author

 
 
 Eric Johnston

Meta

Eric Johnston
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2023
Kishida vows to reopen talks on access to graves on Russian-held islands
In response to sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Moscow has suspended visa-free access to the islands for former Japanese residents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 5, 2023
The Winter Olympics have a climate problem. Could Sapporo be part of the solution?
Sapporo is touting a study showing that among all past hosts, it will be the most climate resilient as the planet warms. But residents are less than enthusiastic about hosting.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 3, 2023
The risks, and safety measures to take, for backcountry skiers in Japan
The deaths of two men in Nagano Prefecture, including an American champion skier, was a tragic reminder of the risks involved in backcountry ski trips, even for experts.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 30, 2023
Parliament begins budget talks amid focus on Kishida's tax plans
Attention is increasingly turning to when Kishida might call an election, especially given the divisive issue of tax hikes to pay for increased defense spending and child care policies.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 25, 2023
CDP questions Kishida on defense spending, nuclear power and child care
Calling for a snap election, the CDP's Kenta Izumi blasted the prime minister for pursuing a tax hike for defense spending without parliamentary discussion.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 22, 2023
Kishida heads into parliamentary session with packed — and divisive — agenda
Contentious debates in the Diet over increased defense spending, policies aimed at children and extending the life of nuclear reactors could ultimately seal the prime minister's fate.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 17, 2023
Environment education that connects all the dots
Currently, students in Japan are taught the facts, but not necessarily how they are linked to political and social changes around the world.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 15, 2023
Russia-Hokkaido relations another casualty of Ukraine invasion
'If the prefecture continued to promote exchanges with our Russian counterparts now, there would be the risk of a public backlash,' one official said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 12, 2023
Bill to amend Japan's immigration laws to be resubmitted to parliament, report says
If the bill, which was shelved before last autumn's extraordinary parliament session, is taken up, it would be one of more than 60 pieces of legislation expected to be debated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 11, 2023
South Korea aims to finalize 'solution' to wartime labor dispute with Japan, report says
In what experts say is an unusual move, reports indicated that a written agreement between the countries will not be required.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 6, 2023
Kishida again puts LDP-DPP tie-up in spotlight with labor union appearance
The DPP is strongly backed by members of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, and the labor group's leader has moved the organization closer to the LDP.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 4, 2023
Wage hikes and steps toward a nuke-free world top Kishida’s 2023 goals
Speaking at a news conference in Mie Prefecture, the prime minister also mentioned the possibility of a general election before a defense-related tax hike goes into effect.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 4, 2023
Growing pains: Niseko-area town of Kutchan faces questions over sustainable development
With tourism to Japan having fully resumed, developers are once again looking at the Niseko area as a place to invest and build. But can it be done sustainably?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 21, 2022
Watchdog OKs new rules to allow Japan's nuclear plants to operate beyond 60 years
The move comes as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pushes continued use of older nuclear plants in the years ahead to meet national carbon reduction goals.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Dec 16, 2022
Kishida punts on tax hikes for defense amid backlash from his own party
Kishida, who had been pushing for tax increases in stages, was forced to back off from a specific timetable as opponents press for alternate funding.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 14, 2022
Defense spending debate threatens to divide ruling Liberal Democratic Party
Rather than raising taxes, some LDP lawmakers want the prime minister to issue government bonds.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Dec 12, 2022
Delayed pick for 2030 Winter Olympics host puts Sapporo in a bind
The IOC's announcement could further complicate the city's effort, as bid supporters and opponents face off next year — especially in April's local elections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Dec 9, 2022
Amid low ratings and scandals, Kishida scores a win with passage of key bills
In a parliamentary session rocked by Cabinet resignations and controversy over the Unification Church, the prime minister was able to eke out some political wins.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 30, 2022
Help wanted: Niseko facing labor crunch as ski season gets underway
Despite hope that winter tourists will return, some in Niseko's service industry may have to make do with limited staff.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 30, 2022
Hokkaido's COVID-19 infections rise, but serious cases remain low
While Hokkaido is facing a strain on total available hospital beds, the percentage of those being used for seriously ill patients is small.

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'