Economy | ANALYSIS
Households to take hit from tax hike
by Tomoko Otake
The consumption tax increase will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people’s financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the hike's impact.
National Sep 30, 2013
Japan, U.S. to OK deal on transfer of marines
Japan and the United States plan to give the go-ahead at a high-level meeting this week to revise the bilateral accord on realigning U.S. Marine Corps personnel in Okinawa, as well as defense cooperation guidelines in response to China’s military buildup. The planned revision ...
National Sep 3, 2013
JET alumni advocates for Japan
by Ayako Mie
Clifton Strickler never thought of coming to Japan until he met his boss at the University of Texas while engaged in an undergraduate work-study. His boss lived in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, teaching English with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. For Strickler, the JET ...
National Aug 16, 2013
Nisei renew call for society free of all discrimination
by Jun Kaminishikawara
A leading group of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent, including some who suffered internment during World War II, are using their community’s experiences to campaign for a society free of discrimination and prejudice. The Japanese American Citizens League renewed its call for the protection ...
Economy Aug 9, 2013
First talks with U.S. on TPP wrap up
by Kazuaki Nagata
The first Japan-U.S. talks held in parallel with the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade initiative ended Friday in Tokyo, setting the stage for further discussions on more specific issues. Since this was the inaugural round, the two sides basically stated their positions and tried to establish ...
National Aug 6, 2013
U.S. grounds HH-60 helicopters in Japan after accident
The U.S. military says it is suspending flights by HH-60 helicopters at Japan's request until the cause of a crash in Okinawa has been determined.
National Jul 18, 2013
Defense firms to get OK to help build F-35s
The government will allow domestic defense-related manufacturers to participate in production of F-35 stealth fighters for the Air Self-Defense Force, according to sources. The government, which will sign contracts with the manufacturers in August, is aiming to solidify Japan-U.S. security relations while nurturing the ...
National Jun 27, 2013
Activist honored for work to bring Japan and U.S. closer
by Jun Kaminishikawara
Floyd Mori, a retired Japanese-American politician, was decorated by Japan last autumn for his decades-long contributions to deepening bilateral relations. “My parents passed away a few years ago. They would’ve been very proud that the country of their birth has honored me,” the 74-year-old ...
Corporate Jun 12, 2013
Kikkoman aims to make global soy sauce splash
Seasoning maker Kikkoman Corp. aims to achieve global soy sauce sales of 1 million kiloliters by 2020, a 2.5-fold jump from the current output of 420,000 kiloliters, officials said. Kikkoman this month marked the 40th anniversary of overseas soy sauce production, which began at ...
National Jun 1, 2013
Japanese art gets new space in U.S.
The Cleveland Museum of Art will open a new exhibition room for its Japanese art on June 16 as part of a $350 million renovation and expansion project. “We regard it as one of the most important Japanese collections in North America,” museum President ...
National May 17, 2013
U.S. Reps. Honda, Israel call remarks 'repulsive'
Two U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged Japan to distance itself clearly from an outspoken politician who said the “comfort women” forced to provide sex during the war were a military necessity. In comments that prompted outrage in South Korea and China, Osaka Mayor Toru ...
National Apr 19, 2013
Ome marathoners offer support to fellow runners bombed in Boston
by Jun Hongo
Organizers of Tokyo’s Ome Marathon expressed their condolences to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, stressing they intend to work “hand in hand” with the race’s host to help overcome the tragedy. Since signing a sister-race agreement nearly 40 years ago, the Ome ...
National Apr 11, 2013
Kishida, Kerry vow to enhance cooperation to block nuclear Korea
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday shared concern over North Korea’s intensifying provocations and agreed to enhance cooperation, including financial sanctions, to prevent the reclusive country from going nuclear. During the meeting, Kishida told Kerry that Japan ...