For Takuya Karube's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
North Korea's decision not to carry out a sixth nuclear test or a major missile launch in connection with its key anniversaries in April, contrary to widespread predictions, could herald a return to behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has ...
Japanese movies have the potential to give fresh impetus to efforts by Tokyo and Beijing to warm political relations in 2017, as evidenced by the recent smash-hit animation "Your Name." in China. Yoji Yamada, a prominent Japanese film director whose latest comedy's remake is to ...
China sees a six-day visit by North Korea's most popular all-female band as important, an ambassador said Wednesday, as the ensemble left Pyongyang for its first concerts abroad. In the latest sign of warming relations between China and North Korea, the Moranbong Band and some ...
Until a decade ago or so, Japanese was one of the most popular languages studied by elite students in North Korea, even though the two countries have never had good relations, diplomatic or otherwise. But today the situation is very different. At the only North ...
North Korea has nearly completed a fresh investigation it promised Japan last year into the fates of Japanese citizens allegedly abducted by the country decades ago, according to a senior North Korean diplomat. "What is obvious is that (North Korea) has conducted the investigation in ...
China staged a massive military parade Thursday celebrating with fanfare the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, but not all Chinese were glued to the spectacle: Many had fled, for Japan. Japan was one of the most popular overseas destinations for Chinese ...
China is wary that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision to call a snap election may lead to policy changes that would affect bilateral relations, amid tentative signs of thawing ties between the two countries. Abe's political gamble to dissolve the Lower House, with two more ...
Japan's agreement with North Korea to restart government-level talks can be viewed as one of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's few diplomatic achievements.
China is apprehensive about Japan becoming more nationalistic after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition scored a comfortable win in Sunday's Upper House election, giving the ruling bloc control of both Diet chambers for the first time in six years. Chinese media and some experts ...
A leading Chinese expert on Japanese affairs is predicting a gradual improvement in relations between Asia's two biggest economies after this Sunday's Upper House election, regardless of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's hawkish political beliefs. "It is welcoming for China that there will be political stability," ...
