http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 08:56:21 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:56:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/risky-economic-plan-for-japan-inspires-hope-and-fear-a-894625.html#ref=rss Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic plan has rallied the Nikkei index and offered hope to those weighed down by the country's economic problems. But critics fear it could lead to national bankruptcy. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:52:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/risky-economic-plan-for-japan-inspires-hope-and-fear-a-894625.html Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic plan has rallied the Nikkei index and offered hope to those weighed down by the country's economic problems. But critics fear it could lead to national bankruptcy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-nationalist-government-of-japan-stokes-tensions-with-china-a-877691.html#ref=rss Japan's once and current prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is determined to restore his country to its former greatness. Apart from focusing on its ailing economy, the nationalist leader is talking tough with its much stronger neighbors. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-nationalist-government-of-japan-stokes-tensions-with-china-a-877691.html Japan's once and current prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is determined to restore his country to its former greatness. Apart from focusing on its ailing economy, the nationalist leader is talking tough with its much stronger neighbors.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/massive-japanese-sovereign-debt-could-become-global-problem-a-875641.html#ref=rss The eyes of the financial world are on Greece and other heavily indebted euro-zone countries. But Japan is in even worse shape. The country's debt load is immense and growing, to the point that a quarter of its budget goes to servicing it. The government in Tokyo has done little to change things. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:57:31 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/massive-japanese-sovereign-debt-could-become-global-problem-a-875641.html The eyes of the financial world are on Greece and other heavily indebted euro-zone countries. But Japan is in even worse shape. The country's debt load is immense and growing, to the point that a quarter of its budget goes to servicing it. The government in Tokyo has done little to change things.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tension-between-japan-and-china-in-senkaku-islands-dispute-a-857514.html#ref=rss The Senkaku Islands are at the center of a conflict between Japan and China, which both lay claim to the tiny outcrops. The islands used to belong to a rich Japanese family, who recently sold them to the government. One of the members of the family told SPIEGEL that Tokyo should have done more to defend Japan's sovereignty. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:07:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tension-between-japan-and-china-in-senkaku-islands-dispute-a-857514.html The Senkaku Islands are at the center of a conflict between Japan and China, which both lay claim to the tiny outcrops. The islands used to belong to a rich Japanese family, who recently sold them to the government. One of the members of the family told SPIEGEL that Tokyo should have done more to defend Japan's sovereignty.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/strengthening-of-chinese-navy-sparks-worries-in-region-and-beyond-a-855622.html#ref=rss China and the US seem to be on a collision course in the Pacific. Beijing is significantly bolstering its navy, and Washington is shifting its military focus to the Asia-Pacific Region. Many fear it could alter the balance of power in a region rich in oil and crucial for global trade. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/strengthening-of-chinese-navy-sparks-worries-in-region-and-beyond-a-855622.html China and the US seem to be on a collision course in the Pacific. Beijing is significantly bolstering its navy, and Washington is shifting its military focus to the Asia-Pacific Region. Many fear it could alter the balance of power in a region rich in oil and crucial for global trade. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/japan-embraces-renewables-but-turns-nuclear-reactors-back-on-a-846134.html#ref=rss In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe, Japan turned its attention to renewable energies. Such technologies, however, will take years to develop. In the mean time, the country is importing increased amounts of fossil fuels -- and flirting with a return to nuclear energy. Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:27:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/japan-embraces-renewables-but-turns-nuclear-reactors-back-on-a-846134.html In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe, Japan turned its attention to renewable energies. Such technologies, however, will take years to develop. In the mean time, the country is importing increased amounts of fossil fuels -- and flirting with a return to nuclear energy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/easing-fears-a-lonely-missionary-in-the-radiation-zone-a-820443.html#ref=rss After the Fukushima disaster, residents fled from the village of Katsurao, located just outside the 20-kilometer exclusion zone. Now living in temporary emergency housing, many exist in an overwhelming state of doubt. But one man hopes to help them return to more normal lives by freeing them of their radiation anxieties. