The US and North Korea in possible détente but the road ahead remains rocky: Japan sidelined Sawako Uchida and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times President Donald Trump of America was vindicated by his optimism prior to meeting the leader of North Korea. At first, Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, looked anxious…
Karoshi and dying in Japan from overwork: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Olivier LeCourt, Sawako Uchida, and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The blight of Karoshi (death from overwork) and other related issues for people who don’t commit suicide, but who suffer from mental breakdowns and numerous other related issues to health, is never ending…
The Many Sides of Tentative Sino-Japanese Rapprochement By: Willy Wo-Lap Lam The Jamestown Foundation A recent, unexpected rapprochement between China and Japan has emerged more quickly than many observers thought possible. And unlike previous instances since the two countries recognized each other in 1972, the initiative this time seems to have come from the Chinese…
Death of an abused 5-year-old girl: Abject failure of Tokyo child services based on inaction Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Yua Funato, a five-year-old child, weighed a mere 12.2 kilograms when she finally passed away from the neglect enacted on her by her parents in March. This happened in Tokyo, one of the most…
Japan and China take small steps to prevent air and sea clashes in territorial areas of overlap Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan is extremely concerned by the intentions of China in areas of dispute with China. Alternatively, China, just like in the South China Sea,…
Japanese Artist Shiba Kōkan (1747-1818) and Dutch Art Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese artist Shiba Kōkan is a fascinating artist and individual of high intellect. He lived during the Edo Period in Japan but he was open to learning from Western art forms. This notably applies to elements of Dutch influence…
Art of Zen Buddhism in Japan: Hakuin Ekaku Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The holy Buddhist monk Hakuin Ekaku revived the school of Rinzai Buddhism based on taking Zen Buddhism far and wide. Indeed, his upbringing meant that he never lost touch with people at the bottom of the ladder, in terms of wealth.…
Japan’s economic splutter in the first quarter bodes ill for Prime Minister Abe Noriko Watanabe and Sawako Uchida Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan needs some good news because of the recent political climate in this nation. However, the first economic splutter in two years during the first quarter of 2018 sums…
Female Literature in old Japan: Michitsuna no Haha 935-99 Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese female writer (diarist) and waka poet Michitsuna no Haha (Michitsuna’s mother) was born in 935 and she passed away in 995. Her writings, or diaries of truth and lament, highlight the trials and tribulations that she faced during…
UK, Japan Companies Help China to Counter US’s Tech Leverage By: Matt Schrader The Jamestown Foundation With the help of major tech companies from the UK and Japan, China may be poised to take an important step towards isolating its microchip supply chain from US pressure, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accelerates an indigenous…
Japan remains skeptical about North Korea but is sidelined based on the over-reliance on America Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The recent summit between North Korea and South Korea hit international headlines based on the history of this event. Yet, in the corridors of power in Tokyo, people remain skeptical within…
Art of Japan and a famous Buddhist Warrior of the twelfth century Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Saito no Musashibo Benkei (1155-1189) is a famous and highly esteemed Japanese warrior of the twelfth century. Not only is Benkei revered for his loyalty, prowess, and knowledge but also he is deeply admired for his Buddhist…
Japan bows to G-7 instead of focusing on strengthening ties with the Russian Federation Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan should not meekly follow G-7 pressure emanating notably from America and the United Kingdom. Hence, it is disheartening that Japan appears to be capitulating to pressure…
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan should be upfront to President Donald Trump Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan should be upfront towards President Donald Trump of America during their current meeting in America. This noticeably applies to the Korean Peninsula because Japan is being sidelined…
China and Japan at “unmentioned swipe” at Trump in America: Russian Federation Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Aspects of the President Donald Trump administration in America seriously worry elements of the Japanese bureaucracy. Indeed, it is difficult to say the “Trump administration,” since the current leader of America sacks people by…
Contemporary Japanese Art and the spirit of Sakai Hoitsu and Yokoyama Taikan Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Sawako Utsumi is a modern artist from Japan who adores the richness of European and Japanese art. At the same time, this exquisite artist also adores painting landscapes of the natural beauty of the High Peak…
