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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
Aug 5, 2022
Fallout from Taiwan visit looms large over Pelosi’s meeting with Kishida
At a news conference following the meeting, Pelosi was defiant in asserting the right of U.S. officials to visit their Asia-Pacific allies — including Taiwan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 2, 2022
In Japan, ties between politics and religion run deep
The assassination of Shinzo Abe has shed light on politicians' ties to the Unification Church, but less controversial organizations also play a political role.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2022
As COVID wave grows, Japan beefs up response but won't limit business activities
With the seventh wave reaching unprecedented heights, the government is ramping up the number of hospital beds available and expanding the scope of those eligible for fourth vaccine shots.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 20, 2022
U.S. spotlights Japan shortcomings in latest human trafficking report
Despite Japan's lackluster grade, the report highlighted the government's decision to address problems within its Technical Intern Training Program.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 19, 2022
Kishida meets top South Korean diplomat, but improved ties remain elusive
Despite strained ties in recent years, Park Jin's visit offered a rare chance for Tokyo and Seoul to make headway on the wartime labor issue.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 12, 2022
Shinzo Abe’s funeral procession passes through a somber Tokyo
Crowds looked on as a black hearse carrying Abe's body, with his wife, Akie, in the passenger seat, headed toward Japan's political center of Nagatacho.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 11, 2022
Constitutional revision inches closer in Japan, but actual change still far off
Divisions over what aspects to revise and more pressing political issues for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could delay change to the top law.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 10, 2022
Sweeping LDP Upper House victory heralds fresh start for Kishida
The ruling parties are on course to maintain a majority in the Upper House, according to an exit poll, while pro-constitutional revision forces are set to clear a crucial threshold.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 10, 2022
Polls open in Upper House election upended by Abe's death
The vote is expected to determine if Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can win the mandate he needs to push forward with his agenda in the coming years.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / ANALYSIS
Jul 10, 2022
Gun used to kill Abe ‘easy to build with DIY store materials,' experts say
The ease with which Tetsuya Yamagami constructed handmade guns and explosives raises a large concern: Can this be prevented?
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 10, 2022
Protection of VIPs in Japan under scrutiny following Abe assassination
The broad daylight killing has prompted an investigation into why police officers and other armed security personnel guarding Abe could not prevent the shooting.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 1, 2022
With LDP victory likely, what's at stake in Japan's Upper House poll?
While the winner seems assured, the exact outcome will determine Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's authority, the prospect of constitutional revision and the smooth working of parliament.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 26, 2022
As election nears, soaring prices hit Japan's households. Should Kishida be worried?
Many believe success for the prime minister means either retaining or adding to the 57 seats secured by his coalition in order to quell dissent and push his policies unchallenged.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 22, 2022
Upper House campaigning begins with opposition focused on economy
A strong showing for the LDP would allow the prime minister to put his own stamp on both the ruling party and the direction of the country.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 20, 2022
Defense and fiscal policy loom large ahead of Japan's Upper House campaign
The ruling LDP is seeking to put an emphasis on defense and diplomacy, but worries over inflation threaten to limit the party's success.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 16, 2022
LDP targets ‘counterstrike capability’ for first time in campaign platform
The shift comes amid growing concerns related to Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang, but critics say it deviates from Japan's traditional defense-oriented policy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 15, 2022
Fruitful parliament session for Kishida ends with some grumbles at the margins
Kishida's first session as prime minister saw a popular stance on Ukraine and a 100% record on bills passed, but inflation and a re-emerging reputation for indecision present some worries.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 13, 2022
Japan has opened the door to Ukrainians. Its tech sector may get a boost in return.
Businesses are taking note of prewar efforts in Ukraine to improve its tech capabilities, and some see lessons for Japan as it attempts to level up its own digital economy.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 7, 2022
Japanese government coy on specifics as five-year plan to strengthen defense confirmed
Newly approved economic policy guidelines mention plans to bolster Japan's military over five years without giving a specific spending target — reflecting divisions within the LDP.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel praises Japan’s decision to 'invest in its own defense'
In an attempt to strengthen both Japan's deterrence capabilities and its ties with Washington, Tokyo is breaking a long-standing taboo on hiking defense spending.

Longform

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