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May 02, 2024
 

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David Pierson
For David Pierson's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Protesters step on a caricature of Chinese leader Xi Jinping as they take part in a demonstration to condemn China's recent "aggressive actions" in disputed waters of the South China Sea, in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila, on Tuesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 13, 2024
China feels boxed in by the U.S. but has few ways to push back
Aside from pointed words and the perfunctory maritime patrol, Beijing's options to push back against U.S. pressure appear limited, analysts say.
Lawmakers vote on the new national security law at Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Tuesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 19, 2024
Hong Kong adopts sweeping security laws, bowing to Beijing
The body fast-tracked a major piece of legislation that critics say further threatens the China-ruled city's freedoms.
Jargal Lhagvasuren practicing an aerial routine at the Mongolian Circus School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on May 18. Contortionists and acrobats with celestial skills train in squalid conditions as the promise of a former sumo wrestler to restore the national circus to its past glory has gone mostly unfulfilled.
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 26, 2023
Mongolians are circus stars all over the world, except at home
The promise to return state circus in Ulaanbaatar to its former glory remains unfulfilled, forcing trained performers abroad.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the final session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco on Friday
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 18, 2023
A rare opportunity to see China’s leader up close and (sort of) personal
President Xi Jinping of China is one of the most self-contained Chinese leaders in decades, who reveals next to nothing about his personal life.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is greeted by Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, in Shanghai on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Sep 2, 2023
U.S. officials are streaming to China. Will Beijing return the favor?
Such visits could help convey Beijing’s interest in stabilizing ties with Washington. But China has been noncommittal.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 13, 2023
In Xi’s China, economic needs may take a back seat to security
Xi Jinping wants to insulate China from perceived threats from the West. He also wants to promote the country as deserving of foreign investment and clout. Can he do both?
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 10, 2023
Hong Kong wants more tourists, but mostly ‘good quality’ ones, please
The return to Hong Kong of budget tour groups from mainland China is sparking frustrations, and a dose of snobbery, in a city starved for business.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 22, 2023
As Xi befriends world leaders, he hardens his stance on the U.S.
China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, rolled out the red carpet for President Luiz InAcio Lula da Silva of Brazil, lauding him as "an old friend of the Chinese people.” He sipped tea in a garden with President Emmanuel Macron of France, treating him to a performance of an ancient Chinese zither. And he talked on the phone with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, offering well wishes for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Mar 18, 2023
Xi, cast as peacemaker, wades into Russia’s war in Ukraine
The Chinese leader is expected to meet in person next week with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could follow.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 7, 2023
China’s COVID surge threatens villages as Lunar New Year approaches
China is bracing for an onslaught of infections in its fragile countryside as millions of people crowd onto trains and buses to return to their rural homes for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Dec 31, 2022
Xi and Putin meet again, two strongmen in a weak moment
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February, Putin has been isolated and highly dependent on China to maintain a semblance of diplomatic and financial stability.
'So hot you can't breathe': Extreme heat hits the Philippines
A pedestrian cools himself with a folding hand fan as he waits for a ride along a road in Manila on Wednesday, as extreme heat hit the Philippines.
Did Japan intervene to prop up the yen? Analysts think it did.
A man walks past an electronic board displaying the exchange rate for the yen against the U.S. dollar (right) in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Town to block view of Mount Fuji in response to overtourism
The town government of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, decided to set up a 2.5-meter-high screen to prevent tourists from taking pictures of Mount Fuji looming behind a convenience store.
Number of vacant homes in Japan hits record high of 9 million
A vacant house in Tokyo is seen demolished in January 2020.
Weak yen fattens tourist wallets in Japan
People visit the Ameya Yokocho market in Tokyo's Ueno district during the Golden Week holiday on Tuesday.
Yellow sand allergy: A health issue made worse by climate change
A screenshot of the Meteorological Agency's satellite image of clouds and yellow sand (in pink) on Sunday.
Climate change, chalky grains and the risks for Japan’s rice farmers
A farmer plants seedlings in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima Prefecture. Japan’s self sufficiency rate for rice is nearly 100%, compared with 38% for food overall, on a calorie basis.
Japan wants you to spend more with ‘luxury tourism’
Performers play a traditional drum unique to Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the prefectural capital of Kanazawa on March 16 to mark the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture.
Theaster Gates’ ambitious ‘Afro-Mingei’ brings Black Chicago to Tokyo
Theaster Gates' “A Heavenly Chord” lines up church pews before seven speakers and a Hammond B3 organ, a type of electric organ prevalent in Black American churches.
Casa del Cibo: A thriving jewel born from Tohoku’s harsh past
When chef Ryohei Ikemi moved to Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, and opened Casa del Cibo in 2011, it was the first proper Italian restaurant in the city.

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