Okinawans headed to the polls Sunday to choose a governor in an election that many see hinging on how voters feel about the American military presence.
Japan articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for better democracy in Japan. According to Freedom House, the "prime minister—who leads the majority party or coalition in the bicameral legislature’s (Diet’s) lower chamber, the House of Representatives—serves as head of government". Also see our section on World Democracy.
Japan Protests To China Over Banning Of Reporter
Japan has protested to China over its decision to ban a reporter for a conservative Japanese newspaper from covering talks between the countries’ diplomats.
Diplomatic Switcheroo in Chinas
The squabbles may seem absurd and petty, but the peace between China and Taiwan has stuck for 70 years without a shot fired and indeed incredible economic benefits inuring to both Chinas and their partners abroad.
Census Proposal Recalls Old Abuses for Japanese-Americans
Questions on Capitol Hill about the addition of a controversial citizenship question to the 2020 census form
Trumpy Thrilla from Manila: President Duterte
Sometimes blips on the diplomatic radar far away can be prescient of larger things to come. In the Philippines, things are happening, and they’re worth taking note of for the psychology of the country’s President Duterte.
The First Female Tokyo Governor Was Just Elected
The former defence minister Yuriko Koike has just become the first female Tokyo Governor in history
The Talking Grain of Rice Promoting Japanese Voter Turnout
Japanese voter turnout gets an unexpected boost from a talking grain of rice named Komesuke
Abe’s Ruling Liberal Democratic Party Win Japan Vote
The outcome of the recent Japan vote may be less important than the response to economic challenges
Impact of a Lowered Japanese Voting Age
The national Japanese voting age has been lowered to 18 from 21 in a historic change
Crucial Japanese Upper House Election Campaign Underway
Prime Minister seeks win in Japanese Upper House election to secure his majority and push reforms