Cranes, Peace, and a Girl Named Sadako
Author Felipe Servulo finds inspiration in the story of Sadako Sasaki, a victim of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Japan Becoming Military Spending Great Power
Japan plans to massively increase its defense budget over the next four years, climbing into the ranks of the highest-funded national militaries. Depending on developments–and future currency exchange rates–there is even the possibility that Japan could soon rank as the No. 3 military in the world as measured by its budget.
Bread & Roses: Harassment and Grooming Case Against Art Professor
On March 27, 2023, the Tokyo District Court handed down a mixed ruling in the latest case of what is called academic harassment, or akahara. Courts increasingly handle such cases, and this one caused quite a stir in the public mind since the defendant was none other than celebrated art critic Michio Hayashi.
Iran-Saudi Peace Leaves Yemen in the Dark
Now that Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations following their talks in Beijing earlier this month, hopes have emerged that the eight-year civil war in Yemen may finally be coming to an end. However, there is yet to be any specific plan to include the troubled South Arabian nation within bilateral peace negotiations.
Visible Minorities: Life Lessons from a Naturalized Japanese Politician
An interview with Jon Heese, a naturalized Canadian-Japanese and elected Tsukuba City Councillor of twelve years. A Caucasian Visible Minority of Japan, Heese has long been advocating that other Non-Japanese Residents naturalize and run for office.
Sahra Wagenknecht’s “Revolt for Peace”
Thousands gathered in Berlin late last month to demand Germany pursue peace talks with Russia over Ukraine. Reaction to the “Revolt for Peace” rally, organized by outspoken leftwing politician Sahra Wagenknecht, has exposed deep divisions within the German left on diplomatic policies.
US Sanctions Drive Moscow and Tehran into Accord
US economic sanctions on Russia and Iran have pushed the two countries closer by supplying them with a common need for security policy cooperation as well as trading opportunities outside of Western markets. The two nations are looking for new opportunities to work together, and one result is an Iranian military drone factory being built inside Russia.
Bread & Roses: Irregular Workers Strike for Higher Wages
Traditionally, shunto was only for full-time regular workers, but this year unions are coming together to expand this custom to include workers on non-standard, irregular, casual, and contingent contracts.
The Construction State Goes Deep Underground
Japan construction companies have a long tradition of exploiting government budgets for public works in order to construct structures which citizens do not want and cannot afford. This tradition has found new expression in tunnels for underground highways being excavated in the Tokyo region with little public knowledge or input, and in spite of demonstrable safety concerns.
Sanders Proposes New Deal for Journalism
Appearing on Face the Nation on CBS Sunday, US Senator Bernie Sanders discussed a number of issues he covers in his upcoming book, It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism, including his proposal to ensure that the news media acts in the interest of the general public and not wealthy corporations and powerful interest groups.