Search - 2015

 
 
EDITORIALS
Dec 27, 2014

2014: a year of conservative gains

The year 2014 was full of unexpected events, but none helped to jolt Japan's economy, politics or society out of a sense of being stalled.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 27, 2014

Falling oil prices pushing Russia toward recession

Slumping oil prices have put Russia's economy on course for a sharp recession next year, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said Friday, as authorities scaled up their bailout for the first bank to succumb to the recent ruble crisis.
COMMENTARY
Dec 26, 2014

What the revised jump in U.S. growth means

The strength of the U.S. economy stands in stark contrast to what is happening in the eurozone and Japan, and the resulting divergence will be accompanied by opposing monetary-policy responses.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 26, 2014

America's gun culture and the manly virtues

As growing economic autonomy among American women reshapes breadwinning and gender roles, it's getting tough out there for tough guys. So it doesn't take much imagination to grasp the appeal of holding a gun to some men.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 26, 2014

Inflation drive hampered by recession-hobbled economy

Inflation slowed for a fourth month in November and industrial production and retail sales unexpectedly dropped, based on government data released Friday, pointing to further weakness in an economy Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is trying to revive from recession.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 26, 2014

Unlocking ASEAN's true economic potential

Some critics insist that ASEAN members vary too widely in terms of economic development to create a smoothly functioning manufacturing entity. But ASEAN, unlike the European Union, is not trying to form a monetary union.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 25, 2014

A realistic agenda for voters to prevent the worst results

One wonders if the Japanese are realistic enough to vote against political parties and candidates in order to prevent the worst results even if they don't see candidates of their choice.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 25, 2014

'Tohl Narita: Art/Special Effects/Monsters'

The work of designer and sculptor Tohl Narita — known for his character design for the "Ultraman" series — will be exhibited at Fukuoka Art Museum in January 2015.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 25, 2014

Top domestic news of 2014

The Japan Times editors selected these domestic stories as the most important of 2014.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 25, 2014

Putin orders vodka price cap as Russia's economy goes on the rocks

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his government on Wednesday to rein in rising vodka prices, as he battles to preserve his popularity amid an aggravating economic crisis.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 24, 2014

Abe vows to stay the course in third term as prime minister

Shinzo Abe vowed Wednesday to continue pursuing his economic, diplomatic and security policies after Diet members re-elected him to a third term as prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 24, 2014

Shinzo Abe begins new term as prime minister, launches Cabinet

The Cabinet remains unchanged except Gen Nakatani, a former first lieutenant in the Ground Self-Defense Force, replaces scandal-hit Akinori Eto as defense minister and minister in charge of security legislation.
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 24, 2014

Omron, Cyberdyne announce robotics tie-up

Cyberdyne Inc. and Omron Corp. said Wednesday they will join forces in making and marketing robots, combining Cyberdyne's power limb technology with Omron's expertise in sensors and automation.
EDITORIALS
Dec 24, 2014

Challenges for Abe's new term

Newly reelected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shouldn't view his recent election victory as a vote of confidence in his economic policies.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Dec 24, 2014

Japan's night schools offer hope of a second chance for many

Takashi Kinoshita, 73, lived most of his adulthood with a secret that until recently he wouldn't dare divulge even to his children: he was nearly illiterate.
CULTURE / Music
Dec 23, 2014

Lower sales affected acts worldwide

The Japanese music market has faced hard times as of late. Starting with an announcement from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry in March that the country's music sales dropped 16.7 percent in 2013, the past 12 months saw no particular upswing in physical or digital sales, therefore...
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Dec 22, 2014

Cure sought in the blood of Ebola survivors

For months, Vanderbilt University researcher Dr. James Crowe has been desperately seeking access to the blood of U.S. Ebola survivors, hoping to extract the proteins that helped them overcome the deadly virus for use in new, potent drugs.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Dec 22, 2014

Hit manga 'One Piece' to be adapted as kabuki

It's like putting old wine in new bottles.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / KANSAI PERSPECTIVE
Dec 21, 2014

Ishin-DPJ tieup, Kepco's greed to play key roles in April polls

In terms of domestic politics, the recent Lower House election was merely a prelude to next April's nationwide local elections.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Dec 21, 2014

Mysterious 'Evangelion' short film released

A brief but revealing chapter in Hideaki Anno's ongoing cult anime series, "Neon Genesis Evangelion," was released Friday on the Animator Expo website.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 21, 2014

'The Interview': It's time for Sony Japan to say no

To put the lame, ill-conceived comedy film 'The Interview' on the frontline of a trumped-up battle in defense of Western values is a bit like betting the bank on Bozo the Clown and refusing to back down.
Japan Times
LIFE
Dec 20, 2014

Public protest in Japan: Power to the people?

"Freedom of assembly and association as well as speech, press and all other forms of expression are guaranteed." — Article 21, Constitution of Japan
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 19, 2014

Google planning built-in Android system for cars

Google is laying the groundwork for a version of Android that will be built directly into cars, sources said, allowing drivers to enjoy all the benefits of the Internet without even plugging in their smartphones.

Longform

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