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 Reiji Yoshida

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Reiji Yoshida
Reiji Yoshida is a staff writer and deputy manager of the Domestic News Division. Since joining The Japan Times in 1993, he has intensively covered domestic politics, diplomacy and defense issues as well as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis.
For Reiji Yoshida's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 7, 2018
Tensions high in Okinawa as barges await orders to start filling in Henoko bay for U.S. base
Tensions between the central government and Okinawa rose further on Friday as five vessels were moved into the sea near the Henoko district of Nago, in the north of the prefecture, a key step in the controversial relocation of a U.S. military base within the prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 29, 2018
Breaking down the issue of wartime labor that has rocked Japan-South Korea ties
The diplomatic crisis between Seoul and Tokyo deepened further Thursday as two South Korea courts ordered two Japanese firms to pay compensation to South Korean wartime laborers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 14, 2018
More than 345,000 foreign workers predicted to come to Japan under new visas: government
Some 345,000 blue-collar foreign workers may join the workforce through the first five years of a new working visa system set to be introduced in April — if it wins Diet approval.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 13, 2018
In Tokyo, Pence praises U.S.-Japan alliance as 'model' for Asian nations
Pence's visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has further toughened his trade stance against Asian nations, including Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 6, 2018
Japan ready to help Malaysia tackle fiscal problems, Abe tells counterpart Mahathir Mohamad
Tokyo plans to help Malaysia issue yen-denominated “samurai” bonds worth u00a5200 billion as the two countries seek to foster closer economic and cultural ties.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 1, 2018
In Tokyo, top Hong Kong official insists region's independence and freedoms are secure under 'One Country, Two Systems' policy
The top administrative official in the Hong Kong government attended a symposium in Tokyo on Thursday during her first official visit to Japan, to promote the special Chinese region as a global business hub and a gateway for Japanese firms to advance into mainland China as well as other Asian markets.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / ANALYSIS
Oct 31, 2018
South Korea's ruling on wartime compensation issues may have opened Pandora's box for Seoul-Tokyo ties
A Pandora's box in terms of diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Seoul may have just been opened with South Korea's top court upholding a lower court ruling Tuesday that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. should pay about ¥40 million in compensation to four Koreans forced to work in Japan during World War II.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 29, 2018
Modi and Abe agree to boost ties as Tokyo pledges huge new yen loans for India
A high-speed railway project included in the package of loans is “a symbol” of a new bilateral relationship, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2018
Tokyo confirms release of Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda after three years of captivity in Syria
The government's top spokesman attributed Yasuda's release to efforts by an anti-terrorism intelligence unit in Tokyo, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanking Qatar and Turkey “for their great cooperation.”
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2018
Tokyo confirms Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda released after three years of captivity in Syria
The government officially confirmed Wednesday that a man believed to be Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was captured by an armed group in Syria three years ago and is now in Turkey, is indeed the kidnapped freelance reporter.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 23, 2018
Scandals, immigration and constitutional reform set to dominate extraordinary Diet session opening Wednesday
The 48-day session is likely to include debates on a draft proposal from the ruling LDP to revise the war-renouncing Constitution, among other key issues.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Oct 23, 2018
Historical jury still out on Japan's Meiji Restoration
On July 27, 1853, the Tokugawa shogunate was in crisis. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyoshi passed away from what today is believed to be heat exhaustion at Edo Castle in the heart of Edo, present-day Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 14, 2018
China nudges Japan on joining up in 'Belt and Road' initiative at 14th Annual Tokyo-Beijing Forum
In yet another sign of an apparent thaw in sometimes frosty ties between Asia's two powerhouses, senior government officials from Japan and China attend a two-day symposium in Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 11, 2018
Yasukuni Shrine's chief priest forced to quit after criticizing Emperor for not visiting war-linked shrine
Kunio Kohori argued on June 20 that the Emperor is “now trying to crush Yasukuni Shrine” by not visiting it.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 9, 2018
Aung San Suu Kyi 'appreciates' Japan's concerns over Rohingya crisis, says investigation panel has 'extensive and powerful authority'
Visiting Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi told reporters Tuesday that she appreciates Japan's "straightforward" discussion on its concerns over Muslim refugees from the Southeast Asian country's Rakhine state after meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 9, 2018
Tokyo flexes financial muscle at Mekong-Japan Summit
The leaders issued a statement pledging cooperation on the promotion of development programs and further improvement on “connectivity” and “quality infrastructure” projects in the Mekong region.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / Deep Dive
Oct 5, 2018
Tokyo's famed Tsukiji fish market, opened in the wake of Kanto quake, reaches an end
Old-fashioned and full of nostalgia, the renowned Tsukiji fish market is at its busiest before dawn.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 5, 2018
Japan's new defense minister Takeshi Iwaya distances himself from earlier LDP weapons proposals
Newly appointed Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who has long been a key defense policymaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, distanced himself Thursday from its earlier proposal that Japan should consider doubling its defense budget and procuring an aircraft carrier and F-35B stealth jets.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 2, 2018
Factions loom large in Abe reshuffle, with the 'Cabinet post waiting list' coming into play
The so-called list is a remnant from the 1970s, when the ruling LDP arbitrarily distributed Cabinet positions among members of influential intraparty factions.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Sep 27, 2018
Japan-U.S. trade talks may be less of a concession than they appear
At a glance, it may appear U.S. President Donald Trump has scored a significant victory after his latest talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York.

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