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JAPAN / Politics
Oct 25, 2016

Nature of South Sudan conflict will determine if SDF peacekeeping mission is legal

Questions of whether South Sudan is in a state of war or if the cease-fire there is still holding pose a test for the legality of the decision by the Abe administration to extend the Self-Defense Forces' peacekeeping operations there until March.
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2016

Media watchdog slams Tokyo after journalist alleges U.S. military spying

The government is under fire for failing to protect press freedom following a Japan Times report by a British journalist revealing that the U.S. military has spied on him over his activities in Okinawa.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 24, 2016

LDP wins big, but is it enough for Abe to call snap election?

With Sunday's double victory in Tokyo and Fukuoka by-elections, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might be feeling relieved — but not exactly over the moon.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 22, 2016

Tokyo braces for fence-mending role in U.S.-Philippine estrangement during Duterte visit

As Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte prepares to make his first visit to Japan since taking office in June, Tokyo is looking to play peacemaker between Washington and Manila.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 21, 2016

Tokyo rushes to analyze Duterte's remarks on Philippines' 'separation' from U.S.

If Duterte weakens Manila's ties with the U.S. and instead leans further toward China, it will be problematic for Japanese diplomacy, experts say.
JAPAN
Oct 21, 2016

Next SDF team awaits green light for armed rescue missions in South Sudan

The government is making a critical decision that hinges on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to convince the world that Japan is contributing more proactively to global security.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 18, 2016

Despite failures, North Korea could field midrange missile by next year: U.S. expert

North Korea could have an operational intermediate-range ballistic missile by next year, an analysis by the influential 38 North website said Monday.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 18, 2016

High hopes for new U.N. chief

Antonio Guterres knows what it takes to be a strong and effective U.N. secretary-general.
EDITORIALS
Oct 18, 2016

SDF's expanding missions

Lawmakers in the Diet should once again scrutinize how far the administration intends to expand the SDF's overseas missions under Abe's call for 'proactive contribution to peace' and how that should be controlled.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 17, 2016

Imperial abdication committee holds first meeting

A government advisory panel met Monday for the first time to discuss measures to reduce Emperor Akihito's public duties, with the central issue expected to be whether and how an emperor should be allowed to abdicate due to advanced age.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 17, 2016

Thai king's death reportedly won't delay election

The death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej will not affect plans to hold a general election in 2017, media reported Monday, dismissing speculation that the military government would delay the poll as the country enters a year of mourning.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 17, 2016

Japan denies reported plan to jointly administer Russian-held islands

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Monday denied a media report that the government is discussing jointly administering with Russia the disputed islands off Hokkaido as it seeks a breakthrough deal on a row that has prevented the two nations from inking a peace treaty to formally end World War...
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Oct 17, 2016

International Criminal Court puts Duterte on notice as critics begin to speak up

The International Criminal Court has fired a warning shot over allegations of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' bloody drugs war at a time when critics in Manila have also begun speaking up.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Oct 16, 2016

Wide-ranging Imperial reform likely too sensitive to tackle for now

As an advisory panel readies to discuss the issue of the Emperor's abdication, some say Imperial reform is likely too sensitive a subject to touch for now.
JAPAN
Oct 14, 2016

Japan holding back payment to UNESCO

Japan is facing an uphill battle in its attempt to wield influence at UNESCO.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 14, 2016

Japan hoping to pressure U.S. to follow its lead on TPP

Undeterred by vigorous opposition in the U.S. to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Abe administration expressed determination Friday to swiftly ratify the free trade agreement and pressure Washington to follow in its footsteps.
EDITORIALS
Oct 14, 2016

Questioning capital punishment

The time has come for truly meaningful discussions on whether Japan should keep executing prisoners.
WORLD / Politics
Oct 13, 2016

Dutch may allow assisted suicide for those who feel life is over

The Dutch government intends to draft a law that would legalize assisted suicide for people who feel they have "completed life," but are not necessarily terminally ill, it said on Wednesday.

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