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Satoshi Sugiyama
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 22, 2019
GSOMIA survives as South Korea reverses decision to exit intel pact with Japan
The dramatic reversal just hours before the deadline came in the face of strong pressure from Washington and after Tokyo and Seoul reportedly narrowed their gap on trade.
JAPAN
Nov 22, 2019
In a show of resilience, arson-hit Kyoto Animation to continue training programs for aspiring animators
In a show of resilience following a deadly arson attack on one of its studios earlier this year, Kyoto Animation Co. has announced that it will continue to offer training programs for aspiring animators next year.
BUSINESS
Nov 18, 2019
Takedown: The monumental fall of auto titan Carlos Ghosn
It took two decades for "le cost-cutter" Carlos Ghosn to carve out his three-way automobile empire. But in a matter of days, it was ripped from his grasp.
JAPAN
Nov 8, 2019
Japan's rugby, disasters and social change generate buzzwords in 2019
The 2019 Rugby World Cup, natural disasters and cashless payment inspired a large portion of the nominations for the annual buzzword of the year awards.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 29, 2019
New Japanese trade minister hopes for RCEP agreement by the end of the year
Japan is ready to take a leadership role in finalizing an Asian free trade deal by the end of the year, newly appointed trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said Tuesday, days after his predecessor stepped down over a gift scandal.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 25, 2019
Japan trade chief Isshu Sugawara exits amid allegations he broke election campaign law
A tabloid's expose on a funeral gift to a supporter ousts the METI chief after just a month and a half in office.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 24, 2019
Defense team accuses Tokyo prosecutors of colluding with Nissan and Japan to get Ghosn
The prosecutors, the defense claims, also exploited Japan's new plea bargaining law to obtain false testimony against Ghosn and ignored wrongdoing by other Nissan executives.
JAPAN
Oct 13, 2019
At least 35 killed and 17 missing after Typhoon Hagibis tears through country, flooding rivers and submerging cities
Officials assess the scope of damage caused by Typhoon Hagibis after several towns and cities in the eastern half of Japan were hit by flooding. So far 35 people are known to have died.
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2019
Flights and trains canceled as Hagibis nears Tokyo
East Japan Railway Co. and other railway operators warned on Thursday that services on many lines could be canceled on Saturday and Sunday, as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis threatens to slam wide areas of the nation.
JAPAN
Oct 7, 2019
60 rescued after North Korean fishing vessel collides with patrol boat belonging to Japan's Fisheries Agency
The incident took place inside Japan's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 3, 2019
Famed French lawyer signals shift in Ghosn's defense strategy
Francois Zimeray said he views Carlos Ghosn's treatment under Japan's criminal defense system as problematic.
BUSINESS / Economy / ANALYSIS
Sep 30, 2019
Despite government steps, Japan's consumption will take a hit from tax hike, analysts say
The move remains unpopular among the public, and only time will tell whether the economy will suffer a deep impact.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Sep 26, 2019
Tokyo touts pact with U.S., but trade experts highlight lack of strong commitments
Officials also claimed that Japan had avoided a nightmare scenario of a 25 percent tariff on exports of Japanese cars.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Sep 24, 2019
Japan looks to put speculation to rest, says it has reached final agreement on trade deal with U.S.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi put an end to the conflicting media speculation Tuesday, declaring that all negotiations are over after an hourlong meeting with the U.S. trade chief.
BUSINESS
Sep 20, 2019
Japan agrees to WTO consultation with South Korea amid trade dispute
The move effectively locks both countries into the World Trade Organization's painstaking and lengthy dispute settlement process.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Sep 19, 2019
Japan ready to back its farmers and small firms after trade deal with U.S., new minister says
The government will provide additional support to farmers and small businesses as needed to quell concerns stemming from an expected Japan-U.S. trade deal, Japan's recently appointed economic revitalization minister said Thursday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Sep 12, 2019
As WTO dispute looms, new trade chief says Japan won't budge in export control row with Seoul
Isshu Sugawara stepped into a ministerial role for the first time amid Japan's worsening relations with its neighbor.
PODCAST / deep dive
Sep 11, 2019
Episode 22: Japan and South Korea's trade dispute
While the world stews over the trade war between the United States and China, and the potential of a no-deal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, here in Japan a separate storm has been brewing: a growing trade dispute between Japan and its geographical neighbor — South Korea.
JAPAN
Sep 10, 2019
Typhoon Faxai raises questions about Japan's train schedule management and the fragility of its infrastructure
The chaos caused by the storm continued to reverberate a day later, holding lessons for Japan on transportation and recovery planning in times of emergencies.
BUSINESS / Companies / ANALYSIS
Sep 9, 2019
Hiroto Saikawa's departure only adds to Nissan's uncertainty
Nissan Motor Co. has announced that CEO Hiroto Saikawa will step down next Monday, which will likely add another layer of dark clouds over the viability of the Yokohama-based automaker already mired in low profits, waning trust in corporate governance and a shaky alliance with French Renault SA.

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Eme-Ima Kitchen is one of over 10,000 kodomo shokudō in Japan. A term first used in 2012 to describe makeshift eateries offering free or cheap meals to disadvantaged kids, it now refers to a diverse range of individuals, groups and organizations working to provide not only food but a sense of belonging to both children and adults.
Japan’s ‘children’s cafeterias’ are booming — but is that a good thing?