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October 30, 2025
 

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Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
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.
JAPAN
Feb 18, 2021
Hashimoto brings experience and connections in sports and politics to new role
The former Olympics minister appears to have only reluctantly accepted the post, and she may face questions about her relationship with her predecessor, Yoshiro Mori.
JAPAN
Feb 17, 2021
Shimane governor threatens to cancel participation in Olympic torch relay
The remarks could create a political domino effect among other local governors worried about their own ability to respond to increased infections if the Tokyo Games go forward.
JAPAN
Feb 16, 2021
The next boss of the Tokyo Games — a savvy operator or a fresh face?
The organizing committee says it is looking for a successor that has a certain background in the Olympics as well as a strong awareness of gender equality and inclusiveness.
JAPAN
Feb 12, 2021
How 'indispensable' Mori came to enjoy huge influence in politics and sport
The former prime minister had contacts his peers did not and the ability to get things done behind the scenes that leaders in both arenas relied on heavily.
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 10, 2021
As China authorizes use of force by coast guard, Japan considers response
With Beijing beefing up its powers in contested areas such as the Senkaku Islands, questions have arisen over how Tokyo should handle coastal security incidents.
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
Tokyo Olympics head Mori says he was ready to quit over sexist remarks
When it was learned that Mori was prepared to resign, a rushed meeting was held between him and top Tokyo Olympic officials, who tearfully urged him not to quit.
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
With COVID-19 cases falling, Osaka may seek early end to state of emergency
Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura is likely to decide as early as Tuesday whether to ask the central government to cancel the state of emergency for the prefecture.
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 4, 2021
Japan's new virus law: Fines for noncompliance and support for hard-hit firms
Fines can be levied on businesses that refuse orders to shorten their hours of operation under a state of emergency and individuals who refuse to be hospitalized for the novel coronavirus.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Feb 3, 2021
More than four months into his term, Suga's popularity ebbs as tough decisions await
From controversial coronavirus legislation to the fate of the Tokyo Games, the prime minister's leadership ability and style is under increased scrutiny and criticism.
JAPAN
Feb 1, 2021
Mayor gives Japan's first approval for restart of reactors over 40 years old
Takahama Mayor Yutaka Nose reached his decision after receiving assurances from the government that it would boost revitalization projects and the town's funding.
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 28, 2021
'Japan’s Marine Corps': The nation's first responders for remote island defense
The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade was established in 2018 to respond to security situations that require faster mobilization of land, sea, and air forces.
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 25, 2021
With bid policy set, localities in Japan roll dice on casinos
Areas interested in submitting proposals now have a clear schedule of when they can do so, and a better understanding of what they can and can't do during the selection process.
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 20, 2021
As U.N. nuclear treaty comes into force, Japan sees different path to nonproliferation
Nuclear weapons states, as well as Japan, have refused to sign the treaty, preferring arms control treaties that they hope will lead to the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Jan 16, 2021
Kansai's 2030 vision is to think like a penguin
Kansai Economic Federation, which includes some of Kansai's largest and most influential firms, hopes to tap patrons with the spirit of a “first penguin” to revive the region's fortunes.
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Jan 15, 2021
Indictment of ex-minister Takamori Yoshikawa puts Suga in tight spot
With public support sinking over the pandemic and questions raised over his past statements on Abe's spring party scandal, prosecution of a trusted ally only adds to Suga's woes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 14, 2021
Japan maintains 'pragmatic' line on Trump's incitement of Capitol siege
Even lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party criticized their leaders after the government's top spokesperson described the situation in Washington as 'difficult.'
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.
Abe shooting suspect Yamagami pleads guilty to murder
Members of the media gather outside the Nara District Court in the city of Nara on Tuesday hours before the start of the trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022.
Takaichi buys time and builds trust with ‘near-perfect’ Trump summit
U.S. President Donald Trump walks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier during a visit to the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Tuesday.
JPYC, world’s first yen stablecoin, is issued
Noritaka Okabe, head of Japanese startup JPYC, at a news conference for the first yen stablecoin in Tokyo on Monday
Oasis returns to Tokyo: Rain, rapture and rock
Fans wait to get into the Oasis show at Tokyo Dome on Saturday. While lining up in the rain, some broke into impromptu versions of the British rock group's hits.
Kyushu banzuke sets the stage to cement 2025’s sumo narratives
Onosato ahead of his bout against Aonishiki at The Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Oct. 18
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."
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.

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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