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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
May 28, 2021
Bill on rehiring teachers fired for sexual acts with children clears Diet
A new law aims to make it more difficult for educators who lost their teaching licenses due to acts of sexual violence to work again.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
May 25, 2021
Suga stares down Japan's Olympic challenge
Whether or not to go ahead with the already-delayed Summer Games is a decision fraught with implications, and not only for public health.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 21, 2021
While new COVID-19 cases are decreasing, Kansai is not yet out of the woods
“Although we're finally starting to see a decrease in the number of Kansai-area infections, we have to see whether this trend will continue,' a prominent medical adviser said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 19, 2021
Widow of Japanese 'Don Juan' indicted for his murder
In Japan, suspects can be held for up to 23 days before being formally prosecuted or released, and Wednesday marked the 23rd day of Saki Sudo's detention.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 14, 2021
Time running out for Japanese prosecutors in 'Don Juan' murder case
While police say they have circumstantial evidence against Saki Sudo, no witnesses have come forward and there is an apparent lack of clear evidence.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 11, 2021
Referendum bill spotlights Japan's powerful constitutional committee
Revision is likely to be a major campaign issue in the next Lower House poll, but any changes presented to the public would have to be agreed to by the Commission on the Constitution.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 9, 2021
Abe rallies conservative base amid speculation over comeback
More than eight months after health issues forced him to resign as PM, Abe is moving to re-establish his power base among younger Liberal Democratic Party conservatives.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 29, 2021
As Osaka’s COVID-19 crisis worsens, Tokyo and Aichi offer to take patients
Hospitals have been forced to turn away patients who, in some cases, then had to spend hours in an ambulance before they could finally gain admission.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 28, 2021
Three aging reactors in Fukui Prefecture given OK for restart
The prefecture's decision could set a precedent that leads to more aging reactors getting restarted instead of being scrapped.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 26, 2021
LDP’s triple by-election loss a long-term worry for Suga
Opposition victory in Hiroshima could fuel further questions about a vote-buying scandal there, with any revelations having a knock-on effect on September's LDP presidential race.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2021
U.S. summit tests Biden and Suga's ability to lead on climate change
The global warming summit represents a chance to further cement commitments by the U.S. and Japanese leaders while promoting multilateral efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals.
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 20, 2021
Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president and ambassador to Japan, dies at 93
Mondale's time in Japan was marked by tough negotiations over bilateral trade issues, especially those related to semiconductors and insurance.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2021
Osaka to seek another state of emergency declaration over virus
The decision to request a declaration is expected to be formalized at a prefectural task force meeting Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2021
New agency intended to put Japan’s child policies under one roof
Currently at least five different government bodies are in charge of policies related to children, often causing confusion among parents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 12, 2021
For Suga and LDP, worries build over Hiroshima poll in election year
A vote-buying scandal that forced the resignation of the previous representative has rocked the local political establishment and sparked voter anger.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 7, 2021
Osaka declares local medical emergency as coronavirus cases hit record 878
“We've seen a rapid spread of infections, including the spread of virus variant infections. There's a danger the medical system will collapse,” Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 6, 2021
Spread of U.K. strain casts shadow over Kansai COVID-19 measures
In Osaka, new rules have faced questions and criticism over their enforcement and whether or not the policies will actually reduce the number of coronavirus infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Apr 3, 2021
Kansai classics for a home movie festival
Given that it will be a while before movie theaters are back to normal, here are recommendations for those interested in the Kansai region and classic films.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 26, 2021
Cabinet OKs law to limit foreign real estate deals in Japan citing national security
The bill has raised concerns about violation of privacy rights, and an intense debate over its provisions and constitutionality is likely.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 24, 2021
Failure to communicate: Suga’s media messaging falls short
Putting his policies and statements aside, the prime minister is doing a poor job at conveying his message and convincing people of his leadership qualities, experts say.

Longform

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