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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
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.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Longform
Dec 12, 2022
Smooth operator: Rahm Emanuel’s transition to life as a diplomat
The U.S. ambassador on adjusting to life in Tokyo, his direct management style and dealing with Japanese politicians.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 8, 2022
Donation bill banning coercion clears Japan's Lower House
The legislation has received the support of major opposition parties after the ruling coalition made amendments to it.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 7, 2022
Japan parties move closer to passing donation bill targeting coercion
If passed, the bipartisan bill would ban organizations from soliciting donations out of fear and allow donors a path to getting a refund.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Dec 7, 2022
The Church, the State and Kishida's headache
Kanako Takahara joins this week's Deep Dive to discuss what's behind a new bill regulating faith-driven donations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 4, 2022
From 'HTT' and 'SusHi Tech' to 'NHK,' Koike’s way with words falters
The Tokyo governor is known for her past catchy policy terms such as Cool Biz, but lately her choice of expressions has failed to resonate with the public.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Dec 2, 2022
Mixed messages: What the Tokyo Court's same-sex marriage ruling really means
In saying the prohibition of same-sex marriage is both constitutional and in a “state of violating” the Constitution, the court was signaling that it wants parliament to settle the matter.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2022
Kishida Cabinet approves bill banning use of fear to solicit donations
The move is aimed at providing relief to followers of the controversial Unification Church and their family members who have been left in financial ruin.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 22, 2022
Japan ramps up Unification Church scrutiny with management and adoption probes
The inquiry into the church's management and financial status is another step toward stripping it of its 'religious corporation' status.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 21, 2022
Kishida's decisiveness in question following resignation of three ministers
While praised for making quick and strong decisions early in his prime ministership, lately Kishida has been criticized for dragging his feet amid scandals.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Nov 20, 2022
As 'twindemic' looms in Japan, here is what to do if you have a fever
This winter, the cause of flu-like symptoms could be the coronavirus, the flu or the respiratory syncytial virus.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 18, 2022
Draft bill in Japan would enable refunds of religious donations
The bill would enable the children or spouse of the follower of a religious group to claim back some of a donation if it was made under conditions deemed problematic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 15, 2022
Justice Ministry panel puts forward option of joint custody for divorced parents
The proposal could see Japan move into line with international standards, but has been criticized by supporters of domestic violence victims.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 11, 2022
Ministry to launch first-of-its-kind probe into Unification Church
The probe sets the stage for the controversial group to be stripped of its religious corporation status.

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'