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 Kanako Takahara

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Kanako Takahara
Kanako Takahara is a staff writer who has covered national politics, diplomacy, business and the economy at The Japan Times. A graduate of Sophia University, she is currently a national news editor.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 11, 2023
Japan's supreme court makes landmark decision on transgender rights
In the first Supreme Court decision over bathroom usage by sexual minorities, the body ruled it was unlawful to restrict the use of bathrooms by a transgender woman at the economy ministry.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 10, 2023
Shizuoka prosecutors to push for guilty verdict in Hakamata retrial
Prosecutors have said they plan to argue that the March retrial decision by the Tokyo High Court was “groundless.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Jul 6, 2023
One year on, where do things stand with the man accused of killing Abe?
The former prime ministers death shook the nation to its core, and the man suspected of killing him is currently in detention awaiting trial.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 29, 2023
Man arrested after 18-year-old woman stabbed to death in Yokohama
The woman's family called the police when they found her collapsed and covered with blood in an apartment complex Thursday morning.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 26, 2023
Uncle of 6-year-old found dead in Kobe directed disposal of body
The grandmother of Nao Hosaka has told investigators that the boy's uncle instructed other family members to prepare the suitcase used to discard the boy's body.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 23, 2023
Japan's Justice Ministry compiles plan to prevent prison abuse
Following abuse by officers at Nagoya Prison, the ministry plans to provide officers with body cameras and change the system determining where inmates are detained.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2023
Japan likely to see hotter summer than usual due to 'super El Nino'
Due to the climate pattern, eastern and western Japan, along with Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami islands, are expected to be covered by warm air.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 16, 2023
Japan's top court holds hearing on transgender woman’s bathroom restrictions
The resulting ruling on the case, which will mark the first time the Supreme Court has weighed in on the working environment for sexual minorities, is expected on July 11.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 14, 2023
Two dead after shooting at Self-Defense Forces gun range in central Japan
An 18-year-old male suspect, a recent recruit of the Self-Defense Forces, was arrested at the scene.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 8, 2023
Fukuoka court rules same-sex marriage ban is in ‘state of unconstitutionality’
The ruling was the fifth among six lawsuits filed to date nationwide. Decisions have been split over the question of the ban’s constitutionality.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 5, 2023
Investigators' pressure seen as reason for GaaSyy's return to Japan
Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department said that GaaSyy’s return was the “result of UAE authorities’ measures and not a voluntary one.'
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
Eastern Japan train operators to limit sales of Suica and Pasmo cards due to chip shortage
JR East and other railway operators said in a statement that they will limit sales of the IC cards “for the time being” since the card manufacturer is finding it difficult to secure chips.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 1, 2023
Japanese government to set aside extra ¥3.5 trillion annually for child care
With the added budget, Japan’s child care expense per child will be on par with Sweden’s, which is ranked first among OECD countries.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
May 31, 2023
G7 '23: Kishida's pumped from a Zelenskyy bump
Another year, another G7 summit done and dusted. How did Prime Minister Fumio Kishida do? Well, he’s thinking of an early election if that’s any indication.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 26, 2023
Man arrested after killings of police officers and others in Nagano Prefecture
Masanori Aoki, the eldest son of a local politician, has been arrested over the murder of one of two police officers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 25, 2023
Three killed, one injured after apparent shooting and stabbing in Nagano
People in the area have been asked to remain indoors. According to police sources a male suspect was wearing camouflage clothing, a cap, sunglasses and a mask.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
May 21, 2023
Can Kishida’s diplomatic success translate to domestic gains?
The fanfare surrounding Kishida's closing remarks at the G7 summit masked a meeting that was meager on substance as he looks to pivot to domestic issues.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
May 20, 2023
Amid Ukraine war and economic concerns, LGBTQ issues struggle to get G7 spotlight
Summit host Japan stands out as the only G7 nation that hasn’t legalized same-sex marriage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 20, 2023
Inside Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome: Broadcaster taps tech to keep history alive
As each year passes, memories of the atomic bombing fade. With that in mind, NHK is using VR and AI to offer interactive experiences that will withstand the test of time.
Japan Times
Special Supplements / Hiroshima G7 Summit Special
May 19, 2023
Japan ready to expound on city’s anti-nuclear message
For Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, hosting the Group of Seven Leaders Summit in Hiroshima carries special meaning.

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