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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN / New Normal 2.0
Jun 27, 2022
Japan prepares for bounce in tourism, but pre-pandemic demand still far off
Destinations such as Niseko in Hokkaido are gearing up for 'revenge travel' by domestic and foreign tourists, but caution over COVID-19 limits the expected rise in numbers.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jun 27, 2022
Hokkaido sake brewer looks to post-COVID gastro-tourism market
While Kyoto and Hiroshima are likely be the go-to choices for many first-time visitors to Japan, Hokkaido could be a tempting travel experience for those visiting again.
JAPAN
Jun 24, 2022
Nippon Ishin and DPP face struggle to differentiate themselves in election
Past cooperation with each other — and with the LDP — is weighing on the two opposition parties ahead of the Upper House election on July 10.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 23, 2022
In Japan's Upper House poll, CDP battles to stay relevant
Seven months after a disastrous Lower House election, the largest opposition party finds itself with low poll numbers and questions swirling about what will happen if it again loses seats.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 9, 2022
Japan's Lower House rejects no-confidence motions against PM and speaker
While the outcome was never in doubt, the votes may indicate a larger split between the opposition parties.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 8, 2022
Opposition CDP submits no-confidence motions ahead of election
CDP leader Kenta Izumi has lambasted Lower House speaker Hiroyuki Hosoda over sexual harassment allegations and targeted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's response to price hikes.
Japan Times
WORLD
May 30, 2022
New Australian leader Anthony Albanese focuses on countering China's Pacific influence
Heading into the election, the Labor Party platform emphasized that its defense and foreign policy would start with increased cooperation with the Pacific islands.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
May 24, 2022
The IPEF, already a tough sell for Biden at home, seen as limited in scope
American businesses continue to look on jealously at an existing major Asia-Pacific trade pact, which they say offers greater precision and economic impact.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 23, 2022
Biden launches Indo-Pacific Economic Framework with 13 nations including Japan
The IPEF is an attempt by the U.S. to reassert its economic leadership in the region after it withdrew from a major Asia-Pacific trade pact in 2017 under Donald Trump.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
May 20, 2022
Amid energy supply woes, Japan looks to the U.S. as an LNG source
Biden's coming visit to Japan is an opportunity for Washington and Tokyo to expand bilateral energy cooperation, including increased fossil fuel exports by the U.S.
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 15, 2022
Tourism and logistics: Okinawa's latest plan to boost its economy
Under its latest economic plan, Okinawa aims to raise its gross prefectural product from u00a54.1 trillion in fiscal 2020 to u00a55.7 trillion by 2031 and reduce its jobless rate from 3.6% to 2.5%.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
May 12, 2022
Japan’s main labor group is drawing closer to the LDP. Some say too close.
Closer ties between Rengo and the ruling LDP would deeply concern opposition leaders, who rely on the union's 7 million members for electoral support.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 9, 2022
Japan to phase out Russian oil use but remain in Sakhalin energy projects
The ban 'in principle' on Russian oil imports is expected to come in stages, and is expected to have limited effect on Japan's supplies.
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 2, 2022
Ukraine war pushes revision of Japan's Constitution into the spotlight
With more LDP lawmakers calling for changes and the public taking a greater interest in the issue, Kishida has been forced to address the topic ahead of July's Upper House election.
JAPAN
Apr 27, 2022
In emotional news conference, tour boat operator apologizes for Hokkaido tragedy
The cause of the accident remains unclear, but investigators plan to build a criminal case against the boat's operator.
JAPAN
Apr 25, 2022
Hokkaido boat accident highlights the risks of nature tourism
Firms offering boat tours of the Shiretoko Peninsula have agreed not to operate during Golden Week, and officials are worried that the incident will keep tourists away from Hokkaido.
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2022
End of Wakayama bid leaves only Osaka and Nagasaki in race for Japan’s first casinos
The prefecture's withdrawal due to unclear financing for the project undermines a major initiative by the central government to revitalize local economies.
JAPAN
Apr 15, 2022
Russia-Ukraine crisis far away for most in Japan, but not in Hokkaido
More visible demonstrations of Moscow's military power on and around Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands off Hokkaido are generating concerns among residents.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 11, 2022
Lower House redistricting threatens clash of titans within LDP
With a single-seat district to be cut in Yamaguchi, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe could end up fighting for the remaining seats and resulting influence.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 5, 2022
Three months before Upper House poll, Kishida holds party rivals at bay
Strong approval ratings and the Ukraine crisis have given the prime minister the edge over his rival Shinzo Abe within the LDP.

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