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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2021
New agency intended to put Japan’s child policies under one roof
Currently at least five different government bodies are in charge of policies related to children, often causing confusion among parents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 12, 2021
For Suga and LDP, worries build over Hiroshima poll in election year
A vote-buying scandal that forced the resignation of the previous representative has rocked the local political establishment and sparked voter anger.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 7, 2021
Osaka declares local medical emergency as coronavirus cases hit record 878
“We've seen a rapid spread of infections, including the spread of virus variant infections. There's a danger the medical system will collapse,” Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 6, 2021
Spread of U.K. strain casts shadow over Kansai COVID-19 measures
In Osaka, new rules have faced questions and criticism over their enforcement and whether or not the policies will actually reduce the number of coronavirus infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Apr 3, 2021
Kansai classics for a home movie festival
Given that it will be a while before movie theaters are back to normal, here are recommendations for those interested in the Kansai region and classic films.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 26, 2021
Cabinet OKs law to limit foreign real estate deals in Japan citing national security
The bill has raised concerns about violation of privacy rights, and an intense debate over its provisions and constitutionality is likely.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 24, 2021
Failure to communicate: Suga’s media messaging falls short
Putting his policies and statements aside, the prime minister is doing a poor job at conveying his message and convincing people of his leadership qualities, experts say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 23, 2021
Communications ministry scandal puts focus on Japan's Broadcast Act
A decision to strip a unit of Tohokushinsha of its license came after a number of senior officials connected to the ministry were punished for violating the ethics code.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Mar 20, 2021
As long-time Hyogo governor steps aside, will voters seek a new direction?
A key election in the Kansai region is slated to take place in July as five-term Hyogo Gov. Toshizo Ido steps down after two decades in power.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 12, 2021
Japan's ethics code for officials in focus as dining scandal rumbles on
The National Public Service Ethics Code sets clear expectations for ministry life in hope of preventing the kind of conflicts of interest in which Suga's eldest son has been implicated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 7, 2021
U.N. crime prevention conference kicks off in Kyoto
The Kyoto congress will focus on greater international cooperation efforts between nations to address long-standing cross-border crimes ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Remembering 3/11
Mar 7, 2021
Ten years after Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan finding path to renewable energy future
Almost immediately after the triple meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, the shift toward renewable energy sources began to accelerate.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 28, 2021
Fact-checking or propaganda? Osaka political group's new Twitter account raises eyebrows
Concerned about a rise in what Osaka Ishin said was false statements on social media, the group launched a new Twitter account to track posts about the prefecture's COVID-19 response.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Feb 23, 2021
Influence-peddling scandal: How Suga ended up in the hot seat again
Revelations that Seigo Suga wined and dined officials have again raised questions about influence peddling at the highest levels of government.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Feb 20, 2021
Mori's downfall poetic justice for an Osaka ready to showcase its modernity
From describing the city as 'phlegm' to lackluster support for its Olympic bid, the former prime minister and Tokyo Games chief finally reaped the harvest of his disdain for Osaka.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 18, 2021
Hashimoto brings experience and connections in sports and politics to new role
The former Olympics minister appears to have only reluctantly accepted the post, and she may face questions about her relationship with her predecessor, Yoshiro Mori.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 17, 2021
Shimane governor threatens to cancel participation in Olympic torch relay
The remarks could create a political domino effect among other local governors worried about their own ability to respond to increased infections if the Tokyo Games go forward.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 16, 2021
The next boss of the Tokyo Games — a savvy operator or a fresh face?
The organizing committee says it is looking for a successor that has a certain background in the Olympics as well as a strong awareness of gender equality and inclusiveness.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 12, 2021
How 'indispensable' Mori came to enjoy huge influence in politics and sport
The former prime minister had contacts his peers did not and the ability to get things done behind the scenes that leaders in both arenas relied on heavily.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 10, 2021
As China authorizes use of force by coast guard, Japan considers response
With Beijing beefing up its powers in contested areas such as the Senkaku Islands, questions have arisen over how Tokyo should handle coastal security incidents.

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