Visible Minorities: Departing Japan at Middle Age
As you have probably have heard, SNA President Michael Penn will be moving his operations overseas. He’s leaving Japan. At his age, that’s probably a good idea. I speak from experience.
Cries of “Hidden Genocide” in Ethiopia
Activists supporting the Amhara people of Ethiopia are warning that their ethnic group is facing a “hidden genocide” due to the historical and territorial grievances of rival political factions.
Visible Minorities: Judges Strip Equal Protection from Naturalized Citizens
It’s the next stage of evolution in Japan’s variant of racial discrimination: a naturalized Japanese citizen was last year denied membership at a golf course—explicitly for being a former foreigner.
Yemen Knocking at the Door of Peace
A long-lasting peace deal could finally be in the works for Yemen after delegations from Saudi Arabia visited the rebel capital of Sanaa for talks with Houthi rebels. These discussions quickly led to prisoner swaps, helping to increase the level of trust.
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.