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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Jun 21, 2020
Has Black Lives Matter’s Osaka march inspired new generation of rights activists in Japan?
The vast majority of participants at a Black Lives Matter march on June 7 appeared to be under 40 — with many likely in their teens and 20s.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 21, 2020
Tokyo and Osaka governors vie for national attention
As Yuriko Koike gears up for re-election in the Tokyo gubernatorial race, comparisons are being drawn between her and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 20, 2020
Osaka's second merger push faces pitfalls from pandemic, Abe's poll woes
Osaka voters will once again face a referendum on merging the city's 24 wards following a decision on a plan that would create four large, semiautonomous wards.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 16, 2020
Former South Korean 'comfort women' support group hit by criticism and probe
The lawmaker who previously led the group faces calls to step down after being accused of misusing funds.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 11, 2020
The North Korean abduction issue in Japan: When will the waiting end?
The Japanese government officially claims 17 Japanese nationals were abducted, but adds that there could be more than 800 others.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 5, 2020
As George Floyd marches loom, do's and don'ts for protesting in Japan
Compared with many parts of the world, Japanese protest rallies are quite orderly and peaceful.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 4, 2020
Japan's smart cities: Technological dreams or 'Big Brother' nightmares?
Late last month, the Diet passed a revised bill paving the way for so-called “super cities” or “smart cities.” Supporters tout them as high-tech marvels where artificial intelligence and big data are to be used to provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions to social problems, especially...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2020
Osaka introduces QR contact tracing system as bars and restaurants reopen
Users who scan the code at establishments will be notified if another patron is later found to have become infected.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 2, 2020
Japan's new space squadron takes a giant leap forward
The realization of Japan's first space squadron marks a large step forward for the nation's space ambitions at a time when, due to an increased number of satellite launches, the Earth's near space is more crowded than ever.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
May 31, 2020
Aomori's Rokkasho nuclear plant gets green light but hurdles remain
Construction on the massive facility, which began in 1993, has been plagued by delays over the years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 23, 2020
Aichi and Mie governors urge continued restraint on cross-prefectural travel
“I want everyone to be strict about refraining from unnecessary travel back and forth to other prefectures,” Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 22, 2020
Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo residents ambivalent about lifting emergency
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also offered praise for the business-minded 'Osaka model' Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura drafted to bounce back from the virus.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 20, 2020
Local leaders prepare anti-coronavirus measures at natural disaster evacuation shelters
June traditionally marks the start of the rainy season in most of Japan, while typhoons normally start to arrive in August.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
May 16, 2020
Can Osaka's governor inspire change before he gets 'hammered down'?
There are several reasons, some unique to Osaka and the Kansai region, that account for the governor's newfound popularity.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 16, 2020
Withdrawal by Las Vegas Sands a major setback for Japan's casino efforts
The decision comes as doubts grow about whether integrated resorts can be opened in Japan within the next few years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 15, 2020
Kansai fears virus relapse as Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo blaze own trails
Despite regional concerns in Kansai, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo are going their own way on reviving their economies amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
May 13, 2020
Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura: From man of the hour to future prime minister?
Over the past few weeks, the governor has gone from being a locally liked politician to a national media darling.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 7, 2020
Osaka governor draws rebuke from Tokyo for hinting at lack of guidance
Gov. Yoshimura's choice of words has been criticized by minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of overseeing virus containment measures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 5, 2020
Should Japan vote during the pandemic?
The political class grapples with whether elections should be held amid the deadly public health crisis.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 4, 2020
Governor moves to get Osaka back in business by mid-May despite pandemic
Despite the state of emergency, the governor appears eager to get businesses reopened before the government's expected extension ends.

Longform

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