Tokyo Notes – The Diplomat

Japan's Safe Nuclear Myth

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:32:03 +0900

The crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and radiation fears have blown a hole in the idea nuclear energy works in Japan.

Japan's Quake and the Economy

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:09:30 +0900

It would be a mistake to argue the earthquake that hit Japan doesn’t have big implications for the global economy.

Sympathy and Japan's Crisis

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:36:28 +0900

Despite some insensitive comments, the international response to Japan’s earthquake has been sympathetic.

Fear and Japan’s Nuclear Crisis

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:33:30 +0900

Media hype around the Fukushima nuclear plant and the radiation danger to Tokyo made tough decisions harder.

Japan Nuclear Crisis Update

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:18:38 +0900

Workers continue to try to restore power at the Fukushima plant. Talk is turning to burying it in sand and concrete.

Japan Nuclear Plant Latest

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:16:58 +0900

Japanese engineers battle to restore power to the pumps at the Fukushima nuclear reactors hit by Friday’s quake.

Analyzing Japan’s Nuclear Threat

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:40:12 +0900

As efforts continue to avoid a meltdown at the Fukushima plant, a leading analyst discusses the future of nuclear power.

No Nuclear Panic in Tokyo

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:21:30 +0900

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Fukushima reactors and questions over radiation, Tokyo is calm and quiet.

Japan Nuclear Crisis Latest

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:44:29 +0900

Efforts continue to avoid a meltdown at the earthquake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant as France evacuates its citizens.

End of the Nuclear Renaissance?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:28:55 +0900

Has the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant killed off the chance of a nuclear renaissance?

Japan's Nuclear Radiation Crisis?

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:51:06 +0900

Explosions at a stricken nuclear plant in Fukushima prompt concerns over radiation spreading as far as Tokyo.

Fukushima Nuclear Plant Latest

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:26:11 +0900

A new scare in Japan following a blast at a Fukushima nuclear plant hit by Friday’s earthquake appears to have passed.

New Fukushima Blast

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:55:35 +0900

Reports are coming in of a new explosion at one of the reactors at an earthquake damaged Fukushima power plant.

Radiation Threat for Tokyo?

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:37:58 +0900

A plant designer discusses what may have happened at the Fukushima nuclear plant following Friday’s earthquake.

Japan Earthquake Toll Latest

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 15:53:29 +0900

Naoto Kan describes the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear threat as the biggest challenge in 65 years.

Japan: No Need for Nuclear Panic

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:08:09 +0900

Yukio Edano says in his latest press conference another explosion is likely, but warns over unfounded rumours.

Japan Earthquake Upgraded to 9.0

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 07:30:03 +0900

The death toll following Friday’s earthquake and tsunami continues to rise as the temblor is upgraded in strength.

Report From the Quake Zone

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 06:36:33 +0900

David McNeill shares his thoughts from the road as he travels around parts of Japan worst hit by the earthquake.

Japan Earthquake Toll Latest

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:51:20 +0900

Rescue efforts in Japan continue against the backdrop of ongoing aftershocks following the earthquake Friday.

Japan Nuclear Meltdown Averted?

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 16:03:02 +0900

Radiation is leaking from a nuclear plant in Fukushima after a major earthquake, but a new Chernobyl seems unlikely.

Nuclear Plant Explosion in Japan

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:27:55 +0900

Reports are emerging of an explosion at a nuclear power plant in Japan that was damaged after yesterday’s earthquake.

Japan Earthquake Nuclear Fears

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 05:26:16 +0900

Officials battle to prevent radiation leaks at two nuclear power plants after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.

Japan Earthquake Latest News

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:41:59 +0900

Hours after a massive earthquake strikes Japan, aftershocks are still being felt in Tokyo. The death toll is already in the hundreds.

Japan Earthquake Update

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:49:23 +0900

The earthquake that hit Japan today is upgraded to 8.8. Associate Editor Ulara Nakagawa reports from Tokyo.

Japan Hit by Earthquake

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:03:43 +0900

A powerful earthquake measuring at least 7.9 hits northeast Japan and shakes up Tokyo.

Japan’s Crisis Opportunity

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:20:17 +0900

Arab world unrest has prompted countries to again question their dependency on oil. Japan could cash in.

Ishihara: Japan Needs Nukes

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:09:53 +0900

Outspoken Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara calls for Japan to build nuclear weapons to counter a rising China.

Maehara Reportedly Quits

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:08:22 +0900

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara reportedly quits Sunday over a 200,000 yen donation.

Will Donations Derail Maehara?

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 04:15:09 +0900

Will accounting oversights mean Japan loses the very capable Seiji Maehara as foreign minister.

Are A-Bomb Jokes OK?

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:18:54 +0900

Quiz show QI caused controversy after jokes about a survivor of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima attacks. Did it go too far?

Japan to Slash China Aid?

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:26:50 +0900

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara has asked for a review of ODA to China. So what’s behind the rethink?

Japan Cracks Down on Dissent

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:04:49 +0900

Police have been getting tough on protests over the location of US bases. Is it part of a broader crackdown?

