Japanese ex-hostages billed $21,000 for travel expenses

Grok Headline matches for Japanese ex-hostages billed $21,000 for travel expenses

Japanese Hostages Safe in Iraq -
Japanese Media (Reuters)

Japanese Hostages Safe in Iraq -
Japanese Media (Reuters) 04/11/2004 12:20 AM
Reuters - Three Japanese civilians kidnapped in Iraq were safe near Falluja on Sunday, Japanese TV said. Government officials could not confirm the report.

Japanese Hostages Safe in Iraq -
Japanese Media

Japanese Hostages Safe in Iraq -
Japanese Media 04/11/2004 06:50 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 11 2004 10:50AM GMT

Japanese hostages 'to be freed'

Japanese hostages 'to be freed' 04/10/2004 08:31 PM

Japan ese hostages 'to be freed' - BBCi

Iraqi group to free Japanese hostages - Aljazeera

The Japanese hostages in Iraq are supposed to be freed in a few hours. I'm watching the TV news for more information now.

Japanese hostages 'freed'

Japanese hostages 'freed' 04/15/2004 07:34 AM
Three Japanese civilians taken hostage in Iraq last week are reported to have been freed unharmed.

Japanese hostages freed in Iraq

Japanese hostages freed in Iraq 04/17/2004 08:39 AM
Iraqi militants free two Japanese hostages, a day after a US soldier is shown on video with armed kidnappers.

Two Japanese Hostages Released in Iraq

Two Japanese Hostages Released in Iraq 04/17/2004 10:06 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 17 2004 1:35PM GMT

Three Japanese hostages in Iraq freed

Three Japanese hostages in Iraq freed 04/15/2004 10:31 AM

Japanese hostages in Iraq freed

Japanese hostages in Iraq freed 04/15/2004 09:08 AM

Three Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq; Italian Captive Killed

via Al

Last Two Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq
(AP)

Last Two Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq
(AP) 04/17/2004 03:36 AM
AP - Two remaining Japanese hostages in Iraq have been released, Arab TV stations reported Saturday, two days after three other Japanese were freed.

Two More Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq
(AP)

Two More Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq
(AP) 04/17/2004 06:05 PM

us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/topstories/*http://story.news.yahoo.c om/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20040417/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_japanese_hostag es_freed
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For Japanese Hostages, Release Only Adds
to Stress

For Japanese Hostages, Release Only Adds
to Stress 04/22/2004 08:10 PM
The young Japanese taken hostage in Iraq returned home this week, not to the warmth of a yellow ribbon embrace but to a disapproving nation's cold stare.

Chilly reception for freed Japanese
hostages

Chilly reception for freed Japanese
hostages 04/23/2004 04:24 PM

Japanese hostages threatened with
cannibalism in Iraq

Japanese hostages threatened with
cannibalism in Iraq 04/09/2004 03:56 PM

The Japanese news has been suppressing the more vivid videos of the hostage situation in Iraq and continue the "we are not pulling out" line. One piece of news that even the West seems to be suppressing is that the Japanese hostages are being threatened with cannibalism.

Reuters

"We tell you that three of your children have fallen prisoner in our hands and we give you two options -- withdraw your forces from our country and go home or we will burn them alive and feed them to the fighters," the group said.

Most reports are saying "killed" or "burned alive".

via The Command Post

Three Japanese Hostages Freed, Safe But
Shaken

Three Japanese Hostages Freed, Safe But
Shaken 04/15/2004 10:14 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 15 2004 1:46PM GMT

Reaction of Japan to the Japanese
Hostages in Iraq

Reaction of Japan to the Japanese
Hostages in Iraq 04/30/2004 03:22 AM

Several people have asked me to comment on an article in the NYT about the reaction of to the Japanese people to the three Japanese taken hostage in Iraq. The article describes how everyone including the politicians in Japan are angry at the hostages for causing trouble to the Japanese government and being irresponsible.

There are many conflicting reports about whether they were reckless or not and what their motives were so I won't comment on that. I also don't feel strongly personally on this issue so I'm not going to make a judgmental point either. What I would like to describe is a bit more background on how Japanese think about responsibility and apologies.

I think one of the things that made many Japanese I know upset were the parents of the hostages making public statements about how the government should help get the hostages back without apologizing first about causing trouble for the government. Even if they didn't believe it, it would be proper Japanese etiquette to say this first. It's quite cliche, but it's true that if you get into an automobile accident in Japan, even if you think it's probably the other person's fault, you apologize first. Japanese are warned not to do this in the US because apologizes imply responsibility. In many cases, apologies in Japan are a formality and skipping them is rather rude. I think many people thought these parents were "rude" on a national scale. Another example of a throw-away apology is that when you ask for a waiter in a restaurant, you say, "I'm sorry... or excuse me." We often apologize profusely when in doubt or are requesting any kind of favor.

