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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN
Apr 28, 2021
Three aging reactors in Fukui Prefecture given OK for restart
The prefecture's decision could set a precedent that leads to more aging reactors getting restarted instead of being scrapped.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 26, 2021
LDP’s triple by-election loss a long-term worry for Suga
Opposition victory in Hiroshima could fuel further questions about a vote-buying scandal there, with any revelations having a knock-on effect on September's LDP presidential race.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2021
U.S. summit tests Biden and Suga's ability to lead on climate change
The global warming summit represents a chance to further cement commitments by the U.S. and Japanese leaders while promoting multilateral efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals.
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 20, 2021
Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president and ambassador to Japan, dies at 93
Mondale's time in Japan was marked by tough negotiations over bilateral trade issues, especially those related to semiconductors and insurance.
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2021
Osaka to seek another state of emergency declaration over virus
The decision to request a declaration is expected to be formalized at a prefectural task force meeting Tuesday.
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2021
New agency intended to put Japan’s child policies under one roof
Currently at least five different government bodies are in charge of policies related to children, often causing confusion among parents.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 12, 2021
For Suga and LDP, worries build over Hiroshima poll in election year
A vote-buying scandal that forced the resignation of the previous representative has rocked the local political establishment and sparked voter anger.
JAPAN
Apr 7, 2021
Osaka declares local medical emergency as coronavirus cases hit record 878
“We've seen a rapid spread of infections, including the spread of virus variant infections. There's a danger the medical system will collapse,” Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday.
JAPAN
Apr 6, 2021
Spread of U.K. strain casts shadow over Kansai COVID-19 measures
In Osaka, new rules have faced questions and criticism over their enforcement and whether or not the policies will actually reduce the number of coronavirus infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Apr 3, 2021
Kansai classics for a home movie festival
Given that it will be a while before movie theaters are back to normal, here are recommendations for those interested in the Kansai region and classic films.
JAPAN
Mar 26, 2021
Cabinet OKs law to limit foreign real estate deals in Japan citing national security
The bill has raised concerns about violation of privacy rights, and an intense debate over its provisions and constitutionality is likely.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 24, 2021
Failure to communicate: Suga’s media messaging falls short
Putting his policies and statements aside, the prime minister is doing a poor job at conveying his message and convincing people of his leadership qualities, experts say.
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 23, 2021
Communications ministry scandal puts focus on Japan's Broadcast Act
A decision to strip a unit of Tohokushinsha of its license came after a number of senior officials connected to the ministry were punished for violating the ethics code.
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Mar 20, 2021
As long-time Hyogo governor steps aside, will voters seek a new direction?
A key election in the Kansai region is slated to take place in July as five-term Hyogo Gov. Toshizo Ido steps down after two decades in power.
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 12, 2021
Japan's ethics code for officials in focus as dining scandal rumbles on
The National Public Service Ethics Code sets clear expectations for ministry life in hope of preventing the kind of conflicts of interest in which Suga's eldest son has been implicated.
JAPAN
Mar 7, 2021
U.N. crime prevention conference kicks off in Kyoto
The Kyoto congress will focus on greater international cooperation efforts between nations to address long-standing cross-border crimes ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking.
JAPAN / Remembering 3/11
Mar 7, 2021
Ten years after Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan finding path to renewable energy future
Almost immediately after the triple meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, the shift toward renewable energy sources began to accelerate.
JAPAN
Feb 28, 2021
Fact-checking or propaganda? Osaka political group's new Twitter account raises eyebrows
Concerned about a rise in what Osaka Ishin said was false statements on social media, the group launched a new Twitter account to track posts about the prefecture's COVID-19 response.
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Feb 23, 2021
Influence-peddling scandal: How Suga ended up in the hot seat again
Revelations that Seigo Suga wined and dined officials have again raised questions about influence peddling at the highest levels of government.
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Feb 20, 2021
Mori's downfall poetic justice for an Osaka ready to showcase its modernity
From describing the city as 'phlegm' to lackluster support for its Olympic bid, the former prime minister and Tokyo Games chief finally reaped the harvest of his disdain for Osaka.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami