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EDITORIALS
Sep 25, 2013

Drop antidemocratic secrecy bill

A proposed bill aimed at protecting state secrets that the government deems vital to national security would strongly limit people's access to relevant information.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Q&A
Oct 23, 2008

Aso's team digging for 'buried funds'

With Prime Minister Taro Aso's government and ruling coalition lawmakers busy compiling a second economic stimulus package by the end of this month, the latest political catchphrase has become "Kasumigaseki maizokin," or buried funds in the Kasumigaseki district, the seat of the central government.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / MATTER OF COURSE
Oct 21, 2004

Disabled children at regular schools: inclusion isn't easy

When we moved to Japan and enrolled our sons in local schools, both they and I had a lot to learn. Every day was a challenge, and I was so focused on the basics that I missed a lot of things that should have been obvious. Like the fact that there was a disabled child in my son's kindergarten.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Oct 15, 2013

Tax-free account seeks to spur investment

Starting in January, individuals who invest in stocks and investment trusts in a Nippon Individual Savings Account will be eligible for tax exemptions of up to five years on their financial gains. The new instrument is aimed at getting people used to accumulating financial assets via small-scale investments....
EDITORIALS
Sep 9, 2013

Anti-democratic secrecy bill

A bill to protect government secrets could undermine the fundamental democratic principles of freedom of information and freedom of the press.
EDITORIALS
Oct 25, 2011

Freedom of information threatened

A government committee headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura on Oct. 7 decided to submit to the Diet in 2012 a bill to mete out severe punishment to people who leak "special secrets" related to diplomacy, national security and public order. The committee says that the purpose of the bill is...
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Nov 27, 2009

Festive offerings at Tokyo hotels

As the Christmas season approaches, hotels warm up the mood with sparkling illuminations and gorgeous tree decorations, and prepare a variety of seasonal events and culinary offerings. Here are some of those special Christmas offerings that Tokyo's premium hotels have this year. Find your best way of...
JAPAN
Mar 15, 2000

Hospitals overcharging for rooms

OSAKA -- Hiromi Hase, 58, and her husband, Michio, were shocked last August when they found out they might have overpaid about 4 million yen when she was hospitalized for leukemia in 1996 and 1997.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 4, 2022

In Ukraine, U.S. veterans step in where the military will not

Special Operations veterans are training Ukrainians near the front lines in the fight against Russia, despite warnings from the Pentagon.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 18, 2021

Amazon documents reveal company's secret strategy to dodge India's regulators

The revelations could deepen the risks facing the company as it encounters intensifying government scrutiny in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Kyushu
Jan 22, 2021

Hosting U.S. jets brought free school meals to Iwakuni, but some question the trade-off

Residents near Iwakuni base cast doubt over deal sealed under watch of then-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.
EDITORIALS
Apr 28, 2016

Supreme Court's probe falls short

The top court's probe into 'special trials' held for leprosy patients accused of criminal offenses failed to address whether the defendants recieved justice.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jun 11, 2014

After Crimea, U.S. trains elite troops in Europe

As NATO refocuses on its eastern borders after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the United States is quietly deploying more troops to train special forces in former Soviet bloc states anxious about Moscow's intentions.
Efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable for the war in Ukraine have begun, with the International Criminal Court already issuing arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and others for unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children to Russia.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 16, 2024

The rule of law is coming for Putin

Though the ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes and genocide in Ukraine, it can't prosecute Russian leaders for aggression.
Hyogo Gov. Motohiko Saito holds a news conference on Aug. 7.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 20, 2024

Nearly 40% of employees knew of Hyogo governor’s alleged power harassment

Gov. Motohiko Saito has called the allegations — which were made by a prefectural government official who was found dead — “groundless."
A still image taken from drone footage on Wednesday shows what the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade "Oleksy Dovbusha" says are multiple launch rocket system strikes on Russian troops, in Novozhelanne, Donetsk Region, Ukraine.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 22, 2024

Ukraine says it hits pontoon bridges in Russia with U.S.-made weapons

A video shows strikes on several crossings in the Kursk region, where Russia has reported that Ukraine has destroyed at least three bridges over the Seym river.
Kyoto International High Shool's baseball team receives a champion flag after winning the Japanese High School Baseball Championship final at Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture on Aug. 23.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 31, 2024