An important psychological element is that even though we are individuals, we often represent the group. I have something like 16 or so generations before me on my gravestone and I often feel like a mere blip in the history of my family. Taking risk or tainting my family name is not something that I can freely do without feeling the guilt and responsibility to my ancestors.

It's also interesting to note that most Japanese children's cartoons have story lines where they are a team. Often one of the members get in trouble or drop out of the group and the whole show is about how the group tries to help the drop out get back in tune with the group. It's usually the group saving the single "problem" member. On the other hand, many American cartoons are super-heros who are independent and save the world through taking risk and being different. I know I'm generalizing here, but people who watch a lot of Japanese TV will understand what I'm saying I think.

I once talked to one of the directors of the Sumo Wrestling association. She said she always had a great deal of difficulty explaining one of the core principles of Sumo to foreigners. Sumo wrestlers are not supposed to show anguish when they lose or happiness when they win. They are to be emotionless and stoic. "Like a rooster carved out of wood," she said. This is a very central theme to many of Japanese aesthetics. This Japanese stoicism is central to much of the Japanese lack of sympathy to heroics, I think.

Although I understand what the NYT article is saying and I don't necessarily agree with the way the hostages are being treated and picked on right now, I think that lack of initial apologies and the feeling of Japanese to heroics in Japan is behind the reaction. Having said that, I think this attitude is what is hampering Japan's entrepreneurism as well as Japan's ability to participate as a leader in global affairs. It's a fairly deeply rooted cultural theme that won't change very easily though.

As usual, I'm happy to hear dissenting opinions.

Two Japanese Hostages Released in Iraq
(Reuters)

Two Japanese Hostages Released in Iraq
(Reuters) 04/17/2004 07:38 AM
Reuters - Two Japanese hostages were released in the Iraqi capital Saturday, saying they had been moved from house to house during their three days in captivity but had been treated fairly well.

Two Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq,
Falluja Calm

Two Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq,
Falluja Calm 04/17/2004 04:41 PM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 17 2004 7:44PM GMT

More Hostages Held in Iraq, Deadline for
Japanese (Reuters)

More Hostages Held in Iraq, Deadline for
Japanese (Reuters) 04/10/2004 12:48 PM
Reuters - More foreigners were reported missing or seized as hostages in Iraq Saturday after a spate of kidnappings, which included three Japanese civilians under threat of being killed Sunday.

Aljazeera.Net - Iraqi group to free
Japanese hostages

Aljazeera.Net - Iraqi group to free
Japanese hostages 04/11/2004 02:52 AM
"The group also called on the Japanese people to pressure their government to withdraw its troops from Iraq." .. the Iraqi group that's holding three Japanese hostages has dropped its threat to kill them

english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/75D2F232-7F1B-4909-9F9E-B8C41B0 E93D0.htm
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Japanese Hostages in Iraq to Be Freed
Sunday -Kyodo

Japanese Hostages in Iraq to Be Freed
Sunday -Kyodo 04/10/2004 09:41 PM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 11 2004 1:43AM GMT

Iraqi man claims Japanese hostages will
be executed one by one from later
tonight

Iraqi man claims Japanese hostages will
be executed one by one from later
tonight 04/12/2004 06:12 AM

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

An Iraqi man claiming to have spoken to the kidnappers says the hostages will be executed one by one from later tonight if the demands are not met.

Via The Command Post

Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq, Iranian
Killed (Reuters)

Japanese Hostages Freed in Iraq, Iranian
Killed (Reuters) 04/15/2004 11:49 PM
Reuters - Three freed Japanese hostages were due to leave Iraq on Friday but the murders of an Iranian diplomat and an Italian captive were chilling proof of the risks foreigners face as rebels battle the U.S.-led occupation.

Freed Japanese Hostages Arrive in Dubai
from Iraq (Reuters)

Freed Japanese Hostages Arrive in Dubai
from Iraq (Reuters) 04/16/2004 06:17 AM
Reuters - Three freed Japanese hostages arrived in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on Friday from Baghdad after being released by their Iraqi captors.