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/easing-fears-a-lonely-missionary-in-the-radiation-zone-a-820443.html After the Fukushima disaster, residents fled from the village of Katsurao, located just outside the 20-kilometer exclusion zone. Now living in temporary emergency housing, many exist in an overwhelming state of doubt. But one man hopes to help them return to more normal lives by freeing them of their radiation anxieties.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/fukushima-s-legacy-what-future-does-nuclear-power-have-in-japan-a-818567.html#ref=rss Almost a year after the Fukushima disaster, 52 of Japan's 54 nuclear power plants have been shut down. The reactor explosion destroyed the population's trust in nuclear energy. But the atomic lobby -- and the country's industrial needs -- could block a possible phase-out. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/fukushima-s-legacy-what-future-does-nuclear-power-have-in-japan-a-818567.html Almost a year after the Fukushima disaster, 52 of Japan's 54 nuclear power plants have been shut down. The reactor explosion destroyed the population's trust in nuclear energy. But the atomic lobby -- and the country's industrial needs -- could block a possible phase-out.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-fukushima-psychiatrist-it-s-amazing-how-traumatized-they-are-a-818054.html#ref=rss Since the Fukushima catastrophe almost one year ago, Jun Shigemura has been providing psychological care to workers from the stricken nuclear facility. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he tells of the immense challenges facing TEPCO employees -- and why most of them have elected not to quit their jobs. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-fukushima-psychiatrist-it-s-amazing-how-traumatized-they-are-a-818054.html Since the Fukushima catastrophe almost one year ago, Jun Shigemura has been providing psychological care to workers from the stricken nuclear facility. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he tells of the immense challenges facing TEPCO employees -- and why most of them have elected not to quit their jobs.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/scattered-across-japan-fukushima-refugees-trapped-by-uncertainty-a-805337.html#ref=rss For months, the 21,000 residents of Namie have lived in trailers and shelters across Japan. By abandoning their homes, they unwittingly fled directly into the path of Fukushima's radiation cloud. As worried and angry as they may be, most just want to return home. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/scattered-across-japan-fukushima-refugees-trapped-by-uncertainty-a-805337.html For months, the 21,000 residents of Namie have lived in trailers and shelters across Japan. By abandoning their homes, they unwittingly fled directly into the path of Fukushima's radiation cloud. As worried and angry as they may be, most just want to return home.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-visit-to-j-village-fukushima-workers-risk-radiation-to-feed-families-a-786650.html#ref=rss Since the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, the power plant's operator TEPCO has relied on temporary workers to help bring the reactors under control. Many of the workers, whose radiation levels are measured daily, say they are not doing the work for Japan, but for the money. SPIEGEL visited J-Village, which is strictly off-limits, and met the unsung heroes of Fukushima. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:13:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-visit-to-j-village-fukushima-workers-risk-radiation-to-feed-families-a-786650.html Since the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, the power plant's operator TEPCO has relied on temporary workers to help bring the reactors under control. Many of the workers, whose radiation levels are measured daily, say they are not doing the work for Japan, but for the money. SPIEGEL visited J-Village, which is strictly off-limits, and met the unsung heroes of Fukushima.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/studying-the-fukushima-aftermath-people-are-suffering-from-radiophobia-a-780810.html#ref=rss Japanese scientist Shunichi Yamashita is a leading expert on the effects of nuclear radiation. In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses his work in communicating the potential dangers of exposure to residents living near the Fukushima nuclear plant. The professor says many suffer from severe radiation anxiety. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/studying-the-fukushima-aftermath-people-are-suffering-from-radiophobia-a-780810.html Japanese scientist Shunichi Yamashita is a leading expert on the effects of nuclear radiation. In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses his work in communicating the potential dangers of exposure to residents living near the Fukushima nuclear plant. The professor says many suffer from severe radiation anxiety. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/poisoned-fields-the-painful-evacuation-of-a-japanese-village-a-765949.html#ref=rss Contamination levels in the Japanese mountain village of Iitate are higher than in some parts of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Its evacuation has been a painful process for residents -- and many are more afraid of resettlement than they are of radiation. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:04:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/poisoned-fields-the-painful-evacuation-of-a-japanese-village-a-765949.