Japan’s new central bank governor has promised to fulfill the government’s plan of achieving a 2% inflation rate to raise Japan out of the economic doldrums within two years. His words are not convincing to many, including the outgoing governor, and the Deputy Prime Minister. However, if these goals are met, it may mean...
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Japan has a poor record when it comes to women’s rights, ranking 101 out of 135 according to some statistics. A new political party founded as the result of a Facebook message is looking to change that, and to improve the lot of other disadvantaged groups as well as that of women in Japan....
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Although Japan has not yet made a decision on whether it will join the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a recent announcement by Prime Minister Abe that he is seriously considering joining talks as a prelude to possible membership to the free trade bloc has sent shock waves through some parts of Japan, chiefly the...
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Survivors of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami who were forced to evacuate following the multiple meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant are taking legal action against the power company operating the plant and the Japanese government, for damages caused by the disaster. TOKYO (majirox news) — At least 350 Fukushima...
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The Soviet Union occupied several disputed islands off Hokkaido in 1945, and this resulted in Japan and the USSR – now Japan and Russia – feeling unable to sign a peace treaty to end World War II. The Northern Territories, as they are known in Japan and Kuril Islands in Russia, have been a...
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A pro wrestler may seem like an unlikely ambassador for peace and for human rights. But Antonio Inoki, a Japanese wrestler, has made these ideals a part of his life. Legendary Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki recently received a hero’s welcome at the Wrestling for Peace Festival in Pakistan. He returned to the country after...
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Could the March 2011 earthquake be a harbinger of another disaster – an eruption of Mount Fuji? Some believe so. Majestic Mount Fuji is an icon of Japan, and is frequently pictured along with cherry blossom as a Japanese symbol of peace and tranquillity. It is sometimes hard to remember that it is an...
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A change of government in Japan could lead to a change in the country’s pacifist constitution, which was written by the American occupation authorities following the Second World War, and has basically remained unchanged since then. However, there are internal obstacles to be overcome should the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shinzo Abe,...
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OP/ED The raw figures, even crudely analyzed, do not necessarily point to a right-wing shift in Japan TOKYO (majirox news) – “Why,” many non-Japanese are wondering, “has the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) returned to power in such a dramatic way?” The answer does not lie in the party’s popularity. Some commentators noted the support...
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Yukiko Kada, who heads the Tomorrow Party of Japan, is rarity in Japan’s political arena. As a female politician, she is a minority and hopes to change this by making more opportunities for the country’s future female population. TOKYO (majirox news) — The issue of women’s place in society is rarely discussed in Japan’s...
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