Ishihara No Numskull

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:24:36 +0900

Clever media manipulation keeps Tokyo’s controversial governor in the spotlight ahead of the gubernatorial poll.

Kan Needs to Attack LDP

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:31:58 +0900

Japan’s embattled prime minister should remind voters why they booted out the last lot.

Way Out for Japan's Whaling?

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:03:31 +0900

Does the excuse afforded by Sea Shepherd harrying give Japan a way of backing out of its whaling activities?

Why Did Japan Suspend Whaling?

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:19:34 +0900

Tokyo claims safety concerns over Sea Shepherd attacks prompted it to halt whaling. But is it about economics?

A Blow for Girl Power?

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:31:24 +0900

Japan disappoints in many gender equality rankings. Is a small Valentine’s Day revolution a sign of change?

Kan Should Ignore Polls

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:13:22 +0900

Naoto Kan should ignore a new opinion poll that shows support for his Cabinet at under 20 percent.

Few Clues Over Tokyo Poll

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 05:02:20 +0900

Despite there being only two months until Tokyo’s gubernatorial poll, there’s so far only one official candidate.

Another Okinawa Battle

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:05:10 +0900

Renewed construction in Okinawa has reignited debate over the US military. But is the time for talk over?

Sumo in a Fix

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:20:21 +0900

New evidence of match-fixing and the cancellation of the spring tournament further tarnish the sport’s battered image.

Hatoyama Blasts Kan Policy

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:04:39 +0900

Japan’s ex-prime minister says Japan should focus on improving Asian ties, and criticizes the latest Cabinet reshuffle.

The Child Abduction Debate

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:46:51 +0900

Japan’s custody laws make it tough for foreign fathers to see their bi-racial children. Is this set to change?

The Emperor Taboo

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:19:21 +0900

Discussion of the role of Japan’s Imperial family is still a tricky subject for Japan’s media. It shouldn’t be.

The Rising Costs of War

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:10:11 +0900

US defence spending has risen 63 percent in the last decade. Will Japan be expected to help foot more of the bill?

Hawker Accused Book Published

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:17:56 +0900

Tatsuya Ichihashi’s account of his life after the murder of Lindsay Hawker raises moral and legal questions.

What the Greenpeace Case Says

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:29:29 +0900

The case of two Japanese Greenpeace activists should be about a lot more than just trespassing and theft.

Power Before the People?

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:12:34 +0900

Japan’s problems didn’t begin with the DPJ. If elections are to mean anything, a party needs a fair crack at the whip.

Plugging Japan's Debt Hole

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 05:29:56 +0900

The govt needs to be more creative in tackling debt. Consumption tax exemptions could be a start.

Kan Should Learn From Koizumi

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:45:55 +0900

Naoto Kan faces a big fight over joining the TPP free trade pact. Is it time to learn from the past—and get decisive?

Should Parents Vote for Kids?

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 03:46:37 +0900

An academic study proposes a radical solution for dealing with Japan’s demographic crisis.

Kan’s Last Cabinet Reshuffle?

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:52:21 +0900

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has just reshuffled his cabinet. Will it be the last chance he gets?

Japan’s 1st Lady: ‘Kan Won’t Quit’

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:22:56 +0900

Nobuko Kan says her husband wants to change Japan for the better—and she’ll be supporting him with tough love.

Japan’s Leadership Lifeline?

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:36:08 +0900

Should the DPJ introduce four-year terms for its party presidents in an effort to reduce the short-termism mentality?

Kan Shouldn’t Ditch Sengoku

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:59:13 +0900

By keeping his right-hand man in the Cabinet, Kan can send a strong message that he won’t be blackmailed.

Should Japan Just Relax?

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:44:20 +0900

Commentators are always quick to warn of Japan’s impending demise. But are things really as bad they’re made out?

Kan Sets 2011 Agenda

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:13:00 +0900

The Japanese PM has set out three principles to guide his government in the New Year. But will he choke?

Japan Drops Cap and Trade

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 04:22:27 +0900

Naoto Kan bows to industry pressure and drops proposals for a nationwide cap and trade scheme.

Ozawa Relents, Will Testify

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:33:39 +0900

Ruling party kingmaker Ichiro Ozawa is seemingly pressured into appearing before the Diet. But what’s in it for him?

No New Year Sunrise for Kan

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 10:38:22 +0900

It has been a tough year for Naoto Kan and his ruling DPJ. Things don’t look likely to improve anytime soon.

Less Power Please?

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:40:04 +0900

Plans released this week for reforming the House of Councillors struggle to see the wood from the trees.

10 Christmas Gifts for Kan

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:55:56 +0900

Naoto Kan will have a lot on his plate next year. The Diplomat has a Christmas wish list for Santa to help him out.

Ichiro Ozawa Won't Change Tune

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:20:55 +0900

DPJ bruiser Ichiro Ozawa still won’t testify despite Kan’s overtures. Is he preparing to leave the party?

New Japan Stabbing Spree

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:32:50 +0900

A stabbing spree in Toride that injured 14 people overshadows Japan’s low and falling crime rate.

