author

 
 

Meta

Shinji Fukukawa
For Shinji Fukukawa's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
COMMENTARY
Jan 8, 2010
Public hopes fade to fears over the DPJ's capabilities
The Hatoyama Cabinet's approval rating is falling rapidly. In the Lower House election last August, people in Japan rejected the Liberal Democratic Party's long years of reliance on vested interests in favor of the Democratic Party of Japan for a change of government.
COMMENTARY
Dec 1, 2009
East Asian Community primer
Since taking office, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has attached importance to East Asia policy and has proposed, in Japan and abroad, his vision for creating an East Asian Community (EAC).
COMMENTARY
Nov 12, 2009
Emissions cap-and-trade as policy?
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, at the United Nations Summit on Climate Change held Sept. 22, stated Japan's pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, which is premised on "all the major economies" agreeing on ambitious targets.
COMMENTARY
Oct 3, 2009
Hopes and tasks for the DPJ
In a Yomiuri Shimbun opinion survey conducted just after the election, 72 percent of those polled had an optimistic view of the Democratic Party of Japan, reflecting a favorable popular response to the outcome of the Aug. 30 general election.
COMMENTARY
Aug 23, 2009
Japan has plenty of work to do in transforming how it governs
The world is changing dramatically and political governance is at stake.
COMMENTARY
Aug 22, 2009
The decline of policymaking
I have misgivings about the decline of Japanese policymaking abilities.
COMMENTARY
Aug 21, 2009
Decay of Japanese politics
Japan's politics in recent years has lacked dynamism and incurred people's distrust. The purpose of politics is to present a vision for the nation's future, identify the systems and policies needed, and ensure the safety and prosperity of the nation and its people. Recently, though, Japanese politics has not lived up to these expectations.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 27, 2001
How to harmonize science and technology with humanity
The 20th century was the greatest century in human history thanks to the tremendous progress made in science and technology. The advancement of science and technology has given us a higher living standard, and the information-technology revolution has dramatically expanded our intellectual playing field. Concerns are emerging, however, that science and technology are harming the Earth and could even threaten the very existence of mankind.
BUSINESS
May 28, 2001
Sea change in Japan's values
Japan is in the midst of change in its social value system.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree