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Satoshi Sugiyama
JAPAN
Jul 11, 2020
Japan's contact-tracing app suspended again to fix input glitch preventing alerts
The health ministry has confirmed that the app isn't recognizing infected users' reference numbers when entered, crippling the notification process.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 10, 2020
For some in LDP, Koike's Tokyo win strengthens case for snap poll
Landslide triumph for the incumbent in Sunday's gubernatorial election underscored the current weakness of the opposition and voters' preference for the status quo.
JAPAN
Jul 9, 2020
Koike calls for caution as Tokyo logs record 224 coronavirus cases
Central government officials say there are no plans to return to a state of emergency despite the spike in cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 7, 2020
'Single mind' no more: Abe's onetime right-hand man sees his influence dwindle
Despite his long history of supporting the prime minister, the chief cabinet secretary is finding himself increasingly marginalized.
JAPAN
Jul 6, 2020
New Japan coronavirus subcommittee aims for fresh start at first meeting
The meeting provided an opportunity for government officials and public health experts to set the record straight on their respective responsibilities.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2020
Tokyo reports 107 coronavirus cases, highest in two months
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga again said that the central government is not considering declaring a state of emergency.
JAPAN
Jul 1, 2020
Japan's return to state of emergency an option, but only in 'worst-case scenario'
Remarks by the government's top spokesman came before Tokyo confirmed 67 COVID-19 cases — the highest daily figure since 87 were reported on May 4.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 30, 2020
Tokyo puts forward new virus monitoring guidelines
The new approach will continue to reference case numbers but will shift the emphasis to the city's health care system.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 30, 2020
Tokyo toughens tone after Beijing passes Hong Kong security law
Tokyo deploys harsh diplomatic language to stress that move 'undermines the credibility' of the “one-country, two-systems” principle.
JAPAN
Jun 27, 2020
Japanese cluster study revives ‘3Cs’ warning as coronavirus cases surge anew
The study, published in the CDC's journal, says closed, crowded environments with close contact and poor ventilation are driving the formation of cluster infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 18, 2020
Abe apologizes over arrest of ex-justice minister in vote-buying case
Public prosecutors on the same day arrested Katsuyuki Kawai and his lawmaker wife, Anri Kawai, over vote-buying.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 18, 2020
Former top Abe aide and wife arrested in vote-buying scandal
The arrest is a severe blow to the Abe administration, especially because of Katsuyuki Kawai's closeness to the prime minister and chief cabinet secretary.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jun 16, 2020
Is sudden decision to 'suspend' Aegis Ashore deployment a setback or a calculated retreat?
With Trump distracted by domestic issues, Abe may have judged the timing as ripe for halting the U.S.-made missile system without facing too much of a backlash.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 16, 2020
Abe confronts his sinking popularity as coronavirus-dominated Diet session wraps up
Failure to shore up his support could hamper the prime minister's ability to call a snap Lower House election and advance his dream of constitutional amendment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 7, 2020
Japan threads the needle as U.S.-China animosity hits new highs
When it comes to increasingly fraught ties between Washington and Beijing, Tokyo is facing a “be careful what you wish for” moment.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 6, 2020
Shigeru Yokota’s death a reminder that time is running out on abduction issue
Yokota's death is a blow to the families fighting to get their loved ones back, and the 'top priority' issue might now be treated as a mere distraction amid the pandemic.
JAPAN
May 25, 2020
Japan cautiously lifts last of virus emergency controls
The government's decision to lift the declaration highlights its strong desire to revive the nation's faltering economy as quickly as possible.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
May 24, 2020
Abe’s influence takes a hit with prosecutor scandal and bill reversal
Double punch casts a shadow over administration's signature agenda-setting authority.
JAPAN
May 21, 2020
Top Tokyo prosecutor with close ties to Abe resigns after gambling exposé
The revelation marks the latest controversy surrounding Kurokawa, who is seen as having a close relationship with the prime minister's administration.
JAPAN
May 21, 2020
Kansai sees end to virus state of emergency, but Tokyo area must wait
Experts caution that the rolling back of measures introduced by the emergency declaration does not mean the virus has disappeared.

Longform

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