Church and state: foreign missionary makes his home in Japanese politics

Article Abstract:

Former Finnish missionary Martti Turunen has devoted himself to becoming Japanese, changing his name to Marutei Tsurunen and diving into Japanese politics. He hoped to work in Africa as a missionary, but South Africa stopped issuing visas so he took a post in Beppu, in southern Kyushu. After six years he left the mission and separated from his wife so he could marry a Japanese woman and become a naturalized citizen. He won a 1992 assembly race in Yugawara, and recently lost a bid for a seat in the Kanagawa prefecture.

Behavior, Politicians, Missionaries, Tsurunen, Marutei

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Planners under fire

Article Abstract:

Citizens' groups in Kobe are wrestling with the city govt over plans to reconstruct the city with a variety of changes. The planners' forums to discuss the issue have apparently helped little, in part because the relevant law does not demand consensus, merely that information be shared. The plans call for homeowners planning to rebuild to give up 10% of their land for parks and wider roads, intended as firebreaks. Many of the citizens showed in Jan that they can work together, a spirit the planners must use.

Buildings and facilities, City planning, Urban planning, Kobe, Japan

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A space in the sun

Article Abstract:

The Japanese company Park 24 is thriving by leasing vacant lots in Tokyo and turning them into metered parking lots. The companies success indicates that the real-estate in Tokyo, which once was outrageously expensive, has become much cheaper. Karaoke clubs and Pachinko game parlors have also developed on the lots. The purchase and development of such lots has also helped reduce the illegal use of such lots by gangsters.

Automobile parking, Parking Lots, Parking Lots and Garages, Tokyo, Japan

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