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 Tomohiro Osaki

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Tomohiro Osaki
Tomohiro Osaki is a staff writer in the Domestic News Division. A graduate of Sophia University in Tokyo, he likes to explore under-reported realities of Japanese youth, with a tendency toward the taboo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 20, 2019
From cardboard factory to the kantei? Yoshihide Suga gets PR makeover as rumors of PM bid soar
Unsmiling, tight-lipped and at times appearing heavy-handed, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was never exactly the type of politician the public would take a shine to — let alone swoon over.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
May 5, 2019
South Korea's booming 'webtoons' put Japan's print manga on notice
Japan has long prided itself on being a manga powerhouse, but intense competition from overseas has left the industry at a crossroads.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2019
In first speech, Japan's new emperor vows to emulate father and fulfill duties as 'symbol of the state'
Delivering his first speech since ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Japan's new emperor vowed to “act according to the Constitution” and fulfill his role as the symbol of the state.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2019
Emperor Akihito abdicates with prayer for peace as Heisei Era ends
The abdication by a living Japanese monarch was the first since 1817.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 26, 2019
Foreign-born candidates discuss challenges and prejudice on the Tokyo campaign trail
In a nation where there are few foreign-born politicians in local assemblies or in the Diet, the sight of a candidate openly touting his or her foreign background through loudspeakers on the campaign trail can come as a surprise.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 22, 2019
Abe likely to use upcoming big events to distract Japanese public from election routs, experts say
The Liberal Democratic Party's defeat in two by-elections on Sunday is likely to prompt the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to use upcoming diplomatic events to deflect domestic attention from recent political setbacks, as he looks ahead to a key Upper House election in the summer, experts...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 11, 2019
Blundering minister's downfall reignites criticism of Japan's seniority-based Cabinet decisions
Yoshitaka Sakurada has repeatedly made headlines by making gaffes that have significantly damaged the reputation of Abe's administration.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 3, 2019
Japan assures world that Reiwa is all about 'beautiful harmony' and has nothing to do with 'command'
The move is intended to dispel what the ministry considers erroneous reports overseas that the new era name has connotations of “command” or “order.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 1, 2019
Reiwa: Japan reveals name of new era ahead of Emperor's abdication
In a much-awaited moment that heralded the approach of a new chapter in Japan's history, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced Monday that the new Imperial era will be named Reiwa, in one of the final steps toward initiating the nation's first Imperial succession in three decades.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Apr 1, 2019
Imperial era names — once coined by emperors, now by the Cabinet
Japan will usher in a new era, Reiwa, when Crown Prince Akihito ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 — a day after Emperor Akihito abdicates.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 1, 2019
Top secret: A look at how Japan's new era name, Reiwa, was picked and kept under wraps
When Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga unveiled that Reiwa would be the name of Japan's next Imperial era on Monday, it was a moment that finally put an end to months of fierce media competition to get the scoop before the official announcement.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 22, 2019
Tsuyoshi Hoshino, the Heisei Era's last maestro of Japan's Diet formalities
When at home, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsuyoshi Hoshino wouldn't dare let the hours pass without a humidifier on. The whole time the device is humming, he is also wearing a neck gaiter. Whenever he goes out, he makes sure his bag contains a constant supply of cough drops.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 19, 2019
Japan's Cabinet OKs amendment that bans corporal punishment after spate of tragic cases
The government may also revise the parental right to discipline, amid criticism that it has been interpreted by some parents as a green light for abuse.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Mar 12, 2019
To wear or not to wear: Okayama police in showdown with teen rebels sporting rebellious uniforms
Japan has its share of rebellious teenagers and one of the most popular ways for youth to demonstrate their edginess is for them to deck themselves out in provocative uniforms.
Japan Times
JAPAN / GENERATIONAL CHANGE
Mar 12, 2019
Entrepreneur's message to Japan's forgotten non-college-educated youth: You can choose your life
It wasn't until he turned 18 that Daisuke Kuse saw businessmen dressed in dapper suits up close and personal. Until then, Kuse — having spent all of his childhood surrounded by working-class families and friends in a small town in Kyoto Prefecture — had barely the foggiest idea of who they...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 11, 2019
Eight years on, Abe says 3/11 recovery nearing 'final stages,' though half of public unconvinced
Japan pauses at 2:46 p.m. to observe a moment of silence and reflect on all that has happened since that fateful day.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 8, 2019
Ex-adviser Steve Bannon says Abe was 'Trump before Trump,' urges him to play hardball with China
Steve Bannon, the controversial former chief strategist for U.S. President Donald Trump, on Friday credited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for pioneering a global "nationalist" movement while urging him to form a united front with Washington against an "expansionist" and "predatory" China.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 24, 2019
Emperor reflects on Japan's past, future and his 'endlessly long' quest to pin down role after 30 years on throne
Emperor Akihito said he has dedicated the past 30 years of his reign to an “endlessly long” quest to fathom out his role as the symbol of the state.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / FOCUS
Feb 21, 2019
Crown Prince Naruhito likely to stay close to the people upon becoming Japan's first emperor born after the war
In June 2011, three months after savage tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coastline, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were visiting Miyagi — one of the three hardest-hit prefectures — to get a firsthand look at the gut-wrenching aftermath of the disaster and commiserate with evacuees...
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 19, 2019
Coming events give Japan chance to shine as travel destination — if it can rise to the occasion, says tourism chief
Once a tourism underachiever, Japan is riding high like never before. Last year, the nation attracted a record 31 million foreign tourists, topping 30 million for the first time and pulling off nearly a fourfold jump from 2012.

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