National Jul 9, 2020
Japan to tighten export criteria for coal-fired power plants
Energy-scarce Japan is the only nation among the Group of Seven countries pushing coal-fired power plants.
Business Jun 30, 2020
Young blood may not be enough to curb Japan’s support for coal power
New language in a high-profile policy review shifting focus toward renewables is expected to be largely be symbolic, said sources familiar with the matter.
National / Science & Health Apr 14, 2020
Paris accord under threat if virus trumps climate change, Koizumi says
by Kiyoshi Takenaka and Ritsuko Shimizu
Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi warned Monday that the Paris climate accord could face "death" if steps to fight global warming are put on the back burner to facilitate the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Many economists and policymakers are forecasting a steep global recession ...
Business Feb 25, 2020
Japan to tighten policy on exporting coal power to developing countries
by Ryusei Takahashi
Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi acknowledges that international pressure is propelling the effort.
Language Feb 25, 2020
Shinjiro Koizumi and the new Japanese father
by Kaori Shoji
Shinjiro Koizumi joins the growing ranks of "ikumen," dads who challenge the norm of the Japanese father by taking stronger interest in raising their kids.
National / Politics Feb 20, 2020
Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says he regrets skipping COVID-19 meeting
Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday expressed regret for skipping a government meeting on the coronavirus outbreak in favor of a new year party held by a group of his supporters in his hometown. "I sincerely accept the opinion that it was problematic for me ...
National / Social Issues | Commentary Feb 13, 2020
Can Japan kick-start paternity leave among workaholic dads?
by Thisanka Siripala
In January, Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi received worldwide attention after surprising the public with his plan to take parental leave shortly before the birth of his first child. As the son of a former prime minister, Koizumi, 38, is a high-profile politician described as the ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Feb 1, 2020
Shinjiro Koizumi's paternity leave raises a few eyebrows
by Philip Brasor
Shortly before Shinjiro Koizumi’s wife, Christel Takigawa, gave birth to a baby boy last month, the environment minister told reporters during a regular news conference he would be taking time off for paternity leave. It was a revelation that surprised some because after the ...
National / Politics Jan 28, 2020
Heckling at Diet meeting may spur dual surname debate in Japan's LDP
The party’s Fumio Kishida has said that “we should hold discussions as needed” on whether to allow married couples to continue using their respective surnames.
National / Politics Jan 25, 2020
Shinjiro Koizumi backs different surnames for Japanese couples
In a major break with Japanese tradition, Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expresses support for enabling married couples to use different family names.
National Jan 23, 2020
Shinjiro Koizumi's remarks on Japan's coal plant exports win praise and brickbats
Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's recent remarks raising doubts over the country's coal-fired power plant exports have been met with a backlash from within the government and ruling bloc, while earning favorable responses from opposition lawmakers. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Koizumi pointed out that ...