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Gabriele Ninivaggi
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 10, 2023
Why is modernizing Japan so darn tough?
Reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins us to break down how Japan’s digitalization hiccups risk exposing how backward things are.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 8, 2023
My Number report highlights errors by insurers and local governments
Roughly 20% of surveyed local governments followed the wrong procedures when linking My Number with disability records.
The Advanced Liquid Processing System, used for treating accumulated contaminated water, is seen during a media tour of the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Futaba, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 21.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 7, 2023
Japan to start Fukushima water release as early as late August
The government will make a final decision on the matter following further internal deliberations and diplomatic discussions with its allies.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 4, 2023
Kishida confirms plan to merge My Number and health insurance card
Kishida apologized for the anxiety caused by recent errors and announced a series of steps in the hope of restoring public trust.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Aug 3, 2023
Japan's vision of nuke-free world in focus ahead of anniversaries
The tension between Tokyo's lofty goals and realpolitik necessities has made any move toward nuclear disarmament largely elusive.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 28, 2023
Kishida seeks reset as My Number woes hit approval ratings
The prime minister has embarked on a nationwide tour to listen to the concerns of local communities in an effort to expand his political reach and prop up his popular support.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 26, 2023
My Number woes put digital minister Taro Kono under pressure
Another misstep could deal a further blow to the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and jeopardize the political standing of Kono.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jul 14, 2023
Energy diplomacy kicks into high gear as Kishida heads to Middle East
Despite the government's ambitious goal to reach net zero by 2050, Tokyo remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels and imports 90% of its oil supplies from the Middle East.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jul 12, 2023
My Number troubles are turning into a bigger headache for the government
Opinion polls have indicated latent public dissatisfaction with how the Kishida administration has been handling the matter.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jul 7, 2023
A year after his death, Abe's legacy still looms for both left and right
While conservatives lost a key leadership figure, liberals no longer have a clear person to organize opposition around.
JAPAN
Jul 5, 2023
LDP-Komeito working group agrees on amendment of defense equipment export rules
The proposal would allow Japan to export lethal weapons falling under five categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, vigilance and minesweeping.
JAPAN
Jul 3, 2023
Okinawa governor visits China in latest show of regional diplomacy
Denny Tamaki's initiatives seek to increase Okinawa's diplomatic leverage, with the prefecture situated on the front line of diplomatic and military tensions.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 26, 2023
Kishida’s approval ratings plummet amid troubles with My Number
A poll conducted from Friday through the weekend by the Yomiuri Shimbun showed a 15 percentage point drop in the Cabinet’s approval rating compared with last month.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 24, 2023
Why Emperor Naruhito's visit to Indonesia matters symbolically and practically
The emperor's trip to Southeast Asia's most populous nation carried a deeper meaning amid a tense security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.
PODCAST / deep dive
Jun 21, 2023
Things just got a bit tougher for asylum-seekers in Japan
Japan passes a controversial new law that changes the rules for which people can apply for asylum in an effort to solve issues like overcrowding at detention centers.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 21, 2023
Kishida comes away from parliamentary session with key goals achieved
Out of 60 bills it submitted, 58 became law, a 96.7% passage rate — a slight drop from the equivalent session last year, where all 61 bills received parliament's approval.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 16, 2023
Why Kishida hasn't decided to call a snap election — yet
The decision came as a surprise in the political center of Nagatacho, with many left wondering about the rationale behind his decision.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 15, 2023
Kishida says he will not call a snap election, ending weeks of speculation
His government, Kishida said, will focus on moving forward with its current priorities, which include encouraging wage growth and investing in digital and green technologies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 13, 2023
Kishida will consider a snap election ‘in light of various circumstances’
Kishida's evasive response to a question about a snap election raised the possibility that he may have shifted gears on the issue.
JAPAN / Explainer
Jun 12, 2023
What you need to know about the revision of Japan's asylum law
The law, which has prompted widespread debate, seeks to address perceived drawbacks of Japan’s existing legislation and standard handling of asylum matters.

Longform

Once smoky, male-dominated spaces, today's net cafes, like Kaikatsu Club, are working to make their operations more attractive to women customers.
The second life of Japan's net cafes