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Satoshi Sugiyama
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 10, 2020
Japan governors face balancing act in reopening businesses amid pandemic
Governors are moving to lift emergency restrictions to get their prefectures up and running again, but can they strike the right balance between public safety and commerce?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 7, 2020
In the age of COVID-19, world leaders struggle to adjust to online diplomacy
In the world of diplomacy, gone are the days of handshakes, bilateral meetings or international summits attracting a horde of world leaders and diplomats to discuss issues of the day.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 4, 2020
Abe extends Japan's nationwide state of emergency, but prepares to relax some restrictions
The prime minister strikes a cautiously optimistic note, but adds that the situation remains grim for the country's strained health care system.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2020
Japan's coronavirus panel recommends keeping restrictions in place
The panel met a day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he plans to extend the nationwide state of emergency that was going to expire Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 23, 2020
Japanese asked to hunker down through Golden Week as virus numbers grow
Officials worry that travel during holiday could create clusters in rural areas where the health care system is relatively fragile.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 19, 2020
Komeito cash handout demand highlights Abe's fading power amid outbreak
The turnabout marked an extraordinary moment in the over seven-year-long reign of Abe, providing a glimpse of the ruling coalition's mounting exasperation with his administration.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 17, 2020
With Japan-wide emergency, Abe highlights sense of crisis over virus
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday evening pressed for cooperation from all citizens in the fight against the spreading coronavirus following his decision to expand the state of emergency nationwide.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 16, 2020
Akie Abe criticized for taking group tour in Oita during pandemic
Her reported activity took place a day after her husband sounded the alarm over the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Apr 15, 2020
Episode 47: The current state of Japan's emergency
In this episode, Japan Times politics reporter Satoshi Sugiyama discusses how far the powers of Japan's central and regional governments extend under the state of emergency.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 15, 2020
Abe administration faces flak over hesitancy to compensate virus-hit businesses
Regional governors have rebuked the government over its hesitance to take bold financial measures, leaving many business owners no choice but to stay open amid the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 8, 2020
Behind the scenes, an LDP power struggle over record-size economic package
As the Cabinet approved a record-breaking emergency stimulus package Tuesday, the deep-seated rivalries it has amplified within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were hidden from view.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 7, 2020
Emergency declared in Japan for Tokyo, Osaka and five other virus hot spots
Basic infrastructure — electricity, water supply and gas — as well as businesses such as supermarkets, banks and public transportation, will not be impacted by the declaration.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 6, 2020
Japan state of emergency to cover Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures
After weekslong pressure from public health officials and lawmakers, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday the government would declare a state of emergency as soon as Tuesday covering Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures amid the growing outbreak of COVID-19, in a step that will empower prefectures...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 2, 2020
Japan education officials divided on reopening schools amid COVID-19 outbreaks
A panel composed of infectious disease experts said that extending school closures in areas particularly hard-hit by COVID-19 could be an option.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 1, 2020
Amid shutdowns elsewhere, government plans to continue Diet business as usual
While Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has urged residents in the capital to work from home, and the nation appears to be inching toward declaring a state of emergency over rapid spread of COVID-19, the government seems set to maintain business as usual — at least for now.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 29, 2020
Steps limited for Japan's government even if it declares coronavirus emergency
With a skyrocketing number of new COVID-19 patients over the last few days, Japan appears to be edging closer to declaring a state of emergency, a measure the central government has characterized as a last resort in the battle against the deadly virus.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 28, 2020
Abe urges vigilance to avoid COVID-19 spike and vows extraordinary steps to aid economy
The prime minister said the virus battle would be a long one, especially if people drop their guard, but pledged economic relief surpassing that for the 2008 financial crisis.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Mar 26, 2020
Tokyo Olympics delay rekindles debate over Abe’s political future
Speculation over when Abe might dissolve the Lower House for a snap election has resurfaced.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Mar 26, 2020
Japan coronavirus task force may set stage for state of emergency
The government on Thursday set up a special task force to combat the spread of the coronavirus, clearing an important prerequisite toward any declaration of a state of emergency.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 14, 2020
Abe seeks to calm a nervous nation, vowing new steps amid coronavirus outbreak
In a nationally televised news conference, Abe aimed to placate concerns about newly enshrined powers to declare a state of emergency.

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