Briefly

JAPAN

Copyright row leads to coin redesign

TOKYO — After minting 4.8 million commemorative coins, Japan this week said it must change the design due to copyright infringement.

The original design of the coin, celebrating the centenary of Japanese emigration to Brazil, showed bronze sculptures of parents and a child standing in Santos, Brazil, where the first batch of immigrants landed in 1908.

But the Brazilian sculptor of the work refused to let the design be used for the 500 yen ($5) coin, the Japanese Finance Ministry said.

Japan originally announced the creation of the coin in April 2007, with an aim to distribute it by the end of March, believing that an immigrants association in Brazil owned the bronze memorial. But the association later found that the artist also held the right to his work.

The new design will feature the ship that took the first Japanese immigrants to Brazil, placed over the shape of the Latin American nation. The ministry will spend $50,000 to $100,000 redesigning the coin.

JAPAN

Language knowledge gets special treatment

TOKYO — Japan’s foreign minister yesterday gave the go-ahead to new immigration rules under which foreigners who speak Japanese will get preferential treatment while applying for visas.

The government, which is trying to reduce Japan’s reputation as a country closed to outsiders, cast the plans as a way to encourage educated professionals to emigrate.

Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura told reporters the government is looking to submit legislation on the new rules next year.

INDONESIA

Human skulls seized on way to Britain

JAKARTA — Three humans skulls being sent to Britain were seized at Indonesia’s international airport, a customs officer said yesterday.

The sponge-wrapped skulls were packed in separate boxes and labeled as handicrafts. Two were intricately carved or decorated, and the third remained in its original form.

A customs official said police are investigating a possible crime, adding that the skulls originated from Bali island and were destined for Yorkshire via air courier.

From wire dispatches and staff reports