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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
Jun 29, 2019
Only two female world leaders on stage at Osaka G20 event aimed at empowering women
G20 leaders reiterate their shared recognition that “gender equality and women's empowerment are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable society and economic growth.”
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2019
Activist Rebiya Kadeer calls on Japan to highlight persecution of Uighurs as Osaka G20 begins
As the Group of 20 summit formally kicked off in Osaka on Friday, Rebiya Kadeer, a prominent political activist for China's Uighur ethnic minority, urged Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to highlight Beijing's alleged persecution of the majority-Muslim group in the country's far west, slamming Japan's inadequate...
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 27, 2019
Underlining improved Japan-China ties, Abe and Xi meet ahead of G20 summit
Visiting Chinese President Xi and Prime Minister Abe held a bilateral meeting in Osaka ahead of the G20 summit Thursday to underline the recent improvement in Japan-China ties.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 26, 2019
Abe looks to secure voter mandate for 'stability' in Upper House vote as Diet session wraps up
On Wednesday, the government formally determined that the Upper House election will take place July 21, preceded by campaigning that would kick off July 4.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 25, 2019
Japanese government cites White House as denying report Trump considered ending defense pact
The report said Trump was unhappy that the alliance does not oblige Tokyo to come to America's aid even though it guarantees U.S. aid if Japan is attacked.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / G20 Osaka
Jun 25, 2019
In blow to China, Japan's 'quality infrastructure' to get endorsement at Osaka G20
When world leaders adopt new international principles for "quality infrastructure" during the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Osaka, it will be the moment when Japan's flagship initiative will finally bear fruit after years in the making.
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2019
New law holds government responsible for teaching Japanese to all foreign residents
The legislation places the onus for providing learning opportunities on the state but does not contain any concrete measures to fund.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 19, 2019
Abe says snap election 'nowhere on my mind,' but few likely to take his words at face value
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking to quell speculation he may dissolve the Lower House to coincide with July's pre-scheduled Upper House poll in a so-called “double election.”
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 6, 2019
Abe equals Hirobumi Ito as Japan's third-longest-serving prime minister
Political observers largely attribute the longevity of Abe's leadership to a relatively strong economy and a fragmented opposition.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
May 31, 2019
Moves are afoot to push media to switch Japanese name order in English, but will it work?
Some laugh it off as a First World problem. But others say the topic touches upon issues of identity, sovereignty and press freedom.
JAPAN / Politics
May 30, 2019
'Give birth to at least three kids': Japan ex-minister under fire for linking single women to low birthrate
The comments have placed Yoshitaka Sakurada back into the spotlight after he was effectively forced out of his post as the Olympics minister last month.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 27, 2019
Trump pledges to help bring home Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea
Families of the victims meet with the U.S. president.
JAPAN / Politics
May 21, 2019
In joint resolution, LDP and Komeito rebuke lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama over 'war' comment
The ruling coalition said the comment made by lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama “runs counter to pacifism” and “significantly undermines Japan's national interest.”
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
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
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 / 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 / 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.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan