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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 14, 2023
Could the LDP turn to Nippon Ishin amid friction with coalition partner Komeito?
Tensions with Komeito and policy compatibility with Nippon Ishin have some questioning whether the ruling party might shop around for a new coalition partner.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 12, 2023
Former LDP kingmaker Mikio Aoki dies at 89
Aoki, known as the “don of the Upper House” for his influence inside and outside the LDP, served as a lawmaker in the chamber between 1986 and 2010.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2023
How Japan ensures you gamble exactly when and where it wants you to
Laws on gambling mean that the activity is prohibited in general, except for betting on something that is legally defined as “momentary amusement,” or on government-sanctioned events.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 1, 2023
LDP-Komeito spat spotlights deeper problems in political marriage
That, in turn, has raised questions about the state of their more than 20-year-old coalition, and whether the two sides will take steps to initiate a divorce.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 27, 2023
Hokkaido bear attack shows need for better management of island's nearly 12,000 brown bears
The exact population of Hokkaido brown bears is difficult to pin down, but experts agree that the population at least doubled over the three-decade period between 1990 and 2020.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 25, 2023
LDP-Komeito clash over Tokyo candidate pick threatens broader rift
Wrangling over five new Lower House seats in Tokyo may be driving a wedge between the coalition partners.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 24, 2023
Japan's political parties prepare as talk of snap election heats up
While Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may or may not call a snap election now that the G7 summit is over, that uncertainty isn't stopping political parties from planning their next moves.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 22, 2023
South Korean nuclear experts to tour Fukushima plant amid water concerns
During their tour of the crippled plant, the experts will pay particular attention to Japan’s plans to discharge treated water, currently being stored at the facility, into the ocean.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 21, 2023
Embrace of LNG by G7 a setback for climate goals, experts warn
One expert put the blame on Japan, particularly for what she called a lack of a sense of urgency about the climate crisis on the part of the Japanese government.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 19, 2023
Nippon Ishin lawmaker disciplined over remarks about death of Sri Lankan woman
Without offering proof, Umemura told the Upper House on three occasions that Wishma may have died as a result of a hunger strike, a claim she later admitted was speculation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 19, 2023
Japan’s largest opposition party could be reaching a breaking point
The CDP faces a crisis as internal arguments, poor elections results and the rise of Nippon Ishin threaten its status as Japan’s largest opposition party.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 17, 2023
Concerns over Russia draw Finland and Japan closer together
Tanja Jaaskelainen, Finland’s ambassador to Japan, told the Japan Times in an interview that shared worries over Russia are leading her country and Japan to boost cooperation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 11, 2023
Komeito looks nervously toward next elections as Nippon Ishin rises
Despite only one Komeito loss in Osaka, the local Nippon Ishin chapter won seats for governor, mayor and control in prefectural and municipal assemblies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 9, 2023
Motegi attempts to raise profile in possible challenge to Kishida
The powerful LDP Secretary-General, however, is not seen as a favorable choice for prime minister by many in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 30, 2023
Nippon Ishin’s 'hop, skip and jump' election strategy faces one final leap
The Osaka-based Nippon Ishin faces a long final jump in order to achieve its goal of winning enough seats in the next general election to become Japan’s main opposition force.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 24, 2023
Kishida rules out snap poll after LDP wins big in Sunday by-elections
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party received a welcome boost Sunday night as four of five LDP-affiliated or supported candidates won key parliamentary by-elections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 20, 2023
Voter reaction to attack on Kishida could impact Sunday by-elections
How the ruling party performs is expected to influence Kishida’s decision on whether to call a snap election in the coming months.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Apr 17, 2023
G7 ministers promise more green energy use, but timeline on coal exit elusive
Japan’s position, adopted by the country's ministers, is that each country has its own economic energy situation that requires different methods to achieve carbon neutrality.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 16, 2023
G7 environment ministers agree on drastic expansion of wind power, but no coal exit timeline
Agreement leaves open the possibility of current coal plants employing controversial new technologies like hydrogen and ammonia co-fired plants as well as carbon capture and storage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 14, 2023
Osaka hits the jackpot in bid to become Japan’s first casino resort
The Osaka resort will consist of hotels, shops and a convention center to go along with the casino, and about 20 million people a year are expected to visit.

Longform

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