I'm glad the hack for 1.0.8.1 is doing the trick for your site.
This whole issue has already been fixed properly (in CVS) by moving all the format strings out into the language packs.
For example, go to http://moodle.com and flip through the language menu up the top (and notice the date formats changing).
So rest assured that when the next release comes out you won't have to maintain your hack.
Cheers,
Martin
Languages
Dates in Japanese
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