Kanako Takahara
The Japan Times
Japan
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Past articles by Kanako:
Japan's Cabinet OKs overhaul of immigration system
Proposed revisions to the immigration law would increase reviews of detentions, ease deportation rules and add a status of quasi-refugees. → Read More
What could Japan do about foreign spy balloons over its territory?
The nation may have already seen Chinese spy balloons over its skies, including two instances of remarkably similar design to the alleged spy balloon shot down by the U.S. → Read More
Deportation of Japanese robbery suspects could be decided by next week
The Philippine justice secretary said he wants the incident resolved before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s planned visit to Japan in the second week of February. → Read More
What will change when Japan reclassifies COVID-19?
Japan is planning to downgrade the categorization of COVID-19 on May 8. How will that impact residents? → Read More
In policy speech, Kishida puts focus on child care and defense
Implementing all of the policies mentioned in the speech — from child care and defense spending to wage hikes — will be tough if Kishida lacks a stable political base. → Read More
Japan's domestic travel discount program is back. Here's what you need to know.
The discount program is expected to end in stages as each prefecture runs out of funds allocated from the central government, but it will likely last until the end of March. → Read More
U.S. national killed in Saitama was a well-established businessman in Japan
William Bishop Jr. came to Japan in 1974 and eventually went on to start his own health care consultancy. He has been described as “dedicated, hard-working and a real leader.” → Read More
Japan to tighten borders for travelers from China on Dec. 30
All travelers from China as well as those who have been to China within the previous seven days will be tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival in Japan. → Read More
Japan's reconstruction minister resigns following funding scandal
Kenya Akiba has admitted to having two political groups affiliated with him pay ¥14 million to his mother and his wife as “rent” between 2011 and 2020. → Read More
COVID-19 cases on the rise as Japan enters the holiday season
JTB estimates that about 21 million people will travel domestically, up 16.7% from the previous year. → Read More
Aoki Holdings founder pleads guilty to bribery related to Tokyo Games
Thursday’s court hearing was the first related to a series of scandals involving the Tokyo Olympics. → Read More
'Kobe Cannibal': Media's fascination lingers on in the West after death
Despite his one-time fame, the death of notorious murderer and cannibal Issei Sagawa received only cursory coverage in Japan, in contrast to the West. → Read More
Same levy, different name: Reconstruction tax to be shifted to defense spending
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's latest plan to fund a defense budget hike is to create a new defense tax. → Read More
Controversy grows over proposed use of Tohoku funds to cover defense spending
The government is eyeing using a special tax designed to finance reconstruction costs for areas affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. → Read More
Donation bill banning coercion clears Japan's Lower House
The legislation has received the support of major opposition parties after the ruling coalition made amendments to it. → Read More
Japan parties move closer to passing donation bill targeting coercion
If passed, the bipartisan bill would ban organizations from soliciting donations out of fear and allow donors a path to getting a refund. → Read More
The Church, the State and Kishida's headache
Kanako Takahara joins this week’s Deep Dive to discuss what’s behind a new bill regulating faith-driven donations. → Read More
From 'HTT' and 'SusHi Tech' to 'NHK,' Koike’s way with words falters
The Tokyo governor is known for her past catchy policy terms such as Cool Biz, but lately her choice of expressions has failed to resonate with the public. → Read More
Kishida Cabinet approves bill banning use of fear to solicit donations
The move is aimed at providing relief to followers of the controversial Unification Church and their family members who have been left in financial ruin. → Read More
Kishida's decisiveness in question following resignation of three ministers
While praised for making quick and strong decisions early in his prime ministership, lately Kishida has been criticized for dragging his feet amid scandals. → Read More