author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 27, 2021
Opposition unity in Japan general election proving easier said than done
The CDP and JCP have agreed to rally around unified candidates in as many districts as possible — and one of the strategy's first tests is in Hokkaido.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 26, 2021
Incumbent favoring nuclear waste disposal facility wins Hokkaido mayoral election
If all technical and political hurdles are cleared and the facility is built, waste from Japan's nuclear reactors would be transported to Suttsu.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 25, 2021
Shizuoka by-election boosts opposition's hopes ahead of Lower House poll
The LDP is taking stock of what went wrong after a ruling coalition-backed candidate lost despite campaigning by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 24, 2021
Kishida and coalition suffer by-election blow ahead of Lower House poll
The ruling LDP triumphed in its Yamaguchi stronghold while an opposition-backed candidate won in Shizuoka, in the first tests of the Fumio Kishida administration since it was inaugurated earlier this month.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 24, 2021
A crucial U.N. climate summit kicks off Oct. 31. Here's what you need to know.
Experts say the COP26 summit in Glasgow could prove decisive in determining whether humankind can avoid catastrophic global warming.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Oct 20, 2021
Why is Kyoto going bankrupt?
In 2019, tourists spent u00a51.2 trillion in Kyoto. Now the city faces bankruptcy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 18, 2021
Loss of LDP majority could open up range of coalition options
With 465 seats up for grabs and opposition parties teaming up in some districts, the results of this year's Lower House election are far from certain.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Oct 13, 2021
Major opposition parties in Japan unite in attempt to dislodge LDP
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Japanese Communist Party and two other groups have pursued unified policies and candidates, but tensions remain in some areas.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 12, 2021
Kishida defends backtrack on capital gains tax in Upper House grilling
The new prime minister had floated an increase in the tax rate during the LDP leadership race, but the idea was omitted from a policy speech he gave Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2021
Osaka eases COVID-19 vaccine reservation requirement to speed up inoculations ahead of next wave
Although infections have been declining in both Tokyo and Osaka, the daily tally in Osaka started to exceed that of Tokyo late last month.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 5, 2021
New Kishida administration faces divisions over future energy mix
With pro-nuclear figures in key positions in the new Cabinet and COP26 not far off, the next few weeks are likely to see intense debate on the balance between nuclear and renewables.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / OBITUARY
Oct 4, 2021
David Jack: ‘One of the most inspiring people’ in Kansai
David Jack, who passed away last month due to a stroke, helmed Kansai Time Out, a lifeline for the non-Japanese community between 1977 and 2009.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 3, 2021
The four LDP executives who are key to Kishida's immediate success
How well the LDP does in the upcoming Lower House election will depend not only on Kishida but also four top party officials who were appointed Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Oct 1, 2021
Kishida's LDP victory prompts mixed feelings in Kansai
Kansai LDP chapters strongly backed the presumptive prime minister's main rival, but the business community was more in favor of Kishida, largely due to his support for nuclear power.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2021
In backing Fumio Kishida, LDP opts for 'stable realist'
Criticized as bland and indecisive following his loss in the September 2020 LDP presidential race, Kishida is seen as having grown tougher and more passionate this time round.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 24, 2021
Balance of nuclear and renewables looms large in LDP presidential race
While all candidates see some future for nuclear energy, they are divided on whether to increase its share of electricity generation and how to handle renewables.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 22, 2021
The LDP's secretary-general: A combination of CEO and diplomat
The LDP presidential race has put renewed focus on the powerful position, with various party heavyweights looking to get rid of the long-standing incumbent.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Sep 20, 2021
Kyoto is facing bankruptcy. What happens now?
Massive budget cuts have been proposed to stem the losses now that international tourism to the city has all but dried up.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 18, 2021
COVID-19 in focus as LDP hopefuls make their case in wide-ranging debate
The government's response to the coronavirus crisis, the constitutionality of lockdowns and the challenge the pandemic has posed for the medical system were central themes on Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Sep 16, 2021
As Japan lags on gender equality, some debate needed for legal targets
At the recent International Conference for Women in Business, how to make progress, and whether voluntary targets are enough, formed the basis of much of the discussion.

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'