Japan: a great example of embracing Christ’s peace in troubled times
Political unrest; environmental changes; natural disasters; human rights violations; war and famine; migration. The list could go on: all of them are causes of widespread anxiety and stress. While experts recommend practical strategies…
Japan: prime minister expected to resign
Japan’s prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, is expected to resign following a major electoral defeat that saw his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lose its coalition majority in the upper house. Ishiba, who has held…
Japan / Philippines: reaffirming commitment to cooperation and security
Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and resistance to foreign aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted expanding defence, economic,…
Japan: worst wildfire in fifty years
Japan is battling its worst wildfire in fifty years, with over four thousand residents evacuated and one confirmed dead. The blaze, which started near the northern town of Ofunato, has consumed around 2,600…
Japan: plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions drastically
Japan’s government has approved new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 60% cut from 2013 levels by 2035 and a 73% reduction by 2040. The revised policy seeks to increase…
Japan: atomic bomb survivors receive Nobel Peace Prize
The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots Japanese organisation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, for its tireless efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. It was formed…
Japan: new premier calls snap election
Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s newly-appointed prime minister, has dissolved parliament and announced snap elections for 27 October. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its coalition partner, is expected to win, capitalising on Ishiba's…
Japan on cusp of revival, ex-atheist says
Atheist businesswoman Akane Fujimoto had achieved success in her career and personal life, but she felt a deep sense of emptiness. As a nominal Buddhist, she decided to pray to the God her…
Japan / Philippines: mutual defence agreement
The Philippines and Japan have agreed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to enhance defence cooperation. Aiming for an independent foreign policy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr is aiming to diversify the country’s security partnerships. Both…
Japan: millions of abandoned homes in an aging country
Japan now has about 8.48 million ‘akiya’, or abandoned homes - over 13% of all residences. They are increasingly common across the country, particularly in rural areas. This problem, exacerbated by Japan's aging…
