The past year has seen a significant surge in civilian deaths in Iraq, with nearly half of all violent civilian fatalities since the 2003 invasion occurring in this period. The Iraq Body Count organization reports that the fourth year of the conflict was the deadliest, with a marked increase in mortar attacks, bomb blasts, and other violent incidents. Despite the deployment of additional US troops, insurgent attacks continue unabated, leading to daily civilian casualties. Adult males are the most affected demographic, bearing the brunt of the violence.

Dubai is set to enhance its tourism appeal with the construction of Chess City, a $3 billion project featuring 32 buildings shaped like chess pieces, aiming to become the chess capital of the world. This initiative is part of Dubai's extensive infrastructure investments to diversify its economy as its oil resources dwindle. Other notable projects include Palm Island, where David Beckham has bought a property, and Dubai Land, which will feature a Formula One race track and the world's longest indoor ski slope. Additionally, Dubai is constructing the world's tallest tower, surpassing Taipei 101.

Journalists from various nations gathered in Amman, heading to Baghdad a year after the war started, to witness the city's condition. The journey involved avoiding disturbances in Fallujah and observing the poverty in Iraqi villages. Baghdad's skyline changed with the proliferation of satellite dishes as Iraqis sought connection with the outside world. Despite the electronic boom, inflation and laissez-faire policies of the coalition have been met with distaste. Baghdad residents express a sense of despair and fatigue, with a black humor about their lack of optimism. The Green Land cafe's customers discuss the decline in quality of life, attributing blame to democracy for frequent power outages and bombings. The article reflects on the disillusionment following initial high hopes for freedom, with Iraqis finding the nation ungovernable and associating the failures with the American forces.

In Baghdad, despite the city's dangerous conditions and frequent blasts, the local population exhibits remarkable grace and humor. The high unemployment rate and the difficulty of obtaining first-hand information due to language barriers and travel restrictions contribute to the underreporting of Iraqi suffering in the global media. Nonetheless, the Iraqi people's polite charm and consideration towards foreigners stand out, even amidst the fear and chaos.

The health of Emperor Akihito, who has prostate cancer, has prompted discussions on the succession of Japan's throne, a rare event since the Meiji Restoration. The Imperial Household Law of 1948 limits succession to male descendants, potentially excluding Akihito's granddaughter, Princess Aiko, unless the law is changed. The imperial family is seen as a symbol of traditional values in Japan, which contrasts with the country's lost economic opportunities post-economic bubble. The upcoming succession is seen as a reaffirmation of national identity, though it may also be co-opted by rightist groups to promote a vision of the 'real Japan'.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi faces significant internal opposition within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over his plan to call an early general election. Despite his desire to secure a popular mandate and preempt a challenge from Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, the party's old guard remains deeply hostile to his reform agenda. Key figures like Hiromu Nonaka and Shizuka Kamei express skepticism about Koizumi's chances of dissolving the lower house, while economic challenges and upcoming party leadership contests further complicate his strategy.

A report by Japan's Education Ministry advisory panel calls for increased patriotism and respect for tradition in schools, raising concerns about a return to militaristic values and increased government influence on education. The report, which aims to overhaul the 1947 education law, emphasizes social norms and family responsibilities but is criticized for potentially neglecting individual respect and ethics. Analysts fear the revisions may strengthen government control and reflect right-wing priorities, including instilling patriotic pride among young Japanese.

Japan is struggling to establish relations with the new administration in Beijing, led by General Secretary Hu Jintao. The Japanese Foreign Ministry's 'one-on-one' system for developing personal ties with Chinese officials has faltered, leaving Japan without a close relationship with Hu. Koichi Kato, a Liberal Democratic Party legislator who once befriended Hu, has fallen from grace. Japan is concerned about being out of touch with China's fourth-generation leadership, particularly with Zeng Qinghong, who is better known to them. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hopes for a stable trend in Japan-China relations and anticipates a new diplomatic approach from Hu, especially regarding historical issues. Japan seeks to finalize a visit to China by Koizumi and secure a visit from Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao.

A Japanese court ordered a bath house to pay three million yen in damages to foreigners denied entry due to discrimination. The bath house in Otaru, northern Japan, had a 'Japanese Only' sign. Plaintiffs Olaf Karthaus, Ken Sutherland, and Debito Arudo (formerly David Aldwinckle) sued the bath house and city officials. The court ruled against compensation from the city, which is bound by but not legally required to follow the UN convention against discrimination. The case highlights issues of discrimination against foreigners in Japan.

A court in northern Japan is set to decide on the legality of a bath house's ban on foreigners, highlighting issues of discrimination in Japan. The case involves a German, an American, and a naturalized Japanese suing the bath house in Otaru, Hokkaido. The owners defend their policy citing cultural ignorance and complaints from Japanese customers. Japan lacks specific laws against racial discrimination, despite its constitution and international agreements suggesting equality. Discrimination is prevalent in mundane aspects of life, with service industries often refusing to serve foreigners. Japan has a low percentage of immigrants and naturalization is difficult. Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro's racist remarks about foreigners rioting in disasters have gone unpunished, reflecting the broader issue of discrimination without legal recourse.

