Daisuke Karakama, market economist at Mizuho Corporate Bank, said he does not expect much improvement in prices over the next six to 12 months.

WSJ: Japan Industrial Production Rises 1.7%

The visitors - notably outstanding wing Daisuke Ohata - actually gave the home crowd some early scares, but ultimately the game was all about Neil Jenkins.

BBC: Eastern Promise: Japanese rugby

First Daisuke Matsui's clever flick struck the legs of Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, and moments later Makoto Hasebe raced into the box but fired narrowly wide.

BBC: Denmark 1-3 Japan

When they did break up the Netherlands' passing, Grenoble midfielder Daisuke Matsui looked bright for Japan - instigating an incisive move that eventually resulted in Yuto Nagatomo hitting a stinging shot just wide.

BBC: Netherlands 1-0 Japan

Given the free agent flame-outs in Boston such as JD Drew, John Lackey, Carl Crawford, and Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice K), Mr. Epstein will need to shore up his ability to sign the right free-agent talent.

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As with their opponents, Japan were bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and came closest to scoring during a game of few chances when Daisuke Matsui smashed a long-range strike against the crossbar in the first half.

BBC: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 pens)