S&S - Is Roppongi’s diversity a dangerous mix?

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes


Is Roppongi’s diversity a dangerous mix?

By Teri Weaver and Hana Kusumoto, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Friday, March 27, 2009

Photos by Teri Weaver/Stars and Stripes
Flower markets stay open late in Roppongi, in part to supply late-night hostess clubs.

Roppongi is a neighborhood in central Tokyo filled with diverse entertainment offerings. During the day, visitors can see world-famous art and eat at top-rated restaurants. At night, workers from dance and strip clubs take over the sidewalks, barking at passers-by in an attempt to lure them inside.

See photo gallery

TOKYO — Visitors to Roppongi can eat in Michelin-rated restaurants, kick the tires of European sports cars and window-shop for couture clothing.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Or, a few doors down, they can buy sex toys, watch women strip around poles, or purchase drinks — and a variety of other services — from hostesses at gentlemen’s clubs into the early morning hours."

"In some instances, the club scene can include drugging and theft, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and some military officials in Japan.

On March 13, the embassy released a security notice to its staff and to military personnel in Japan, warning them to avoid certain clubs in the Roppongi neighborhood. Some Americans, the notice said, reported their drinks were spiked and their credit cards were overcharged."

&

"The embassy’s notice shocked some club owners, especially those named as the alleged scenes of the crimes."

S&S - Gay servicemembers urged to remain silent

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes

Gay servicemembers urged to remain silent

By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Sunday, June 22, 2008

TOKYO — As the military considers its options in the latest round of court action surrounding its "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy regarding gays, some servicemembers are considering theirs. In her uniform, on an Army base far from home, "Stacy" searched the headlines in late May and wondered if the results of a U.S. appeals court ruling in Washington state meant she could come out as a lesbian.

Read the whole article here.

S&S - Report: Guam listed as a possible staging area for Iraqi immigrants

Stars and Stripes

Report: Guam listed as a possible staging area for Iraqi immigrants


By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Sunday, January 18, 2009


TOKYO — As military and local leaders on Guam prepare for the planned arrival of 8,000 U.S. Marines, another group of people could be headed their way from Iraq, according to a report from a Washington think tank.

Read the whole article here.

TJT - U.S. pushes new entry system one last time

The Japan Times

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009

U.S. pushes new entry system one last time


By SETSUKO KAMIYA


Staff writer


Prior to next week's launch of a new online immigration system, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo made its final attempt Thursday to call on Japanese to preregister before they head off for a trip to the States.

Read the whole article here.

"The embassy has been promoting introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization amid concerns there will be confusion at airports among travelers who don't know about the new system."

"All tourists from 35 countries, including Japan, that have joined the Visa Wavier Program with U.S. must request and receive electronic travel authorization through ESTA before entering the U.S. on an aircraft or cruise ship.

Without authorization, they cannot board their plane or vessel."

&

"Details can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/ "