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All posts by Nikolas Maffei

Akita Election Deals Blow to Controversial Missile Defense System

The planned construction of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system in Akita has once again suffered a blow as independent, opposition-supported candidate Shizuka Terata won in the House of Councillors election. Terata’s victory owes to the efforts of many in the region who are strongly opposed to the deployment of the facility so close to the city center.

Harassed for Taking Paternity Leave

Despite Japan’s generous allowance for childcare leave, many parents are pressured and even punished by their employers for taking advantage of it. Glen Wood, a single father and victim of paternity harassment, has taken his case to court in an attempt to regain his job and bring awareness to the issue of harassment in the workplace.

Japan-Funded Bullet Train Sparks Protests in India

The construction of India’s first bullet train has slowed to a crawl due to land acquisition issues and protests from the affected rural populace whose property lies in its path. Fears of displacement and the loss of their homes, paired with inadequate compensation by India’s government, means that the project is increasingly unlikely to meet its proposed 2022 deadline.

Little Recourse for Victims of Crime in Japan

Given that Japan is likely to host more foreign residents and tourists in the future, it is necessary for such residents and visitors to the country to remain respectful and mindful of the fact that they are not under the jurisdiction of their home country’s more familiar legal system.