Bread & Roses: Bosses Can’t Force Workers to Quit
Japanese employers have often used “taps on the shoulder” to induce unwanted employees to resign, but the courts have made clear that workers have no need to agree to give up their jobs.
US Republicans Take Aim at China
Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives are calling for increased confrontation with China, and should this party take power in next week’s midterm elections, they may exercise significant influence on US foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
US Deploying Nuclear-Capable B-52s to Australia
In a move that critics are calling a “dangerous escalation,” the United States is reportedly preparing to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to northern Australia, where they would be close enough to strike China.
SoftBank Financialization Throttles US Local News Media
SoftBank Group, Japan’s second-largest public company, has quietly acquired a massive stake in US local media over the past few years. It is part of the financialization movement which critics argue is hollowing out local news media and eroding the nation’s democracy.
Karen Hill Anton: Hope, Strength, Grace
Breast Pocket Mountain by Karen Hill Anton tells a story of self-discovery in rural Japan, which fills the reader with hope. Karen, a New Yorker, ends up raising a bicultural family, becomes a writer for the Japan Times, a teacher of modern dance, and a Shodo calligraphy practitioner of merit.
Australia Aims to Reduce Beijing’s Influence in Pacific Islands
New aid offered by Australia to Pacific island nations is aimed at reducing Beijing’s influence over Pacific island nations, an issue which has emerged as a major concern for US allies in the region.
US Progressive Lawmakers’ Embarrassing U-Turn on Ukraine Diplomacy
US lawmakers led by Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal reversed course under heavy criticism and withdrew in a matter of hours their letter which called on US President Joe Biden to initiate a “proactive diplomatic push” for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Millions Threatened with Starvation in Somalia
Millions of Somalis are facing starvation in the coming months as 90% of the Horn of Africa nation experiences a severe drought.
US Progressive Lawmakers Call for Ukraine Ceasefire
Noting the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people and the risk of nuclear war that threatens the entire world, progressive lawmakers have called on US President Joe Biden to make a decisive shift in his approach to the conflict by initiating a “proactive diplomatic push” seeking “a realistic framework for a ceasefire” through direct negotiations with Russia.
Visible Minorities: Never Forget Japan’s Racist Covid Policies
This month Japan finally lifted its Covid restrictions and reopened its borders to tourists. Well, whoop-de-doo.