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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
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.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 18, 2023
Police on high alert ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima
With recent attacks still fresh on people’s minds, drones, boats and around 24,000 police are patrolling the city.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 16, 2023
Foreign media spotlight brought Johnny’s sexual abuse claims to the fore
With abuse accusations circulating for decades, reports by overseas media outlets ultimately cleared the way for coverage in the mainstream domestic press.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
May 15, 2023
Major Japanese talent agency apologizes over sexual assault claims
Allegations by former entertainers against the founder of Johnny & Associates have made headlines both domestically and internationally.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 10, 2023
Suspect arrested after junior high school boy stabbed in Tokyo's Ota Ward
The 13-year-old boy was rushed to a hospital, but his injuries appeared not to be life-threatening.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 9, 2023
Bill to curb long-term detention of asylum-seekers passes Lower House
The legislation would ease deportation rules, giving officials more power to remove asylum-seekers, while adding quasi-refugees status for people fleeing conflict-hit countries like Ukraine.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 9, 2023
Justice Ministry website down amid Anonymous criticism of immigration policy
Users were unable to access the website for about 50 minutes from 11 p.m. on Monday. Then, after the website was brought back online, it went offline again from 2:30 a.m.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 28, 2023
Refugee bill takes key step after OK from committee in Japan's Lower House
Passage was secured after four ruling and opposition parties agreed to changes, including on offering training to immigration officials who will conduct the refugee screening process.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?