When Sanae Takaichi was elected as the new president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in early October — thereby virtually ensuring she will become Japan’s first woman prime minister…
When we hear that Sanae Takaichi deeply respects Margaret Thatcher (and is often nicknamed a Japanese “Iron Lady”), it naturally raises the question: beyond rhetoric, is there a genuine affinity…
Japanese politics has long been seen as insular, traditional, and overwhelmingly male. Yet one figure stands out for defying expectations: Kimii Onoda, a conservative politician born in the United States…
In recent years, one Japanese local politician has drawn outsized attention—often dubbed the “Joker councillor,” he has earned a notoriety that few municipal lawmakers ever do. But why has he…
A Journey Shaped by Dual Heritage, Resilience, and Advocacy Introduction Okinawa’s political stage witnessed an extraordinary figure rise—a man who embodies the complex history of Okinawa as a host to…
A Sudden Retraction On August 22, Nigeria’s presidential office released a statement declaring that Japan would establish a special visa program for highly skilled Nigerian youth, allowing them opportunities to…
Introduction In recent years, Japan has witnessed growing resistance to mega-solar projects—large-scale solar farms, typically over 1 MW in capacity—particularly in rural areas. Rather than seeing solar as a straightforward…
Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture, once stigmatized as a “Yakuza town,” has undergone a striking transformation over the past few decades. Once known for crime syndicates and industrial decline, the…
For decades, Japan’s tax-free shopping system has been one of the country’s most attractive perks for overseas visitors. By presenting a passport at designated stores, foreign tourists have been able…
🇯🇵🇺🇸 A Tale of Two Populists: Sohei Kamiya and JD Vance In recent years, both Japan and the United States have seen the rise of new, outsider politicians who position…
