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TOKYO (Kyodo)--Sony Corp. said it will recall about 440,000 VAIO laptop computers from around the world for free repairs of defects that could cause overheating.

The Japanese consumer electronics giant said such defects could lead to overheating in 280 models of its VAIO TZ series of the laptop computer produced from May 2007 to July of this year.

According to Sony, five people in Japan and two abroad have sustained minor burns due to overheating.

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) and the Japantown Merchants Association will present a free outdoor screening of “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” on Friday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. in Peace Plaza, Post and Buchanan streets in Japantown.

The 2006 animated film, whose original title is “Toki o Kakeru Shoujo,” is in Japanese with English subtitles. It tells the story of 17-year-old Makoto, who gains the ability to leap backwards through time.

The San Francisco Urasenke Association held its annual Mugenki memorial tea ceremony on Aug. 10 at the Nichi Bei Kai Cultural Center Kansoan tea room in San Francisco.

Hosting the event on behalf or the Urasenke organization were Soryu Bratton, Sokyo Inouye and Sosetsu Kuramoto, with 65 members and guests in attendance.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Kyodo) — A Republican administration under John McCain would look forward to Japan’s leadership role in Asia and worldwide, according to the 2008 Republican Party platform adopted Sept. 1.

“Our long-standing alliance with Japan has been the foundation for peace and prosperity in Asia, and we look for Japan to forge a leadership role in regional and global affairs,’’ the document said.

The platform was adopted on the opening day of the four-day Republican National Convention.