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Tokyo Report
Japan Faces Its Worst COVID-19 Outbreak Yet
By Thisanka Siripala
Record breaking infections in Tokyo have sparked a sense of impending crisis in the capital’s battle against the coronavirus.
Japan’s New Gender Equality Policy Takes a Step Back
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s law requiring married couples to use the same surname has come under the spotlight as a significant obstacle to women’s empowerment.
Abe Apologizes, But Isn’t Charged for Cherry Blossom Scandal
By Associated Press
Prosecutors investigated whether Abe, his aide and two executives from his political support group had subsidized the party fees in violation of campaign and election funds laws.
Japanese Companies Fall Victim To Unprecedented Wave of Cyber Attacks
By Thisanka Siripala
The growing invasion of cyberspace from hackers has left Japanese companies scrambling to strengthen cyber security efforts.
Why Did Japan Suspend the ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?
By Rupakjyoti Borah
After announcing its extension, Tokyo decided to suspend the “Go To Travel” campaign.
Japan-South Korea: The Limits of Outreach Without Trust
By Kimura Kan
Recent diplomatic activity on the Korean side will only go so far in rebuilding relations.
Masks Key to Keeping Japan’s COVID-19 Caseload Low
By Associated Press
Mask wearing and voluntary compliance with social distancing helped Japan avoid a full lockdown. But with cases climbing again, will Tokyo’s approach hold?
Tokyo Games Relay Opens in 100 Days With 10,000 Torchbearers
By Associated Press
Even after a year-long delay, there are questions about the safety of the massive relay effort – not to mention the Olympic Games themselves.
A Test of Japan–South Korea Relations
By Shin Kawashima
If the FOIP strategy is to succeed, the two countries have some work to do.
Japan’s COVID-19 Spike Raises Alarm for Elderly and At-Risk Groups
By Thisanka Siripala
The controversial “Go To” domestic tourism subsidy has come under the microscope for possibly facilitating the nation’s explosion of coronavirus cases.
Japan Spacecraft Approaches Earth to Drop Asteroid Samples
By Associated Press
The Hayabusa2’s samples are due to arrive home on Sunday, after a year-long journey back from the asteroid Ryugu.
Japan’s ‘Misunderstanding’ About a Biden Administration
By Shin Kawashima
Japan retains some lingering perceptions of Democratic Party policies on China.