National Jan 1, 2019
The Japan Times newsroom selected the following domestic news stories as the most important of 2018.
NEWSWORTHY
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Dec 29, 2018
Heisei Era a bumpy ride for Japan's media organizations
by Philip Brasor
The media is busy assessing the Heisei Era as it comes to a close. Although not as dramatic as the Showa Era, it's been a bumpy ride. Japan still hasn't gotten the hang of this democracy thing, and an engaged, objective press is essential ...
National Dec 26, 2018
by Magdalena Osumi
When freelance journalist Jumpei Yasuda returned to Japan in October after being held captive by a militant group in Syria for over three years, 33-year-old Noriaki Imai was confounded and disappointed by the muted reception he received from the public, with many blaming the ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Nov 10, 2018
Japan's news outlets weigh in on Jumpei Yasuda's culpability in Syria kidnapping
by Philip Brasor
Freelance reporter Jumpei Yasuda gave a three-hour news conference at the Japan National Press Club on Nov. 2 about his hostage ordeal, describing in detail how he was kidnapped after entering Syria in 2015 and then held for more than three years. He also ...
National / Politics Nov 6, 2018
Foreign Minister Taro Kono expressed gratitude to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, for Ankara's efforts in securing the release last month of journalist Jumpei Yasuda from a militant group in Syria. During a joint appearance with Cavusoglu in Tokyo on Monday, Kono said Turkey is ...
National Nov 3, 2018
Canadian held captive in Syria says Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda doesn't deserve criticism
The reporter, who returned to Japan late last month after 40 months of captivity, has been slammed by some for putting himself in harm’s way.
National Nov 2, 2018
Freed journalist Jumpei Yasuda expresses gratitude, apologizes over Syria ordeal
by Magdalena Osumi
Journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who returned to Japan last month after being held by militants in Syria for more than three years, said Thursday that he did not hold any grudge toward the Japanese government over his ordeal. "I believe the government officials did everything they ...
National Oct 30, 2018
Freed journalist Jumpei Yasuda describes 'huge' facility where he was held hostage
Jumpei Yasuda, a journalist who returned to Japan last week after more than three years of captivity in Syria, on Monday gave further details of his time as a hostage, including how he believes another foreigner was also being held at the facility. The 44-year-old ...
National Oct 26, 2018
Freed Japanese hostage Jumpei Yasuda arrives home to joy, but also anger
Even before the journalist set foot on Japanese soil, he was the target of angry criticism — mostly online — including accusations of recklessness.
National Oct 25, 2018
From 'hell' to home: Journalist Jumpei Yasuda arrives in Japan after three years in captivity
After three years of "hell," journalist Jumpei Yasuda is home. Yasuda arrived at Narita airporton Thursday evening, reuniting with his wife and parents for the first time since he was abducted by an Islamist militant group in Syria three years ago. The 44-year-old freelance journalist was ...
National Oct 24, 2018
Tokyo confirms release of Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda after three years of captivity in Syria
by Reiji Yoshida and Tomohiro Osaki
The government’s top spokesman attributed Yasuda’s release to efforts by an anti-terrorism intelligence unit in Tokyo, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanking Qatar and Turkey “for their great cooperation.”
National Oct 24, 2018
As family and friends celebrate his apparent release, reporter Jumpei Yasuda urged to tell his story
“I’d do whatever it takes to see him again,” Yasuda’s 78-year-old father told reporters before the release was confirmed.