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Tokyo Report
What's Driving Japan's Trade Restrictions on South Korea?
By Mina Pollmann
The export controls are a policy of last resort from a frustrated Tokyo.
Abe Administration Left Behind on North Korea
By Atsuhito Isozaki
The Japanese government has limited options for dealing with its bellicose neighbor.
What Japan's Elections Tell Us About a Post-Abe LDP
By Mina Pollmann
The results were an indication of ballot box strength, but Abe's pending Cabinet reshuffle will be equally telling.
Japan Mourns Victims of Deadly Kyoto Animation Arson Attack
By Thisanka Siripala
In the aftermath of Japan’s worst mass killing, tributes pour in from over the world.
Landmark Court Ruling Grants Compensation for Families of Japan’s Former Leprosy Sufferers
By Thisanka Siripala
Families hail ruling as a win in the fight against discrimination 20 years after the government abolished the leprosy segregation policy.
Man Shouting ‘You Die’ Kills 33 at Japan Anime Studio
By Mari Yamaguchi
As yet, there’s no clear motive for the arson attack on Kyoto Animation.
Japan Prepares for Upper House Elections
By Mina Pollmann
In addition to issues like constitutional reform, social questions like disabled and LGBT rights are also in the spotlight.
Japan’s Rainy Season Raises Fresh Weather Warnings for Torrential Rains
By Thisanka Siripala
As survivors and bereaved families remember the victims of last year’s floods, residents prepare for another potentially deadly rainy season.
In First, Japanese Space Probe Collects Underground Samples From Asteroid
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan says its Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully landed on the asteroid and obtained soil samples.
Japan's Aegis Ashore System Hits a Roadblock: Domestic Politics
By Mina Pollmann
Local opposition, and a poorly handled government explanation, have delayed deployment of the new systems.
Japan’s G20 Summit Fails at Repairing Japan-Korea relations
By Thisanka Siripala
Tensions between Tokyo and Seoul show no signs of easing, with a political trade war escalating over historic grievances.
Did Japan Get What It Wanted From the Osaka G20 Summit?
By Daniel Hurst
Evaluating PM Abe’s sideline diplomacy and Japan’s pursuit of previously stated goals.