National / Politics Oct 19, 2020
Party officials take to streets to campaign ahead of Osaka referendum
The plan calls for reorganizing Osaka into four special wards with a high level of autonomy in order to eliminate overlapping administration.
National / Politics | View from Osaka Oct 17, 2020
Osaka merger would affect residents and outsiders alike
by Eric Johnston
The planned move to merge the city's administrative wards could give officials more freedom to attract tourists and businesses.
National / Politics Oct 15, 2020
Sagawa named on tape as behind Moritomo Gakuen document-tampering
The former senior ministry official was named in a recording submitted as part of a suit by the widow of a local bureau staffer, whose suicide was linked to the scandal.
Business / Corporate Oct 15, 2020
Universal Studios Japan unveils Mario-themed cafe ahead of opening
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka unveiled to the media a cafe and store based on Nintendo Co.'s popular Super Mario Bros. game series Thursday, the day before its grand opening. The world's first Mario Cafe & Store, selling food and merchandise inspired by characters including ...
Business Oct 14, 2020
Ex-worker at Sekisui Chemical leaked trade secrets to China firm, police say
The former staffer is said to have admitted to the charges saying he had wanted to deepen his knowledge in return, but apparently received no money, goods or information.
National / Crime & Legal Oct 13, 2020
Japan's top court backs no bonus payment for employee on hourly wage
The Supreme Court ruled that treating an employee on a short-term contract with an hourly wage differently to a regular employee was not unreasonable.
National / Reference | FYI Oct 13, 2020
Referendum a pivotal moment for Osaka and its politicians
by Eric Johnston
On Nov. 1, the city's residents will be asked whether to merge Osaka's 24 wards into just four.
National Oct 12, 2020
Campaigns begin ahead of second referendum on Osaka metropolis plan
The initiative calls for the restructuring of the city's 24 administrative districts into four special wards with greater authority and elected leaders.
National / Science & Health Oct 10, 2020
Japan eyes excavation of ancient Daisen Kofun tomb mound in Osaka
The site in Osaka Prefecture dates to the 5th century and is known as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, though debate continues over who was actually buried there.
National Oct 9, 2020
Hold your bets: Japan to delay taking bids to host casino resorts
The decision will also affect the opening of such facilities, originally scheduled for the mid-2020s.
National Oct 1, 2020
Tourism sector balances hopes and concerns as Tokyo joins Go To Travel
by Eric Johnston
While the capital is a major source of domestic tourism for many areas, it is also the source of about 30 percent of Japan's coronavirus cases.
National / Politics | View from Osaka Sep 19, 2020
Let the Suga-Nippon Ishin bromance begin
by Eric Johnston
Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui and his supporters are breathing easy, knowing their favorite LDP politician is now the prime minister.