Chris Carrier says:

It was postulated that Japan would go on DST in 1996, probably using the American rules of 1st Sunday in April to last Sunday in October. I just called AT&T and got back a time of GMT+9; therefore they are not on DST. (This does not, however, preclude their going on DST this April 7 and then deciding to end DST earlier than planned.)

I have been living in Japan for a year and can confirm that there was no DST this year. Also, although I can't read Japanese newspapers, it's worth pointing out that there was absolutely no mention of the possibility of implementing DST in any English-language periodicals here, as far as I know. The only place I've heard anything about the possibility is on this mailing list. (Of course, this being Japan, perhaps such things are not discussed before they are announced :-)) Stephen Eubank eubank@itl.atr.co.jp