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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
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.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 25, 2020
Osaka governor spearheads national effort to enforce business shutdowns over coronavirus
As COVID-19 numbers surge amid murky data disclosure, Hirofumi Yoshimura is gaining support for legal power to inspect and punish entertainment firms.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2020
Japan's controversial Go To Travel campaign kicks off as criticism and concerns grow
The plan, which has faced a barrage of criticism over the government's rollout, comes amid growing fears it could lead to increased coronavirus infections outside Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 21, 2020
In second Go To Travel reversal, government changes course on cancellation fees
The decision comes just four days after officials said they were not considering reimbursing the cost of canceled Tokyo trips under the troubled discount campaign.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Jul 18, 2020
Unlike Tokyo's Koike, Osaka Gov. Yoshimura enjoys freer hand in coronavirus fight
Osaka's leaders understand very well that their counterparts in Kanto face unique challenges that they do not.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jul 17, 2020
Will barring Tokyo help contain virus or just blunt Japan travel campaign?
With Tokyo, which has the largest population of all prefectures, excluded from the plan for the time being, it is unclear how much ripple effect it will have.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 16, 2020
Japan's new coronavirus panel aims for more clarity and balance
The subcommittee on the novel coronavirus faces the challenge of finding the right balance between protecting health and the economy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 10, 2020
Japan's coal closure plan a historic milestone, but what’s next?
The nation will still face pressure to further reduce reliance on the fossil fuel, both domestically and abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 9, 2020
Cash and politics may stymie any push for strike capabilities in Japan
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is discussing the issue and is expected to put forward its conclusions later this month.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 5, 2020
Powerful Japanese medical group has history of political prescriptions
Here's a closer look at the group, its political connections and what the recent change in its leadership might mean for the Liberal Democratic Party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 1, 2020
Japan's new plastic bag charge: What it means for consumers and the environment
The new rule is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the country's rivers, forests, streams and, ultimately, surrounding oceans.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jun 26, 2020
Japan Black Lives Matter marches reflect shared sense of justice, U.S. envoy says
'Perhaps some people feel that it's important to hold the ideal America up in the mirror and hold it to account,' says Osaka-Kobe Consul General Karen Kelley.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / EXPLAINER
Jun 23, 2020
The Battle of Okinawa: Fierce fighting at the end of World War II
By the end of the battle, around 100,000 Japanese soldiers had died, either killed in combat or by suicide.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Jun 21, 2020
Defense Ministry blunders and local opposition ruin Japan's Aegis Ashore plans
The controversial project was long troubled by doubts about whether it was even needed, and by whom.

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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?