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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 16, 2020
With Suga as Japan PM, what are the chances of a snap election?
Faced with a weak opposition, the LDP must weigh possible political gains against voter backlash for taking its eye off the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 15, 2020
For Japan's new Constitutional Democratic Party, the hard work starts now
As the largest opposition party formally kicks off it faces no shortage of challenges, including corralling established figures not accustomed to being on the same side.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 11, 2020
Meet the ‘shadow shogun’ behind the making of Japan’s next prime minister
Yoshihide Suga's rise to pole position in the race to succeed Shinzo Abe is largely the making of political operator Toshihiro Nikai.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 10, 2020
Yukio Edano elected chief of new CDP, Japan’s top opposition party
In his acceptance speech, Edano called on the ruling coalition to hold an extraordinary Diet session this autumn, citing the need to discuss virus-related bills.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Sep 8, 2020
Let's discuss Shinzo Abe's resignation
A Japan Times article looks back on Shinzo Abe's time as prime minister of Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Sep 7, 2020
Efforts to decentralize Japan have a long history
Moves to address the nation's obsession with Tokyo have long seemed futile, but recently the capital's population shrunk for the first time since 1956.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 5, 2020
Nippon Ishin no Kai sees an ally in Suga in LDP leadership race
Close ties are likely to bode well for Osaka's efforts to ensure central government financing in next year's fiscal budget for the 2025 Expo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 30, 2020
75 years on, legacy of the U.S.-led Occupation of Japan still resonates
While Japan blossomed as an economic powerhouse in the second half of the century, some argue the Occupation created problems that lingered long after it ended.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 28, 2020
Abe to resign over health, ending era of political stability
The race to replace the prime minister is intensifying, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba in the frame.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 23, 2020
Abe faces hurdles to ambitions despite latest milestone
With criticism over his coronavirus response and questions about his health, Abe faces questions about what he might still be able to accomplish before his term ends.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Aug 22, 2020
'The Iconoclast' tackles Shinzo Abe’s political legacy
Tobias Harris' sweeping new biography serves as a definitive work on Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 20, 2020
Biden expected to push teamwork with Japan and Asian allies if he wins
An administration under the Democratic candidate would stress cooperation and coordination on defense, trade and other regional issues, experts say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 19, 2020
New political party set to become Japan’s largest opposition force
The new group, likely to count around 150 lawmakers as members, could pose a serious challenge to the ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Aug 15, 2020
Under cloud of pandemic, Osaka referendum remains a key issue for Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura
More in Osaka are asking whether the vote should be postponed until after the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Aug 14, 2020
After 75 years of peace in Japan, wartime issues remain unresolved
Japan has struggled to move on from its World War II history, yet remains tied to events that happened in the aftermath.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Aug 12, 2020
Japan to fight ruling recognizing Hiroshima 'black rain' victims
The central government and Hiroshima local governments appealed Wednesday a landmark ruling last month by the Hiroshima District Court that had recognized more victims of radioactive “black rain,” caused by fallout from the atomic bombing of the city, as eligible for support.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 6, 2020
U.S. ambassador nominee wants Japan to play bigger alliance role
As ambassador, Kenneth Weinstein said he would encourage Japan to further bolster its defense capabilities and take greater responsibility within the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 2, 2020
South Korea ruling on wartime labor to have major implications for Seoul-Tokyo ties
Bilateral ties will almost certainly worsen if the Nippon Steel shares are sold to compensate laborers from the war, with tariffs eyed as potential retaliation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 2, 2020
Autumn snap election speculation recedes amid Japan's coronavirus resurgence
An election win this fall could help Abe pick a successor or extend his term past 2021, but it would also prove highly unpopular in the middle of a pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 29, 2020
Osaka questions arbitrary ban on five-person outings amid virus resurgence
Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura admits that the request was a political decision with no clear scientific rationale.

Longform

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