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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 13, 2022
Okinawa's busy political year set to have major impact on national security
Voters in Nago go to the polls Jan. 23 to choose a mayor in the first of a series of elections that could shape the prefecture's relationship with Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jan 7, 2022
Japan’s largest opposition party faces crucial test in upcoming Upper House poll
For the CDP, success or failure in the vote scheduled to take place in the summer is likely to determine the post-election futures of not only its new leader but the party itself.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 5, 2022
2022 shaping up as pivotal year for success of 2025 Osaka Expo
The Kansai region hopes to wow the world with flying cars, new medical technologies and hydrogen- and ammonia-powered vehicles and buildings. But is there enough time?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 4, 2022
One more time? Sapporo, like Tokyo, wants to host its second Olympics
It is hoped that plans to make use of existing facilities will allay fears over costs, but nonetheless local support for a bid for the 2030 Winter Games looks to be on the wane.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 30, 2021
Growing friction between Kishida and Abe could mean turbulence for LDP in 2022
Tensions between Kishida and the former prime minister appear to be on the rise as Abe seeks to strengthen his faction and influence behind the scenes.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 26, 2021
Snow pummels Sea of Japan coast as weather agency warns more is on the way
The Meteorological Agency predicts snow and blizzard conditions will continue until Tuesday, with up to 90 centimeters of snow projected to fall in some regions.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 14, 2021
Citing local needs, Kishida defends use of coupons in financial aid plan
One estimate has shown that administrative costs for the central government would more than triple to u00a596.7 billion if coupons are included in the handouts to young people.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 12, 2021
Local pressure pushes government to change course on cash handouts
The cash handouts are aimed at supporting young people in need, assisting child rearing households and boosting the nation's consumption.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 8, 2021
In parliamentary debut, new CDP leader tries policy-focused approach
Conscious of criticisms that the CDP only attacks the LDP, Kenta Izumi followed up on his questions to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with policy proposals of his own.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 5, 2021
Omicron throws a wrench in Osaka’s plan to promote 2025 expo in Dubai
Although Japan Day will still take place at the Dubai Expo on Dec. 11, key Japanese officials will be absent, hampering lobbying efforts for the 2025 event in Osaka.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 1, 2021
New CDP leader brings youth and a fresh face but still faces old problems in rebuilding party
Kenta Izumi's relative youth, while providing a fresh look for the CDP, could make dealing with more experienced politicians in the ruling and opposition parties more difficult.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 30, 2021
Japan's main opposition party seeks to rebuild under new leader Kenta Izumi
In the wake of October's electoral defeat and the resignation of its former leader, the CDP must now craft new strategies — and question old alliances.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2021
Nippon Ishin sticks with Ichiro Matsui as chief even as it seeks younger leadership
Nippon Ishin no Kai, which saw its seat count nearly quadruple in the Lower House election, decided to keep Ichiro Matsui on as leader after deciding not to hold a presidential election
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 19, 2021
Four vie to lead Japan's CDP after election disappointment
Whether or not to cooperate with the Japanese Communist Party will be a top issue for the next leader of the nation's top opposition party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Nov 18, 2021
Asia’s three largest economies and polluters face tough road toward ditching coal
For Japan, China and India, promises to further reduce emissions by phasing out coal run straight into domestic political roadblocks and social realities.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Nov 17, 2021
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
The big winner appeared to be the party's largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 12, 2021
Opposition tie-up could herald new debate on constitutional revision in Japan
In what could be the start of an opposition party realignment, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People have begun working together to push the issue in parliament.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 9, 2021
Amid leadership change, CDP asks itself deep questions about its future
The next leader will need to wrestle with how to best communicate a positive vision for Japan and what to do about cooperation with the Japanese Communist Party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 2, 2021
Nippon Ishin faces fundamental hurdles to further electoral success
Experts say it's likely that the party will remain official outsiders but mostly align with the ruling coalition's policies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 1, 2021
Failed cooperation effort prompts soul-searching by Japan's opposition
The fielding of unified candidates led to some close races and two major upsets, but political differences ultimately undermined the tie-up in the eyes of voters.

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