Mayor of Nagasaki, Icco Ito, was shot in the back twice while out campaigning.  He was shot Tuesday evening and apparently died the following day.  The authorities has Tetsuya Shiroo, a member of Japan’s organized crime, Yamaguchi-gumi, in custody.  He admitted to killing the mayor.  The attack shocked the nation, due to the strict gun control in Nagasaki.  There were rare attacks involving handguns.  Most of the Japanese now feels uneasy and unsafe, because after the incident that happened in the United States on Tuesday, the general public “do not want Japan to be like the U.S.”  They want better handgun control in order to protect the public

 http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/04/17/japan.mayor.ap/index.html

Improving Relations with China

The Chinese government decided that regardless of past history, they want to improve relations with Japan.  The Chinese government declared that Japan needs to admit their mistakes of invading China in the 1930-40s.  The Japanese government comment that the allegations are exaggerated.  Despite of those disagreement, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao wants to start developing better relationship with Japan.  They have started improving their relations by signing an energy pact on Thursday. 

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/04/12/japan.china.ap/index.html

Energy Pact

On Thursday, April 11,2007, Japan and China decided to sign an agreement on reducing their oil usage.  Both countries are trying to work together to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Since Japan and China are the  “second and third largest oil users” reducing their intake would eliminate some of the greenhouse gas emissions.  They are planning to work together to develop more natural gas resources.  Will this collaboration help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

http://www.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/04/11/japan.china.energy.reut/index.html