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JAPAN
Mar 2, 2021

Lower House passes record budget as Suga looks to move on from scandals

Suga is hoping for a reset by securing funds for important policy goals, in the process putting the LDP back on a positive trajectory ahead of an election this year.
JAPAN
Feb 23, 2021

Lost in translation: Japan fumbles pandemic communication with foreign communities

Growing concern over access to up-to-date, accurate official information highlights the government's larger struggle to convey pandemic-related policies and support.
JAPAN
Feb 16, 2021

The next boss of the Tokyo Games — a savvy operator or a fresh face?

The organizing committee says it is looking for a successor that has a certain background in the Olympics as well as a strong awareness of gender equality and inclusiveness.
JAPAN
Feb 12, 2021

How 'indispensable' Mori came to enjoy huge influence in politics and sport

The former prime minister had contacts his peers did not and the ability to get things done behind the scenes that leaders in both arenas relied on heavily.
JAPAN
Feb 10, 2021

Japan likely to maintain virus emergency in 10 prefectures for now

The government was looking to downgrade the emergency in three prefectures this week, but it's politically safer for Suga to keep the measures in place for the time being.
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 10, 2021

As China authorizes use of force by coast guard, Japan considers response

With Beijing beefing up its powers in contested areas such as the Senkaku Islands, questions have arisen over how Tokyo should handle coastal security incidents.
CULTURE
Feb 9, 2021

Amid a global chess boom, shogi eyes its own winning moves

The game has seen a surge in interest during the pandemic, with children and adults alike dusting off their boards or joining online communities.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / JAPAN TIMES GONE BY
Feb 7, 2021

Japan Times 1971: Crown Prince opens pre-Olympic Games in Sapporo

Fifty years ago, Japan began to gear up for the 1972 Sapporo Olympics with some pre-game events to test the facilities.
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 4, 2021

Japan's new virus law: Fines for noncompliance and support for hard-hit firms

Fines can be levied on businesses that refuse orders to shorten their hours of operation under a state of emergency and individuals who refuse to be hospitalized for the novel coronavirus.
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 2, 2021

Leading world in hospital bed availability, Japan still taxed by COVID-19

Despite a relatively low number of cases, prefectures currently under a state of emergency are seeing about 70% of their hospital beds for virus patients occupied.
JAPAN
Feb 1, 2021

Mayor gives Japan's first approval for restart of reactors over 40 years old

Takahama Mayor Yutaka Nose reached his decision after receiving assurances from the government that it would boost revitalization projects and the town's funding.
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jan 29, 2021

COVID-19 chaos hits J. League offseason, leaving many in limbo

As a number of players and even managers wait to get into Japan due to travel restrictions, the league is considering its options on ticket sales for next month's Super Cup.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 28, 2021

In trying week, Suga fails to quell disquiet at the Diet over coronavirus response

During days of debates, the ruling LDP was forced to concede ground on criminalizing noncompliance with virus measures but will press on with fines, Go To programs and the Olympics.
JAPAN / Science & Health / FOCUS
Jan 18, 2021

Japan scrambles to roll out vaccine, but how many people will get the shot?

Polls have shown recently that nearly 70% of Japanese are willing to get a coronavirus vaccine. But still, skepticism against vaccines is deeply rooted in the country.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 17, 2021

COVID-19 — and a dwindling support rate — top issues for Suga as Diet convenes

The prime minister will seek to pass key COVID-19 measures as he faces flak from opposition parties over his response to the deadly virus.
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 12, 2021

Osaka expo plans quietly move forward despite cost and virus worries

There are concerns expo-related costs could greatly increase, like those for the Tokyo Olympics, and also over whether there will be adequate time to prepare.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami