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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
Jan 31, 2023
Kishida’s son in hot seat over shopping during official trips overseas
Kishida says his son, who is also the prime minister's executive secretary, was buying souvenirs on his behalf, which would be considered part of his official duties.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 30, 2023
Deportation of Japanese robbery suspects could be decided by next week
The Philippine justice secretary said he wants the incident resolved before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s planned visit to Japan in the second week of February.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 29, 2023
What will change when Japan reclassifies COVID-19?
Japan is planning to downgrade the categorization of COVID-19 on May 8. How will that impact residents?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 27, 2023
Alleged ringleader of serial robberies in Japan operated from Manila detention center
The suspected mastermind, who is said to have gone by the name “Luffy,” sent instructions via smartphone, taking advantage of lax security at the detention facility.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 25, 2023
CDP questions Kishida on defense spending, nuclear power and child care
Calling for a snap election, the CDP's Kenta Izumi blasted the prime minister for pursuing a tax hike for defense spending without parliamentary discussion.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 23, 2023
In policy speech, Kishida puts focus on child care and defense
Implementing all of the policies mentioned in the speech — from child care and defense spending to wage hikes — will be tough if Kishida lacks a stable political base.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 11, 2023
Health ministry suggests restricting bulk drug purchases amid hoarding fears
The message follows reports of Chinese people in the country buying medicine in bulk and mailing it to friends and families back home.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 10, 2023
Japan's domestic travel discount program is back. Here's what you need to know.
The discount program is expected to end in stages as each prefecture runs out of funds allocated from the central government, but it will likely last until the end of March.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / Outlook for 2023
Jan 2, 2023
In 2023, Kishida's political survival hangs in the balance
Kishida heads into the new year with diminished political capital, having suffered one setback after another since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assassination in July.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 28, 2022
U.S. national killed in Saitama was a well-established businessman in Japan
William Bishop Jr. came to Japan in 1974 and eventually went on to start his own health care consultancy. He has been described as “dedicated, hard-working and a real leader.”
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 27, 2022
Japan to tighten borders for travelers from China on Dec. 30
All travelers from China as well as those who have been to China within the previous seven days will be tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 27, 2022
Japan's reconstruction minister resigns following funding scandal
Kenya Akiba has admitted to having two political groups affiliated with him pay u00a514 million to his mother and his wife as “rent” between 2011 and 2020.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 26, 2022
COVID-19 cases on the rise as Japan enters the holiday season
JTB estimates that about 21 million people will travel domestically, up 16.7% from the previous year.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 23, 2022
Tokyo’s long-term plan to become more disaster resilient
The capital is planning to upgrade its infrastructure by 2049 to be better prepared for heavy rain and flooding events.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 22, 2022
Aoki Holdings founder pleads guilty to bribery related to Tokyo Games
Thursday's court hearing was the first related to a series of scandals involving the Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Dec 20, 2022
'Kobe Cannibal': Media's fascination lingers on in the West after death
Despite his one-time fame, the death of notorious murderer and cannibal Issei Sagawa received only cursory coverage in Japan, in contrast to the West.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 19, 2022
The trains in Japan that will — and won't — be running on New Year’s Eve
For those looking to stay out late on New Year's Eve for their first shrine visit of the year or to celebrate the start of 2023, it helps to know which trains are operating all night.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2022
Same levy, different name: Reconstruction tax to be shifted to defense spending
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's latest plan to fund a defense budget hike is to create a new defense tax.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 14, 2022
Japanese wife of French national cites lack of trust for not allowing child visitations
The Fichot case made headlines and was seen as a tragic case of a father not being able to see his children.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 13, 2022
Controversy grows over proposed use of Tohoku funds to cover defense spending
The government is eyeing using a special tax designed to finance reconstruction costs for areas affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Longform

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