While much attention has been focused on Japan’s big ailing companies and their prospects for survival, a few small developments show some promising signs for the country’s future. Kicking off a week in deals, Asahi Glass Co. said on December 20 it would buy CMC Biologics for 60 billion yen ($512 million), helping its move into contract drug manufacturing. …

  Fifty years ago, the US had the moon to itself. Starting in 1969, when the first of six Apollo missions touched down, it seemed likely that American astronauts would make a long-term home on the lunar surface. Instead, the US sent its last manned mission there in 1972, and won’t be returning any time soon. That’s a shame: The …

  Honolulu / AFP Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe travels on Tuesday to Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, the site of a sneak attack by his country that provoked America into entering World War II, to reinforce what the leader calls “the power of reconciliation.” Abe, who was to be hosted by US President Barack Obama, would be the first Japanese premier to …