National Sep 5, 2018
Live updates from The Japan Times newsroom and social media about Typhoon Jebi — the most powerful typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years — as it wreaks havoc on the archipelago.
NEWSWORTHY
National Sep 4, 2018
Typhoon Jebi, most powerful to hit Japan in 25 years, leaves trail of destruction in Kansai region
The storm disrupted transportation networks, heavily damaged the bridge that leads to Kansai International Airport and knocked out power to over a million homes.
National | VIEW FROM OSAKA Jul 14, 2018
Inclusive approach needed as Kansai pushes U.N. development goals
by Eric Johnston
Over the past six months or so, efforts have been underway by local governments and private businesses to promote the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous speeches are being made about what Kansai might do to contribute to lofty ideals like ensuring the ...
National | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Apr 22, 2018
Security issues worry Osaka residents ahead of 2019 G-20 summit
by Eric Johnston
Beginning this month, both the city of Osaka and the prefecture began preparations to host next year's Group of Twenty leaders' summit, with political and business leaders forming task forces to help with local assistance and promotional efforts prior to the event. But worries about ...
National / Politics Apr 8, 2018
Nishiwaki triumphs in Kyoto gubernatorial race, vows to continue policies of predecessor
by Eric Johnston
Kyoto voters cast their ballots for the status quo and closer relations with Tokyo on Sunday, electing a candidate with strong ties to the central government who promised to continue the policies of the previous governor and who was backed by all major political ...
National / Politics | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Mar 25, 2018
Kyoto gubernatorial race puts focus on demographic and economic challenges to come
by Eric Johnston
Faced with a rapidly aging society and a growing socioeconomic gap between its prosperous capital and the rest of the prefecture, Kyoto voters go to the polls April 8 to choose a new governor who will be either a well-connected insider or a complete ...
National | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Dec 24, 2017
Expo, casinos and shinkansen at top of Kansai's 2018 agenda
by Eric Johnston
For Kansai, many of 2017's events will remain newsworthy in 2018. Here are some of the bigger topics expected to be closely followed in the region.
National / Politics | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Oct 29, 2017
Nippon Ishin ponders its fate after brutal defeat in Lower House election
by Eric Johnston
Five years after Nippon Ishin no Kai first appeared on the national stage with promises of changing the country through an Osaka-based revolution, the party's future is in doubt following a crushing defeat in the Oct. 22 Lower House election. The party that captured 54 ...
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jul 19, 2017
To find the joys of 'real Japan,' get on your bike
by Damian Flanagan
Japanese society and culture seem intrinsically suited to bicycles, which require a degree of safety of environment and intimacy that are alien to many thunderously car-based, brash and crime-ridden Western societies.
National / Politics Jul 2, 2017
Hyogo Gov. Toshizo Ido returned for fifth term as voters take experience over change
by Eric Johnston
While Tokyo voters took a new direction with Gov. Yuriko Koike's Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First) on Sunday, Hyogo voters opted for more of the same by giving 71-year-old Gov. Toshizo Ido a fifth term on his promises to deal with the prefecture's ...
National | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE May 21, 2017
Kansai gropes for missile response as Korean war hype builds
by Eric Johnston
With North Korea test-launching missiles on a regular basis toward Japan, towns, cities and prefectures are getting more serious about how best to respond if and when one approaches. Parts of the Kansai region along the Sea of Japan coast appear to lie within range ...
National | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Apr 23, 2017
Kansai leaders grope for ways to keep regional population stable amid projected slide
by Eric Johnston
A projection showing that Japan's population could fall from 127.09 million in 2015 to 88.08 million by 2065 has pushed Kansai leaders harder for more policies and funding to increase the local birthrate, keep younger people from leaving and protect the growing ranks of ...