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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
Tokyo Olympics head Mori says he was ready to quit over sexist remarks
When it was learned that Mori was prepared to resign, a rushed meeting was held between him and top Tokyo Olympic officials, who tearfully urged him not to quit.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
With COVID-19 cases falling, Osaka may seek early end to state of emergency
Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura is likely to decide as early as Tuesday whether to ask the central government to cancel the state of emergency for the prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 4, 2021
Japan's new virus law: Fines for noncompliance and support for hard-hit firms
Fines can be levied on businesses that refuse orders to shorten their hours of operation under a state of emergency and individuals who refuse to be hospitalized for the novel coronavirus.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Feb 3, 2021
More than four months into his term, Suga's popularity ebbs as tough decisions await
From controversial coronavirus legislation to the fate of the Tokyo Games, the prime minister's leadership ability and style is under increased scrutiny and criticism.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 1, 2021
Mayor gives Japan's first approval for restart of reactors over 40 years old
Takahama Mayor Yutaka Nose reached his decision after receiving assurances from the government that it would boost revitalization projects and the town's funding.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 28, 2021
'Japan’s Marine Corps': The nation's first responders for remote island defense
The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade was established in 2018 to respond to security situations that require faster mobilization of land, sea, and air forces.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 25, 2021
With bid policy set, localities in Japan roll dice on casinos
Areas interested in submitting proposals now have a clear schedule of when they can do so, and a better understanding of what they can and can't do during the selection process.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 20, 2021
As U.N. nuclear treaty comes into force, Japan sees different path to nonproliferation
Nuclear weapons states, as well as Japan, have refused to sign the treaty, preferring arms control treaties that they hope will lead to the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Jan 16, 2021
Kansai's 2030 vision is to think like a penguin
Kansai Economic Federation, which includes some of Kansai's largest and most influential firms, hopes to tap patrons with the spirit of a “first penguin” to revive the region's fortunes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Jan 15, 2021
Indictment of ex-minister Takamori Yoshikawa puts Suga in tight spot
With public support sinking over the pandemic and questions raised over his past statements on Abe's spring party scandal, prosecution of a trusted ally only adds to Suga's woes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 14, 2021
Japan maintains 'pragmatic' line on Trump's incitement of Capitol siege
Even lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party criticized their leaders after the government's top spokesperson described the situation in Washington as 'difficult.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 12, 2021
Osaka expo plans quietly move forward despite cost and virus worries
There are concerns expo-related costs could greatly increase, like those for the Tokyo Olympics, and also over whether there will be adequate time to prepare.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 6, 2021
Legal revisions would add weight to Japan's COVID-19 response
Levying fines on businesses if they don't shut down or reduce their hours of operation runs the risk of a political backlash against the government.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 4, 2021
Japan's carbon neutrality dilemma: More nuclear power or more renewables?
Suga's declaration the nation would achieve net zero by 2050 has touched off a debate over the best way to provide a safe, stable, secure and green energy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Dec 30, 2020
Abe escapes charges but creates political problems for Suga
The former prime minister's apologies and explanation over a political spending scandal have tainted his legacy and only given rise to further questions.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Dec 24, 2020
Generational change and policy differences test LDP-Komeito political bonds
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito recently marked 21 years of alliance, having ruled Japan as a coalition for 18 of those years. But are they growing apart?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 21, 2020
Ezra Vogel, Harvard professor and author of 'Japan as Number One,' dies at 90
In Japan and among international scholars of the country, the 1979 text penned by the U.S. expert on Japan and China became one of the late 20th century's most influential works.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 20, 2020
Kansai leaders declare state of emergency for New Year's period
Concerned about a spike in infections, and anxious to prevent a collapse of medical systems, governors are calling on residents to avoid returning to their hometowns over the holidays.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / View from Osaka
Dec 19, 2020
From Expo 2025 to tourists, Kansai’s hopes for the coming year
Economic recovery and making plans for a post-coronavirus world are set to be on the minds of residents and businesses in the region going into 2021.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Dec 16, 2020
As negotiations stall, how much does Japan actually pay to host U.S. forces?
With Trump having lost the election and time running out to strike a deal, the Japanese government is looking at a one-year extension of the current agreement.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
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