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JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Dec 15, 2019

Could merger talks finally produce a credible opposition force in Japan?

With the close of the extraordinary Diet session on Dec. 9, some of the largest opposition parties once again entered talks about merging before year's end, with an eye toward increasing their seats in the next general election. Here's a look at the talks and what they might mean for Japan's political...
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Dec 14, 2019

Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon climbed more than 100% in November year-on-year: government agency

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon jumped to the highest level for the month of November since record-keeping began in 2015, according to preliminary government data published on Friday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 13, 2019

'Post-chemical world' takes shape as agribusiness goes green

Agribusiness is increasingly turning to natural and sustainable alternatives to chemicals as consumers rebuff genetically modified foods and concerns grow over Big Ag's role in climate change.
EDITORIALS
Dec 12, 2019

The nation's falling number of newborns

Fewer newborns means the nation's population will be aging and declining faster.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Dec 11, 2019

Homeless Santa? Banksy reindeer mural goes viral amid rough sleeping crisis

A mural by anonymous British street artist Banksy depicting a homeless man being pulled by two reindeer has gone viral on social media, as the number of homeless deaths in the country hit a new high last year.
Japan Times
WORLD / Crime & Legal
Dec 11, 2019

U.S. government asks judge to grant probation to ex-Trump campaign deputy Richard Gates

Federal prosecutors asked a judge on Tuesday to grant probation to President Donald Trump's former deputy campaign chairman, Richard Gates, when he is sentenced next week, pointing to Gates' extensive cooperation in multiple criminal investigations.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 10, 2019

Amazon cites Trump bias at 'enemy' Jeff Bezos in Pentagon cloud deal loss

Amazon.com Inc. claims the Pentagon failed to fairly judge its bid for a cloud contract worth up to $10 billion because President Donald Trump viewed company founder Jeffrey Bezos as his "political enemy."
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 9, 2019

Traffic and transportation strategies for the 2020 Games

Innovative traffic and transportation management strategies are being developed to handle the surge in travelers and traffic during the games and the various trial events.
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball / NPB NOTEBOOK
Dec 8, 2019

Handful of players from 'Matsuzaka Generation' still holding on

Daisuke Matsuzaka returned home on Wednesday, solidifying a deal to spend his 20th season in pro baseball with the Saitama Seibu Lions, the club he spent Year 1 with back in 1999.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Dec 7, 2019

News outlets take time to connect the dots in Kepco gift scandal

In September, media reported that 20 executives of Kansai Electric Power Co. (Kepco) had, for a decade or so, received almost ¥320 million worth of cash and gifts from Eiji Moriyama, the former deputy mayor of Takahama, Fukui Prefecture, who died in March at the age of 90. The compensation was presumably...
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / HOOP SCOOP
Dec 5, 2019

Wat Misaka leaves an admirable legacy

When Wataru "Wat" Misaka passed away on Nov. 20, he left an indelible legacy on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. He showed what was possible for someone who looked like he did on the basketball court. And to his eternal credit, he reached the highest level.
Japan Times
Finland report 2019
Dec 5, 2019

Handmade chocolate with Nordic berries and wild Arctic flavors acclaimed in Asia

Starting its business in 2018 producing chocolate tablets, Taiga Chocolate Oy evolved into a company that focuses on the production of a line of uniquely flavored dark chocolates, such as lingonberry, bilberry and sea buckthorn to cater to the growing demand of international consumers.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Dec 4, 2019

Rising carbon emissions likely put global climate goal out of reach, report says

Although the growth of global carbon emissions is slowing, the persistent rise indicates governments — in particular, China and India — aren't doing enough to stave off the worst consequences of climate change, according to a new report.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 3, 2019

The road gets bumpy for billionaires investing in China's electric cars

Some of China's wealthiest tycoons steered billions of dollars into electric car companies in order to fuel the country's dreams of becoming a leader in the field.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 2, 2019

Poor nations pay price as millions flee 'climate chaos,' anti-poverty charity Oxfam says

Fiercer weather and worsening wildfires drove more than 20 million people from their homes over the last decade — a problem set to worsen unless leaders act swiftly to head off surging climate threats, anti-poverty charity Oxfam said Monday.
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2019

'Coal Japan' threatens to displace 'Cool Japan' as U.N. climate conference set to kick off in Madrid

A key United Nations climate change conference is due to begin in Madrid but Japan finds itself facing global ire over its reliance on fossil fuels.
Japan Times
WORLD / Crime & Legal
Nov 29, 2019

Man accused of role in Malta journalist's assassination details plot to kill for €150,000

One day in the summer of 2017, Vince Muscat dropped his friend Alfred Degiorgio at the Busy Bee, a harbor-front cafe near Malta's capital renowned for its pastries stuffed with ricotta cheese. Degiorgio didn't stay long.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2019

Japan and South Korea back new air traffic control deal after near misses

South Korean and Japanese air traffic controllers operate on different radio frequencies, making communication more difficult for pilots.
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 25, 2019

Local focus delivers win in Kochi for ruling bloc's gubernatorial pick as voters ignore Abe scandals

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito won a local victory Sunday night in a gubernatorial poll in Kochi Prefecture, as voters chose to ignore national political scandals engulfing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and support the hand-picked successor of the current governor over a...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / 2010S: DECADE IN REVIEW
Nov 23, 2019

Let us put an end to Haruki Murakami's decade-long Nobel Prize pilgrimage

The 2010s have flown by and still there is no end in sight for Haruki Murakami's Nobel Prize drought. William Lang offers tips to end this sorry state of affairs.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 23, 2019

Real news: Hardly anybody shares fake news

Radio and cable TV are bigger conduits for conspiracy theories.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 22, 2019

Japan and India — a special relationship

As the world's economic center of gravity shifts to Asia, it increasingly falls to these two countries to take up the baton to champion freedom, inclusivity, trade and other liberal values.
MORE SPORTS
Nov 22, 2019

Japan Cup provides annual celebration of horse racing

When the entrance gates open at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, another chapter in the history of one of the world's most prestigious horse races will also open, and those passing through the gates on Sunday will experience the unique atmosphere that accompanies the running of the Japan Cup.
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 22, 2019

Bumble Bee files bankruptcy amid antitrust fines and lawsuits

Bumble Bee Foods LLC, the largest North American brand of packaged seafood, filed for bankruptcy amid criminal fines and civil lawsuits stemming from a federal price-fixing case with plans for its assets to be acquired by FCF Co. for about $925 million.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 21, 2019

Iran's President Rouhani claims victory over unrest that Amnesty says left at least 106 dead

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani declared on Wednesday that street unrest had been put down in a victory over foreign enemies, after a wave of violent demonstrations swept the country following a hike in fuel prices last week.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji