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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 / Society
Nov 4, 2014
Notorious 'JK' business exploits troubled high school girls for sex
Seventeen-year-old Momo shrugs and says she was aware of the dangers when she decided to join other girls in Tokyo's Akihabara district handing out racy fliers to male passers-by and flashing them coquettish smiles.
JAPAN
Oct 29, 2014
Invite foreign interns to settle in Japan, think tank says
The government should replace its controversial foreigners' trainee program with a system that invites interns from abroad to settle in Japan, a Tokyo think tank says.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 28, 2014
Musical points to sinister nuclear implications
A recent court-themed musical staged in Tokyo was, to say the least, an audacious dig at the contentious state secrets law scheduled to take effect in December.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 28, 2014
Young protesters rap state secrets law as movement gains rhythm
"Don't give up the fight! Stand up for your right!"
JAPAN / Society
Oct 23, 2014
Hospital worker scores big legal win over 'maternity harassment'
In its first ruling on “maternity harassment,” the Supreme Court nullifies a lower court's decision to reject a therapist's claim that she was unjustly demoted for being pregnant.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 21, 2014
Female civil servant sues over 'institutional sexism' in her ministry
In what may be a legal first, a female civil servant sues the government over what she calls institutional sexism at the ministry she works for, citing almost two decades of blocked promotions and pay raises.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 21, 2014
New ministers pledge no interruption to nuclear policy, female empowerment
On his first day in his new job, industry minister Yoichi Miyazawa said Tuesday he will soon be ready to visit communities near nuclear power plants, apparently pledging to maintain the momentum for reactor restarts.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Oct 20, 2014
Hometown 'tax' donations system catching on
Japanese may not be known as the most charity-minded people but if there is one charitable activity that has proved a hit in this country, it's the 'furusato nozei' (hometown tax).
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Oct 16, 2014
Naturalize or get out, party tells jobless foreigners
Foreigners could lose long-term access to social support if the conservative Jisedai no To (Party for Future Generations) has its way.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 9, 2014
Asbestos victims win landmark legal battle as state faulted for poor ventilation
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court rules that the Japanese government acted illegally in failing to require ventilation for asbestos mills, holding it liable for ¥330 million in redress.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 8, 2014
Child sex abuse victims face hurdles seeking redress in court
By the time survivors of childhood sex abuse are mentally and financially ready to confront their tormentors, the time for pursuing legal action has often long expired.
JAPAN
Oct 6, 2014
Typhoon Phanfone prompts evacuation advisory in Tokyo's Minato Ward
The Minato Ward Office issues its first-ever evacuation advisory in response to a natural disaster, urging residents to seek refuge amid an elevated risk of landslides as powerful Typhoon Phanfone swept through the metropolis.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 2, 2014
Stores see profit in prayer as they cater to foreign tourists
From free Wi-Fi to prayer rooms, Japan's retailers are devising creative ways to encourage foreign tourists to spend.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 30, 2014
Japan begins soul-searching over crimes against unsupervised children
In a nation where young children are commonly encouraged to walk to school on their own, the recent shocking murder of a girl in Kobe raises questions over whether people in Japan are too trusting and should supervise schoolchildren more closely.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 25, 2014
Major halal-food expo planned to help make Japan more friendly to Muslim tourists
In response to a recent surge in Muslim tourists, a major halal-themed international expo will be held in Chiba Prefecture in November.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 24, 2014
String of torched vending machines prompt call for tougher anti-theft devices
A string of vending machines across Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, have been torched and robbed, authorities said Wednesday — a rare event in a country where the ubiquitous machines usually escape thieves' attention.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 22, 2014
Serial arsonist suspected in series of Tama housing fires
A series of arson attacks in construction sites for houses and apartments in Tama, western Tokyo, indicate that someone has a perverse desire to upset the incoming owners, according to an expert on criminal profiling.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 19, 2014
Japan-born Filpino teen wins right to stay but parents get boot
In a rare ruling, the Tokyo High Court exempts a Filipino teen whose parents illegally entered Japan from deportation, hinting at a potential shift in immigration policy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 12, 2014
Pop star Aska gets off with suspended sentence for drug use
The Tokyo District Court hands disgraced pop star Aska a suspended prison term for possession and use of illegal stimulants.
Japan Times
JAPAN / CABINET INTERVIEW
Sep 12, 2014
Matsushima stays course on death penalty but targets rape
Newly appointed Justice Minister Midori Matsushima on Thursday backed the death penalty as a deterrent against crime and said she planned to stiffen the penalty for rape and bolster immigration staff.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?