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 Reiji Yoshida

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Reiji Yoshida
Reiji Yoshida is a staff writer and deputy manager of the Domestic News Division. Since joining The Japan Times in 1993, he has intensively covered domestic politics, diplomacy and defense issues as well as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 25, 2015
Abe says likelihood of video being real is 'high'
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the static video purportedly showing a photo of Japanese hostage Hau00adruu00adna Yuu00adkau00adwa is probably authentic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 25, 2015
Purported Islamic State video shows hostage Goto claiming Yukawa has been executed
A video posted online shows journalist Kenji Goto holding a picture of what appears to be the body of slain fellow hostage Haruna Yukawa.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 23, 2015
Hostages in limbo as deadline passes
The presumed 72-hour deadline for paying the exorbitant ransom demanded by the Islamic State group apparently expired at 2:50 p.m. Friday without any hint about what would happen to the two Japanese hostages in its grasp.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 22, 2015
Japanese officials silent as hostage clock ticks
As Tokyo insists it has not 'received any contact' from the Islamic State group, the nation wonders what will happen to the two men it has taken hostage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 22, 2015
Self-censorship is biggest threat to free speech in Japan
An edgy art exhibition of works rejected or removed by other exhibitors offers insights into whether Japan can be considered a nation of free speech.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 20, 2015
Islamic State threatens to kill two Japanese hostages
In an online video, the Islamic State group threatens to kill two Japanese citizens unless Tokyo pays a ransom of $200 million within 72 hours.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 18, 2015
Okada defeats Hosono to win DPJ presidential election
Following a close runoff against Goshi Hosono, Katsuya Okada is elected president of the Democratic Party of Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Jan 18, 2015
Stealth tech no given in Japanese sub deal
Retired Vice Admiral Masao Kobayashi commanded Japan's submarine fleet from 2007 to 2009. In a recent interview in Tokyo with The Japan Times, when asked to explain one of the country's most tightly guarded military secrets, he seemed reflective.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 9, 2015
Former Asahi reporter files libel suit over 'comfort women' issue
The former Asahi Shimbun reporter threatened by nationalists and revisionists for covering the “comfort women” issue sues a publisher and a Korea scholar over claims he fabricated his stories.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 7, 2015
Southern All Stars take swipe at Abe
Shinzo Abe appeared to be in a good mood at Yokohama Arena on the night of Dec. 28. Dressed in a casual gray sweater and black trousers, the 60-year-old prime minister and his wife, Akie, were taking in a performance by the Southern All Stars, a legendary pop rock band led by vocalist Keisuke Kuwata....
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 6, 2015
Suga downplays U.S. comments on upcoming WWII statement
The Liberal Democratic Party will step up efforts this year to revise the Constitution, a long-cherished goal of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan Times
JAPAN / 70 YEARS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY
Jan 5, 2015
Numbers tell tale of Japan's postwar rise and fall
Three charts sum up Japan's fortunes over the past seven decades.
Japan Times
JAPAN / 70 YEARS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY
Jan 2, 2015
As Abe pulls to the right, few go with him
How far has Japan shifted to the right? Is it trying to shed its legacy of postwar pacifism? Experts give their opinions on the LDP's latest moves as the new year opens.
JAPAN / 70 YEARS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY
Dec 31, 2014
Year ahead may mark turning point for SDF
The 70th year since the end of World War II may be a watershed for the Self-Defense Forces if they undergo the historic changes planned by the Cabinet.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 31, 2014
Abe's goal of constitutional reform faces many challenges
This will be a tough year for the Abe administration as the calendar is full of policy goals that are unpopular with voters, observers say, particularly on defense policy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Dec 29, 2014
DPJ presidential race in focus as party regroups
The Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition force in the Diet, is back in the public spotlight.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 24, 2014
Shinzo Abe begins new term as prime minister, launches Cabinet
The Cabinet remains unchanged except Gen Nakatani, a former first lieutenant in the Ground Self-Defense Force, replaces scandal-hit Akinori Eto as defense minister and minister in charge of security legislation.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 24, 2014
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reappointed to role, new Cabinet expected
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected to the post in the Diet on Wednesday and was set to launch his new Cabinet later in the day.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 23, 2014
Hashimoto quits Ishin leadership
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto resigns as co-leader of Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) to focus on local elections in the spring, a move likely to further weaken the party's clout at the national level.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 23, 2014
Hashimoto to resign as co-leader of Ishin no To
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto reportedly plans to resign as co-leader of Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) to focus on local elections in the spring, a move likely to further weaken the party's clout at the national level.

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