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 Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 16, 2016
High court rules Okinawa governor's order to stop U.S. base work 'illegal'
The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court finds Gov. Takeshi Onaga's cancellation of a landfill work order contravened the law.
JAPAN
Sep 15, 2016
As Monju decommissioning nears reality, Fukui politicians lash out
News that the central government is finalizing plans to decommission the Monju fast-breeder reactor in Fukui Prefecture has sparked anger and fear among local politicians about what will happen to their economy, and could make Fukui's cooperation in restarting other reactors more complicated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 14, 2016
East Hokkaido waits on Abe-Putin talks over Russia-held isles
In Hokkaido's far east, Nemuro feels nothing like a typical Japanese city. Mist and fog often shroud the area in the summertime. During July and August, while much of the country bakes in 30 degree-plus temperatures, it's just over 20 degrees in Nemuro.
JAPAN
Sep 8, 2016
Kansai airport begins vaccinating workers after measles outbreak
So far 39 people have been infected, mostly younger airport employees who were never vaccinated against the disease.
JAPAN
Sep 7, 2016
26 Okinawa mayors demand U.S. base reductions amid increased tensions
The mayors of 26 towns and villages hosting U.S. bases in Okinawa plan to formally present new demands Thursday calling for Tokyo to reduce the prefecture's burden in supporting American military personnel and fundamentally revise the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Aug 31, 2016
Governors' moves muddle reactor restart bids
Political moves by the governors of Kagoshima and Niigata over the last week, one sudden and one that was mostly expected, are likely to affect plans in both prefectures to restart or continue running nuclear reactors.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 29, 2016
Terror financing laws limited by burden of proof
Last month it was revealed that a Bangladeshi former associate professor at Kyoto's Ritsumeikan University was wanted by police for his suspected involvement in the Dhaka terrorist attack that killed 20 people in a cafe, including seven Japanese. Mohammad Saifullah Ozaki had been teaching business administration...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 25, 2016
U.S.-friendly Maehara able to find common ground with LDP
Former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, who is expected to run for president of the opposition Democratic Party, brings a wealth of experience and an America-friendly reputation to the race.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 23, 2016
In bid to go national, Osaka Ishin no Kai changes its name
Osaka Ishin no Kai, the nation's only Osaka-based national political party, changed its name Tuesday to Nippon Ishin no Kai in an attempt to increase its appeal in other parts of Japan, especially Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Aug 22, 2016
Civility shown to Russo-Japanese War POWs lives on as Matsuyama's legacy
Tucked away in a tiny corner of Matsuyama, on a hillside not too far from the famous Dogo Onsen hot springs resort, lies a unique graveyard. Inside lie gravestones for 98 Russian POWs who died during the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War, a somber reminder of a time the city is nevertheless generally eager...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Aug 21, 2016
Osaka Ishin tactics strike chord with Koike but will LDP stand idly by?
Is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government about to adopt Osaka's approach to local government reform, leading to an Osaka-centric political party expanding its influence to the nation's capital?
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Aug 21, 2016
Osaka urged to spend more on arts ahead of Olympic extravaganza
A call by an influential Kansai business group for the Osaka prefectural and municipal governments to increase their budgets for art and culture has sparked debate between the governor and business circles over how to best do that.
Japan Times
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Aug 20, 2016
The content of culture: In Osaka, who should pay?
A report released by a Kansai business group earlier this month notes the amounts for the art and culture budgets of Osaka prefecture and Osaka city are well below national averages on a per person level, and has a lot of tongues wagging about Osaka being run by a bunch of philistines.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2016
Shikoku MOX plant restarts amid outcry over fresh quake fears
Shikoku Electric restarts the Ikata No. 3 reactor on the narrow Sadamisaki Peninsula as protesters seek court injunctions over safety fears renewed by the quakes in Kyushu.
JAPAN
Aug 9, 2016
Overseas media outlets praise Emperor's efforts for peace, reconciliation
Overseas media reaction to Monday's recorded video address by Emperor Akihito, in which he indicated a desire to abdicate, praised his efforts at peace and reconciliation in Okinawa and parts of Asia.
Japan Times
ENVIRONMENT
Aug 6, 2016
Climate change threatens nation's agriculture
Dark clouds cast gloom over future domestic food production as global temperatures rise
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 5, 2016
Far-reaching quakes put Ehime's atomic evacuation plans in doubt
When two earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 struck Kumamoto Prefecture in April, the shock was felt not only in Kumamoto but also about 170 km away, in the small town of Ikata, Ehime Prefecture, home to a nuclear power plant.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 3, 2016
Abe's defense minister pick sparks concern over relations with South Korea
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's choice for the key post of defense minister, Tomomi Inada, is a politician known for her strong nationalistic views.
Japan Times
JAPAN / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jul 24, 2016
Kyoto pushes to retrieve share of Imperial action to honor deep cultural roots
When a young Emperor Meiji moved to Edo from Kyoto in 1868, many of Kyoto's noble families were strongly opposed to his leaving what had been Japan's capital and home to the Imperial family since 794.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Jul 24, 2016
Osaka Ishin no Kai seeks less-provincial name as identity crisis festers
Bowing to long-standing criticism that it must change its name in order to win over more voters, Osaka Ishin no Kai will select a new party name next month.

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