Commentary / Japan May 15, 2020
The rise of Japan’s governors: Central-local relations during the pandemic
by Michio Ueda
The actions of the nation's regional leaders during this crisis have been nothing short of extraordinary.
National Feb 3, 2020
New Ainu culture complex generating little buzz outside Hokkaido
Upopoy, a new national facility intended to revitalize and develop the culture of Japan's indigenous Ainu people, is facing challenges attracting attention ahead of its opening on April 24 in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The new complex may miss the annual goal of 1 million visitors set ...
Olympics Nov 7, 2019
Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori expects big changes to marathon schedule
Tokyo Games organizing committee chief Yoshiro Mori said Thursday he expects to see big changes to the men's marathon schedule following the International Olympic Committee's decision to move the road races to Sapporo. "It's impossible (to hold the men's marathon on Aug. 9) as there ...
National / Politics | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Aug 30, 2019
In Hokkaido, Japan's youngest governor seen as 'safe driver,' but critics want him to go off script
When 38-year-old Naomichi Suzuki was elected governor of Hokkaido in April, he simultaneously achieved another feat: becoming the youngest serving prefectural leader in the nation. Although some initially counted on the young Suzuki to be communicative, or even outspoken, he has so far trodden carefully, ...