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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 5, 2018
Hokkaido celebrates 150th anniversary of its naming with a plug for ethnic diversity
Hokkaido formally celebrated the 150th anniversary of its name Sunday in Sapporo, with the Emperor and Empress in attendance and Ainu representatives performing traditional dances.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 2, 2018
LDP lawmaker Tom Tanigawa under fire for saying LGBT relationships are ‘like a hobby’
Tanigawa has suggested “traditional” marriages between men and women, that produce children, prevent Japan from going to ruin, and opposes female succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 1, 2018
Liberal Democratic Party campaign: Abe and rivals home in on local concerns
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's top political goal remains constitutional revision, including changing Article 9's war-renouncing clause. But for Liberal Democratic Party chapters across the country, priorities tend to be on local issues, especially securing financial assistance from Tokyo for all manner...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 30, 2018
Two Osaka hotels join global war on plastic waste by banning straws
Joining the worldwide movement to combat plastic waste, two international hotels in Osaka are moving toward paper straws.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 24, 2018
Record-breaking high temperatures likely a 'new normal' for Japan, experts warn
Official climate forecasts and experts are warning that the recent rise in temperatures is likely to become the new normal in the years ahead.
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jul 22, 2018
Deadly rains in western Japan revive calls for disaster prevention ministry
The fatal rains and flooding in western Japan — and the ongoing difficulties caused by the extent of the damage and record high temperatures — have revived calls for creating a disaster prevention ministry that can coordinate and streamline rescue and relief efforts.
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jul 22, 2018
Rampant bribery in Tokushima sheds light on rise on Japan's uncontested elections
Common sense might tell you that, as small towns and villages in Japan face aging and declining populations, they would do whatever they could to encourage their remaining residents to run for a seat on the council when election time comes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Jul 21, 2018
Re-examining the Korean armistice: Give peace a chance
Ahead of the 65th anniversary of the truce that ended hostilities during the Korean War, we examine the conflict's mixed legacy in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Jul 14, 2018
Inclusive approach needed as Kansai pushes U.N. development goals
Over the past six months or so, efforts have been underway by local governments and private businesses to promote the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous speeches are being made about what Kansai might do to contribute to lofty ideals like ensuring the world has access to clean...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 10, 2018
In flood-hit area of Okayama, residents shocked by scale of destruction
Residents were digging out a mud-caked area of Okayama Prefecture on Tuesday, as floodwaters from last week's record rainfall receded to reveal broad swaths of devastation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 9, 2018
After deadly flooding, traumatized Hiroshima wakes to blue skies, starts getting life back in order
Hiroshima residents start the grim task of cleaning up from the horrific flooding and landslides.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 7, 2018
Tourists visiting western Japan stranded amid flood warnings and canceled trains
Japan's ancient capital braced itself for further rain Saturday night amid concerns about rising rivers, while canceled bullet trains due to severe rain and flooding in western Japan left tourists stranded and scrambling to find alternative routes.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 6, 2018
At least eight dead, 46 missing as record heavy rainfall continues to pound western, central parts of nation
Record heavy rainfall continued to pound western and central parts of the nation Saturday, leaving at least eight people dead and 46 others missing due to landslides and swollen rivers, according to the the Meteorological Agency.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 5, 2018
Overcrowded site and packed buses main complaints of Kyoto tourists as visits hit record levels
The city of Kyoto once again saw record levels of tourists in 2017, with 15.57 million foreign and Japanese visitors spending at least one night in the former capital, city officials said Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 26, 2018
Gov. Ichiro Matsui works to distribute donations more quickly for those affected by Osaka earthquake
Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui is working to hand out donations quickly to those affected by the June 18 earthquake in northern Osaka Prefecture that killed five and injured over 400.
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2018
Ocean pollution crisis on agenda for next year's G20 summit in Osaka, Yoshihide Suga says
With worldwide concern and political attention rapidly growing over the plastic garbage polluting the world's oceans, Japan has said it will put the environmental crisis on the agenda when it hosts next year's Group of 20 talks, including the leaders' summit in Osaka.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2018
Kyoto ramps up crackdown on illegal P2P lodging after sluggish start to minpaku law
Police and city officials on Monday agreed to increase closures of illegal private lodging facilities just 10 days after a new national law restricting their operation took effect.
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jun 24, 2018
Osaka gears up for final stage of 2025 World Expo bid
With less than five months to go until the host of the 2025 World Expo is decided, Osaka is gearing up for a final push that will include efforts to raise local enthusiasm and draw international attention with financial incentives for countries that can't afford to attend the event.
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jun 24, 2018
Kansai entities team up on U.N. development goals as Japan angles for World Expo
When the Group of 20 summit takes place in Osaka a year from now, the bulk of media reporting and commentary will no doubt emphasize what the presidents and prime ministers say about the international financial or geopolitical crisis of the moment, and what dramas are taking place among world leaders...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2018
Takatsuki residents mourn death of 9-year-old girl, as cleanup in quake-hit Kansai continues
The tributes came as life in the city appeared to be improving on Tuesday with train lines resuming operation.

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