Russia criticises Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto

On Thursday, Russia issued a statement criticising Japan''s rightwing politician and Osaka's mayor Toru Hashimoto for his 'comfort women' remarks which have outraged the US, China and South Korea. Russia also said that it is alarmed by the "nationalistic inclination" in Japan. In a recent report, the United States''Congressional Research Service (CRS) observes that Shinzo Abe is a "strong nationalist" and it points out that his ideas relating to WWII sex slavery, history textbook and Yasukuni Shrine visit will be "closely monitored" by the United States. The May 1 report is titled Japan-U.S. Relations : Issues for Congress. A leading article which appeared in The Economist 'earlier in January this year observes pointedly that Abe's Cabinet is "scarily right-wing".

USSR's WWII song 'Katyusha' for Russia's V-Day

Like in past many years, Katyusha 'was one of the favourite songs for people in Russia to celebrate Victory Day 2013 at street concerts. The day marks Soviet Union's military defeat of Hitler's Germany in WWII. According to a report in RIA NOVOSTI,'more than 8.5 million Russians took part this year in the commemorative activities all across Russia.

Osaka's mayor now drags ROK troops into fray

Japan's pretty argumentative rightwing politician Toru Hashimoto has now dragged South Korea's military into the sex fray. Someone should interest him in the issue of cannibalism among Japan's WWII soldiers and let the world know what rationale Hashimoto can provide'for such a practice against Allied prisoners of war (POWs) in the south Pacific. Let us hear from him which countries' troops also did the same thing.

Britain's first astronaut chosen for space tour

Former helicopter pilot Tim Peake has been selected as Britain''s first astronaut. Peake will be blasted into space in 2015 on a Soyuz rocket. The first person who travelled into space was ex-USSR's Yuri Gagarin. The USSR spaceman completed an orbit of the earth on 12 April 1961. Earlier in 1924, a Society for Studies of Interplanetary Travel was set up'in Moscow for scientists to discuss plans for space exploration and to educate the people, especially youngsters, on ideas of outer space.

Ishihara claims Japan in war for 'self-defence'

According to Tokyo's ex-governor and Japan's leading ultra-nationalist Shintaro Ishihara, 'Japan fought World War II "in self-defense". Japan has been under regional as well as international observation in recent months for the acceleration of rightwing shift in its domestic politics. Shintaro Ishihara is also an infamous denier of the Nanjing Massacre.

US slams Osaka mayor for sex slavery remarks

An official spokesperson of the United States has reportedly slammed Osaka's mayor and Japan's rising rightwing politician Toru Hashimoto for making "outrageous and offensive" remarks about sex slaves ( or ''comfort women"') in WWII when Japan rampaged in the Asia-Pacific. In the book Horror In The East ( London, BBC, 2001 ), Lawrence Rees reveals that there are de-classified documents showing that imperial Japan''s soldiers fighting in the Pacific War cannibalised Allies' POWs.

Osaka mayor under fire from Okinawa women

Women in Okinawa have reportedly demanded an apology from Osaka mayor and Japan''s prominent rightwing politician Toru Hashimoto for a sexist remark. Earlier, the Pentagon chided it for being'"ridiculous".

Toru Hashimoto: WWII sex slavery 'necessary'

A prominent rightwing politician in Japan Toru Hashimoto reportedly said that sex slavery ("comfort women") was "necessary" for Japan''s imperial army in WWII ('when Japan allied itself with Nazi Germany').

Putin praises Black Sea exercise & vows more

Earlier today, Russia's president Vladimir Putin reportedly praised the recent Black Sea drills and he also vowed to order more such surprise exercises. Clearly, 'Russia is accelerating the process of re-assertion.

Famous music closes V-Day Parade in Moscow

At the closing stage of the pretty colourful Victory Day Parade held in Moscow, the well'-'known Russian folk music Farewell of Slavianka or Farewell of A Slavic Woman 'was played by a combined military band.

8 million Russians join V-Day commemoration

From RT''s full HD video, it is pretty clear that the weather in Moscow yesterday was really fine for the Victory Day Parade. It was estimated that some 8.5 'million people all over Russia participated in activities or events to celebrate the victory of the ex'-USSR over Nazi Germany.

Weather in Moscow fine for Victory Day show

Earlier today, 'the Red Square Parade in Moscow to commemorate the 68th anniversary of Soviet Union's decisive defeat of Nazi Germany'in WWII was held like in past years. The weather was fine for the event which honours fighters in the patriotic war against the Nazi onslaugh.

Towering woman P.G. Lim ( 1918-2013 ) dies

Very sad indeed to learn that (Tan Sri) P.G. Lim passed away at 96 on 7 May (Tues) in Perth, Australia. It was truly my honour to be present when she happily met war veteran @ Lee Meng again in her KL house. I was also privileged to be assigned to read the citation for her at the Confucian ('Independent') High School in KL before she was presented an award for her services to the Chinese community in tanah air kita. My very deep condolence to P.G. Lim''s family. 'May she rest in peace.

Russia sets to remember victory over fascism

Russia is now all set for the 68th anniversary of its decisive defeat of Nazi Germany in WWII. 'The heroism of the Red Army is remembered and honored every year 'by many people in Russia and also elsewhere. The Red Army liberated many parts of Europe and saved many Jewish people who were the principal group of Nazis' race-based persecution.

My speech at Kampar's town center last night

I spent last night with folk in Kampar town. I told a pretty huge crowd in Chinese, Cantonese, Malay, English as well as ( a little bit of ) still-boleh-pakai Tamil,'that winners must be magnanimous. I asked them to thank the local police force for keeping peace and harmony for the campaign. I pointed out that democratic politics in modern society is about issues and policies, and that the losers must still be treated as friends who can continue to enjoy Yam Char and Yam Seng'! together. Earlier, I visited the very charitable family that allowed me to use its private house for my personal accommodation during the poll in'1990.