PhotoMann Travel Photgraphy - Images of
Japanese Vending Machines

PhotoMann Travel Photgraphy - Images of
Japanese Vending Machines 04/25/2004 09:41 AM
Photos of Japanese vending machines .. Automaatteja Japanista .. Automaatteja .. everywhere .. vending .. P

photomann.com/japan/machines
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Iraqi Militants Are Today Threatening To
Burn Three Japanese Hostages To Death
Unless Their Country Quits The US-Led
Coalition

Iraqi Militants Are Today Threatening To
Burn Three Japanese Hostages To Death
Unless Their Country Quits The US-Led
Coalition 04/09/2004 04:08 PM
hostage-taking and threats .. is our cultural betters .. threatened .. ThisLondon

thisislondon.com/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId =10169441
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Doctor Billed State After Sex With
Patient (AP)

Doctor Billed State After Sex With
Patient (AP) 06/18/2004 11:26 AM
AP - An Oregon City doctor will spend two months in jail after he advised a patient that having sex with him would help her pelvic pain, then billed the Oregon Health Plan for his time during their sessions.

4,000! BT! Yahoo! punters! get! double!
billed!

4,000! BT! Yahoo! punters! get! double!
billed! 08/27/2004 01:43 PM
Double trouble

Travel with Your Pet at
pet-friendlytravel.com and Receive an
$80 Coupon for a Cooper & Cadie Premium
Pet Travel Kit

Travel with Your Pet at
pet-friendlytravel.com and Receive an
$80 Coupon for a Cooper & Cadie Premium
Pet Travel Kit 02/01/2005 09:10 PM
Travelers with Pet-FriendlyTravel.Com will receive a coupon from Cooper & Cadie worth $80 towards the purchase of a special pet travel kit full of premium pet supplies to make the journey less stressful for your dog. This represents a savings of 50% off the list retail price. [PRWEB Jan 31, 2005]

Yahoo! Travel, National Geographic
Traveler Poll Names New Orleans Top U.S.
Family Travel Spot

Yahoo! Travel, National Geographic
Traveler Poll Names New Orleans Top U.S.
Family Travel Spot 03/23/2005 08:19 PM
Investors Business Daily Mar 24 2005 12:51AM GMT

Taxpayers Billed for USO Perks to Stars
(Los Angeles Times)

Taxpayers Billed for USO Perks to Stars
(Los Angeles Times) 01/22/2004 10:26 AM
Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON — When Jennifer Lopez, Kid Rock and Ja Rule put on a concert for 1,500 troops at the height of the war in Afghanistan, it was seen as another success for the United Services Organization, which for 63 years has been entertaining members of the armed forces overseas.

38,000 Optus users double-billed: No
refund offered

38,000 Optus users double-billed: No
refund offered 12/02/2003 01:46 AM
ZDNet Australia Dec 2 2003 0:42AM ET

Foxz2 2MP camera billed as world's
thinnest w/color LCD

Foxz2 2MP camera billed as world's
thinnest w/color LCD 04/27/2004 10:24 AM
NHJ USA is launching in the United States with the new Che-ez! Foxz2 digital camera. The company bills the camera as the world's thinnest 2.0-megapixel camera with a color LCD display. It's built on SMaL Camera Technology's design.

Travel Information Without Travel Sales
Pitches

Travel Information Without Travel Sales
Pitches 12/31/2004 01:03 PM
I get so many announcements about sites which are designed to sell things, or to be roundups for e-commerce information, that's it's startling (and refreshing) to find out about a...

SCO to cap legal expenses

SCO to cap legal expenses 08/31/2004 07:18 PM
Lawyers to get bigger share of any settlement in Linux suits in exchange for billing less up front.

Expenses Calcucorder 0.3

Expenses Calcucorder 0.3 08/03/2004 01:10 PM
A desktop app for recording and manipulating expenses.

For White House, Reversed Iraq Tactics
Are Billed as Bumps on Road to Peace

For White House, Reversed Iraq Tactics
Are Billed as Bumps on Road to Peace 05/01/2004 02:43 PM
The Bush administration seems increasingly willing to alter its occupation strategy in Iraq and shows a new hesitation to engage in military confrontations that may inflame the people.

Expenses probe MEP is deselected

Expenses probe MEP is deselected 05/12/2004 11:27 AM
A Tory MEP has been deselected by his party from running in next month's European election in the wake of expenses claims.

SCO Caps Legal Expenses At $31 Million

SCO Caps Legal Expenses At $31 Million 09/01/2004 11:56 AM

SCO cuts a deal for legal expenses

SCO cuts a deal for legal expenses 09/02/2004 04:06 AM
SCO announced its 3rd quarter 2004 earnings (not good) yesterday. It has also entered into an agreement with the law firm representing it to cap its legal fees.
Grok Description matches for Japanese ex-hostages billed $21,000 for travel expenses
GrokA matches for Japanese ex-hostages billed $21,000 for travel expenses

Japanese ex-hostages billed $21,000 for travel expenses

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