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Tim Kelly
A model of a new fighter jet of the Global Combat Air Programme led by Britain, Japan, and Italy, is seen at the DSEI defense event in London on Sept. 12.
JAPAN
Sep 21, 2023
HQ for multilateral jet fighter project to be placed in U.K.
Japan and Britain will dominate design and manufacturing on the project.
JAPAN
Sep 20, 2023
Rapid military buildup a worry for Okinawans, governor says
"We must never allow people in Okinawa to go through the same horrible experience that we went through" in World War Two, said Denny Tamaki.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 12, 2023
Japan elevates Taiwan security ties in move likely to rile China
The defense ministry said it would only pursue "nongovernmental" ties with Taipei.
Protesters shout slogans and raise banners reading "Don't throw polluted water into the sea! Keep your promises" during a rally against Japan's plan to discharge treated radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima plant into the ocean, in front of the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Friday.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 18, 2023
Fukushima water release poses test for Japan-South Korea unity
The dumping of radioactive water may happen days after a summit in which the U.S. wants Japan and South Korea to lock in friendly ties.
While the U.S. referenced China 20 times in its October announcement of semiconductor export controls targeting Chinese companies, Japan has chosen broad equipment controls not specifically aimed at its bigger neighbor.
BUSINESS
Jul 24, 2023
As Japan aligns with U.S. chip curbs on China, some in Tokyo feel uneasy
Tokyo remains worried that targeting China will provoke damaging retaliation, such as a ban on Japanese electric cars.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 19, 2023
Japan needs computing power surge to stay in AI race, says government adviser
Japan, the world's third-largest economy, has been slow to invest in the field, and lags the United States in AI computer infrastructure.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jul 4, 2023
Japan shaping softer AI rules, official says, amid hopes of boosting chip sector
There are also aspirations to use AI to compensate for the nation's graying population, said to be causing a labor shortage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
U.S. seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells, sources say
Export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, but the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global shortages of munitions.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 25, 2023
Japanese firms feel 'sense of crisis' over falling birthrate
Of nearly 500 major companies surveyed, 94% said they felt a sense of crisis when asked about the fall in annual births in 2022.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 5, 2023
China's aircraft carriers play 'theatrical' role but pose little threat yet
Analysts say China has made progress with its carriers, but has yet to master operating in difficult conditions or adequately protecting the vessels.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 26, 2023
Japan battles to persuade big brands to help with military expansion
A key part of Tokyo's strategy hinges on persuading commercial firms that for decades have quietly armed the SDF to ramp up production.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 2, 2022
Japan will use G7 and U.N. roles to pressure Russia, foreign minister says
The country's G7 presidency in 2023 and its return for a two-year stint as a nonpermanent Security Council member will give it a more conspicuous to voice its concerns.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Oct 19, 2022
Japan rushes to rearm with eye on 2027 — and China's Taiwan ambitions
By pointing to 2027 as the moment when East Asia's power balance may tip in China's favor, Japan's government can rally support for greater defense spending, experts say.
JAPAN
Sep 18, 2022
Former members of Unification Church rail at politicians who embraced it
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July has opened a debate over the church and has shone a spotlight on its close ties with the ruling LDP.
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Aug 9, 2022
Why the Unification Church has become a headache for Kishida
Support for Kishida's cabinet has fallen to the lowest since he took office in October at 46%, with many poll respondents saying they wanted an explanation about ties to the church.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 15, 2022
Britain and Japan aim to merge Tempest and F-X fighter programs, sources say
It would be the first time Japan has sought a non-U.S. partner for a large military program and the first major collaboration between Tokyo and London.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 13, 2022
On Okinawa's Miyako Island, residents cast a wary eye toward China
Missiles deployed there, meant to target Chinese ships sailing in and out the Western Pacific, are the closest such weapons Japan has to China.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 17, 2022
Sanctions on Russia are also about protecting Japan, says Taro Kono
Some officials in Tokyo, including Kono, worry Russia's attack on Ukraine could embolden Beijing to act against Taiwan.
JAPAN
Mar 8, 2022
Reactor restarts could be 'best option' for Japan to ride out energy shortages, senior LDP lawmaker says
Joining a U.S.-led import embargo on Russian oil would hit Japan hard, but nuclear energy could help ease any blow, former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 30, 2021
As China menaces Taiwan, the island's friends aid its secretive submarine project
Taipei has stealthily sourced technology, components and talent from at least seven nations to help it build a fleet with the potential to exact a heavy toll on any Chinese attack.

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Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.