A high school baseball championship and Japan-South Korea relations

The reactions to Kyoto International High School winning the National High School Baseball Championship, both in Japan and South Korea, were intriguing.
The Tokyo leg of Magical Mirai 2024, a gathering centered on a concert starring the aqua-haired Hatsune Miku and other avatars created by Sapporo-based company Crypton Future Media, kicked off on Aug. 30.
CULTURE / Music
Sep 9, 2024

Magical Mirai 2024 shows that the future is bright for Hatsune Miku

Thousands of visitors helped kick off the Tokyo leg of the gathering, which offers an immersive dive into every part of the aqua-haired anime avatar's world.
The U.S. team celebrates on the 18th green after clinching their victory over the European team to win the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia, on Sunday.
MORE SPORTS / Golf
Sep 16, 2024

U.S. team savors Solheim Cup triumph after enduring long wait

Captain Stacy Lewis praised her players for their tenacity and fortitude in pressure-packed situations.
© TELL
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Oct 1, 2024

TELLing the story: Emotional wellness and integral wellbeing for those living in Japan

Despite Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's serious and studious personality, he is by nature a nonconformist and is less socially inclined compared to other politicians.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 3, 2024

The Shigeru Ishiba I personally know

Ishiba takes pride in his mottos and interests, remains steadfast in his beliefs and stays true to his path.
Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian McKay, who is also his country's special envoy for the Indo-Pacific, takes part in an interview with The Japan Times last week.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 6, 2024

Canada eyes joint coast guard patrols with more Asian partners, envoy says

Canada is recognized as a leader in terms of its "Dark Vessel Detection" technology designed to identify vessels fishing illegally in protected maritime areas.
Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an (center) during a news conference in Beijing on Saturday
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 14, 2024

China leaves economists wanting more action to defeat deflation

The supportive measures announced by Finance Minister Lan Fo'an over the weekend gave little indication Chinese authorities feel any urgency to boost consumption.
For Designart 2024, 130 (one thirty) is exhibiting its first furniture collection of 100% recyclable 3D-printed works at Issey Miyake Ginza.
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Oct 19, 2024

117 creative exhibits take over Tokyo for Designart 2024

Designart’s official exhibitions at the World Kita -Aoyama Building in Minato Ward are always well-rounded displays of both established and up-and-coming designers.
A billboard depicting Hamas' slain leader Yahya Sinwar during a rally in Yemen's Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa
WORLD / Politics
Oct 20, 2024

U.S. ‘fusion cells’ assist in Israel’s hunt for Hamas leaders

Officials have insisted that the U.S. aren't directly supporting Israel on the ground in Gaza, but the search for Hamas leaders was different.
Xander Schauffele in action during the final round of The Presidents Cup gold tournament in Ile Bizard, Quebec, Canada, on Sept. 29.
MORE SPORTS / Golf
Oct 22, 2024

Schauffele targets more success in Japan after major breakthroughs

The golfer has already tasted success in Japan, winning a pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympic gold in 2021.
The South Korean Coast Guard vessel Taepyongyang, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Waesche and the Japan Coast Guard vessel Wakasa patrol in formation during a trilateral exercise in the Sea of Japan in June.
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 23, 2024

With ramped-up activities, U.S. Coast Guard plots greater Indo-Pacific role

The move comes at a time when a growing number of coast guards in the region are becoming deeply involved in patrolling disputed waters.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks to fans in English during a World Series victory celebration at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday.
BASEBALL / MLB
Nov 2, 2024

Dodgers celebrate World Series win with long-awaited parade

Shohei Ohtani brought his brown-and-white dog, Decoy — a fan favorite — in an Ohtani jersey, for the celebrations, with the slugger offering a rare address in English.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides a military demonstration in North Korea on March 13.
WORLD
Nov 11, 2024

What would North Korean soldiers do in Ukraine?

Their presence alongside Russians fighting Ukraine raises tactical and military questions, leading some to wonder about their effectiveness and ultimate objectives.
Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates after closing out an inning during Detroit's playoff series with Cleveland last month.
BASEBALL / MLB
Nov 21, 2024

Braves' Chris Sale and Tigers' Tarik Skubal collect Cy Young honors

Both left-handers won the pitching Triple Crown and were the clear favorites in Cy Young Award voting.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?