Obama tells Tokyo crowd of administration's outreach to N. Korea, Burma

By Anne E. Kornblut, The Washington Post, Nov. 13, 2009.

TOKYO -- In his speech Saturday to an audience of invited Americans and Japanese officials, President Obama discussed a wide range of U.S.-Asian issues. Among them was his administration's evolving approach to dealing with East Asia's two troublesome military dictatorships: North Korea and Burma.

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Japan Pledges More Aid to Burma if Political Prisoners are Released

By VOA News, 08 November 2009.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has urged Burma to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year's election, saying Tokyo is willing to provide more aid if democratic reforms in Burma are advanced.

In talks with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein in Tokyo Saturday, Mr. Hatoyama said it is extremely important that Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners before the general election to be held in 2010.

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Music: NHK broadcasts G Latt's "Kha Na Tar" in Japan

NHK, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, is showing Myanmar singer, G Latt's Love song, called " Kha Na Tar" on one of their TV channel which is mostly broadcast about Myanmar programs. This is the very first time for broadcasting Myanmar Music Video on NHK. G Latt's " Kha Na Tar" Song is chosen to broadcast on NHK because this song is own tune and also its instrumental music and music video are in good quality.

Credit: Myanmar Celebrity

Japanese "Shwe Ba" helps Burmese refugees in Japan

Star status: Freelance journalist Hisao Tanabe talks about his work helping Myanmar residents in Japan during an interview in Tokyo on April 12, 2009. Credit: KYODO Photo

By YUGO HIRANO, Kyodo News

Freelance journalist Hisao Tanabe is so highly regarded by Burmese refugees in Japan they call him "Shwe Ba," after an actor in Burma in the 1950s and '60s who starred in numerous movies about people fighting those in power on behalf of the oppressed.

When refugees face difficulties such as financial problems and getting recognition from the government, they often turn to Tanabe for help.

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