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 Will Fee

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Will Fee
Will Fee is a staff writer covering the domestic politics beat. He holds an MPhil in Japanese Studies from Oxford University, where he specialized in postwar history and culture, and is an alumnus of the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC) in Yokohama.
For Will Fee's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 9, 2022
Domestic travel subsidies set to begin for Japan residents
The National Travel Discount program — which is available only to those with residency status in Japan — uses government subsidies to fund discounts on meals, shopping and accommodation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 30, 2022
Tokyo court gives same-sex married couple partial win in residency ruling
The court ruled that denying an American man a “designated activities” residency status was against the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Sep 29, 2022
Same-sex married couple hopeful Japan court will overturn residential status decision
Despite the strength of their relationship, their legal status and limited ability to live together in Japan as a couple has been a constant source of stress and anxiety.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 27, 2022
Respect and protest: Abe funeral draws large crowds with contrasting aims
Huge throngs gathered around the Nippon Budokan for what may be remembered as one of the most controversial ceremonial events in Japan in recent years.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 23, 2022
What the state funeral for Shinzo Abe will involve
Thousands of attendees, including representatives from over 217 countries, territories and international organizations, are expected to participate in the ceremony.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Sep 21, 2022
Even as Japan’s border creaks open, unmarried couples still struggle to reunite
The categories of people allowed entry has been slowly expanded, but those in uncertified relationships have been left out, prompting some to tie the knot.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 20, 2022
Debate over Abe's state funeral puts spotlight on practices of other nations
Japanese social media users have used 'real state funeral' to refer to Queen Elizabeth II's ceremony, highlighting their opposition to the state funeral plan for Abe.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 16, 2022
Why people are opposed to Abe's state funeral
The ceremony has drawn criticism over its legality, its cost to the taxpayer and whether it forces the public to mourn a controversial political figure.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 14, 2022
Japanese government confirms emperor and empress will attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
The relationship between Britain's royal family and the imperial family stretches back multiple decades and generations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 9, 2022
People lay flowers at British Embassy as Japan mourns Queen Elizabeth II
“I can't talk about her too much without crying, but I live nearby and I just wanted to come here today to say goodbye,” a mourner said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2022
Estimated costs for Abe state funeral rise to ¥1.66 billion
The original estimate of u00a5250 million has risen now that the cost of security and welcoming overseas dignitaries has been factored in.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2022
On medical exchange program in Tokyo, Ukrainians both receive and give lessons
The Juntendo University training has allowed Ukrainian doctors and students to receive essential training, and they have been able to share lessons on conflict too.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 5, 2022
Disapproval rate for Kishida rises amid mounting problems
A Yomiuri Shimbun poll found that the Cabinet disapproval rating had topped 40% for the first time and now stood at 41%, up 7 percentage points from the previous poll in early August.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 1, 2022
Training in Tokyo, but knowing the real work is 8,000 km away in Ukraine
A Juntendo University training program for Ukrainian health care workers offered Dr. Uliana Kashchii respite from the conflict, but now she is heading to the front line.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 31, 2022
Kishida says LDP to sever all ties with Unification Church
The prime minister acknowledged that revelations surrounding lawmakers' ties to the religious group over recent months have eroded public faith in politics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 24, 2022
Kishida denies ties as magazine links backer to Unification Church
In a politically awkward development for Kishida, a magazine has reported a chairman of a branch of a Kishida support group is under scrutiny for his ties with the church.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 22, 2022
Kishida working remotely after COVID-19 diagnosis
As a result of his infection, the prime minister will no longer travel to Tunisia for an African development conference and will instead attend online.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Aug 19, 2022
Verdict of South Korea's top court on wartime labor to shape Seoul-Tokyo ties
If the court decides to uphold its previous ruling on compensation for forced labor, assets held by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries inside South Korea will be liquidated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 10, 2022
Kishida shuffles key Cabinet and LDP posts amid sagging approval ratings
The reshuffle took place a month earlier than expected and comes amid myriad challenges for the prime minister at home and abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 8, 2022
Kishida Cabinet’s approval rating falls as headwinds mount
Rising COVID-19 cases have started to weigh on the prime minister's popularity, while links between the LDP and the Unification Church are also having an impact.

Longform

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The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores