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Tokyo Report
January 10, 2020
Foreign Bribery Scandal Muddies Japan’s Casino Legalization Gamble
By Mina Pollmann
Six Japanese politicians are under fire for taking bribes from a Chinese company interested in opening a casino in Japan.
January 09, 2020
Fugitive Ghosn Brings Global Attention to Japanese Justice
By Associated Press
Japan's conviction rate is higher than 99 percent, a number that critics, including Ghosn, say indicates unfairness.
January 09, 2020
Japan on the Offensive Following Ghosn’s Escape to Lebanon
By Thisanka Siripala
As more details emerge of Ghosn’s daring flight to Lebanon to avoid trial, police are ramping up investigations around those close to the former Nissan chief.
January 07, 2020
Foreign Minister’s First ASEAN Voyage Spotlights Japan-Southeast Asia Relations in the Indo-Pacific
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The engagement will highlight Tokyo’s approach to the subregion within its broader foreign policy approach.
January 07, 2020
New Year, Same Fight: Japan’s PM Pledges Constitutional Revision and Social Security Reforms
By Thisanka Siripala
In response to Japan’s super aging society, Prime Minister Abe vows to tackle Japan's biggest challenge: major social security reform.
January 03, 2020
By Jumping Bail, Fugitive Ghosn Burns Bridges to Japan
By Associated Press
The former Nissan CEO’s escape from house arrest in Japan to Lebanon shocked the world and embarrassed Japanese authorities.
January 03, 2020
India in Japan’s Strategic Thinking: Charting Convergences in the Indo-Pacific
By Titli Basu
Over the past decade, India has grown increasingly prominent in Japan's regional strategy.
December 31, 2019
New Year, New Scandals for Japan’s Ruling Party
By Mina Pollmann
Once again, Abe and his LDP are beset by multiple scandals. And once again, it doesn't seem to be impacting their political dominance.
December 26, 2019
Japan Executes First Foreigner in 10 Years for Family Murder
By Associated Press
Japan and the U.S. are the only two of the G7 countries that continue to use capital punishment.
December 24, 2019
Japan at Odds With Iran’s Plea for Stronger Economic and Political Alliance
By Thisanka Siripala
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is caught between feuding Iran and the United States.
December 21, 2019
Okinawa and Japanese Government Locked In Hostile Battle Over US Base Relocation
By Thisanka Siripala
The prolonged showdown intensified as the contentious landfill construction hit a design plan snag.
December 18, 2019
Has Japan Become the Kingmaker for Trade Deals in the Indo-Pacific?
By Jeffrey Wilson
The future of RCEP depends on how the Japanese government will approach India’s withdrawal.