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Kakumi Kobayashi
For Kakumi Kobayashi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 11, 2017
As reconstruction advances, Tohoku tsunami survivors stress the need to keep memories alive
Yuko Tanno, a supermarket worker who survived the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region, says she will definitely move back to her old neighborhood, where she lost her 13-year-old son to the massively high waves.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2017
Record-setting winning streak of shogi prodigy Sota Fujii halted at 29 games
A record-setting winning streak by 14-year-old shogi prodigy Sota Fujii ended Sunday with his defeat at the hands of Yuki Sasaki, 22, in a high-profile match of the traditional chess-like game.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 2, 2017
Despite vague platform, Tomin First outshining status quo in Tokyo
Many voters queried about the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election Sunday said they cast ballots for Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First), the upstart party led by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, because they did not want the scandal-plagued Liberal Democratic Party to take control of the legislature.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 27, 2017
The era of young shogi pro Fujii is here, but so is the era of AI in changing the game
The record-setting winning streak of a 14-year-old shogi sensation has turned the spotlight on another new phenomenon shaking up the centuries-old Japanese board game — the use of artificial intelligence to improve players' skills.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 24, 2017
Japanese residents of Manchester shaken by terrorist attack
Japanese residents in Manchester, England, expressed shock that the deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall took place in a city known for welcoming different cultures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 17, 2017
Pacific Command chief exhorts Russia and China to bring Kim Jong Un 'to his senses'
The head of the U.S. military's Pacific Command on Wednesday urged Russia and China to step up efforts in reining in North Korea and persuade the reclusive state to halt its nuclear weapons program and related provocations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 15, 2017
Patriotic Japan poster from 2011 causes social media stir after campaign's model outed as Chinese
A poster designed six years ago in an apparent bid to promote patriotism has recently gone viral on social media thanks to its catchphrase, which has revived public debate on race, and the revelation that its smiling model is actually Chinese.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Apr 3, 2016
Trilateral summit tightens Asian leaders' resolve against North Korea
Taking advantage of a perceived thaw in relations between Tokyo and Seoul, U.S. President Barack Obama met with his counterparts from Japan and South Korea on the fringes of the Nuclear Security Summit to promote greater trilateral unity to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Mar 12, 2016
As Trump's popularity continues to rise, his Japan-bashing continues to baffle
Japanese government officials are faced with a challenging question: when to begin the work of clearing up misunderstandings caused by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's remarks about bilateral relations?
JAPAN / History
Feb 17, 2016
Smithsonian internment exhibition to warn against racial profiling
Curators of an upcoming Smithsonian museum exhibition on the wartime internment of Japanese-Americans have put out a call for families to contribute artifacts for display. The National Museum of American History in Washington wants items that reveal everyday life inside the camps.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 17, 2015
Abe sidesteps economy, stays visible at G-20 with anti-terrorism rhetoric
At the first multilateral summit after Friday's deadly attacks in Paris, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes his presence felt by pledging Japan's commitment to fighting terrorism as it hosts major meetings of world leaders and ministers next year.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 27, 2015
TPP's fate rests with Japan, U.S.
The success of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement now hinges on whether Tokyo and Washington can take advantage of progress in Congress to bridge their differences on trade.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 30, 2015
Chinese bank initiative, TPP potential keep Abe, Obama close
U.S. President Barack Obama offered a generous welcome to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week. It was an apparent bid to further cement ties with a close East Asia ally as they both deal with a more assertive China.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 16, 2015
G-7 statement gives Japan new backing over China issues
The Group of Seven leading industrialized nations has adopted a document focusing on maritime security for the first time, giving Japan new backing in its bid to step up pressure on China over territorial issues.
BUSINESS
Apr 15, 2015
Japan, G-7 partners Germany, France, Italy plan close coordination over China-led Asian Infrastruture Inestment Bank
Japan agreed with Germany, France and Italy on Tuesday to work closely to handle issues related to a planned China-led new development bank although there is no change in Tokyo's cautiousness about joining it, Japanese officials said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 16, 2015
TPP clock ticks as Congress dallies on trade authority
Negotiations on a contested Pacific free trade pact have apparently hit a new snag — a U.S. legislative delay in bringing forward a bill viewed as crucial to concluding the deal.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 2, 2015
As U.S. boosts efforts to conclude TPP, hopes grow for breakthrough with Japan
The United States is stepping up efforts to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact soon, a move that also boosts hopes for a deal with Japan that would be necessary for the goal.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 28, 2015
New Japan-U.K. defense framework unlocks cooperation, sales
Japan's new security framework with Britain is expected to generate few immediate changes to the defense profiles of either country but is widely regarded as a boon to contractors in the industry.
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 21, 2015
Japan, Britain hold first 'two plus two' security talks
The Japanese and British foreign and defense ministers were to meet Wednesday to discuss closer security cooperation, including a possible exercise to evacuate each other's nationals from a crisis overseas, a Japanese official said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 29, 2014
U.S. in suspense over fate of 'Abenomics'
The impending election has drawn little reaction from the U.S. government, but analysts say it will keep a close eye on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policies once it is over.

Longform

A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world