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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 26, 2021
Snow pummels Sea of Japan coast as weather agency warns more is on the way
The Meteorological Agency predicts snow and blizzard conditions will continue until Tuesday, with up to 90 centimeters of snow projected to fall in some regions.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 14, 2021
Citing local needs, Kishida defends use of coupons in financial aid plan
One estimate has shown that administrative costs for the central government would more than triple to u00a596.7 billion if coupons are included in the handouts to young people.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 12, 2021
Local pressure pushes government to change course on cash handouts
The cash handouts are aimed at supporting young people in need, assisting child rearing households and boosting the nation's consumption.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 8, 2021
In parliamentary debut, new CDP leader tries policy-focused approach
Conscious of criticisms that the CDP only attacks the LDP, Kenta Izumi followed up on his questions to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with policy proposals of his own.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 5, 2021
Omicron throws a wrench in Osaka’s plan to promote 2025 expo in Dubai
Although Japan Day will still take place at the Dubai Expo on Dec. 11, key Japanese officials will be absent, hampering lobbying efforts for the 2025 event in Osaka.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 1, 2021
New CDP leader brings youth and a fresh face but still faces old problems in rebuilding party
Kenta Izumi's relative youth, while providing a fresh look for the CDP, could make dealing with more experienced politicians in the ruling and opposition parties more difficult.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 30, 2021
Japan's main opposition party seeks to rebuild under new leader Kenta Izumi
In the wake of October's electoral defeat and the resignation of its former leader, the CDP must now craft new strategies — and question old alliances.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2021
Nippon Ishin sticks with Ichiro Matsui as chief even as it seeks younger leadership
Nippon Ishin no Kai, which saw its seat count nearly quadruple in the Lower House election, decided to keep Ichiro Matsui on as leader after deciding not to hold a presidential election
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 19, 2021
Four vie to lead Japan's CDP after election disappointment
Whether or not to cooperate with the Japanese Communist Party will be a top issue for the next leader of the nation's top opposition party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Nov 18, 2021
Asia’s three largest economies and polluters face tough road toward ditching coal
For Japan, China and India, promises to further reduce emissions by phasing out coal run straight into domestic political roadblocks and social realities.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Nov 17, 2021
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
The big winner appeared to be the party's largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 12, 2021
Opposition tie-up could herald new debate on constitutional revision in Japan
In what could be the start of an opposition party realignment, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People have begun working together to push the issue in parliament.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 9, 2021
Amid leadership change, CDP asks itself deep questions about its future
The next leader will need to wrestle with how to best communicate a positive vision for Japan and what to do about cooperation with the Japanese Communist Party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 2, 2021
Nippon Ishin faces fundamental hurdles to further electoral success
Experts say it's likely that the party will remain official outsiders but mostly align with the ruling coalition's policies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 1, 2021
Failed cooperation effort prompts soul-searching by Japan's opposition
The fielding of unified candidates led to some close races and two major upsets, but political differences ultimately undermined the tie-up in the eyes of voters.
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.

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