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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 23, 2021
Communications ministry scandal puts focus on Japan's Broadcast Act
A decision to strip a unit of Tohokushinsha of its license came after a number of senior officials connected to the ministry were punished for violating the ethics code.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Mar 20, 2021
As long-time Hyogo governor steps aside, will voters seek a new direction?
A key election in the Kansai region is slated to take place in July as five-term Hyogo Gov. Toshizo Ido steps down after two decades in power.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 12, 2021
Japan's ethics code for officials in focus as dining scandal rumbles on
The National Public Service Ethics Code sets clear expectations for ministry life in hope of preventing the kind of conflicts of interest in which Suga's eldest son has been implicated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 7, 2021
U.N. crime prevention conference kicks off in Kyoto
The Kyoto congress will focus on greater international cooperation efforts between nations to address long-standing cross-border crimes ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Remembering 3/11
Mar 7, 2021
Ten years after Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan finding path to renewable energy future
Almost immediately after the triple meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, the shift toward renewable energy sources began to accelerate.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 28, 2021
Fact-checking or propaganda? Osaka political group's new Twitter account raises eyebrows
Concerned about a rise in what Osaka Ishin said was false statements on social media, the group launched a new Twitter account to track posts about the prefecture's COVID-19 response.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Feb 23, 2021
Influence-peddling scandal: How Suga ended up in the hot seat again
Revelations that Seigo Suga wined and dined officials have again raised questions about influence peddling at the highest levels of government.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Feb 20, 2021
Mori's downfall poetic justice for an Osaka ready to showcase its modernity
From describing the city as 'phlegm' to lackluster support for its Olympic bid, the former prime minister and Tokyo Games chief finally reaped the harvest of his disdain for Osaka.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 18, 2021
Hashimoto brings experience and connections in sports and politics to new role
The former Olympics minister appears to have only reluctantly accepted the post, and she may face questions about her relationship with her predecessor, Yoshiro Mori.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 17, 2021
Shimane governor threatens to cancel participation in Olympic torch relay
The remarks could create a political domino effect among other local governors worried about their own ability to respond to increased infections if the Tokyo Games go forward.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 16, 2021
The next boss of the Tokyo Games — a savvy operator or a fresh face?
The organizing committee says it is looking for a successor that has a certain background in the Olympics as well as a strong awareness of gender equality and inclusiveness.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 12, 2021
How 'indispensable' Mori came to enjoy huge influence in politics and sport
The former prime minister had contacts his peers did not and the ability to get things done behind the scenes that leaders in both arenas relied on heavily.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 10, 2021
As China authorizes use of force by coast guard, Japan considers response
With Beijing beefing up its powers in contested areas such as the Senkaku Islands, questions have arisen over how Tokyo should handle coastal security incidents.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
Tokyo Olympics head Mori says he was ready to quit over sexist remarks
When it was learned that Mori was prepared to resign, a rushed meeting was held between him and top Tokyo Olympic officials, who tearfully urged him not to quit.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2021
With COVID-19 cases falling, Osaka may seek early end to state of emergency
Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura is likely to decide as early as Tuesday whether to ask the central government to cancel the state of emergency for the prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 4, 2021
Japan's new virus law: Fines for noncompliance and support for hard-hit firms
Fines can be levied on businesses that refuse orders to shorten their hours of operation under a state of emergency and individuals who refuse to be hospitalized for the novel coronavirus.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Feb 3, 2021
More than four months into his term, Suga's popularity ebbs as tough decisions await
From controversial coronavirus legislation to the fate of the Tokyo Games, the prime minister's leadership ability and style is under increased scrutiny and criticism.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 1, 2021
Mayor gives Japan's first approval for restart of reactors over 40 years old
Takahama Mayor Yutaka Nose reached his decision after receiving assurances from the government that it would boost revitalization projects and the town's funding.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 28, 2021
'Japan’s Marine Corps': The nation's first responders for remote island defense
The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade was established in 2018 to respond to security situations that require faster mobilization of land, sea, and air forces.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 25, 2021
With bid policy set, localities in Japan roll dice on casinos
Areas interested in submitting proposals now have a clear schedule of when they can do so, and a better understanding of what they can and can't do during the selection process.

Longform

Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
In search of the ‘Japanese dream’