author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
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.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 14, 2021
The LDP's leadership race kicks into high gear this week: This is how it will go down
Support from rank-and-file members will be key for candidates, but if the election goes to a runoff, LDP lawmakers will have a bigger say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 13, 2021
LDP leadership contender Kishida unveils initiatives to counter China
Kishida, taking a page from the Biden's administration's multilateral approach to dealing with Beijing, has called for Tokyo to work even more closely with other 'like-minded' democracies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Sep 10, 2021
Who you gonna call?: Parties with Osaka roots sad to see Suga go
With the upcoming change in LDP leadership, Nippon Ishin no Kai may lose its direct line to the Prime Minister's Office at a crucial time in Kansai politics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 8, 2021
Abe ally Sanae Takaichi enters LDP race as underdog
The hawkish conservative backs increased nuclear power over renewables, similar economic policies to her mentor and laws to protect Japanese research.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 31, 2021
U.S. climate envoy John Kerry visits Tokyo to build momentum for U.N. summit
Kerry's stop in the capital, where he met with senior Japanese politicians, is part of a worldwide effort to raise ambitions ahead of the meeting in Glasgow.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Aug 27, 2021
Off to the races: LDP presidential election campaign begins
A number of challengers to Suga are beginning to emerge, with Fumio Kishida currently being the prime minister's strongest rival.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Aug 23, 2021
Loss by Suga ally in Yokohama election rattles the LDP
The prime minister's position has become even more precarious, with questions growing within the LDP over whether he should lead the party into an upcoming general election.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 22, 2021
In major blow to Suga, opposition party-backed Takeharu Yamanaka wins Yokohama mayoral election
Takeharu Yamanaka's victory in the Yokohama mayoral also puts the brakes on the city's efforts to host a casino resort in the city's waterfront Yamashita Pier district.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 18, 2021
Robert 'Skipp' Orr, key figure in U.S.-Japan relations, dies age 68
Orr enjoyed a long and distinguished career in business, government and academia, with positions at the Asian Development Bank, Boeing Japan and others organizations.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Aug 18, 2021
Former Prime Minister Abe bids for a new role: LDP kingmaker
With Suga's falling popularity opening up an opportunity, Abe and his allies are vying for greater control over the LDP at the expense of Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Aug 11, 2021
Kyoto's reconstruction plan calls for big spending cuts
Kyoto faces a financial shortfall of nearly u00a5280 billion over the next five years, and now day care centers, transport subsidies and the bureaucracy are on the chopping block.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 8, 2021
Japan's casino resort candidates put finishing touches on bids
A maximum of three locations for so-called integrated resorts — which combine casinos with hotels and other facilities — will then be formally announced sometime after May.

Longform

Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
In search of the ‘Japanese dream’