author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Oct 13, 2020
Controversy over bids to host nuclear waste highlights disposal issue
Two municipalities in Hokkaido have applied to the first stage of the process to build final disposal sites for nuclear waste, but the moves have prompted opposition.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Oct 13, 2020
Referendum a pivotal moment for Osaka and its politicians
On Nov. 1, the city's residents will be asked whether to merge Osaka's 24 wards into just four.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Oct 6, 2020
Suga's rejection of nominees to top advisory body prompts calls for reform
The way the council chooses its members has prompted criticism and calls for reform from supporters and opponents of Suga's decision.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 1, 2020
Tourism sector balances hopes and concerns as Tokyo joins Go To Travel
While the capital is a major source of domestic tourism for many areas, it is also the source of about 30 percent of Japan's coronavirus cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Oct 1, 2020
COVID-19 presents crucial moment for gender diversity in Japan
With the pandemic changing the way we work, the International Conference for Women in Business says women must now be brought to the fore.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Sep 27, 2020
A closer look at the LDP lawmakers who support Suga
Yoshihide Suga became prime minister because he was able to secure the support of the most powerful formal faction leaders in the Liberal Democratic Party, whose members voted for him over rivals Fumio Kishida and Shigeru Ishiba, who also lead their own factions. But behind that support from top formal...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Sep 19, 2020
Let the Suga-Nippon Ishin bromance begin
Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui and his supporters are breathing easy, knowing their favorite LDP politician is now the prime minister.
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.

Longform

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