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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Apr 14, 2023
Japan on defensive going into G7 environment ministers summit
Tokyo is facing pressure from other G7 leaders to phase out coal power by 2030, while renewable energy proponents are seeking to push Japan to ramp up renewables.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 11, 2023
Sapporo looks to change Winter Games bid to 2034 amid opposition
The Japanese Olympic Committee has said that it will be difficult to proceed with the 2030 bid due to public sentiment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 10, 2023
The by-elections that could determine Kishida's snap election call
The April 23 votes could determine whether the prime minister heads into next month’s G7 summit with clear political skies, or under a cloud with party rivals grumbling about his leadership.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 9, 2023
Nippon Ishin candidates win big in Kansai region local elections
The opposition party's Osaka gubernatorial and mayoral candidates rolled to victory, assuring Nippon Ishin that it will remain a force in local and national politics in the months ahead.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 9, 2023
Could Hokkaido be the key to Japan's renewable ambitions?
As Japan looks to shift its energy mix toward cleaner sources, vast Hokkaido is drawing attention for its enormous potential for wind power.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Apr 3, 2023
Ryuichi Sakamoto, an outspoken peace and environment activist
The award-winning composer took a particularly strong anti-nuclear stance that put him at odds with Japanese officialdom.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 3, 2023
Rising number of uncontested seats in Japan sparks calls for change
A quarter of candidates in 41 prefectural assembly elections ran unopposed — the second highest ever — prompting even the winners to call for reforms.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Mar 22, 2023
Can Nippon Ishin 'skip' to true national political prominence?
The Osaka-born party faces a make-or-break moment in next month’s series of local elections across the nation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 8, 2023
Documents scandal involving Cabinet minister an untimely political headache for Kishida
The economic security minister has come under fire for files an opposition lawmaker says is proof she was involved in pushing for a legal reinterpretation of the broadcasting law.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Mar 6, 2023
Osaka’s exclusion of Dentsu and Hakuhodo expected to impact 2025 Expo
The two companies have been excluded from the event following their indictment over Tokyo Games bid-rigging, but not many ad firms in Japan boast their level of experience.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 27, 2023
Yamaguchi by-election puts spotlight on dynastic politics
Nobuchiyo Kishi thought reminding voters of his politician relatives was a good move, but he has been accused of just taking over the family business and not caring about voters' problems.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 24, 2023
Ukraine would welcome a visit by Kishida, envoy in Japan says
“From our point of view, it’s extremely important for Kishida … to visit Ukraine and see it with his own eyes, in order to be able to feel what is going on,” envoy Sergiy Korsunsky said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 16, 2023
Kishida’s child care plans raise questions about who will pay and how
Details of the proposal have become a hotly debated topic as Japan looks ahead to key local elections in April.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 15, 2023
The continuing saga of the Tokyo Games scandal
The arrest of four more people last week has shaken the Japanese Olympic Committee and dealt a further blow to Sapporo’s quest to host the 2030 Winter Games.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 13, 2023
Spotlight falls on Japan LGBTQ bill as G7 summit nears
While Kishida has indicated he favors early passage of the bill, opposition from within his own party could make it difficult for it to clear parliament before the May meeting in Hiroshima.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2023
Kishida vows to reopen talks on access to graves on Russian-held islands
In response to sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Moscow has suspended visa-free access to the islands for former Japanese residents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 5, 2023
The Winter Olympics have a climate problem. Could Sapporo be part of the solution?
Sapporo is touting a study showing that among all past hosts, it will be the most climate resilient as the planet warms. But residents are less than enthusiastic about hosting.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 3, 2023
The risks, and safety measures to take, for backcountry skiers in Japan
The deaths of two men in Nagano Prefecture, including an American champion skier, was a tragic reminder of the risks involved in backcountry ski trips, even for experts.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 30, 2023
Parliament begins budget talks amid focus on Kishida's tax plans
Attention is increasingly turning to when Kishida might call an election, especially given the divisive issue of tax hikes to pay for increased defense spending and child care policies.
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.

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