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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 / FOCUS
May 31, 2017
Abe government clashes with U.N. rapporteurs critical of Japan
Weeks after a U.N. special rapporteur released a surprise open letter slamming a state-backed conspiracy bill that critics warn could erode privacy and free speech rights, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has shown no sign of letting up on its targeting of the statement.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 30, 2017
Divide still large as Japan pushes to tighten noose on North while China emphasizes dialogue
In a meeting of top-level diplomats on Tuesday, Tokyo urged Beijing to impose more decisive sanctions on North Korea, seeking to end China's apparent inaction amid a recent litany of provocations by Pyongyang.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 29, 2017
North Korea fires apparent Scud-type missile that lands in Japan's exclusive economic zone
Pyongyang's latest missile test lobs a suspected Scud into Japan's stated exclusive economic zone, prompting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to vow “concrete measures.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 23, 2017
Lawmakers ram conspiracy bill through Lower House as U.N. expert slams Tokyo
As the bill moved forward, a heated war of words broke out between Tokyo and a United Nations expert on privacy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
May 22, 2017
The art, and fallout, of the Japanese political gaffe
If there is one way you can count on Japanese politicians, it is their ability to make headlines by putting their foot in their mouth.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 22, 2017
Japan, WTO chief reaffirm commitment to free trade
Japan and the World Trade Organization on Monday issued what is believed to be an unprecedented joint statement reaffirming their commitment to fostering free trade in the face of a recent surge of protectionism embodied by U.S. president Donald Trump.
JAPAN / Politics
May 19, 2017
Ruling bloc shoves conspiracy bill through Lower House judiciary panel
A contentious conspiracy bill criticized for its Orwellian implications begins a weakly opposed journey through the Lower House, driven by the LDP-Komeito ruling bloc.
JAPAN / Politics
May 17, 2017
Opposition makes last-ditch effort to block conspiracy bill
To delay the vote on approving a new penalty against criminal conspiracy, opposition lawmakers submitted a no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Katsutoshi Kaneda.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 16, 2017
Japan, U.S. agree to keep up pressure on Pyongyang, say dialogue off table for now
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also agreed to call on China to play a greater role in dealing with Pyongyang.
JAPAN / Politics
May 12, 2017
Abe's bid to revise charter by 2020 irks LDP veterans
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's subtle strategy for marketing constitutional revision like a 2020 image commercial leaves his party's veterans feeling irritated and undermined.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
May 10, 2017
Moon win puts allies' approach to North Korea in doubt, but drastic policy shift unlikely, experts say
With Wednesday's election of liberal candidate Moon Jae-in as South Korea's new president, all eyes are on whether he will stick to his campaign promise of pursuing rapprochement with Pyongyang.
JAPAN / Politics
May 9, 2017
Abe says defining SDF in revised Constitution is 'the responsibility of our generation'
The remarks were among only a handful he would make on his desire to amend the charter during a face-off with Democratic Party leader Renho.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 5, 2017
Anti-Japanese rhetoric of South Korean presidential campaign won't survive geopolitical reality, experts say
Given the political realities of the region, experts aren't worried about the tough anti-Japanese rhetoric coming out of the South Korean presidential election.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 4, 2017
Democratic Party struggles for relevance in face of LDP-Komeito juggernaut
It would be an understatement to say the Democratic Party, Japan's biggest opposition party, is struggling.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 3, 2017
Abe declares 2020 as goal for new Constitution
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he hopes to see a revised Constitution take effect in 2020, revealing the clearest goal yet of his long-held ambition to amend the national charter.
JAPAN
May 1, 2017
Tokyo Metro gets flack for halting subway trains for North Korea missile launch
Tokyo Metro is panned for suspending its subway lines in response to North Korea's latest missile test, which a rival subway and the Japan Railway Group both apparently ignored.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 29, 2017
North Korea fails in latest test of ballistic missile
North Korea watches another ballistic missile test fizzle in its own territory, while Tokyo Metro plays up the drama by shutting down all its subway lines.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 25, 2017
North Korea marks foundation of military with huge live-fire drill amid flurry of U.S. activity
North Korea and the U.S. flexed their military muscles Tuesday as Pyongyang marked the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army — without testing a nuclear weapon or conducting a major missile test.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 25, 2017
Japan, U.S., South Korea diplomats discuss ways to 'maximize' pressure on North
Top envoys held a trilateral dialogue Tuesday aimed at discussing measures to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 21, 2017
Lawmaker Nakagawa resigns from LDP over extramarital affair
METI's former vice minister, Toshinao Nakagawa, resigns from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party over an extramarital affair, causing more turmoil for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

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