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: United States
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.
Support Hong Kong’s Fight for Democracy
Twelve weeks into pro-democracy demonstrations, Hong Kong is on the verge of a tipping point, and protesters are becoming increasingly desperate in the face of inaction by their government.
“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.
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.
Ruling Coalition Loses Supermajority
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the second half of July 2019.
Japan Loses Control Over Its Soft Power
“Japan was postmodern before postmodernism was cool” wrote Douglas McGray in Foreign Policy magazine. While that may be true, Japan has lost control of its own major cultural exports.
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.
The World Leaves Japan and South Korea to Slug It Out
While Japan and South Korea are locked in an escalating and rather senseless set of retaliatory actions against one another, the rest of the world simply sits on the sidelines, afraid to either take a side or even mediate between the two nations.
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.