Kan's New Year Tax Cut

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:53:09 +0900

Naoto Kan has ordered a 5 percent cut in Japan’s corporate tax rate. Is now the right time?

Kan Tactless on North Korea

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:07:45 +0900

Naoto Kan’s suggestion of an SDF deployment to South Korea in the event of war was badly timed.

What's Taking Ozawa so Long?

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:51:42 +0900

Ichiro Ozawa’s failure to explain himself to the Diet over a funding scandal hardly helps the DPJ’s image.

Kan Must Grasp Ozawa Nettle

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:56:59 +0900

If Naoto Kan wants to show he’s in control of the DPJ, he first needs to show he’s in control of Ozawa.

Japan's Hard Green Line

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:27:01 +0900

Tokyo’s surprising stance at the Cancun meet may stimulate talk. But its own environmental policy is still insufficient.

Asahi to Drop English Daily

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:33:06 +0900

Could the switch to online signal the beginning of the end for printed English-language media in Japan?

Japan's Petty Diet

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:08:47 +0900

The 120th birthday of Japan’s parliament should have been a day of reflection, not an excuse for squabbling.

China Blogger Blasts Japan Media

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:54:47 +0900

Chinese blogger Michael Anti warns that the Japanese media paints a distorted picture of China.

What the Okinawa Poll Means

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:53:27 +0900

Did economics trump the Futenma base relocation issue in Sunday’s gubernatorial election?

Clouds Gather as Budget Passes

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 04:56:22 +0900

Naoto Kan manages to get his extra budget passed. But two censure motions overshadow the achievement.

Blushing CNN Bins Scoop

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:45:33 +0900

CNN misses a chance to be the first outlet for video showing collision between a Chinese trawler and JCG boats.

North Korea Unsettles Japan

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:22:50 +0900

Pyongyang’s shelling of a South Korean island poses new domestic and foreign policy questions for Naoto Kan.

Kan Clears Joker From Deck

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:04:04 +0900

Was Japanese Justice Minister Minoru Yanagida fired over last week’s gaffe? And will more heads roll?

Kan Looks for Poll Gloom Cure

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:51:12 +0900

Naoto Kan takes up blogging in hopes of boosting his DPJ government’s sagging poll ratings.

Justice Minister: My Job Is Easy

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:45:01 +0900

Justice Minister Minoru Yanagida tells supporters in his Hiroshima constituency that his job is easy.

LDP’s Pointless Posturing

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:10:34 +0900

Japan’s lower house passes a stimulus package—despite more LDP attempts to obstruct Diet proceedings.

DPJ Grey at APEC

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:39:55 +0900

TPP entry placed on back burner as Naoto Kan gets sidetracked by diplomatic disputes at APEC summit.

Youtube Leak a Humane Act?

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 05:04:18 +0900

Was the JCG officer’s decision to leak footage of a maritime incident on Youtube ‘duty’ or ‘humanity’?

Senkaku Tape Leak No Surprise

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 03:21:31 +0900

The Japanese officer who released the controversial boat crash footage claims it wasn’t confidential – or well-protected.

Japan and China’s Masochists

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:22:38 +0900

Japanese and Chinese nationalists want their countries to look like victims. It’s a poor way to make policy.

Japan Edges Toward TPP Talks

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:19:34 +0900

But could excessive caution and pandering to farmers prevent it reaping a free trade harvest?

Boat Crash on YouTube

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:07:52 +0900

Footage shows the Chinese fishing boat ramming into Japanese vessels, putting the onus now on Tokyo to respond.

LDP Not Playing Ball

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:56:54 +0900

Japan’s main opposition party could ultimately harm its own interests through its relentless criticism of the government.

China Calls off Talks With Kan

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 05:41:15 +0900

Beijing lays blame for last-minute torpedoing of meeting on Tokyo’s ‘groundless distortions’ of isle issue.

Tokyo turns to Delhi?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:18:05 +0900

Japan has struck a deal with India that will slash trade tariffs. But the nuclear issue still casts a shadow over ties.

Machimura’s By-election Win

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:17:05 +0900

Odds were in favour of the LDP heavyweight. We shouldn’t read too much into the DPJ’s defeat.

Japan’s Missed Opportunity?

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:39:22 +0900

Tokyo reportedly turns down Beijing’s offer to jointly develop oil and gas deposits off disputed islets.

Japan’s Biodiversity Duty

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:28:15 +0900

As the UN biodiversity meeting opens in Nagoya, marauding bears and toads highlight ecological dangers.

Yen Set to Keep Rising

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:41:08 +0900

The yen keeps rising. But is there anything Japan’s government can do to stop it?

Japan's Google Gripe

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:03:01 +0900

Japan’s govt asks Google to change its map to exclude Diaoyu from a description of the Senkaku Islands.

Machimura Career on Line

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:11:50 +0900

A veteran Japanese politician risks political suicide by choosing to contest Hokkaido’s No. 5 Constituency.

Japan to Rethink Arms Exports?

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:11:46 +0900

The defence minister suggests an effective blanket ban on arms exports needs rethinking.