A New Japan – The Diplomat https://thediplomat.com The Diplomat is a current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific, with news and analysis on politics, security, business, technology and life across the region. Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:03:18 +0900 en-US Rethinking Work https://thediplomat.com/2011/06/rethinking-work/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/06/rethinking-work/ Earthquake Rattles Japan A tsunami warning is issued after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits the northeast of Japan.

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Japan's 'Artsy' Protest Culture Anti-nuclear demonstrations following the Fukushima crisis are something new, but not quite an embrace of protest.

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More on YouTube Rabbit YouTube video of an earless rabbit born near the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant is confirmed as genuine.

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Japan's Depressing Squabbling As Japan’s politicians squabble, the public is getting frustrated. Sadly, the DPJ can’t even put its own house in order.

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Kan Holding On, for Now Naoto Kan survives a no-confidence motion following a deal with a former premier. But his days are now numbered.

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Where is the GSDF Going? Japan’s changing security environment means there’s just less for the Ground Self-Defence Forces to do.

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Mixed News on Fukushima Excerpts from the IAEA report on Fukushima are discouraging. But there has been some positive news as well.

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Rakuten to Jump Keidanren Ship? Rakuten boss Hiroshi Mikitani publicly mulls abandoning the Japan Business Federation over electricity policy.

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Fukushima Kids and Radiation The Japanese government backpedals a little over new radiation exposure guidelines in Fukushima.

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The Problem with Amakudari The problems with TEPCO are another reminder of the shortcomings of the principle of amakudari.

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All About Giri? Was Japan’s donation of aid to Alabama following devastating tornadoes about generosity or obligation?

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Bullying in Japan The Japanese public’s response to evacuees from the tsunami and nuclear crisis has been positive. Mostly.

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A Fukushima Update The Fukushima nuclear crisis may have receded from the headlines, but there’s no room for complacency.

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Why English Is Tough in Japan The government wants students to improve their English skills. Cultural differences provide the biggest hurdle.

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Unconventional Rakuten From leading a green drive to a focus on learning English, Rakuten isn’t your usual Japanese company.

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Turning Japanese A renowned Japan scholar shows his dedication to the country by announcing plans to become a citizen.

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Does Japan Need Nuclear Power? The Fukushima crisis was a reminder of the role nuclear power plays in Japan. But are there viable alternatives?

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Cool vs Isolated Japan? Japan must bring two seemingly contradictory identities together to avoid further damage from ‘Galápagosization.’

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Todai Cliques and TEPCO Elite alumni networks in Japan have significant clout. What could it mean for the current crisis?

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Sumo Faces Own Crisis The latest sumo scandal and TEPCO’s ongoing nuclear crisis have some interesting parallels.

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Climate Policy After the Crisis The earthquake that hit Japan was a tragedy. But it could still prod the country toward a solid climate change policy.

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Naoto Kan on the Ropes It’s politics as usual in Japan, as the LDP pushes for the ouster of Naoto Kan. It’s hardly in Japan’s interests.

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Japan's Creaking Legal System The sentencing of a former Osaka public prosecutor is a reminder of the problems facing Japan’s legal system.

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Japan’s Depressing Revolving Door A majority of Japanese want Naoto Kan to be replaced, a new poll shows. Will he be next through the revolving door?

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A Taxing Time for Japan The government is considering a 3% hike in the consumption tax to pay for reconstruction. But will it backfire?

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6 to 9 Months For Fukushima TEPCO, operator of the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant has finally produced a crisis recovery timeline. Some experts are already skeptical.

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Post-Earthquake Japan-Korea Ties Japan’s stance on the Dokdo / Takeshima issue has quickly shifted South Korean attitudes post-earthquake and tsunami, from sympathetic to ambivalent.

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Japan's Economy Takes a Hit The economic impact of the recent disaster may be more severe than first thought. How bad will it be?

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How Bad Is Fukushima Crisis? Japan’s govt has raised the level of the nuclear crisis at its Fukushima nuclear plant to a level 7. Is it really that bad?

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Tough Times for Tokyo Hotels The earthquake and ongoing nuclear scare have created a dire situation for Japan’s hospitality sector.

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Looking Back, Looking Forward Some commentators in Japan want a return to traditional values. But the current challenges require innovative thinking.

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Strong Earthquake Rocks Japan A powerful 7.4 magnitude aftershock in Miyagi Prefecture is a reminder of the challenges Japan faces in reconstruction.

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Tohoku Babies Need Milk Readers talk about milk shortages following the earthquake. And a grand institution makes a classy exit.

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Japan’s Economy Needs Freedom The Japanese economy can come back stronger after the current crisis. But only if it has more freedom.

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TEPCO Fumbles… The media spotlight hasn’t been kind to TEPCO, operator of the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant.

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...But So Do Its Critics With the press piling on the troubled Japanese utility, some of the criticism begins to look misplaced.

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Learning from Fukushima Nuclear researcher Peter Hosemann says the radiation threat to Tokyo from the Fukushima plant is small.

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Fukushima Farmer Takes Life A farmer in Fukushima kills himself when told that he can’t sell his cabbage crop for fears of contamination.

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A New Japan? Naoto Kan calls for a new Japan to emerge from the crisis, and we revamp our Japan blog in agreement.

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