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September 05, 2025
 

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Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 18, 2023
Upcoming by-elections first test of Kishida’s new Cabinet
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces his first electoral test after making Cabinet and Liberal Democratic Party leadership changes last month.
An official speaks during a government-sponsored tour of the 2025 Osaka Expo site on Yumeshima island, Osaka, on Sept. 14.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 12, 2023
As 2025 Osaka Expo nears, foreign pavilion woes continue to mount
Over 50 countries had been expected to design and build their own pavilions. So far, only two have been greenlighted by Osaka city to begin construction.
JAPAN
Oct 11, 2023
Sapporo officially drops bid for 2030 Winter Olympics
The city's major, however, made it clear that the Hokkaido capital is still hoping to host a future Winter Olympics, perhaps as soon as 2034.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 10, 2023
Hokkaido lawmaker leaves Nippon Ishin over visit to Russia
Calls from within the party to punish Suzuki had been growing, especially after he told Russian media he was sure Moscow would win its war with Ukraine.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 6, 2023
Sapporo to push back Winter Olympics bid to 2034 or later
Sapporo mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto will meet with the Japanese Olympic Committee next week to request the change.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a news conference after his Cabinet reshuffle in Tokyo on Sept. 13.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 2, 2023
Late fall emerges as possible timing for snap election in Japan
A decision on a snap poll could be determined by debate over an economic stimulus package and a supplementary budget bill to pay for it.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2023
Yoshiro Mori's image as LDP kingmaker rubs up against reality
While he remains a strong presence in the LDP, his actual ability to get his way on policy and personnel matters may not be as strong as it first appears.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 27, 2023
Ex-LDP member's indictment puts spotlight on green energy goals
A Lower House member and the former president of a major offshore wind-power company were each charged with bribery by Tokyo prosecutors.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 21, 2023
Scandal-tainted Yuko Obuchi's appointment could backfire on Kishida
Obuchi still faces questions over a nearly decade-old political funds scandal, and last week she was hit with fresh allegations of financial impropriety.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida poses with his new Cabinet in Tokyo on Wednesday.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 14, 2023
Kishida's Cabinet reshuffle is about keeping friends and rivals close
The Cabinet reshuffle and Liberal Democratic Party senior leadership changes reflect a leader concerned with factional politics and potential rivals.
New Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is seen in formal attire to attend an attestation ceremony after a Cabinet reshuffle in Tokyo on Wednesday.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 13, 2023
In Kishida's Cabinet reshuffle, two changes stand out
It will be the first time in 20 years that a woman has been foreign minister, while the new defense chief arrives amid dramatic shifts in defense posture.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 12, 2023
Kishida to shake up Cabinet, but keep veterans and rivals in key posts
Reports indicated that Kishida would replace Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and defense chief Yasukazu Hamada.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 8, 2023
Next LDP leadership race looms over Kishida's reshuffle plans
The prime minister looks set to retain two veteran Liberal Democratic Party leaders in their posts in a Cabinet and LDP leadership reshuffle.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 7, 2023
Ex-LDP member and offshore wind advocate arrested over bribery
Masatoshi Akimoto is suspected of receiving ¥60 million from Masayuki Tsukawaki, then-president of Japan Wind Development.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 6, 2023
Nippon Ishin’s political path in focus amid differing party views
There are growing differences over the party’s future direction, including whether to remain an opposition party or consider joining the ruling coalition.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 4, 2023
LDP and Komeito patch up rift over Tokyo candidacies
Whether the agreement can heal the growing rift between the two parties and lead to support at the polls is still unclear.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 1, 2023
Rapidus breaks ground on key Hokkaido chip factory
Rapidus aims to position itself as a prominent worldwide supplier of cutting-edge 2-nanometer-wide semiconductors.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 29, 2023
Hokkaido hit hard by China's ban on Japan seafood imports
Chinese demand for products like scallops and sea cucumbers provides a crucial source of revenue for the prefecture.
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 24, 2023
A closer look at the Fukushima water discharge plan
The IAEA, the Japanese government and many nuclear experts say this process is safe and consistent with what other countries are doing.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a ministerial meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 22, 2023
Japan to begin releasing treated Fukushima water Thursday
Despite fishing cooperatives' lingering worries of reputational damage, the government will go ahead with its plan.
Surrounded by Chinese bases, a tiny Philippine island stands firm
A Philippine Navy sailor looks at a China Coast Guard vessel just off the coast of Pag-asa Island in the disputed South China Sea last month.
Anger in Japan after Instagrammer drinks burial site offering
Foreign tourists visit a park near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in August.
Tamagotchi hatches 100 million shipments worldwide thanks to ’90s nostalgia
The latest version of Tamagotchi, called Tamagotchi Paradise, is awarded the best digital toy at Tokyo Toy Show on Aug. 28.
Musk voices support for anti-immigration rally in Japan
Elon Musk has voiced support for anti-immigration protest in Japan, where a "Japanese First" party saw gains in recent elections.
Japan Post ordered to suspend delivery vans at 100 post offices
Japan Post has been under investigation by the transport ministry since it was revealed that improper alcohol and health checks were widespread across the company.
Xi — joined by Kim and Putin — delivers stark warning at military parade
Chinese leader Xi Jinping walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Tamagotchi hatches 100 million shipments worldwide thanks to ’90s nostalgia
The latest version of Tamagotchi, called Tamagotchi Paradise, is awarded the best digital toy at Tokyo Toy Show on Aug. 28.
Why Stalin didn’t invade Hokkaido still largely unknown, 80 years after WWII
During a survey to collect the remains of victims from the Taito Maru, one of the vessels involved in the Three Ships Incident, a metal helmet was found near the stern of the vessel on Aug. 5, 1984, at Rumoi Port. No human remains were discovered.
More sweltering days forecast for September after hottest summer on record
By the end of August, 8,341 people had been transported by ambulance for heatstroke in Tokyo alone.
Surrounded by Chinese bases, a tiny Philippine island stands firm
A Philippine Navy sailor looks at a China Coast Guard vessel just off the coast of Pag-asa Island in the disputed South China Sea last month.

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By Alex K.T. Martin

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