Japanese researchers at Azabu University are establishing 'Quake Farms' to use animals for earthquake prediction, a method inspired by observed erratic animal behavior prior to the 1995 Kobe earthquake. The farms will breed animals like dogs, cats, peacocks, snakes, and horses, which are believed to be sensitive to seismic shifts. While the prediction method is not precise, it is currently considered the best available, and a successful prediction could significantly reduce casualties if proper evacuation procedures are followed.

Japan's apparent ignorance of the dangers of its militaristic past is highlighted by the recent assassination of reformist politician Koki Ishii. The event, Japan's first political assassination since 1960, was met with denial and attempts to depoliticize the act. The assassin, Hakusui Ito, provided various non-political motives for his crime. The article suggests that the visible signs of militarism in Tokyo, such as nationalist propaganda and the Yasukuni shrine, are disturbingly reminiscent of pre-war Japan and are tolerated by society and authorities alike. This contrasts with post-war liberalization and the subsequent Cold War shift that rehabilitated war criminals and suppressed political dissent, a path not taken by post-war West Germany.

Japan's military is set to shift from a focus on internal security to international operations, as recommended by a panel led by diplomat Yasushi Akashi. The report, expected to be adopted by the government, aligns with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's nationalist stance and the US war on terror. Japan is considering deploying troops to Iraq and other international missions, marking a significant departure from its pacifist constitution. These developments indicate Japan's increasing military assertiveness, influenced by US-Japan security talks and regional stability concerns.

Tokyo officials are urgently developing a new China policy in response to the rising nationalist agenda in Japan. The Foreign Ministry is tasked with considering future visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and Beijing's protests. An advisory panel, led by Yukio Okamoto, assumes Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will continue shrine visits, influencing Japan's foreign policy. The panel's decision coincides with 'nationalist week' in Tokyo, marked by nationalist gatherings at the shrine. The new policy aims to build Japan-China ties based on economic and security benefits. This shift contrasts with earlier efforts to improve relations, such as designating 2002 as 'China Year'.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's decision to take an 11-day summer vacation has sparked political controversy, as it coincides with the August 15 commemoration at the Yasukuni Shrine. Critics accuse Koizumi of avoiding important political and economic reforms, with some labeling his leadership style as lackadaisical. The vacation timing is seen as a strategic move to dodge the contentious issue of visiting the shrine, further weakening his political authority. Key political figures, including members of his own Liberal Democratic Party, have voiced strong criticisms, questioning his ability to prioritize and manage important matters.

In Japan, despite having the world's highest life expectancy, over 80 people commit suicide daily, with 71% being male salarymen. Economic downturns are not the sole cause; cultural factors, such as the stigmatization of mental illness and the historical glorification of suicide, play significant roles. Depression is often linked with violence in the public eye, and societal norms discourage emotional expression, particularly among older men. The process of seeking mental health help is also hindered by the need for initial consultations with local doctors, who may lack the expertise to diagnose or treat suicidal depression.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan is considering an early election amid falling popularity, with his approval rating dropping from 92% to 35% since taking office. Taku Yamasaki, secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, hinted at the possibility of an early election after a cabinet reshuffle in September. Koizumi's reform agenda targets public spending, financial institutions, and political ties with big business, challenging senior LDP politicians. His dismissal of reformist foreign minister Makiko Tanaka under LDP pressure was a significant blow to his public support, but he remains too strong to be toppled, with no LDP faction leader ready to succeed him.

Tokyo's governor Shintaro Ishihara hinted at a potential run for a Diet seat and leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) amid a backdrop of nationalist symbols at the Yasukuni shrine. Known for his staunch nationalism and anti-China rhetoric, Ishihara criticized the political establishment's subservience to American interests. While no official announcement was made, his supporters view him as a potential prime ministerial candidate. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who did not attend the Yasukuni event, laid flowers at a nearby cemetery and expressed remorse for World War II victims.

Tokyo remains a remarkably safe city compared to other major cities, despite a rise in crime rates over the past decade. The Metropolitan Police Department has initiated efforts to reduce crime to 1992 levels. Economic struggles have led to increased frustration and xenophobia, with crimes often blamed on foreigners. Instances of xenophobic measures by local police, such as distributing stereotypical handbooks and putting up warning signs, are highlighted. The article underscores the lack of a viable opposition to hold the government accountable and the resulting societal malaise.

Japanese expatriates will be issued a small computer by the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo to alert authorities if they are attacked. The device, which can be attached to a car, sends a distress signal to identify the vehicle's location and alert the nearest diplomatic mission. Initially, 100 devices will be distributed in Latin America and Central Asia, with potential use in China. This initiative aims to protect Japanese citizens amid growing threats following Japan's involvement in the war on terrorism and its push for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat. Critics argue the system is a diversion from recent ministry scandals and plays on Japanese mistrust of foreigners.

A study by Ehime University in Japan reveals that married women in Japan are dying younger compared to their unmarried or divorced counterparts, while married men are living longer. The research, which monitored 3,136 individuals aged 60 to 84, found that married women over 65 were twice as likely to die as unmarried or divorced women. The study highlights significant implications for Japan, a country with the highest average life expectancy, where the elderly population is expected to grow substantially, impacting cultural, economic, and social aspects.