf deployment
Taiwan to expand official travel to China
Security guard goes missing after trying to help woman
Pets affected by recession
Police find body of security guard floating in the river at Robertson Quay
HK court adjourns case against wife of former NKF chairman to Monday
Israel lets aid boat dock in Gaza
Mugabe seen getting party OK to form government | International |
Iraq frees officers arrested on 'terror' charges
China blocks Internet access to New York Times | International |
India bans Goa beach parties in wake of Mumbai blast | International |
Militants kill three Pakistanis supplying NATO | International |
Obama names strong science team
Israeli air strike kills Gaza militant | International |
Australian warship rescues Vendee Globe sailor
Swiss in for a Merry Christmas after all | International |
Obama names strong science team
Pakistan: Militants kill 3 in latest convoy attack
Japan proposes record budget to bolster economy
New S$275,000 CDAC centre aims to empower the young and old
Japan unveils record budget to bolster economy
China blocks access to New York Times Web site
Strong quake off Japan, no damage: officials
Pakistan sells 6 bln rupees of 3-year Islamic bond
Bird flu found in chickens in southern Taiwan
Mumbai hotels prepare for partial reopening
Australian warship rescues Vendee Globe yachtsman
Thailand's new Cabinet endorsed by king
Foreign Minister Yeo says ASEAN’s agenda being held back is worrying
Troops deployed in Bangladesh before polls
Companies with in—house training programmes can tap into SPUR funds
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01