More Japanese companies to invest in Myanmar: Thilawa Special Economic Zone Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Increasing numbers of Japanese companies are investing in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Myanmar. Of course, this SEZ is especially important for Japan because it highlights the importance of Myanmar to political elites…
International animation fans in mourning over the death of Isao Takahata: Grave of the Fireflies Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times If individuals adore animation, then the all-time classic Grave of the Fireflies will always hit a chord. The inspiration behind this most moving anime was Isao Takahata (1935-2018), who sadly just passed away. However,…
Japan and military revamp to meet a changing geopolitical landscape: US estrangement Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of Japan under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is intent on developing the armed forces of this nation, in order to face a changing geopolitical and military landscape. Hence, a new military base…
Japan warns about tit-for-tat trade tariffs between America and China Kanako Itamae and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Japan is focused on a “quietist approach” to tariffs being put on many nations by America. This is despite Japan being far from impressed by certain comments made by President Donald Trump of America towards the…
Seventh to early Eighth Century Poet from Japan: Kakinomoto no Hitomaro Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese waka poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro belongs to the world of the seventh century and the very early eighth century, prior to perishing from this world. His legacy remains in the vestiges of Japanese high culture…
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a possible meeting with Kim Jong-un of North Korea Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Tentative reports are stressing that a possible meeting may take place between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un. Of course, nothing is concrete at…
Japan keeps a low profile in the Skripal case against Russia: Moscow should focus on the Asia Pacific Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Anti-Russian Federation politicians based throughout the Northern Hemisphere accuse the Russian Federation of all things under the sun. Indeed, the media circus of Russophobia follows naturally. Hence, it…
Japan fails to get United States tariff exemptions on steel and aluminum: Nikkei falls Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan will quietly feel let down by President Donald Trump of America, in relation to failing to be exempted from tariffs imposed by America. Especially given the…
March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011: Japanese Fire Brigade Heroes of Otsuchi to Fleeing Embassies Kanako Itamae and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times March 11, 2011, will forever be etched in the consciousness of Japan because of the brutal reality of the Great East Japan Earthquake that triggered a brutal tsunami. Indeed, even…
Japan remains cautious over talks between America and North Korea Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Events on the Korean Peninsula seem to be moving quickly based on the prospect of President Donald Trump meeting Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. This prospect comes after many months of hostile rhetoric between…
Myanmar and Japan to hold the third Joint Economic Conference: Participation of Keidanren Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of Japan is intent on working closely with Myanmar in order to build-up greater economic links between both nations. Hence, the third economic business initiative will be held under the Myanmar-Japan…
Japan seeks a mild approach to President Trump and the threat of aluminum and steel tariffs Kanako Itamae and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of President Shinzo Abe of Japan seeks a mild approach towards the threat of aluminum and steel tariffs by America. This is based on important geopolitical concerns and…
Japan to increase investments in Myanmar and boost trade: JCCM and UMFCCI agreement Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of Japan understands the geopolitical importance of Myanmar and that China is seeking to increase its leverage in this nation. Equally, in many areas of the economy of Myanmar, it is…
Great 2018 Winter Olympics for Japan: Female Speed Skaters led the way Noriko Watanabe and Chika Mori Modern Tokyo Times The 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea is one that will stay in the memory of all Japanese lovers who adore sport. Hence, the welcoming city of Pyeongchang in South Korea will stay etched in…
Japan is having a great 2018 Winter Olympics: Kodaira and Hanyu win respective Gold Medals Sawako Uchida and Chika Mori Modern Tokyo Times The 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea is going swimmingly for Japan in Pyeongchang based on the current rich haul of ten medals. Indeed, while Japan was extremely unlucky not to win…
Japan wants India to assist Myanmar to a higher degree: Confused by Trump administration Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Yohei Sasakawa, the Special Envoy of Japan to Myanmar, is alarmed by the increasing role of China in the internal affairs of Myanmar and the aloofness of America under President Donald Trump.…
