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 Ayako Mie

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Ayako Mie
Ayako Mie covers Japanese politics and policies for the Japan Times. She started her career as a reporter at Tokyo Broadcasting System in 2001. In 2008, she went to journalism school at University of California, Berkeley as a Fulbright scholar. On returning to Japan in December 2010, she worked for the Washington Post as a special correspondent.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 6, 2017
Japan recalls envoys over new 'comfort women' statue in Busan
The Japanese ambassador to South Korea is recalled over a new statue representing the wartime “comfort women” near the Japanese Consul in Busan.
JAPAN
Jan 5, 2017
U.S. to resume Osprey in-flight refueling drills Friday despite Okinawa concerns
Less than a month after the crash of an MV-22 Osprey, the Defense Ministry on Thursday gave a tacit nod to the planned resumption.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 3, 2017
With U.S. security umbrella at stake, Abe to go all out forging ties with Trump
Japan's foreign policy this year is drifting into uncharted waters inhabited by President-elect Donald Trump.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 28, 2016
Leaders' Hawaii remarks include veiled message for Trump: experts
Two mavens say the speeches of Abe and Obama contain a message for the incoming leader about the Japan-U.S. relationship.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 26, 2016
Japan, U.S. agree to narrow scope of base workers protected by SOFA
Tokyo and Washington have effectively agreed to sign a supplementary treaty narrowing the scope of protection afforded to such workers by the Status of Forces Agreement.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 21, 2016
U.S. return of Okinawa training area faces harsh criticism from local residents
U.S. Forces Japan announces the return of more than half the Northern Training Area amid the growing anger of local residents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 16, 2016
Putin exits onsen drama holding all the cards
The summit talks between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not end in hikiwake, or a draw, as Putin once phrased it.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 15, 2016
Abe, Putin focus on peace treaty issues in first round of two-day talks in Yamaguchi
Despite ongoing pressure on Russia over its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Vladimir Putin — the first visit by a Russian leader in around 11 years — as he sought to make a breakthrough in a postwar territorial row that has left the countries...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 14, 2016
Putin set to arrive for summit with Abe, but island dispute progress seen as unlikely
Despite the onsen rapprochement, the meeting is seen as unlikely to produce a major breakthrough in the territorial row.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 7, 2016
On Japan stop of Asia tour, Carter reassures Inada over Trump fears
The defense secretary says the United States remains committed to the alliance and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 6, 2016
Abe's Pearl Harbor visit rooted in pragmatism amid uncertainties surrounding Trump
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit this month to Pearl Harbor will be a historic gesture that represents the strength of the Japan-U.S. alliance and the evolution of the bilateral relationship since World War II.
Japan Times
JAPAN / GENERATIONAL CHANGE
Dec 4, 2016
Riken mind bender stays one step ahead of virtual reality
Imagine you are standing on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped bridge suspended 1,200 meters above the Colorado River. You are likely to get dizzy and freeze up at the thought of venturing out onto the 10-cm thick glass.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 29, 2016
Park departure could shift regional security calculus for Japan
The matter could also impact bilateral relations, including the complete implementation of last year's deal to resolve the issue of Korean “comfort women.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 24, 2016
Ivanka as ambassador? Tabloid speculation shows deep domestic interest despite unlikely post
Less than a week after Donald Trump's upset victory in the U.S. presidential election, some in Japan were taken by another surprise.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 22, 2016
Trump to dump TPP on first day in office
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he will withdraw his country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact on the day he takes office, dealing another blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 15, 2016
Abe's Cabinet approves more muscular SDF peacekeeping role
For the first time since World War II, Japanese troops under certain circumstances will be allowed to use deadly force beyond self-defense.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 11, 2016
Japan, India sign civil pact on nuclear power after reassurances from Modi
Japan and India ink a deal on nuclear power that gives Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a boost in his efforts to sell Japanese technology abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 9, 2016
Trump and his policy in Asia remain an unknown for Japan
Trump represents uncharted waters, a situation that could undermine the Japan-U.S. alliance and upend security in Asia.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 27, 2016
Duterte's statements leave Japan, U.S. vexed
After weeks of insulting the U.S. and cozying up to China, the tough-talking leader seemed reasonable at Wednesday's summit in Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 27, 2016
Japan global forum looks at ways to get ahead in world of rapid change
The world is going through a turbulent time of rapid change and huge technological advancements, and the events of 2016 are evidence of just how unpredictable it can get.

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