A public weary of virus precautions pushed up consumption of goods and services, but the longer-term picture is uncertain as the global economy weakens.
Tag Archives: Japan
Japanese Photographer Blows Whistle on Treatment of ‘Comfort Women’
While Tsukasa Yajima has won praise for exposing problems at South Korea’s best-known shelter for former sex slaves, he has also been the focus of intense backlash.
Salman Rushdie Attack Recalls Murder of His Japanese Translator
Hitoshi Igarashi, who translated “The Satanic Verses,” was fatally stabbed at a university near Tokyo where he taught Islamic culture. The crime remains unsolved.
Issey Miyake, Japanese Fashion Designer, Dies at 84
He was known for his innovative origami-like designs, creating skirts, dresses and trousers with prisms of unfolding shapes.
China’s Military Drills and Other Tensions With Taiwan, Explained
China’s military announced new exercises near Taiwan, a day after concluding four days of drills that simulated a blockade of the island.
China’s Military Drills Continue Off Taiwan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for “an immediate halt” to the exercises. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said China “will not isolate Taiwan.”
With 5 Missiles, China Sends Stark Signal to Japan and U.S. on Taiwan
By firing into Japanese waters, Beijing is warning that both countries will become targets if they should come to the aid of Taiwan in any conflict.
Japan, Once the World Leader in Microchips, Now Races to Catch Up
As it reckons with supply chain vulnerabilities, the country is spending billions to revitalize domestic production and seeking to form a coalition with “like-minded” nations.
A Marauding Monkey Was Killed in Japan. Others Will Take Its Place.
As Japan’s macaque population grows, clashes with humans are becoming more frequent. More than 50 people were injured by recent monkey attacks in one western city.
The Japanese Author Behind ‘Bullet Train’ Is OK That the Film Isn’t So Japanese
Kotaro Isaka dreamed that his novel would get the big-screen treatment. Now it’s an action thriller starring Brad Pitt. Does the lack of major Asian stars matter?
In Japan, Abe Suspect’s Grudge Against Unification Church Is a Familiar One
The man accused of killing Shinzo Abe said his mother’s huge donations to the church bankrupted his family. Many others in Japan have similar stories.
Stop Praising Shinzo Abe and His Divisive Nationalism
Abe’s demise offers Japan a chance to turn away from his military obssession and repair relations with neighbors angered by his nationalist agenda.
Stop Praising Shinzo Abe and His Divisive Nationalism
Abe’s demise offers Japan a chance to turn away from his military obssession and repair relations with neighbors angered by his nationalist agenda.
Japan’s Leader Tries to Honor Abe’s Legacy, While Building His Own
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will pursue Shinzo Abe’s goals, such as a stronger military. But he has also set himself apart from his slain predecessor.
Making Sense of Shinzo Abe
On the day of his funeral service, we consider the full legacy of Japan’s longest-serving prime minister.
As Japan Votes, Abe’s Party Hopes His Legacy Is on the Ballot
Many of Shinzo Abe’s goals are central to the Liberal Democrats’ platform, and party members hoped the slain ex-leader’s memory would inspire sympathy votes on Sunday.
What We Know About the Shinzo Abe Assassination
The police in Nara, Japan, say a 41-year-old man was responsible for the fatal shooting of the former prime minister, but have given few details about the suspect.
Shinzo Abe’s Influence Was Still Evident Long After He Left Office
Japan’s longest-serving prime minister became perhaps the most transformational politician in the country’s post-World War II history.
Assassination of Shinzo Abe Shatters Image of Gun-Free Japan
Stringent rules on gun ownership had all but eradicated gun violence in the country.
Man Who Used a Homemade Gun Admits to Killing Abe, Police Say
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67, Japan’s longest-serving democratic leader, was fatally shot while stumping for a candidate ahead of elections.
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister, Dies at 67
Mr. Abe, who was shot on Friday, helped pull his country out of economic malaise but fell short of his most cherished goal: making Japan a normal military power.
Shinzo Abe faced steep opposition to his push for a more militaristic Japan.
Kazuki Takahashi, Yu-Gi-Oh! Creator, Dies at 60
The manga artist won international fame with a story that inspired a trading card game rivaling Pokemon as one of Japan’s most recognizable cultural exports.
Japan’s Secret to Taming the Coronavirus: Peer Pressure
The country has never mandated masks or vaccinations, but it’s evaded the worst of Covid, thanks to a fear of public shaming and the “self restraint police.”
The Lessons of Nothingness From Maverick Zen Monks
Art today is often a parade of the self. The Freer Gallery of Art presents objects by medieval artists who plunge you into the world by removing you from it.
How I Became an Asian American
The killing of a Chinese American, David Chin, 40 years ago changed the way people of Asian descent began to see themselves.
