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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 / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 16, 2020
Suga expected to take back seat in shaping Japan's foreign policy
A dearth of diplomatic experience means he'll be relying heavily on key Cabinet ministers and his predecessor's playbook.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 15, 2020
Can behind-the-scenes operator Suga excel as Japan’s prime minister?
Seldom has he been recognized for leadership ability, and his identity as a nonhereditary politician sets him apart from the scions who have led the nation for decades.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 7, 2020
The 'Iron Wall,' the 'prince' and the 'military geek': A look at the trio vying to lead Japan
Shigeru Ishiba, Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida are aiming to become party president — and by default, the nation's next prime minister — in the Sept. 14 election.
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2020
Harsher treatment or second chances? Japan at crossroads in juvenile law debate
A Justice Ministry panel has proved sharply split over whether to exclude 18- and 19-year-olds from correctional programs guaranteed by the law.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 4, 2020
Yokota Air Base showcases U.S. military's commitment to new COVID-19 normal
The base in western Tokyo, which is home to around 12,000 people, has adopted a rigorous program of measures to isolate any novel coronavirus infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Aug 30, 2020
The disease that felled Shinzo Abe — twice
Abe's surprise decision to resign was triggered by a chronic bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis — an ailment he has battled since adolescence.
JAPAN / Society / FOCUS
Aug 18, 2020
In an era of social distancing, the emperor might need social media
The emperor's attendance at a WWII memorial service last weekend was practically his first major public appearance in six months, and possibly his last this year.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 13, 2020
Japan’s maglev project derailed by pandemic and environmental fears
Shizuoka's governor is refusing to greenlight crucial work for the whopping u00a59 trillion project, and COVID-19 has caused a reassessment of future demand.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Aug 3, 2020
Okinawa virus outbreaks ignite scrutiny of U.S. SOFA privileges
The Okinawa clusters have illustrated anew how Japan's authority as a host country is weaker than that of some peers in Europe and Asia.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jul 30, 2020
Good time for a 'workation' but is Japan Inc. ready?
Are the nation's employers ready to let workers telecommute from hotels, resorts and other destinations where they can escape the mundane reality of life?
JAPAN
Jul 23, 2020
Tokyo logs 366 new coronavirus cases, topping 300 for first time
The single-day record came as Koike requested residents stay home as much as possible during the four-day weekend due to a spike in cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 18, 2020
Tokyo reports 290 COVID-19 cases, topping 200 for third day in a row
Saturday's figure comes amid growing public concern over the virus's resurgence in the capital, which Friday logged yet another single-day record of 293 cases.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 15, 2020
Virus outbreak at U.S. Okinawa bases highlights immigration 'loophole'
A lack of transparency on the part of the U.S. military is compounding fears as COVID-19 cases spread.
JAPAN / Society
Jul 14, 2020
Fight against sexual abuse in Japan gains strength
The nation's authorities have lagged far behind those of other countries when it comes to sex education and prosecution for crimes.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 7, 2020
'Horrifying' new U.S. rules on online college courses leave Japanese students in limbo
Depart the country or transition to another college if classes are moved entirely online, new Trump administration regulations say.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 17, 2020
Host and hostess bars in Japan scramble to adjust to COVID-19 reality
The industry faces an intensifying public backlash after reports emerged that a recent spike in cases stemmed largely from nighttime entertainment districts.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 9, 2020
Nightlife districts demonized over infection fears while grappling with coronavirus impacts
Heated media coverage has zeroed in on Kabukicho, catapulting the area to a new level of notoriety.
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2020
Abe's proposal to shift the academic year to September faces increased opposition
The LDP's repudiation of a move to a September start is a further setback for the prime minister, who initially welcomed such a change.
JAPAN
May 31, 2020
Japan's new contact-tracing app: 'security blanket' or effective tool?
Minimally intrusive and conditional on consent, the app's privacy concerns are minimal, with widespread penetration its largest obstacle to success, observers say.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 27, 2020
Japan's new virus contact-tracing app promises privacy in bid for reach
Officials hope the app will serve as a deterrent against a second wave of infections considered to be a growing risk in Japan.

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