Jesse Johnson - The Japan Times

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For Jesse Johnson's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Apr 17, 2016

Beijing urges 'discretion' over South China Sea as New Zealand leader Key visits

China has urged New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to exercise "discretion" during his visit to China that started Sunday — an apparent attempt by Beijing to wield its considerable economic leverage in its dispute over the contested South China Sea.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Apr 17, 2016

North Korea's fifth nuclear test seen as imminent ahead of key party congress in May: report

North Korea appears to be laying the groundwork for a fifth nuclear test ahead of next month's ruling party congress, the first to be held in more than 30 years, a media report said Sunday, citing South Korean government sources.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Apr 15, 2016

First Japanese sub since WWII enters Sydney Harbor for naval exercise

A Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine arrived in Sydney Friday — the first time a Japanese sub has entered the harbor since World War II — to participate in bilateral exercises with its former foe.

Japan Times

JAPAN / ANALYSIS

Apr 13, 2016

Japan's own 'pivot' to Southeast Asia seen bearing fruit ahead of G-7 summit, China isles arbitration

Tokyo's efforts to lay the foundation for a more proactive approach to countering Beijing's maritime assertiveness begin to pay off.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Apr 12, 2016

China blasts Japan-backed G-7 maritime statement, says grouping must not take sides in territorial disputes

China reacted with anger Tuesday after the Group of Seven foreign ministers released a statement a day earlier voicing strong opposition to "unilateral actions" in the East and South China seas.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Apr 6, 2016

Beijing opens new lighthouse on man-made island in South China Sea

Beijing announced Tuesday that it has begun operating a lighthouse on the man-made island in the contested South China Sea that the U.S. sailed a warship near last October as part of its so-called freedom of navigation program.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Apr 3, 2016

Japanese submarine, destroyers arrive in Philippines for port call near disputed South China Sea waters

A Maritime Self-Defense Force flotilla of three vessels arrives in the Philippines on a goodwill visit — the first to include a Japanese submarine in 15 years — amid China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Mar 31, 2016

New Myanmar government brings challenges for Tokyo

With Wednesday's installation of a new government in Myanmar that will effectively be led by pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the Southeast Asian nation has arrived at a crossroads in its relationship with Japan.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 28, 2016

GSDF brings Yonaguni radar station online to keep closer eye on China

In a move expected to raise tensions further with Beijing, Tokyo brings a new radar station online right next to Taiwan.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Mar 20, 2016

Can cultural engagement soften North Korea's hard-line stance?

After years of provocations, talks, promises and broken vows — a pattern that Pyongyang has mastered — the atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula remains highly charged and little changed.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 17, 2016

A look at Syria's extremist Nusra Front, known for holding captives for ransom

By his captors' past form, journalist Jumpei Yasuda's plight could be drawn out.

JAPAN / Politics

Mar 16, 2016

MSDF training sub to visit Philippines; two escort ships to go on to port call in Vietnam

Japan has confirmed that a Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine will visit the Philippines for the first time in more than a decade, while two ships escorting the sub will continue on to Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay for an unprecedented port call and training exercises.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Politics

Mar 15, 2016

Without naming names, Japan video showcases effort to halt China maritime expansion

The Foreign Ministry releases a video highlighting Tokyo's own measures to help Southeast Asian nations match Beijing's maritime muscle.

ASIA PACIFIC

Mar 13, 2016

China to create 'international maritime judicial center' amid rising sea tensions

China will set up an "international maritime judicial center" in a bid to help protect its sea rights, the country's chief justice said Sunday, a move that analysts say Beijing could use to bolster its claims in the disputed South and East China seas.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Mar 12, 2016

China plans to begin civilian flights to, from disputed South China Sea isles

China is set to begin operating civilian flights to a disputed island in the South China Sea within a year, state media reported Friday as Beijing ramps up infrastructure development in the contested waters.

JAPAN / Politics

Mar 11, 2016

Amid South China Sea spat, Japan foreign aid white paper stresses importance of sea lanes

Tokyo renews its commitment to the ASEAN in its annual report on foreign aid, stressing the importance of safe sea lanes.

JAPAN / Politics

Mar 10, 2016

Japanese submarine to take part in Australian military drills

The Maritime Self-Defense Force has announced its participation in joint drills with the Australian navy and air force.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Mar 9, 2016

Amid South China Sea spat, long-range U.S. bombers could be rotated through Australia: report

In a move that is likely to anger Beijing, Washington is reportedly holding high-level talks with Canberra on the rotational deployment of long-range bombers to Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. has reported.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 1, 2016

Australia increasingly likely to pick Japan for huge submarine order, experts say

With Australia's release of its defense white paper last week, the race to build the country's next generation of submarines enters the home stretch — and some experts say the Japanese bid appears to hold an insurmountable lead.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Feb 24, 2016

China seen locking in gains as fighter jets reported on isle in South China Sea

In the latest in a series of moves that is likely to stoke already heated tensions in the South China Sea, Beijing has sent fighter jets to an island where it has deployed surface-to-air missile batteries, U.S. media said Tuesday.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

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

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

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