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July 10, 2026
 

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Eric Johnston

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Eric Johnston
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2020
Japan’s controversial Go To Travel campaign kicks off as criticism and concerns grow
The plan, which has faced a barrage of criticism over the government’s rollout, comes amid growing fears it could lead to increased coronavirus infections outside Tokyo.
JAPAN
Jul 21, 2020
In second Go To Travel reversal, government changes course on cancellation fees
The decision comes just four days after officials said they were not considering reimbursing the cost of canceled Tokyo trips under the troubled discount campaign.
JAPAN / Politics / View from Osaka
Jul 18, 2020
Unlike Tokyo’s Koike, Osaka Gov. Yoshimura enjoys freer hand in coronavirus fight
Osaka’s leaders understand very well that their counterparts in Kanto face unique challenges that they do not.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jul 17, 2020
Will barring Tokyo help contain virus or just blunt Japan travel campaign?
With Tokyo, which has the largest population of all prefectures, excluded from the plan for the time being, it is unclear how much ripple effect it will have.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 16, 2020
Japan’s new coronavirus panel aims for more clarity and balance
The subcommittee on the novel coronavirus faces the challenge of finding the right balance between protecting health and the economy.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 10, 2020
Japan’s coal closure plan a historic milestone, but what’s next?
The nation will still face pressure to further reduce reliance on the fossil fuel, both domestically and abroad.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 9, 2020
Cash and politics may stymie any push for strike capabilities in Japan
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is discussing the issue and is expected to put forward its conclusions later this month.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 5, 2020
Powerful Japanese medical group has history of political prescriptions
Here’s a closer look at the group, its political connections and what the recent change in its leadership might mean for the Liberal Democratic Party.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 1, 2020
Japan’s new plastic bag charge: What it means for consumers and the environment
The new rule is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the country’s rivers, forests, streams and, ultimately, surrounding oceans.
JAPAN / Society
Jun 26, 2020
Japan Black Lives Matter marches reflect shared sense of justice, U.S. envoy says
‘Perhaps some people feel that it’s important to hold the ideal America up in the mirror and hold it to account,’ says Osaka-Kobe Consul General Karen Kelley.
JAPAN / History / EXPLAINER
Jun 23, 2020
The Battle of Okinawa: Fierce fighting at the end of World War II
By the end of the battle, around 100,000 Japanese soldiers had died, either killed in combat or by suicide.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Jun 21, 2020
Defense Ministry blunders and local opposition ruin Japan’s Aegis Ashore plans
The controversial project was long troubled by doubts about whether it was even needed, and by whom.
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Jun 21, 2020
Has Black Lives Matter’s Osaka march inspired new generation of rights activists in Japan?
The vast majority of participants at a Black Lives Matter march on June 7 appeared to be under 40 — with many likely in their teens and 20s.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 21, 2020
Tokyo and Osaka governors vie for national attention
As Yuriko Koike gears up for re-election in the Tokyo gubernatorial race, comparisons are being drawn between her and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 20, 2020
Osaka’s second merger push faces pitfalls from pandemic, Abe’s poll woes
Osaka voters will once again face a referendum on merging the city’s 24 wards following a decision on a plan that would create four large, semiautonomous wards.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 16, 2020
Former South Korean ‘comfort women’ support group hit by criticism and probe
The lawmaker who previously led the group faces calls to step down after being accused of misusing funds.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 11, 2020
The North Korean abduction issue in Japan: When will the waiting end?
The Japanese government officially claims 17 Japanese nationals were abducted, but adds that there could be more than 800 others.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 5, 2020
As George Floyd marches loom, do’s and don’ts for protesting in Japan
Compared with many parts of the world, Japanese protest rallies are quite orderly and peaceful.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 4, 2020
Japan’s smart cities: Technological dreams or ‘Big Brother’ nightmares?
Late last month, the Diet passed a revised bill paving the way for so-called “super cities” or “smart cities.” Supporters tout them as high-tech marvels where artificial intelligence and big data are to be used to provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions to social problems, especially...
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2020
Osaka introduces QR contact tracing system as bars and restaurants reopen
Users who scan the code at establishments will be notified if another patron is later found to have become infected.
Japanese payment processor’s collapse hits banks and restaurants
Zentoshin served around 200,000 shops, many of which rely on early payments to maintain cash flow, raising concerns over their financial stability following the disruption.
Japan needs caregivers. Young Indians are answering the call.
Young people in India's northeast are increasingly studying Japanese in hopes of building new lives and careers in Japan.
Trump says ‘Japan’ instead of Iran at meeting in Ankara
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference during a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara on Wednesday.
Wakatakakage injury casts pall over July meet, but potential new stars loom
Nicholas Tarasenko trains at Minato stable in August 2024.
Osaka trumps Tokyo as both ranked among world’s top 10 most livable cities
Osaka’s infrastructure earned higher marks than Tokyo’s in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Global Liveability Index.
The beating heart inside ‘Human Vapor’
Different forms of love and connection form the emotional backbone of Netflix’s “Human Vapor,” says actor Shun Oguri, who plays troubled detective Kenji Okamoto.
Japan bets on character IP to drive global growth
Born on social media platforms in 2022, Opanchu Usagi has become a major hit, especially among Generation Z.
Filmmaker explores history of discrimination against foreign nationals in Japan
Takashi Nishihara, the director of "Now and Then," in Tokyo on Wednesday. The director has spent 10 years traversing politically charged terrain while exploring youth-driven grassroots political movements that scrutinize the status quo.
Okinawa’s prized seaweed under threat as oceans warm
Local harvesters gather <i>mozuku</i> during low tide at Hyakuna Beach in the city of Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture. As the planet warms, rising ocean temperatures are placing increasing pressure on the seaweed industry.
Japanese nail salons are tourists’ new obsession
Tourists in Japan have always been interested in quintessentially Japanese approaches to modern culture, and, increasingly, visits to nail salons have become the new hot thing.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

The Terasaka Rice Terraces are seen with Mount Buko in the background.
What Yokoze can teach Japan about rural revival
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