Abe Rewards Friends in Latest Cabinet Reshuffle
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the first half of September 2019.
Tag Archives: Shinzo Abe
Japan-South Korea Military Information Pact Terminated
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the first half of August 2019.
Osaka Reemerging as Japan’s Second Metropolis
Eclipsed for many decades by its much larger Tokyo rival, Osaka is reclaiming its former status as Japan’s second metropolis. The recent G20 Summit held in Osaka which briefly put the city’s name on the lips of a global audience was indicative of its rising prominence, and is not likely to be the last time in the coming years that it will become the focus of the world’s attention.
Why Are Japanese Millennials Voting Against Their Own Interests?
Since Shinzo Abe stormed back into power in December 2012, he and his Liberal Democratic Party have been able to count upon Japanese millennials as a steady and reliable support base. But the Liberal Democratic Party espouses stances on a variety of issues which run directly counter to millennials’ interests, hopes and beliefs.
“Full-Scale Economic War” Between Japan and South Korea
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the first half of August 2019.
Japan-Backed Power Plant in Indonesia Caught Avoiding Taxes and Violating Rights
The Indonesian coal mining conglomerate Adaro Energy, which is allied with the Japanese companies J-Power, Itochu, as well as a number of public and private Japanese banks, has been avoiding local taxes for more than a decade, depriving the Indonesian government of about US$125 million in income from 2009 to 2017, and has even been accused of provoking human rights abuses in the country.
Atomic Bombing Apology Remains Unlikely
After almost three-quarters of a century it appears unlikely that Japan will ever receive an apology from the United States for its horrific atomic bombings.
Bread & Roses: My New Column for Shingetsu News Agency
Between 2012 and 2018, I wrote a monthly column called “Labor Pains” for the Japan Times. I have left Japan Times. I am so delighted to begin a new column this month called “Bread and Roses” for the Shingetsu News Agency.
Ruling Coalition Loses Supermajority
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the second half of July 2019.
Healthcare Worker Shortage a Silent Crisis
The World Health Organization estimates that there will be a shortage of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. This equates to a 20% gap in the global capacity to provide healthcare services. Japan, which is already grappling with an aging society and its attendant problems, is at the forefront of this crisis.
