https://thediplomat.com The Diplomat is a current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific, with news and analysis on politics, security, business, technology and life across the region. Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:44:29 +0900 en-US The crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and radiation fears have blown a hole in the idea nuclear energy works in Japan.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-safe-nuclear-myth/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-safe-nuclear-myth/ It would be a mistake to argue the earthquake that hit Japan doesn’t have big implications for the global economy.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-quake-and-the-economy/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-quake-and-the-economy/ Despite some insensitive comments, the international response to Japan’s earthquake has been sympathetic.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/sympathy-and-japans-crisis/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/sympathy-and-japans-crisis/ Media hype around the Fukushima nuclear plant and the radiation danger to Tokyo made tough decisions harder.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/fear-and-japans-nuclear-crisis/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/fear-and-japans-nuclear-crisis/ Workers continue to try to restore power at the Fukushima plant. Talk is turning to burying it in sand and concrete.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-crisis-update/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-crisis-update/ Japanese engineers battle to restore power to the pumps at the Fukushima nuclear reactors hit by Friday’s quake.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-plant-latest/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-plant-latest/ As efforts continue to avoid a meltdown at the Fukushima plant, a leading analyst discusses the future of nuclear power.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/analyzing-japans-nuclear-threat/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/analyzing-japans-nuclear-threat/ Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Fukushima reactors and questions over radiation, Tokyo is calm and quiet.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/no-nuclear-panic-in-tokyo/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/no-nuclear-panic-in-tokyo/ Efforts continue to avoid a meltdown at the earthquake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant as France evacuates its citizens.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-crisis-latest/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-crisis-latest/ Has the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant killed off the chance of a nuclear renaissance?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/end-of-the-nuclear-renaissance/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/end-of-the-nuclear-renaissance/ Explosions at a stricken nuclear plant in Fukushima prompt concerns over radiation spreading as far as Tokyo.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-in-nuclear-radiation-crisis/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-in-nuclear-radiation-crisis/ A new scare in Japan following a blast at a Fukushima nuclear plant hit by Friday’s earthquake appears to have passed.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/fukushima-nuclear-plant-latest/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/fukushima-nuclear-plant-latest/ Reports are coming in of a new explosion at one of the reactors at an earthquake damaged Fukushima power plant.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/new-fukushima-blast/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/new-fukushima-blast/ A plant designer discusses what may have happened at the Fukushima nuclear plant following Friday’s earthquake.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/radiation-threat-for-tokyo/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/radiation-threat-for-tokyo/ Naoto Kan describes the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear threat as the biggest challenge in 65 years.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-toll-latest/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-toll-latest/ Yukio Edano says in his latest press conference another explosion is likely, but warns over unfounded rumours.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-no-need-for-nuclear-panic/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-no-need-for-nuclear-panic/ The death toll following Friday’s earthquake and tsunami continues to rise as the temblor is upgraded in strength.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-upgraded-to-9-0/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-upgraded-to-9-0/ David McNeill shares his thoughts from the road as he travels around parts of Japan worst hit by the earthquake.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/report-from-the-quake-zone/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/report-from-the-quake-zone/ Rescue efforts in Japan continue against the backdrop of ongoing aftershocks following the earthquake Friday.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-toll-rises/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-toll-rises/ Radiation is leaking from a nuclear plant in Fukushima after a major earthquake, but a new Chernobyl seems unlikely.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-meltdown-averted/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-nuclear-meltdown-averted/ Reports are emerging of an explosion at a nuclear power plant in Japan that was damaged after yesterday’s earthquake.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/nuclear-plant-explosion-in-japan/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/nuclear-plant-explosion-in-japan/ Officials battle to prevent radiation leaks at two nuclear power plants after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-nuclear-fears/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-nuclear-fears/ Hours after a massive earthquake strikes Japan, aftershocks are still being felt in Tokyo. The death toll is already in the hundreds.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-latest/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-latest/ The earthquake that hit Japan today is upgraded to 8.8. Associate Editor Ulara Nakagawa reports from Tokyo.