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Tokyo Report
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.
Report: Japan’s Public Pension Fund Not Enough to Cover Post-Retirement Needs
By Thisanka Siripala
The government rejected the report's findings, but the public is up in arms over the pension scare.
Japanese Women Campaign Against Mandatory High Heels
By Thisanka Siripala
A controversy surrounding women being forced to wear high heels at work has exploded into a new #KuToo protest movement.
In Run-up to G-20 Summit, Japan Eyes Plastic Waste Problem
By Daniel Hurst
A ministerial meeting focused on marine plastic waste and other environmental issues.
What Did Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Accomplish in Iran?
By Daniel Hurst
Abe’s effort at playing the middle man between Washington and Tehran yielded no immediate results.
Japan, South Korea Attempt to Push Forward Military Cooperation
By Daniel Hurst
A trilateral meeting of the Japanese, Korean, and U.S. defense ministers was a small step forward amid icy Japan-South Korea relations.
Shinzo Abe Heads to Tehran: What’s on the Agenda?
By Ankit Panda
Deescalation between the United States and Iran is in Tokyo’s interest.
Japan’s Police Struggle to Curb a Sharp Increase in Cannabis Use
By Thisanka Siripala
Despite harsh laws, celebrities embroiled in high-profile marijuana convictions highlight a new generation of social acceptance.
Is Human Trafficking in Japan Coming to an End?
By Thisanka Siripala
Pressure from the international community prompts a look at Japan’s prevention and eradication measures.