author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Oct 20, 2021
Why is Kyoto going bankrupt?
In 2019, tourists spent u00a51.2 trillion in Kyoto. Now the city faces bankruptcy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 18, 2021
Loss of LDP majority could open up range of coalition options
With 465 seats up for grabs and opposition parties teaming up in some districts, the results of this year's Lower House election are far from certain.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Oct 13, 2021
Major opposition parties in Japan unite in attempt to dislodge LDP
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Japanese Communist Party and two other groups have pursued unified policies and candidates, but tensions remain in some areas.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 12, 2021
Kishida defends backtrack on capital gains tax in Upper House grilling
The new prime minister had floated an increase in the tax rate during the LDP leadership race, but the idea was omitted from a policy speech he gave Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2021
Osaka eases COVID-19 vaccine reservation requirement to speed up inoculations ahead of next wave
Although infections have been declining in both Tokyo and Osaka, the daily tally in Osaka started to exceed that of Tokyo late last month.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 5, 2021
New Kishida administration faces divisions over future energy mix
With pro-nuclear figures in key positions in the new Cabinet and COP26 not far off, the next few weeks are likely to see intense debate on the balance between nuclear and renewables.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / OBITUARY
Oct 4, 2021
David Jack: ‘One of the most inspiring people’ in Kansai
David Jack, who passed away last month due to a stroke, helmed Kansai Time Out, a lifeline for the non-Japanese community between 1977 and 2009.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 3, 2021
The four LDP executives who are key to Kishida's immediate success
How well the LDP does in the upcoming Lower House election will depend not only on Kishida but also four top party officials who were appointed Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Oct 1, 2021
Kishida's LDP victory prompts mixed feelings in Kansai
Kansai LDP chapters strongly backed the presumptive prime minister's main rival, but the business community was more in favor of Kishida, largely due to his support for nuclear power.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2021
In backing Fumio Kishida, LDP opts for 'stable realist'
Criticized as bland and indecisive following his loss in the September 2020 LDP presidential race, Kishida is seen as having grown tougher and more passionate this time round.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 24, 2021
Balance of nuclear and renewables looms large in LDP presidential race
While all candidates see some future for nuclear energy, they are divided on whether to increase its share of electricity generation and how to handle renewables.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 22, 2021
The LDP's secretary-general: A combination of CEO and diplomat
The LDP presidential race has put renewed focus on the powerful position, with various party heavyweights looking to get rid of the long-standing incumbent.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Sep 20, 2021
Kyoto is facing bankruptcy. What happens now?
Massive budget cuts have been proposed to stem the losses now that international tourism to the city has all but dried up.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 18, 2021
COVID-19 in focus as LDP hopefuls make their case in wide-ranging debate
The government's response to the coronavirus crisis, the constitutionality of lockdowns and the challenge the pandemic has posed for the medical system were central themes on Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Sep 16, 2021
As Japan lags on gender equality, some debate needed for legal targets
At the recent International Conference for Women in Business, how to make progress, and whether voluntary targets are enough, formed the basis of much of the discussion.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 14, 2021
The LDP's leadership race kicks into high gear this week: This is how it will go down
Support from rank-and-file members will be key for candidates, but if the election goes to a runoff, LDP lawmakers will have a bigger say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 13, 2021
LDP leadership contender Kishida unveils initiatives to counter China
Kishida, taking a page from the Biden's administration's multilateral approach to dealing with Beijing, has called for Tokyo to work even more closely with other 'like-minded' democracies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Sep 10, 2021
Who you gonna call?: Parties with Osaka roots sad to see Suga go
With the upcoming change in LDP leadership, Nippon Ishin no Kai may lose its direct line to the Prime Minister's Office at a crucial time in Kansai politics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 8, 2021
Abe ally Sanae Takaichi enters LDP race as underdog
The hawkish conservative backs increased nuclear power over renewables, similar economic policies to her mentor and laws to protect Japanese research.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 31, 2021
U.S. climate envoy John Kerry visits Tokyo to build momentum for U.N. summit
Kerry's stop in the capital, where he met with senior Japanese politicians, is part of a worldwide effort to raise ambitions ahead of the meeting in Glasgow.

Longform

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