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Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 7, 2019

A thimbleful of optimism

Amid today's global conflicts, debasement of public debate, attacks on democratic institutions and escalating geopolitical tensions, it is hard to find much cause for hope. But it's still possible to restore faith in our shared humanity.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 7, 2019

In a Tokyo neighborhood's last sushi restaurant, a sense of loss

"I'll have a draft," says Yasuo Fujinuma, heaving himself down at the sushi counter. He pulls a pack of cigarettes from a frayed pocket of his sweater. From the corner of the restaurant, a small TV hums the noon weather forecast. He never drinks at noon.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / DARK SIDE OF THE RISING SUN
Jan 5, 2019

Is international scrutiny of Japan's criminal justice system fair?

The Nov. 19 arrest of ousted Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn, his 23-day detention, his subsequent arrests and lengthy stay in detention has resulted in international scrutiny of Japan's criminal justice system. Is that fair?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 5, 2019

Osaka girl, 9, to become Japan's youngest pro go player in April

A 9-year-old girl from the city of Osaka will soon become the youngest professional go player in Japan.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 5, 2019

Retired U.S. general warns against letting China dominate 5G networks

China's desire to dominate new wireless technology poses a global threat that should be thwarted by a new, secure network, according to a former Trump administration official whose call for an enlarged U.S. government role caused an uproar last year.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 4, 2019

Tehran snubs U.S. warning over Iran space launches using ballistic missile tech

The United States issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a U.N. Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Jan 2, 2019

Two women enter Indian temple, defying centuries-old ban

Two women defied a centuries-old ban on entering a Hindu temple in India's southern state of Kerala in the early hours of Wednesday, the state's chief minister said, raising fears of a backlash from conservative Hindu groups.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 31, 2018

Expect 2019 to test global stability

For all the assurances that the world is getting better, there are huge geopolitical challenges to face and master to make that optimism real.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Science & Health
Dec 30, 2018

Chinese lunar probe prepares to land on far side of moon: Xinhua

A Chinese space probe is moving into position to land on the far side of the moon for the first time, the official Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday, a mission seen as an important step as the country looks to push its space program forward.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Dec 29, 2018

Heisei Era a bumpy ride for Japan's media organizations

The media is busy assessing the Heisei Era as it comes to a close. Although not as dramatic as the Showa Era, it's been a bumpy ride. Japan still hasn't gotten the hang of this democracy thing, and an engaged, objective press is essential to a functioning democracy. As the following rundown illustrates,...
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Dec 29, 2018

Floyd Mayweather says fight against Tenshin Nasukawa is nothing to worry about

People have been a little skeptical that he would really fight against Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year's Eve.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 29, 2018

Eight themes that tell the 2018 tech story

Disillusionment and promise mark a whirlwind year.
WORLD
Dec 29, 2018

Illegal immigrant suspected in California officer's killing is arrested

A suspected illegal immigrant accused of shooting to death a California police officer was arrested on Friday after a two-day manhunt that President Donald Trump cited in his push for building a wall on the border with Mexico, officials said.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 28, 2018

Behind the myth of China's great technology grab

The issue of forced transfers is overstated. Carmakers know how to safeguard their most advanced know-how.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Dec 27, 2018

Traders see end to 'feverish fear-mongering' after stocks surge

The Topix index surged 4.9 percent and the Nikkei average jumped 3.88 percent Thursday, following an almost 5 percent advance in the S&P 500 Index.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 24, 2018

Putin had a bad 2018; next year will be worse

Russia's economy has been weakened by sanctions and falling oil prices, and the president's popularity is slipping.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 24, 2018

What happens when Alexa gets too smart or too human?

Millions of users of Amazon's Echo speakers have grown accustomed to the soothing strains of Alexa, the human-sounding virtual assistant that can tell them the weather, order takeout and handle other basic tasks in response to a voice command.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Dec 22, 2018

Rationale for extending Japan's copyright protections unclear

Several weeks ago, I was surprised to read that a revision to the copyright law would go into effect on Dec. 30, extending the current protection period from 50 years after an author's death to 70 years. When the extension was first discussed as part of the original 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership...
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 21, 2018

Departure of Jim Mattis stirs world of worries from Brussels to Beijing

The abrupt resignation of U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has governments from Seoul to Brussels on edge, as the reliability of American alliances and the direction of policy under an erratic leader comes increasingly under question.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 19, 2018

Are 105 more F-35s Japan's best option?

The fighter can't fulfill crucial operational requirements of the Air Self-Defense Force.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 19, 2018

U.S. seeks to expedite aid for North Korea amid stalled nuclear talks

U.S. officials will try to expedite humanitarian aid to North Korea, a U.S. envoy said on Wednesday, as Washington and Pyongyang struggle to find a breakthrough in stalled talks aimed at ending the North's nuclear program.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 18, 2018

Russia plans to move troops into new barracks and build armored vehicle sites on disputed isles

Russia said Monday it had built new barracks for troops on a disputed chain of islands near Japan and would build more facilities for armored vehicles, a move likely to anger Tokyo after it urged Moscow to reduce its military activity there.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 17, 2018

In lawsuit, consumer group alleges discrimination by Tokyo Medical University

The Consumers Organization of Japan is demanding that test fees and associated costs be paid back to the impacted applicants.

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