Chie Hayakawa Imagines a Japan Where the Elderly Volunteer to Die
The premise for Chie Hayakawa’s film, “Plan 75,” is shocking: a government push to euthanize the elderly. In a rapidly aging society, some also wonder: Is the movie prescient?
Subsidized Ocean Fishing Threatens the Sea’s Bounty
With help from their governments, fishing boats are able to range farther, remain at sea longer and catch more fish.
China Is Beating the U.S. in the Battle for Influence in Asia
Biden’s Plans Will Do Little to Shore Up U.S. Leverage
Biden’s Words on Taiwan Leave Allies in an Awkward Spot
Ahead of a summit with Australia, India and Japan, an off-the-cuff vow to defend the island militarily against China complicates diplomacy, particularly for Australia.
Russia and China Held Military Exercise in East Asia as Biden Visited
The coordinated bomber flights were the first such activity the two nations had done together since President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Biden Pledges to Defend Taiwan if It Faces a Chinese Attack
Moving away from a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” the president said he would take a step to protect the island democracy beyond what the U.S. has done for Ukraine.
Biden Says U.S. Military Would Defend Taiwan if China Invaded
Moving away from a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” the president said he would take a step to protect the island democracy that he has been unwilling to make when it comes to Ukraine.
Japanese Man Gambles Away a Town’s Covid Funds
An official in the rural Japanese town wired the 24-year-old man nearly $360,000 by mistake. He lost it in online casinos. Now, the town is suing and he has been arrested.
Japan’s Economy Shrank 1 Percent as Consumers Fled Covid
The world’s third-largest economy lost momentum in the first three months of the year after the Omicron variant suppressed demand at home.
Japan Has Long Sought More Inflation and a Weak Yen. But Not Like This.
Rapidly rising food and energy costs, coupled with a plunging yen that has hit a 20-year low against the dollar, are weighing on a Japanese economy struggling to emerge from the pandemic.
Japan Says It Needs Nuclear Power. Can Host Towns Ever Trust It Again?
The Ukraine war has shown the fragility of Japan’s energy supplies. But the decision to restart plants after the Fukushima disaster is fraught with emotions and political calculation.
The ‘Ultimate Bird’ Once Prowled the Seas of a Young Japan
Researchers described Annakacygna, a family of flightless ancient swans that were filter-feeders.
Can Japan Keep the Lights On? The Ukraine War Upends a Big Energy Bet.
The world’s third-largest economy has counted on imported liquefied natural gas as it shuts coal-fired plants and keeps nuclear sites closed. But Russia’s invasion has pushed prices sharply higher.
This Man Married a Fictional Character. He’d Like You to Hear Him Out.
Akihiko Kondo and thousands of others are in devoted fictional relationships, served by a vast industry aimed at satisfying the desires of a fervent fan culture.
Discreetly, the Young in Japan Chip Away at a Taboo on Tattoos
Exposed to body art on social media, more young Japanese are getting tattoos, even if that means hiding them at work.
Japan’s Workers Rethink Their Priorities Amid the Pandemic
The country’s traditional job-for-life model is eroding, with pressure now coming from workers who want more flexibility, autonomy and control over their careers.
Pushing ‘Long Covid’ Sufferers Too Hard Could Cause Them to Crash
The employment system inadequately serves people who can work but aren’t back to 100 percent.
Japanese TV Show “Old Enough!” Features Toddlers Running Errands
“Old Enough!,” a Japanese show that has been on the air for decades, recently came to Netflix. It features toddlers running errands without adult supervision.
Japan Sends Ukraine Military Equipment, Shedding Pacifist Constraints
Growing calls for more military spending after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrate Japan’s recognition that it must bolster its own deterrent power, not just rely on its U.S. alliance.
Japan’s Monkey Queen Made It Through Mating Season With Her Reign Intact
Yakei, the 9-year-old macaque who seized power at a preserve, played the field and mated with at least one male, all while managing to maintain her status as her troop’s alpha.
How the Recoil From Russian Gas Is Scrambling World Markets
Europe wants 50 billion cubic meters of additional natural gas, but supplies are tight. Prices will rise and other regions might have to do with less.
Japan Still Closed to Most Travelers, Despite Asia Reopening
Countries across region are reopening borders to tourists, but Japan continues to turn them away. And the country is not rushing to change things.
‘Drive My Car’ Oscar Is a Slow-Burn Return for Japan’s Cinema
But some of the same qualities that made the film popular overseas have led to a cooler reception domestically.
At 83, a Japanese Master Still Makes Martial Arts Gear by Hand
Kiichiro Ito spends his days creating uniforms for kendo, an ancient form of fencing.