re: How many here think the Japanese Lunar-A project is "dead"?
If I remember correctly they were having problems with test penetrators surviving impact (2002?).
I think they will continue working on the mission. but the "current" info on JAXA/IASA websites is a launch in August of 2004...8-)
Maybe SELENE will fly before Lunar-A.
The NSSDC Moon mission page has them both listed as future missions.