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JAPAN / FOCUS
May 15, 2022

Tourism and logistics: Okinawa's latest plan to boost its economy

Under its latest economic plan, Okinawa aims to raise its gross prefectural product from u00a54.1 trillion in fiscal 2020 to u00a55.7 trillion by 2031 and reduce its jobless rate from 3.6% to 2.5%.
BUSINESS / Longform
Apr 4, 2022

Reimagining Japan’s growing glut of empty homes

Entrepreneurs see an opportunity in Japan's abandoned properties as businesses try to change them from liabilities into assets.
JAPAN
Mar 22, 2022

Japanese turn down heat and lights to avoid power cut after quake

The industry ministry said Tuesday evening that the country was likely to avoid blackouts after neon signs were turned off, lights dimmed and thermostats dialed down.
JAPAN
Mar 11, 2022

Possible revision to Japan's Penal Code to emphasize rehabilitation over retribution

The Justice Ministry has explained that training and guidance, rather than mandatory work, would better prepare inmates for life after they are released from prison.
SUMO
Mar 11, 2022

Osaka-style upset back on the table for Spring Basho

Starved of sumo for so long, it's unlikely fans in Kansai will care whether we see dominance by the yokozuna as usual or a reclaiming of the basho's stormy reputation.
JAPAN
Mar 3, 2022

Kishida announces raising of daily arrival cap to 7,000

Considering there are about 150,000 foreign students waiting to enter Japan, Kishida said the government will create a program allowing them to come using vacant seats on weekday flights.
JAPAN / History
Feb 27, 2022

Japan's New Left remains a thing of memory, 50 years on from hostage incident

The Asama-Sanso lodge incident, a dramatic 10-day standoff with police that saw three lives lost, sealed the fate of the nation's student protest movement, some analysts say.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Feb 24, 2022

Kishida at odds with other LDP members over COVID-19 and foreign policy

With media polls showing Kishida's support rate is declining, questions about who is in charge — the prime minister or his party — are growing.
BUSINESS
Feb 14, 2022

New bill looks to beef up Japan's economic security, but firms are wary

The planned legislation would cover a range of sectors, with penalties for those that don't comply, but businesses worry that it could harm international competitiveness.
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2022

Japan's booster rollout is relying on Pfizer and Moderna. How do the shots compare?

Despite an apparent preference among some in the general public for Pfizer, experts have emphasized that getting a booster jab as soon as one is eligible, no matter which type, is key.
JAPAN
Jan 28, 2022

Japan to recommend Sado mine for UNESCO World Heritage listing

The move could inflame tensions with South Korea, which opposes the registration due to the use of Korean wartime labor at the site.
COMMENTARY / Japan / Geoeconomic Briefing
Jan 20, 2022

Japan needs radical change to achieve health security

Health crises, such as the ongoing pandemic, are a national security threat just like major disasters and armed attacks, and preparation is vital.
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 3, 2022

How Kishida's political journey has shaped his views on China

The prime minister's factional background and time as foreign minister have influenced his thinking on Japan's neighbor and will play a role in determining what line he takes with Beijing.
JAPAN / Politics / Outlook 2022
Dec 31, 2021

2022 will offer key tests of Kishida's ability to grow into PM role

An upcoming Upper House poll and the omicron variant are among the things that will test the prime minister's capacity to build on successes and lessons from 2021.
JAPAN
Dec 17, 2021

24 confirmed dead in suspected case of arson in Osaka

One source said police received a report that the fire started from a liquid that came out of a paper bag held by a man who appeared to be in his 60s.
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2021

Land ministry overstated construction orders data for years, potentially inflating Japan's GDP

The land ministry was 'rewriting' monthly data from about 12,000 select companies since 2013, at a pace of about 10,000 entries per year.
JAPAN
Dec 14, 2021

Citing local needs, Kishida defends use of coupons in financial aid plan

One estimate has shown that administrative costs for the central government would more than triple to u00a596.7 billion if coupons are included in the handouts to young people.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 13, 2021

Kishida reverses government’s position on cash handout

After weeks of a vacillating central government and frustrated local officials, the reversal raises questions about intraparty cooperation.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 1, 2021

Much more to come from yokozuna Terunofuji after stunning 2021

Just years removed from the unpaid ranks, the 30-year-old is on the path to becoming one of the most successful foreign-born grand champions in the sport's history.
JAPAN / Science & Health / Longform
Nov 29, 2021

On shaky ground: Is Tokyo prepared for the ‘Big One’?

A powerful earthquake that shook the capital in October has fueled fresh fears of an impending temblor that could devastate the world's largest city.
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Nov 28, 2021

Steady MVP Yuhei Nakamura guides Swallows to Japan Series title

The team's longtime catcher expertly led his pitching staff across six neck-and-neck games against the Buffaloes to complete Yakult's reversal from cellar-dweller to champion.
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Nov 25, 2021

Adam Jones homers in ninth to keep Buffaloes alive in Japan Series

The Buffaloes won an exciting battle in Game 5 to avoid elimination.
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball / Japan Series
Nov 22, 2021

Young guns: The Japan Series showcases young pitching talent

Throwing the first Japan Series shutout since Takayuki Kishi for the Seibu Lions in 2008, Takahashi became the 13th pitcher to win his debut without allowing a run.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Nov 18, 2021

What's behind the rapid disappearance of the delta variant in Japan? It could be self-extinction.

Many scholars point to a variety of explanations for the sudden end of the fifth wave, but one research group says the coronavirus variant may have actually destroyed itself.
JAPAN / OBITUARY
Nov 14, 2021

Jakucho Setouchi: A freewheeling nun who bucked conventional norms for women

Prior to beginning her religious journey in 1973, Jakucho Setouchi established herself first and foremost as a writer — and a controversial one at that.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 12, 2021

Opposition tie-up could herald new debate on constitutional revision in Japan

In what could be the start of an opposition party realignment, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People have begun working together to push the issue in parliament.

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.