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 Tomohiro Osaki

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Tomohiro Osaki
Tomohiro Osaki is a staff writer in the Domestic News Division. A graduate of Sophia University in Tokyo, he likes to explore under-reported realities of Japanese youth, with a tendency toward the taboo.
For Tomohiro Osaki's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
A man, who said he was jailed for two years, speaks on condition of anonymity in temporary housing for former prisoners in Tokyo. Criminal recruits in Japan are being "exploited and disposed of as pawns" by gang leaders, the National Police Agency has said.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Nov 24, 2023
Why Japan's gangs are recruiting online
For Japan's criminal underworld, social media offers an anonymous way to connect with anyone willing to commit crimes to earn money.
Human Rights Watch Asia program officer Teppei Kasai (center) speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Nov 15, 2023
Japan women prisoners suffer serious abuse: Human Rights Watch
Handcuffs during pregnancy, separation from newborn babies and insufficient care for elderly inmates are among the abuses suffered, the rights group said.
Fishermen work at a port in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, on Aug. 24.
JAPAN
Sep 4, 2023
Japan boosts fishing sector aid after Fukushima water release
The increased aid comes as more than 100 fishermen and locals living near Fukushima prepare to file a lawsuit this week seeking to stop the discharge.
From June to August, Japan's weather agency recorded "considerably higher" average summer temperatures in "northern, eastern, and western Japan."
JAPAN
Sep 1, 2023
Record shattered as Japan sees hottest summer ever
From June to August, the weather agency recorded "considerably higher" average summer temperatures in "northern, eastern, and western Japan."
Hinata Miyazawa scored five goals in Japan's first four matches at the Women's World Cup.
SOCCER / Women's World cup
Aug 10, 2023
Hinata Miyazawa leading charge for Japan at Women's World Cup
Hinata Miyazawa had never been prolific before this year's Women's World Cup but has emerged as an unlikely star during the tournament.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jul 23, 2023
Japan's macho cheerleaders fight to save a tradition
Dressed in old-fashioned, school-style uniforms, cheering squads are a mass of black at college baseball games as they shout out chants and bang taiko drums.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 19, 2023
'Deeply hurt': Anti-trans hostility rises in Japan
Disinformation "linking transgender women to sexual violence in public spaces" is being "disseminated extremely widely," the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation warned earlier this year.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 13, 2023
Japanese officials call for Mount Fuji crowd control
Authorities have warned that an "unprecedented" number of people were expected to tackle its steep symmetrical slopes this year.
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
May 12, 2023
The 'Black Ships' of anime: Streaming giants are in a battle for supremacy
Services like Netflix are coming into the anime-merchandising complex and shaking things up by focusing on productions that cater to niche fans.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
May 10, 2023
Toyota beat profit forecast in fiscal '22, upbeat on sales for year ahead
The world"s top-selling automaker said it also expects profit to increase in the year ahead on "improvements in semiconductor supply and the efforts of production sites."
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
Apr 28, 2023
A genre of anime known as 'isekai' promises the ultimate do-over. And fans love it.
What if you were able to escape the doldrums of your current life and start fresh? That"s the premise offered by a genre of anime that is increasing in popularity.
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
Apr 28, 2023
Anime luminary Masao Maruyama warns Japan is at risk of losing the crown to China
One of the industry"s most important players says rampant commercialization is a threat to Japanese creativity when it comes to animation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 12, 2023
Former teen idol alleges sexual abuse by boy-band mogul Johnny Kitagawa
The artist is one of the first to publicly address Kitagawa"s long-alleged sexual abuse, saying he was molested "15 to 20" times while with the agency starting when he was 15 years old.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 2, 2023
From sharing site to anime giant, Crunchyroll marches forward
Crunchyroll is now a streaming giant credited with helping Japanese anime transform from a nerdy subculture into a lucrative global industry poised to conquer new markets.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Mar 7, 2023
Japan's first AI manga has people asking: Is it machine magic or art menace?
The creator of "Cyberpunk: Peach John" says he isn"t good at drawing, but he didn"t let that stop him from illustrating a manga.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Feb 17, 2023
Japan weighs finally lifting age of consent from 13
The move to raise the age of consent to 16 is part of a package of reforms that would also clarify rape prosecution requirements and criminalize voyeurism.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 14, 2023
Japan rolls out 'humble and lovable' delivery robots
From April, revised traffic laws will allow self-driving delivery robots to navigate streets across the country.
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
Dec 30, 2022
Hirokazu Kore-eda calls for Japanese cinema to support young directors
The Palme d'Or-winning director seeks to change tough working conditions for up-and-coming filmmakers by collaborating with proteges on a new Netflix series.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 25, 2022
'Work without limits': Japan's teachers battle for change
Educators say they are reaching a breaking point regarding overwork, and some have challenged the issue through lawsuits.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 9, 2022
Nissan hikes forecasts on weak yen despite falling unit sales
Nissan also reported a one-time loss in the period of approximately u00a5100 billion "in connection with the withdrawal from the Russian market."

Longform

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