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-update/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-earthquake-update/ A powerful earthquake measuring at least 7.9 hits northeast Japan and shakes up Tokyo.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-hit-by-earthquake/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-hit-by-earthquake/ Arab world unrest has prompted countries to again question their dependency on oil. Japan could cash in.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-crisis-opportunity/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japans-crisis-opportunity/ Outspoken Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara calls for Japan to build nuclear weapons to counter a rising China.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/ishihara-japan-should-have-nukes/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/ishihara-japan-should-have-nukes/ Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara reportedly quits Sunday over a 200,000 yen donation.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/maehara-reportedly-quits/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/maehara-reportedly-quits/ Will accounting oversights mean Japan loses the very capable Seiji Maehara as foreign minister.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/will-donations-derail-maehara/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/will-donations-derail-maehara/ Quiz show QI caused controversy after jokes about a survivor of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima attacks. Did it go too far?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/are-a-bomb-jokes-ok/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/are-a-bomb-jokes-ok/ Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara has asked for a review of ODA to China. So what’s behind the rethink?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-to-slash-china-aid/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/03/japan-to-slash-china-aid/ Police have been getting tough on protests over the location of US bases. Is it part of a broader crackdown?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/japan-cracks-down-on-dissent/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/japan-cracks-down-on-dissent/ Clever media manipulation keeps Tokyo’s controversial governor in the spotlight ahead of the gubernatorial poll.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/ishihara-no-numskull/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/ishihara-no-numskull/ Japan’s embattled prime minister should remind voters why they booted out the last lot.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/kan-needs-to-attack-ldp/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/kan-needs-to-attack-ldp/ Does the excuse afforded by Sea Shepherd harrying give Japan a way of backing out of its whaling activities?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/compromise-for-japanese-whaling/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/compromise-for-japanese-whaling/ Tokyo claims safety concerns over Sea Shepherd attacks prompted it to halt whaling. But is it about economics?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/why-did-japan-suspend-whaling/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/why-did-japan-suspend-whaling/ Japan disappoints in many gender equality rankings. Is a small Valentine’s Day revolution a sign of change?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/a-blow-for-girl-power/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/a-blow-for-girl-power/ Naoto Kan should ignore a new opinion poll that shows support for his Cabinet at under 20 percent.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/kan-should-ignore-polls/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/kan-should-ignore-polls/ Despite there being only two months until Tokyo’s gubernatorial poll, there’s so far only one official candidate.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/few-clues-over-tokyo-poll/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/few-clues-over-tokyo-poll/ Renewed construction in Okinawa has reignited debate over the US military. But is the time for talk over?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/another-okinawa-battle/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/another-okinawa-battle/ New evidence of match-fixing and the cancellation of the spring tournament further tarnish the sport’s battered image.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/sumo-in-a-fix/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/sumo-in-a-fix/ Japan’s ex-prime minister says Japan should focus on improving Asian ties, and criticizes the latest Cabinet reshuffle.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/hatoyama-blasts-kan-policy/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/hatoyama-blasts-kan-policy/ Japan’s custody laws make it tough for foreign fathers to see their bi-racial children. Is this set to change?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/the-child-abduction-debate/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/02/the-child-abduction-debate/ Discussion of the role of Japan’s Imperial family is still a tricky subject for Japan’s media. It shouldn’t be.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/the-emperor-taboo/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/the-emperor-taboo/ US defence spending has risen 63 percent in the last decade. Will Japan be expected to help foot more of the bill?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/the-rising-costs-of-war/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/the-rising-costs-of-war/ Tatsuya Ichihashi’s account of his life after the murder of Lindsay Hawker raises moral and legal questions.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/hawker-accused-book-published/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/hawker-accused-book-published/ The case of two Japanese Greenpeace activists should be about a lot more than just trespassing and theft.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/what-the-greenpeace-case-says/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/what-the-greenpeace-case-says/ Japan’s problems didn’t begin with the DPJ. If elections are to mean anything, a party needs a fair crack at the whip.