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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

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 / 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 / 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

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 / 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 were....

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 / 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 / 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.

JAPAN / Politics

Feb 13, 2019

Government slammed for singling out 'problematic' Tokyo Shimbun reporter in warning to press club

The government's handling of a Tokyo Shimbun reporter known for her assertive questioning style has come under heavy scrutiny, after it emerged that authorities issued a statement last year singling her out for criticism and urging the Japanese press to keep their questions "accurate" and "fact-based."...

Japan Times

JAPAN / Society / GENERATIONAL CHANGE

Feb 10, 2019

Japanese makeup guru on crusade to revamp men's grooming habits

As a university student, Hiroki Takahashi could barely step outside his home without a surgical mask on. Even when he did venture out, he was terrified of the fluorescent lighting ubiquitous in convenience stores and trains that ruthlessly illuminated what he was desperately trying to hide — a mass...

JAPAN / History / Heisei Icons

Feb 3, 2019

Takafumi Horie: Bane of the old guard

In many ways, Heisei has been an era of reform, peppered with tales of mavericks who challenged those at the helm of an entrenched business and political system they viewed as opaque and rife with vested interests.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Politics

Jan 28, 2019

In annual policy speech, Abe omits passage on ties with South Korea

Seoul gets only a passing mention amid the currently tumultuous relationship.

JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Jan 15, 2019

Japanese Olympic Committee head Tsunekazu Takeda denies accusation of corruption linked to 2020 bid

Takeda's denial followed reports last week that French prosecutors have brought a preliminary charge against him for alleged corruption over bidding for the 2020 Games.

JAPAN

Jan 10, 2019

Taro Aso's blaming of sexual harassment victim is voted 2018's most sexist remark by a Japanese politician

Finance Minister Taro Aso's apparent justification of sexual harassment committed by a former prominent bureaucrat topped a list of the most egregious sexist and discriminatory remarks made by Japanese politicians in 2018, according to a recent online survey.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Politics / 2019 Outlook

Jan 2, 2019

Japan already in for politically hectic 2019, but may see 'double election'

Japan's 2019 political calendar is shaping up to be a busy year with Emperor Akihito's historic abdication at the end of April and elections in mid-April and over the summer.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

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

By Johan Brooks

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