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COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 2, 2020

How one man’s efforts saved Japan's postwar democracy and the SDF

Defense Agency Director-General Munenori Akagi opposed using the Self-Defense Forces to put down civil disturbances.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 4, 2020

Lockdown critics may have some valid points

It's always worth listening to smart people with ideas that go against the grain.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Apr 16, 2020

Japan's governors under the spotlight as coronavirus pandemic rages

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the national government to declare an emergency in seven prefectures. This, in turn, has put the spotlight on the powers and responsibilities of prefectural governors. Though often compared to state governors elsewhere, there are key differences.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Mar 25, 2020

25 years after Tokyo subway attack, Aum is a shadow of its former self

Doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo's sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway trains shocked Japan and the world, raising concerns over nonstate organizations obtaining weapons of mass destruction.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 17, 2020

Nine years after Fukushima, Japan can't quit its coal habit

A return to coal has left Japan with long-term climate goals that are unambitious — and increasingly, the subject of international censure.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Feb 2, 2020

Final post informed by nearly 20 years in Japan

Singtong Lapisatepun was 16 when he first came to Japan. A student from the Thai countryside, he received a scholarship to study at a Tokyo high school where he immersed himself in Japanese life, making local friends while living communally.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language
Dec 17, 2019

What would a 'kanji of the decade' say about the state of Japan?

This year's kanji of the year is 'u4ee4,' but writer Paul Dargan posits a guess as to what the kanji of the decade might be while looking back on the annual tradition and what the top picks say about the state of the country.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 1, 2019

Japan is a soft power superpower

Japan has never looked more attractive to the world as it entered the new imperial Reiwa era on the precipice of the Tokyo Olympics next year.
JAPAN
Nov 8, 2019

Japan's rugby, disasters and social change generate buzzwords in 2019

The 2019 Rugby World Cup, natural disasters and cashless payment inspired a large portion of the nominations for the annual buzzword of the year awards.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 30, 2019

Tenuous ties: Few signs of substance behind warming Sino-Japanese relations as communist China marks 70th anniversary

As Washington and Beijing increasingly clash over global primacy, Japan's own ties with communist-ruled China have experienced an upswing — at least on the surface — ahead of Tuesday's 70th anniversary of the People's Republic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Sep 28, 2019

Cabinet reshuffle raises a slew of new questions

Since the new Cabinet was announced on Sept. 11, the focus has been on Shinjiro Koizumi as environment minister. Described by some as earnest but lacking in substantive ideas, the 38-year-old lawmaker has tried to make the most of the spotlight, commenting on Japan's role in addressing climate change...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2019

Renovated Okura Tokyo unveiled to the press ahead of public opening

Renowned for melding East and West, old and new with its architecture and design, The Okura Tokyo opened its doors to the press for the first time Friday after three years of renovations, ahead of its public opening on Sept. 12.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 16, 2019

For U.S., Japan-South Korea ties are too important to fail

One of the biggest disappointments of the Trump administration has been its inability to facilitate stronger relations between Japan and South Korea
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jun 28, 2019

Weathering the storm on the Noto Peninsula

Often overlooked and still relatively obscure, Ishikawa Prefecture's Noto Peninsula remains a wealth of traditional crafts and cuisine, dramatic landscapes and vibrant festivals.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 25, 2019

A new Cold War liberalism?

As cold war rhetoric escalates, progressive critics of China must find an independent voice.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Jun 23, 2019

A Buddhist priest reflects on growing up on Shiraishi Island during a time of war

Living on an island that was too small to receive direct attacks didn't stop the people living there from having to take extreme measures.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jun 22, 2019

Blazing a trail in Japan's mountains

It wasn't so long ago that trail running was considered to be something only nature geeks did in their spare time. I mean, who in their right mind would want to run up a mountain? Cue the sound of crickets chirping ...
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 18, 2019

Boris Johnson: The last betrayal?

Will Boris Johnson really be a Robespierre, as the ardent Brexiteers hope — or convert himself into rational Monsieur Talleyrand?
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 6, 2019

Chiba loquat grower loves his work, but frets over the future of the biwa business

Kenzo Takeba picks a loquat out of his basket, unwraps it from its paper cover and expertly begins to peel off the delicate orange skin with his fingers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 25, 2019

With Trump visit to Tokyo, Japan and U.S. look to highlight strengthened alliance and avoid trade differences

Officials and experts say the top priority for President Donald Trump's during his state visit is to show off his friendship with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and highlight a strong Japan-U.S. alliance.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 16, 2019

Understanding the peaks and valleys of Japan-South Korea ties

To improve bilateral relations, Tokyo and Seoul have to take advantage of open doors to cooperation.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 13, 2019

On migrants and belonging

There are some strategies by which Japanese and foreign advocates for migrants can argue for their rights to work and belong in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / AMBASSADOR VISIT
May 10, 2019

Sporting events and Brexit offer Dublin the chance to grow ties with Tokyo, Irish ambassador says

While Japan and Ireland may view each other as fierce rivals at the Rugby World Cup when they face off in Shizuoka Prefecture in September, Ireland sees the sporting event and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as opportunities to expand contacts — a prelude to further efforts to strengthen bilateral ties that...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Apr 21, 2019

Ichikawa Kagura: Saving the dances of the gods

As performers of Shinto theatrical dance age, the Sanriku International Arts festival hopes to encourage youth to help preserve tradition.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Apr 6, 2019

Yasushi Hirano's aria of operatic commitment

From techno fan to bass baritone opera singer, Yasushi Hirano now celebrates 20 years living and singing in Vienna.

Longform

Rock group The Yellow Monkey played K-Arena Yokohama in June as part of a nationwide tour. Concerts are increasingly popular in the age of social media as users value in-person experiences.
Inside Japan’s arena boom: Sports, sound and city-building