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/power-before-the-people/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/power-before-the-people/ The govt needs to be more creative in tackling debt. Consumption tax exemptions could be a start.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/plugging-japans-debt-hole/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/plugging-japans-debt-hole/ Naoto Kan faces a big fight over joining the TPP free trade pact. Is it time to learn from the past—and get decisive?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-should-learn-from-koizumi/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-should-learn-from-koizumi/ An academic study proposes a radical solution for dealing with Japan’s demographic crisis.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/should-parents-vote-for-kids/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/should-parents-vote-for-kids/ Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has just reshuffled his cabinet. Will it be the last chance he gets?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kans-last-cabinet-reshuffle/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kans-last-cabinet-reshuffle/ Nobuko Kan says her husband wants to change Japan for the better—and she’ll be supporting him with tough love.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/japans-1st-lady-kan-wont-quit/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/japans-1st-lady-kan-wont-quit/ Should the DPJ introduce four-year terms for its party presidents in an effort to reduce the short-termism mentality?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/japans-leadership-lifeline/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/japans-leadership-lifeline/ By keeping his right-hand man in the Cabinet, Kan can send a strong message that he won’t be blackmailed.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-shouldnt-ditch-sengoku/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-shouldnt-ditch-sengoku/ Commentators are always quick to warn of Japan’s impending demise. But are things really as bad they’re made out?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/should-japan-just-relax/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/should-japan-just-relax/ The Japanese PM has set out three principles to guide his government in the New Year. But will he choke?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-sets-2011-agenda/ https://thediplomat.com/2011/01/kan-sets-2011-agenda/ Naoto Kan bows to industry pressure and drops proposals for a nationwide cap and trade scheme.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japan-drops-cap-and-trade/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japan-drops-cap-and-trade/ Ruling party kingmaker Ichiro Ozawa is seemingly pressured into appearing before the Diet. But what’s in it for him?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/ozawa-relents-will-testify/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/ozawa-relents-will-testify/ It has been a tough year for Naoto Kan and his ruling DPJ. Things don’t look likely to improve anytime soon.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/no-new-year-sunrise-for-kan/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/no-new-year-sunrise-for-kan/ Plans released this week for reforming the House of Councillors struggle to see the wood from the trees.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/less-power-please/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/less-power-please/ Naoto Kan will have a lot on his plate next year. The Diplomat has a Christmas wish list for Santa to help him out.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/10-christmas-gifts-for-kan/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/10-christmas-gifts-for-kan/ DPJ bruiser Ichiro Ozawa still won’t testify despite Kan’s overtures. Is he preparing to leave the party?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/ichiro-ozawa-wont-change-tune/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/ichiro-ozawa-wont-change-tune/ A stabbing spree in Toride that injured 14 people overshadows Japan’s low and falling crime rate.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/new-japan-stabbing-spree/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/new-japan-stabbing-spree/ Naoto Kan has ordered a 5 percent cut in Japan’s corporate tax rate. Is now the right time?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kans-new-year-tax-cut/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kans-new-year-tax-cut/ Naoto Kan’s suggestion of an SDF deployment to South Korea in the event of war was badly timed.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kan-tactless-on-north-korea/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kan-tactless-on-north-korea/ Ichiro Ozawa’s failure to explain himself to the Diet over a funding scandal hardly helps the DPJ’s image.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/whats-taking-ozawa-so-long/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/whats-taking-ozawa-so-long/ If Naoto Kan wants to show he’s in control of the DPJ, he first needs to show he’s in control of Ozawa.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kan-must-grasp-ozawa-nettle/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/kan-must-grasp-ozawa-nettle/ Tokyo’s surprising stance at the Cancun meet may stimulate talk. But its own environmental policy is still insufficient.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japans-hard-green-line/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japans-hard-green-line/ Could the switch to online signal the beginning of the end for printed English-language media in Japan?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/asahi-to-drop-english-daily/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/asahi-to-drop-english-daily/ The 120th birthday of Japan’s parliament should have been a day of reflection, not an excuse for squabbling.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japans-petty-diet/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/japans-petty-diet/ Chinese blogger Michael Anti warns that the Japanese media paints a distorted picture of China.