author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 1, 2022
Japan asks homes and businesses to conserve electricity as tight supplies loom
The request to cut usage will be in place from Dec. 1 through March 31, but a specific target has not been set.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 30, 2022
Can LDP and Komeito hammer out differences over defense spending?
The coalition partners disagree on issues such as counterstrike capability as well as budget size and allocation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 25, 2022
Shigeyuki Goto tapped as Japan's new economic revitalization minister
Daishiro Yamagiwa stepped down from the post over his ties with the controversial Unification Church, and the prime minister will be hoping the change eases criticism over the issue.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 21, 2022
Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal: Investigation ensnares stuffed-toy maker and ad firms
The case has grown to encompass ADK Holdings — Japan's third-largest advertising firm — and stuffed-toy maker Sun Arrow, among others.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 19, 2022
With one notable exception, Kishida’s climate policy is similar to his predecessors'
Kishida's strategy relies not only on expanding renewable energy and restarting conventional nuclear power plants but also proposed unproven technologies like smaller nuclear reactors.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 14, 2022
Time running out for families of Japanese abducted by North Korea
There is concern that Pyongyang will continue to stall on the issue, and some family members have suggested the Japanese government needs to rethink its approach.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 13, 2022
U.S.-Japan business leaders urge cooperation amid economic security challenges
The war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic both pose challenges that requires bolstering the private sector's role in the bilateral relationship, business leaders said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 7, 2022
LDP faction that Abe led faces leadership challenges as it picks new chief
How presumed successor Ryu Shionoya fares in managing the group could change the political dynamics within the ruling LDP.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / EXPLAINER
Oct 4, 2022
TSE's trial carbon trading project could lead to shake-up of sector
The project is being conducted under the economy ministry and involves more than 140 participating companies and organizations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 4, 2022
Japan residents wake up to rare J-Alert missile warning
Under the J-system, developed in 2007, messages are sent in times of national emergencies such as earthquakes, terrorist attacks and certain missile launches.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 29, 2022
As parliament reconvenes, questions loom over LDP-Komeito ties
The kind of close, informal connections senior members of previous LDP-led governments had with senior Komeito officials appears to be lacking under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 27, 2022
Respect and protest: Abe funeral draws large crowds with contrasting aims
Huge throngs gathered around the Nippon Budokan for what may be remembered as one of the most controversial ceremonial events in Japan in recent years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 22, 2022
Lawmakers' attendance at Abe state funeral largely split along party lines
While most are making their decision based on their party's relationship with the late politician, there are individual exceptions in both the ruling and opposition parties.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Sep 21, 2022
Arrest of Kadokawa chief rocks sprawling media empire
Initially a publisher of books and textbooks, over the years the company has expanded into movies, video games and apps.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 15, 2022
Opposition parties split over Abe state funeral as CDP says it won't attend
The government's failure to address concerns over the funeral's necessity, the decision-making process for the event and its cost are some of the reasons raised for the CDP's decision.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Sep 13, 2022
Amid energy challenges and green shift, Japan eyes new nuclear tech
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said the government will look into small modular reactor technology, but a host of issues stand in the way of their adoption.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2022
Top Kadokawa execs arrested in widening Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal
The publishing giant's headquarters and the Tokyo home of Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa have been searched.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 5, 2022
Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal widens as Osaka-based ad firm raided
Prosecutors have announced they are looking into allegations that Daiko provided at least u00a514 million on three occasions to a firm run by an acquaintance of a former Games official.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 28, 2022
New Nippon Ishin leader promises to continue co-founder’s policies
Despite recent electoral gains, the second largest opposition group in parliament must learn to appeal to voters outside Kansai and further distinguish itself from the ruling LDP.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Aug 26, 2022
Arrest over alleged bribery could be final whistle on career of Japan's sporting event ace
Since organizing a 1977 soccer event featuring Pele, Haruyuki Takahashi has been a towering figure in the sports business world.

Longform

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