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October 29, 2025
 

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Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 14, 2021
Time running out for Japanese prosecutors in 'Don Juan' murder case
While police say they have circumstantial evidence against Saki Sudo, no witnesses have come forward and there is an apparent lack of clear evidence.
JAPAN
May 11, 2021
Referendum bill spotlights Japan's powerful constitutional committee
Revision is likely to be a major campaign issue in the next Lower House poll, but any changes presented to the public would have to be agreed to by the Commission on the Constitution.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 9, 2021
Abe rallies conservative base amid speculation over comeback
More than eight months after health issues forced him to resign as PM, Abe is moving to re-establish his power base among younger Liberal Democratic Party conservatives.
JAPAN
Apr 29, 2021
As Osaka’s COVID-19 crisis worsens, Tokyo and Aichi offer to take patients
Hospitals have been forced to turn away patients who, in some cases, then had to spend hours in an ambulance before they could finally gain admission.
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.
Inside Tokyo's 'phantom' stations — and the stories they tell
Mamoru Iwai, stationmaster of Keisei Ueno Station, says that, other than earthquake-proofing, the former Hakubutsukan-Dobutsuen (Museum-Zoo) Station has remained untouched.
At first summit with Trump, Takaichi pledges 'new golden age' for alliance
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her fist as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech in front of U.S. Navy personnel on board the U.S. Navy's USS George Washington aircraft carrier at the American naval base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Tuesday.
Trump arrives in Japan for security and trade talks in test for Takaichi
U.S. President Donald Trump is welcomed by Emperor Naruhito upon his arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday evening.
Japanese firms keep expanding in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia
A Nishiyama Seimen employee works at its factory in Sapporo.
Bear kills another person in Japan in record year for fatal attacks
Police investigate the scene of a bear attack that killed one person and injured three others on Friday in the village of Higashinaruse in Akita Prefecture.
Tokyo Film Festival opens with global stars and a spotlight on Asian storytelling
Director Junji Sakamoto (left) walked the Tokyo International Film Festival red carpet with Sayuri Yoshinaga (center) and Non (right), who both play mountaineer Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest, in the biopic "Climbing for Life."
Hawks aim to bring energy from Japan Series blowout to Koshien
Hawks players celebrate victory over the Tigers at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka on Sunday.
Spanish artist and Japanese writer duos diversify the manga talent pool in Japan
"Menheim” is a dark fantasy manga with a story that centers on a girl’s quest to find a cure for her ill brother.
Japan’s youth are apathetic toward the climate crisis. Could anime change that?
“Future Kid Takara,” a series of anime shorts to be aired on NHK Educational TV in November, attempts to educate children about climate change.
Loss to Wallabies doesn't dampen Japan’s optimism
Japan's Michael Leitch controls the ball during the match against Australia on Saturday.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Mamoru Iwai, stationmaster of Keisei Ueno Station, says that, other than earthquake-proofing, the former Hakubutsukan-Dobutsuen (Museum-Zoo) Station has remained untouched.
Inside Tokyo's 'phantom' stations — and the stories they tell
By Alex K.T. Martin

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