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/chinese-blogger-blasts-japan-media/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/12/chinese-blogger-blasts-japan-media/ Did economics trump the Futenma base relocation issue in Sunday’s gubernatorial election?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/what-the-okinawa-poll-means/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/what-the-okinawa-poll-means/ Naoto Kan manages to get his extra budget passed. But two censure motions overshadow the achievement.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/clouds-gather-as-budget-passes/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/clouds-gather-as-budget-passes/ CNN misses a chance to be the first outlet for video showing collision between a Chinese trawler and JCG boats.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/blushing-cnn-bins-scoop/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/blushing-cnn-bins-scoop/ Pyongyang’s shelling of a South Korean island poses new domestic and foreign policy questions for Naoto Kan.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/north-korea-move-unsettles-japan/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/north-korea-move-unsettles-japan/ Was Japanese Justice Minister Minoru Yanagida fired over last week’s gaffe? And will more heads roll?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/kan-clears-joker-from-deck/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/kan-clears-joker-from-deck/ Naoto Kan takes up blogging in hopes of boosting his DPJ government’s sagging poll ratings.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/kan-looks-for-poll-gloom-cure/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/kan-looks-for-poll-gloom-cure/ Justice Minister Minoru Yanagida tells supporters in his Hiroshima constituency that his job is easy.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/justice-minister-my-job-is-easy/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/justice-minister-my-job-is-easy/ Japan’s lower house passes a stimulus package—despite more LDP attempts to obstruct Diet proceedings.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/ldps-pointless-posturing/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/ldps-pointless-posturing/ TPP entry placed on back burner as Naoto Kan gets sidetracked by diplomatic disputes at APEC summit.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/dpj-grey-at-apec/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/dpj-grey-at-apec/ Was the JCG officer’s decision to leak footage of a maritime incident on Youtube ‘duty’ or ‘humanity’?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/youtube-leak-a-humane-act/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/youtube-leak-a-humane-act/ The Japanese officer who released the controversial boat crash footage claims it wasn’t confidential – or well-protected.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/senkaku-tape-leak-no-surprise/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/senkaku-tape-leak-no-surprise/ Japanese and Chinese nationalists want their countries to look like victims. It’s a poor way to make policy.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/japan-and-chinas-masochists/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/japan-and-chinas-masochists/ But could excessive caution and pandering to farmers prevent it reaping a free trade harvest?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/japan-edges-toward-tpp-talks/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/japan-edges-toward-tpp-talks/ Footage shows the Chinese fishing boat ramming into Japanese vessels, putting the onus now on Tokyo to respond.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/boat-crash-on-youtube/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/boat-crash-on-youtube/ Japan’s main opposition party could ultimately harm its own interests through its relentless criticism of the government.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/ldp-not-playing-ball/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/ldp-not-playing-ball/ Beijing lays blame for last-minute torpedoing of meeting on Tokyo’s ‘groundless distortions’ of isle issue.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/china-calls-off-talks-with-kan/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/china-calls-off-talks-with-kan/ Japan has struck a deal with India that will slash trade tariffs. But the nuclear issue still casts a shadow over ties.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/tokyo-turns-to-delhi/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/tokyo-turns-to-delhi/ Odds were in favour of the LDP heavyweight. We shouldn’t read too much into the DPJ’s defeat.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/machimuras-by-election-win/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/machimuras-by-election-win/ Tokyo reportedly turns down Beijing’s offer to jointly develop oil and gas deposits off disputed islets.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-missed-opportunity/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-missed-opportunity/ As the UN biodiversity meeting opens in Nagoya, marauding bears and toads highlight ecological dangers.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-biodiversity-responsibility/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-biodiversity-responsibility/ The yen keeps rising. But is there anything Japan’s government can do to stop it?

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/yen-set-to-keep-rising/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/yen-set-to-keep-rising/ Japan’s govt asks Google to change its map to exclude Diaoyu from a description of the Senkaku Islands.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-google-gripe/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japans-google-gripe/ A veteran Japanese politician risks political suicide by choosing to contest Hokkaido’s No. 5 Constituency.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/machimura-career-on-line/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/machimura-career-on-line/ The defence minister suggests an effective blanket ban on arms exports needs rethinking.

]]> https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japan-to-rethink-arms-exports/ https://thediplomat.com/2010/10/japan-to-rethink-arms-exports/