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A strong earthquake has hit central Japan, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the magnitude-6.8 earthquake hit parts of Nagano city and surrounding areas the hardest. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake's magnitude was 6.2

Radioactive cesium spread as far as Gunma-Nagano border November 12, 2011 The science ministry released maps on Nov. 11 showing aerially measured accumulations of radioactive cesium from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant in 18 prefectures. Measurements were taken for the first time in six prefectures--Iwate, Toyama, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu and Shizuoka--in addition to the previously available contamination maps of 12 prefectures, providing an almost complete picture of eastern Japan. Radioactive cesium has contaminated areas as far west as the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures, and as far north as the southern part of Iwate Prefecture, according to officials....

via translation - Flame in Japan: Clashes between protesters and Chinese NAGANO (Japan) - Chinese supporters and protesters were beaten with fists and feet on Saturday the passage of the Olympic flame in Nagano (centre), killing at least one injured, said a photographer of AFP. A protester, of unknown nationality, gave kicks in the crowd of Chinese supporters who responded with flag bearers, until the Japanese police separates the assailants, near the train station Nagano. The Japanese television showed a young man, who appears to be Chinese, sitting on the ground with head injuries and blood on his face, surrounded...