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.
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’s Crown Prince Says He is ‘Very Solemn’ About Future Role
Japan’s crown prince Naruhito, set to ascend Chrysanthemum throne in two months, solemn about future but intends to pattern reign after that of his father.
Foreign Picture Oscar Nominees Tackle Political Oppression, Injustice
Totalitarian regimes and mark on human psyche, nostalgic depictions of life in Mexico City riddled with socio-economic and racial divisions with much more.
Presence of US Military Bases Overshadows Okinawa Election
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 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