US, Japan forge open skies agreement The U.S. and Japan reached a landmark agreement Friday to relax limits on flights between the two countries, opening up the possibility of broader cross-border airline alliances and more options for air travelers. Obama confronts an Asia reshaped by China's rise BEIJING - Days after coming to power in September, Japan's new prime minister broached forming a new East Asian trading bloc with rival China - one that would exclude the United States. Obama factor looms large as lobbying for 2016 Olympics heats up COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The four cities bidding for the prize honor of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics began three intensive days of lobbying on Tuesday with the Obama factor looming large ahead of Friday's vote by the IOC.
Rie Tomosaka: a delightful 'working' student Only 20-year-old this year, Rie Tomosaka entered the entertainment scene way back in '92 as a TV actress. However, her big break came just three years ago with the release of her debut singing effort 'Escalation'.