Pino Cazzaniga

The two cities, victims of the atomic bomb, would like to host the Games to launch the message of a nuclear-free world by 2020. All in agreement, but political and economic problems may lead to the rejection of the idea.

Enemies during the Second World War, the two nations are now planning the future together: an underwater tunnel, a common history book, Emperor Akihito’s visit to Seoul, etc., moving towards an East Asian Community.

Yukio Hatoyama’s new government wants the economy and the state to serve the people. A Baptist Christian, he is inspired by the notion of Yuai, fraternity. His approach is rooted in a long tradition that goes back to the 19th century. One consequence is cooler relations with the United States.

Warmer sea surface will generate winds of more than 240 kilometres per hour. Catastrophes are predicted for the second half of the century.

The election winner promises to go beyond the Kyoto Protocol. Japan becomes the world leader for the protection of creation. With the Vatican.

The Democratic Party took more than 60 per cent of the seats in the Lower House. It won by going after the vote of young people and women who are now stepping in lieu of the old “barons” of traditional politics. For the Liberal Democrats, it is time for change as Taro Aso shows his greatness in defeat. The new party plans focus on people and fraternity, but some promises will be hard to keep because of the economic crisis.

On August 30, the country faces its most important election in 60 years. Liberals, who have had almost continuous control since 1958, risk being voted out of government. The sunset of the alliance between politicians, industry and bureaucracy. The severity of the economic crisis and the new international role of the country.

The late president was a man uncompromising in his principles and creative in responding to human needs. The admiration of the United States, China, Japan and North Korea. A more than positive analysis of his work, including support for reconciliation between the two Koreas.

August 6 and 9 mark the anniversaries of the atomic bombs launched on the two Japanese cities. It marked the beginning of the era of nuclear terror. The testimonies of Jesuit Fr Arrupe, in Hiroshima at the time, and a Catholic doctor from Nagasaki. In 1945 political designs prevailed over the scientists and humanists who refused the use of atomic power. And now?

The Japanese Constitution excludes the possibility that the country enters war or even has an army. For more than 62 years no Japanese has killed or been killed in military actions. But the ban has been overturned and now factories are producing sophisticated weapons technology.

He comes from the country that has experienced nuclear war and that is spearheading the peaceful use of atomic energy. A long diplomatic experience to his credit. The other competitor was the South African Abdul Samad Minty.

The conflict began 59 years ago by Kim Il-sung cost the lives of more than 3 million people. The current tensions are a concern. The peninsula is among the most militarized areas in the world. The work of the Church for reconciliation.