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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
For Eric Johnston's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 25, 2023
LDP-Komeito clash over Tokyo candidate pick threatens broader rift
Wrangling over five new Lower House seats in Tokyo may be driving a wedge between the coalition partners.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 24, 2023
Japan's political parties prepare as talk of snap election heats up
While Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may or may not call a snap election now that the G7 summit is over, that uncertainty isn't stopping political parties from planning their next moves.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 22, 2023
South Korean nuclear experts to tour Fukushima plant amid water concerns
During their tour of the crippled plant, the experts will pay particular attention to Japan’s plans to discharge treated water, currently being stored at the facility, into the ocean.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 21, 2023
Embrace of LNG by G7 a setback for climate goals, experts warn
One expert put the blame on Japan, particularly for what she called a lack of a sense of urgency about the climate crisis on the part of the Japanese government.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 19, 2023
Nippon Ishin lawmaker disciplined over remarks about death of Sri Lankan woman
Without offering proof, Umemura told the Upper House on three occasions that Wishma may have died as a result of a hunger strike, a claim she later admitted was speculation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 19, 2023
Japan’s largest opposition party could be reaching a breaking point
The CDP faces a crisis as internal arguments, poor elections results and the rise of Nippon Ishin threaten its status as Japan’s largest opposition party.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 17, 2023
Concerns over Russia draw Finland and Japan closer together
Tanja Jaaskelainen, Finland’s ambassador to Japan, told the Japan Times in an interview that shared worries over Russia are leading her country and Japan to boost cooperation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 11, 2023
Komeito looks nervously toward next elections as Nippon Ishin rises
Despite only one Komeito loss in Osaka, the local Nippon Ishin chapter won seats for governor, mayor and control in prefectural and municipal assemblies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 9, 2023
Motegi attempts to raise profile in possible challenge to Kishida
The powerful LDP Secretary-General, however, is not seen as a favorable choice for prime minister by many in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 30, 2023
Nippon Ishin’s 'hop, skip and jump' election strategy faces one final leap
The Osaka-based Nippon Ishin faces a long final jump in order to achieve its goal of winning enough seats in the next general election to become Japan’s main opposition force.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 24, 2023
Kishida rules out snap poll after LDP wins big in Sunday by-elections
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party received a welcome boost Sunday night as four of five LDP-affiliated or supported candidates won key parliamentary by-elections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 20, 2023
Voter reaction to attack on Kishida could impact Sunday by-elections
How the ruling party performs is expected to influence Kishida’s decision on whether to call a snap election in the coming months.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Apr 17, 2023
G7 ministers promise more green energy use, but timeline on coal exit elusive
Japan’s position, adopted by the country's ministers, is that each country has its own economic energy situation that requires different methods to achieve carbon neutrality.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 16, 2023
G7 environment ministers agree on drastic expansion of wind power, but no coal exit timeline
Agreement leaves open the possibility of current coal plants employing controversial new technologies like hydrogen and ammonia co-fired plants as well as carbon capture and storage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 14, 2023
Osaka hits the jackpot in bid to become Japan’s first casino resort
The Osaka resort will consist of hotels, shops and a convention center to go along with the casino, and about 20 million people a year are expected to visit.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Apr 14, 2023
Japan on defensive going into G7 environment ministers summit
Tokyo is facing pressure from other G7 leaders to phase out coal power by 2030, while renewable energy proponents are seeking to push Japan to ramp up renewables.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 11, 2023
Sapporo looks to change Winter Games bid to 2034 amid opposition
The Japanese Olympic Committee has said that it will be difficult to proceed with the 2030 bid due to public sentiment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 10, 2023
The by-elections that could determine Kishida's snap election call
The April 23 votes could determine whether the prime minister heads into next month’s G7 summit with clear political skies, or under a cloud with party rivals grumbling about his leadership.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 9, 2023
Nippon Ishin candidates win big in Kansai region local elections
The opposition party's Osaka gubernatorial and mayoral candidates rolled to victory, assuring Nippon Ishin that it will remain a force in local and national politics in the months ahead.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 9, 2023
Could Hokkaido be the key to Japan's renewable ambitions?
As Japan looks to shift its energy mix toward cleaner sources, vast Hokkaido is drawing attention for its enormous potential for wind power.

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