Politics

TOKYO (Nikkei)--For those looking after Japan's defense, a long-dreaded moment has arrived: The cost of the F-35 stealth fighter is climbing. At the same time, concerns are mounting that delays in the Pentagon's procurement schedule and glitches in the plane's development may send the price tag still higher.

NAHA (Kyodo)--Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama apologized to the people of Okinawa Prefecture on Tuesday, the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty, for his flip-flops as the country's leader over the relocation of a controversial U.S. military base on the southwestern island.

GINOWAN (Kyodo)--Okinawa Prefecture marked the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty from U.S. control Tuesday amid a remaining heavy U.S. military presence and economic difficulties, with no end in sight to a political deadlock over the planned relocation of a key military base in the prefecture.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Forty years have passed since Okinawa returned to Japanese rule. The culture, customs and natural environment of Okinawa, which differ from those of mainland Japan -- from sunshine-loving hibiscus and erythrina plants, to the pentatonic scale of Okinawan folk music -- have become deeply ingrained in the lives of all Japanese.

TOKYO (Dow Jones)--The leader of Japan's main opposition party said Monday that an extension to the current parliamentary session may be necessary to debate the government's proposed legislation to double the nation's consumption tax.