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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 28, 2020
Abe to resign over health, ending era of political stability
The race to replace the prime minister is intensifying, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba in the frame.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 23, 2020
Abe faces hurdles to ambitions despite latest milestone
With criticism over his coronavirus response and questions about his health, Abe faces questions about what he might still be able to accomplish before his term ends.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Aug 22, 2020
'The Iconoclast' tackles Shinzo Abe’s political legacy
Tobias Harris' sweeping new biography serves as a definitive work on Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 20, 2020
Biden expected to push teamwork with Japan and Asian allies if he wins
An administration under the Democratic candidate would stress cooperation and coordination on defense, trade and other regional issues, experts say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 19, 2020
New political party set to become Japan’s largest opposition force
The new group, likely to count around 150 lawmakers as members, could pose a serious challenge to the ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Aug 15, 2020
Under cloud of pandemic, Osaka referendum remains a key issue for Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura
More in Osaka are asking whether the vote should be postponed until after the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Aug 14, 2020
After 75 years of peace in Japan, wartime issues remain unresolved
Japan has struggled to move on from its World War II history, yet remains tied to events that happened in the aftermath.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Aug 12, 2020
Japan to fight ruling recognizing Hiroshima 'black rain' victims
The central government and Hiroshima local governments appealed Wednesday a landmark ruling last month by the Hiroshima District Court that had recognized more victims of radioactive “black rain,” caused by fallout from the atomic bombing of the city, as eligible for support.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 6, 2020
U.S. ambassador nominee wants Japan to play bigger alliance role
As ambassador, Kenneth Weinstein said he would encourage Japan to further bolster its defense capabilities and take greater responsibility within the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 2, 2020
South Korea ruling on wartime labor to have major implications for Seoul-Tokyo ties
Bilateral ties will almost certainly worsen if the Nippon Steel shares are sold to compensate laborers from the war, with tariffs eyed as potential retaliation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 2, 2020
Autumn snap election speculation recedes amid Japan's coronavirus resurgence
An election win this fall could help Abe pick a successor or extend his term past 2021, but it would also prove highly unpopular in the middle of a pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 29, 2020
Osaka questions arbitrary ban on five-person outings amid virus resurgence
Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura admits that the request was a political decision with no clear scientific rationale.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 25, 2020
Osaka governor spearheads national effort to enforce business shutdowns over coronavirus
As COVID-19 numbers surge amid murky data disclosure, Hirofumi Yoshimura is gaining support for legal power to inspect and punish entertainment firms.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2020
Japan's controversial Go To Travel campaign kicks off as criticism and concerns grow
The plan, which has faced a barrage of criticism over the government's rollout, comes amid growing fears it could lead to increased coronavirus infections outside Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 21, 2020
In second Go To Travel reversal, government changes course on cancellation fees
The decision comes just four days after officials said they were not considering reimbursing the cost of canceled Tokyo trips under the troubled discount campaign.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Jul 18, 2020
Unlike Tokyo's Koike, Osaka Gov. Yoshimura enjoys freer hand in coronavirus fight
Osaka's leaders understand very well that their counterparts in Kanto face unique challenges that they do not.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jul 17, 2020
Will barring Tokyo help contain virus or just blunt Japan travel campaign?
With Tokyo, which has the largest population of all prefectures, excluded from the plan for the time being, it is unclear how much ripple effect it will have.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 16, 2020
Japan's new coronavirus panel aims for more clarity and balance
The subcommittee on the novel coronavirus faces the challenge of finding the right balance between protecting health and the economy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 10, 2020
Japan's coal closure plan a historic milestone, but what’s next?
The nation will still face pressure to further reduce reliance on the fossil fuel, both domestically and abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 9, 2020
Cash and politics may stymie any push for strike capabilities in Japan
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is discussing the issue and is expected to put forward its conclusions later this month.

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