Eric Johnston - The Japan Times

JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE

Jul 22, 2018

Deadly rains in western Japan revive calls for disaster prevention ministry

The fatal rains and flooding in western Japan — and the ongoing difficulties caused by the extent of the damage and record high temperatures — have revived calls for creating a disaster prevention ministry that can coordinate and streamline rescue and relief efforts.

JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE

Jul 22, 2018

Rampant bribery in Tokushima sheds light on rise on Japan's uncontested elections

Common sense might tell you that, as small towns and villages in Japan face aging and declining populations, they would do whatever they could to encourage their remaining residents to run for a seat on the council when election time comes.

JAPAN / History

Jul 21, 2018

Re-examining the Korean armistice: Give peace a chance

Ahead of the 65th anniversary of the truce that ended hostilities during the Korean War, we examine the conflict's mixed legacy in Japan.

JAPAN / View from Osaka

Jul 14, 2018

Inclusive approach needed as Kansai pushes U.N. development goals

Over the past six months or so, efforts have been underway by local governments and private businesses to promote the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous speeches are being made about what Kansai might do to contribute to lofty ideals like ensuring the world has access to clean...

JAPAN

Jul 10, 2018

In flood-hit area of Okayama, residents shocked by scale of destruction

Residents were digging out a mud-caked area of Okayama Prefecture on Tuesday, as floodwaters from last week's record rainfall receded to reveal broad swaths of devastation.

JAPAN

Jul 9, 2018

After deadly flooding, traumatized Hiroshima wakes to blue skies, starts getting life back in order

Hiroshima residents start the grim task of cleaning up from the horrific flooding and landslides.

JAPAN

Jul 7, 2018

Tourists visiting western Japan stranded amid flood warnings and canceled trains

Japan's ancient capital braced itself for further rain Saturday night amid concerns about rising rivers, while canceled bullet trains due to severe rain and flooding in western Japan left tourists stranded and scrambling to find alternative routes.

JAPAN

Jul 6, 2018

At least eight dead, 46 missing as record heavy rainfall continues to pound western, central parts of nation

Record heavy rainfall continued to pound western and central parts of the nation Saturday, leaving at least eight people dead and 46 others missing due to landslides and swollen rivers, according to the the Meteorological Agency.

JAPAN

Jul 5, 2018

Overcrowded site and packed buses main complaints of Kyoto tourists as visits hit record levels

The city of Kyoto once again saw record levels of tourists in 2017, with 15.57 million foreign and Japanese visitors spending at least one night in the former capital, city officials said Wednesday.

JAPAN

Jun 26, 2018

Gov. Ichiro Matsui works to distribute donations more quickly for those affected by Osaka earthquake

Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui is working to hand out donations quickly to those affected by the June 18 earthquake in northern Osaka Prefecture that killed five and injured over 400.

JAPAN

Jun 25, 2018

Ocean pollution crisis on agenda for next year's G20 summit in Osaka, Yoshihide Suga says

With worldwide concern and political attention rapidly growing over the plastic garbage polluting the world's oceans, Japan has said it will put the environmental crisis on the agenda when it hosts next year's Group of 20 talks, including the leaders' summit in Osaka.

JAPAN

Jun 25, 2018

Kyoto ramps up crackdown on illegal P2P lodging after sluggish start to minpaku law

Police and city officials on Monday agreed to increase closures of illegal private lodging facilities just 10 days after a new national law restricting their operation took effect.

JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE

Jun 24, 2018

Osaka gears up for final stage of 2025 World Expo bid

With less than five months to go until the host of the 2025 World Expo is decided, Osaka is gearing up for a final push that will include efforts to raise local enthusiasm and draw international attention with financial incentives for countries that can't afford to attend the event.

JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE

Jun 24, 2018

Kansai entities team up on U.N. development goals as Japan angles for World Expo

When the Group of 20 summit takes place in Osaka a year from now, the bulk of media reporting and commentary will no doubt emphasize what the presidents and prime ministers say about the international financial or geopolitical crisis of the moment, and what dramas are taking place among world leaders...

JAPAN

Jun 19, 2018

Takatsuki residents mourn death of 9-year-old girl, as cleanup in quake-hit Kansai continues

The tributes came as life in the city appeared to be improving on Tuesday with train lines resuming operation.

JAPAN

Jun 18, 2018

At least four killed, more than 300 injured after strong earthquake rattles Osaka

One of the most powerful earthquakes to rock the Kansai region in decades struck Osaka and neighboring prefectures Monday morning, leaving at least four people dead and more than 300 injured.

JAPAN / View from Osaka

Jun 16, 2018

Osaka floats out-of-box thinking for ties with North

Though it remains to be seen how history will judge the June 12 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, present Japanese and Western views across the political spectrum are generally either skeptical of North Korea's sincerity in honoring any agreement or of America's...

JAPAN

Jun 14, 2018

Osaka makes final pitch to host 2025 World Expo

Osaka made its final pitch Wednesday in Paris to host the 2025 World Expo, emphasizing the Kansai region's history as a center of Nobel-prize winning scientific research and telling expo delegates that the central government is willing to spend ¥24 billion to ensure 100 countries are able to participate...

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Jun 11, 2018

If Niigata gubernatorial race was a litmus test, Abe and Nikai passed

In a tight contest with implications for Abe's political fortunes and nuclear power policy, Hideyo Hanazumi beat Chikako Ikeda, who had the support of five major opposition parties.

JAPAN / Politics

Jun 10, 2018

Victory of LDP-backed candidate in Niigata gubernatorial race likely to give boost to Abe and key ally

A ruling-party supported candidate wins the Niigata gubernatorial election, providing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of his key Liberal Democratic Party allies with a big morale boost in the midst of ongoing Diet scandals.

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