Japan dropped to 71st in the 2022 world press freedom rankings by Reporters Without Borders, down from 67th in the 2021 rankings.
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 PM Kishida Strengthened by Election Win
Invigorated by a strong election win Japanese PM Fumio Kishida signaled pursuing defense policies aimed at deterring China.
The Olympics Are a Bureaucracy, Not a Democracy
The Olympic Games are adored by all. Except when you’re in the middle of a pandemic as the host nation, Japan’s conundrum.
Japan Bill To Amend Constitutional Referendum Law Proceeds
Japan’s Diet is expected to pass a new piece of legislation that amends the national referendum law on constitutional reform.
Japanese Sand Artist Naoshi Reimagines the ‘I Voted’ Sticker
Naoshi created an “I Voted” sticker that features three animals blasting off into the future on a “pencil rocket.”
Carlos Ghosn’s Wild Japanese Disappearing Act
His claim is that he’s not fleeing justice as a fugitive but rather escaping a racist and rigged system. It’s hard to know which of those narratives is true. James Bond (or James Bond villain?)
Can Japan help to reshape the liberal international order?
Japan has not experienced populist waves so this heads off arguments that the liberal international order is a surrogate for Western primacy, expert.
Japan & South Korea should ‘lead the charge’ for democracy in Asia, but….
Japan and South Korea should lead charge for democracy in Asia, argues Hudson Institute analyst John Lee. Recent developments cast doubt on that prospect.
Key Facts About Japan’s Imperial System
Eighth-century chronicles say sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami bequeathed her grandson a mirror, jewels and a sword, which he gave to the first emperor, Jimmu.
Japan Calendars Face Update With New Imperial Era Name Imminent
The new era name is one of biggest changes — practically and psychologically – – for Japan at the start of Crown Prince Naruhito’s reign on May 1.