Politics

Luigi Mangione: The Parallels to Abe Shinzo’s Assassin

Was Luigi inspired by Japan's most recent folk hero assassin? (Or was it the public healthcare system?)

Renewed Tension in the Southern Kuriles Amidst Ukraine War

Rhetoric on the southern Kuriles, long disputed between Japan and Russia, is again on the rise. We help you get up to speed.

Japan’s Problem Isn’t Old Politicians

Mori Yoshiro's derogatory statements about women, some critics say, are reflective of much more systemic problems in Japan.

The Top Three Myths About Japan’s COVID-19 Management

Japan has fared better than other countries with COVID-19 - but the myths surrounding its response aren't helping matters.

Aum Shinrikyo and The Parallels to Donald Trump

An incident involving Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo bears an uncanny resemblance to the US 2020 election.

How Japan’s Press is Covering Trump’s Assault on Democracy

Japan's right-wing goes all-in for Trump - but coverage in Japanese news slowly reflects the truth that Trump's act is all hat and no cattle.

Why Sugita Mio’s Hate Speech Was Fully Predictable

A social critic in Japan describes Sugita Mio's rise in Japan's right wing - and why her recent bigoted statements aren't at all unexpected.

Will The Abe Government Survive COVID-19?

I look at the history of Abe Shinzo's reign - including his first failed term of office - and consider whether Abe can keep his good luck streak going.

What Japan’s Thinking: February 2020

What do people in Japan think about Abe's latest scandal, the advent of casinos, the novel coronavirus and other topics? Find out in our member exclusive!

Politics

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