Blog
Tokyo Report
Japan Looks for Missing After Typhoon Hagibis Kills Dozens
By Jae C. Hong and Yuri Kageyama
Typhoon Hagibis unleashed torrents of rain and strong winds this weekend in central and northern Japan.
Has Japan Lost Out in the Partial US-Japan Trade Deal?
By Thisanka Siripala
With details of the U.S.- Japan trade emerging, has the Abe administration sold out the Japanese farming sector?
Japan Mulls Mass Pardon of Petty Crimes to Mark New Emperor’s Enthronement
By Thisanka Siripala
The tradition of pardoning crimes in light of major imperial events brings into question the need for amnesty in the criminal justice system.
How Public Discourse Keeps the ‘Domestic’ and the ‘Foreign’ Separate in Japan
By Xiaochen Su
Caricatured images pervade Japanese portrayals and understanding of foreigners.
Will Japan’s Latest Consumption Tax Hike Cause an Economic Slowdown?
By Thisanka Siripala
Despite global economic turmoil, the new tax rebate fails to sweeten the governments unpopular tax increase.
Japan’s New Housing Policy to Reduce Abandoned Homes Falls Below National Target
By Thisanka Siripala
As aging Japan tries to reduce the number of empty houses through a subsidized housing initiative, the plan has been met with disinterest.
Japan Considering Dumping Radioactive Water Into Pacific Ocean
By Thisanka Siripala
Lawmakers attempt to justify releasing contaminated water stored at Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.
Nuclear Power in the New Abe Cabinet
By Tom Corben
The latest reshuffle was notable for several reasons, but not least for bringing nuclear power back into the spotlight.
Can the Japan Self-Defense Force Age Gracefully?
By Yoshimitsu Sato
How the JSDF should adapt to a shrinking population and an aging society in Japan.
Japan’s Latest Cabinet Reshuffle Plagued by Bribery Scandal
By Thisanka Siripala
The ruling party’s cabinet reshuffle has been overshadowed by a cash for influence scandal.
Deadly Yokohama Train Crash Points to Overburdened Rail Crossings
By Thisanka Siripala
A fatal train collision has sparked renewed concern over the state of rail crossing safety in Japan's urban areas.
To Create an Immigrant-Friendly Japan, Start with Education Reform
By Asia Dobbs
The conformity that is encouraged in Japanese schools shapes a social consciousness that is suspicious of outsiders.