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/japan-s-nuclear-cartel-atomic-industry-too-close-to-government-for-comfort-a-764907.html#ref=rss After the oil crisis of the 1970s, Japan embraced atomic power with a vengeance. Since then, the ties between the government and the nuclear industry have become so intertwined that public safety is at threat. Inspections are too lax, and anyone who criticizes the status quo can find themselves out of a job. Fri, 27 May 2011 15:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/japan-s-nuclear-cartel-atomic-industry-too-close-to-government-for-comfort-a-764907.html After the oil crisis of the 1970s, Japan embraced atomic power with a vengeance. Since then, the ties between the government and the nuclear industry have become so intertwined that public safety is at threat. Inspections are too lax, and anyone who criticizes the status quo can find themselves out of a job.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/in-the-shadow-of-fukushima-a-mayor-s-battle-to-keep-his-displaced-town-together-a-756647.html#ref=rss Four weeks ago, the 6,900 inhabitants of Futaba were forced to abandon their homes in the shadow of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Since then, the mayor has been governing over a traumatized town on the move -- with a little help from the emperor. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:52:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/in-the-shadow-of-fukushima-a-mayor-s-battle-to-keep-his-displaced-town-together-a-756647.html Four weeks ago, the 6,900 inhabitants of Futaba were forced to abandon their homes in the shadow of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Since then, the mayor has been governing over a traumatized town on the move -- with a little help from the emperor. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-japan-could-have-recognized-scope-of-fukushima-disaster-weeks-ago-a-756749.html#ref=rss Japan's decision to categorize Fukushima as a "level 7" accident has been welcomed by observers who feel that the Japanese government has not been open enough about the disaster. But German commentators say the re-classification should have been done weeks ago. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-japan-could-have-recognized-scope-of-fukushima-disaster-weeks-ago-a-756749.html Japan's decision to categorize Fukushima as a "level 7" accident has been welcomed by observers who feel that the Japanese government has not been open enough about the disaster. But German commentators say the re-classification should have been done weeks ago.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/re-evaluation-of-radiation-fukushima-joins-chernobyl-on-nuclear-disaster-scale-a-756551.html#ref=rss Japanese officials on Tuesday increased the level of severity of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, placing it on a level with Chernobyl. Some have criticized the change, but an expansion of the no-go zone surrounding the plant underlines the likely long-term effects of the accident. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/re-evaluation-of-radiation-fukushima-joins-chernobyl-on-nuclear-disaster-scale-a-756551.html Japanese officials on Tuesday increased the level of severity of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, placing it on a level with Chernobyl. Some have criticized the change, but an expansion of the no-go zone surrounding the plant underlines the likely long-term effects of the accident.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/life-after-the-meltdown-a-visit-to-japan-s-nuclear-ghost-towns-a-756196.html#ref=rss Thousands of people had to flee their homes after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Since then, the area around the reactor has become an exclusion zone. Some former residents are now returning to salvage possessions and to say goodbye to their homes forever. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:47:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/life-after-the-meltdown-a-visit-to-japan-s-nuclear-ghost-towns-a-756196.html Thousands of people had to flee their homes after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Since then, the area around the reactor has become an exclusion zone. Some former residents are now returning to salvage possessions and to say goodbye to their homes forever.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/opinion-why-german-nuclear-worries-are-both-wrong-and-harmful-a-755267.html#ref=rss An increasing number of Germans are convinced that nuclear energy is more dangerous than the alternatives. Their fears are understandable -- but wrong. What's worse, their emotional and over-politicized reaction at home is sowing more fear and distrust in Japan. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:02:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/opinion-why-german-nuclear-worries-are-both-wrong-and-harmful-a-755267.html An increasing number of Germans are convinced that nuclear energy is more dangerous than the alternatives. Their fears are understandable -- but wrong. What's worse, their emotional and over-politicized reaction at home is sowing more fear and distrust in Japan.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-atomic-village-tepco-worker-on-control-failures-and-the-culture-of-silence-a-755270.html#ref=rss A Tokyo Electrical Power Company worker talks about the lack of controls on his company's nuclear power plants, its corporate culture of silence and TEPCO's reaction to the catastrophe. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-atomic-village-tepco-worker-on-control-failures-and-the-culture-of-silence-a-755270.html A Tokyo Electrical Power Company worker talks about the lack of controls on his company's nuclear power plants, its corporate culture of silence and TEPCO's reaction to the catastrophe. ]]>