The EU Ambassador H.E. Patricia Flor, sheds light on the recently signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the lesser-known Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), data protection, and how Brexit will likely affect EU-Japan relations.
Casino legislation has just passed in the most recent Diet session. Now the bureaucrats must finalize the contents of the basic Integrated Resorts (IRs) regulations.
Election alert: double election in Osaka. As Japan gets ready for the unified local elections, Osaka sees prefecture Governor Matsui and Mayor Yoshimura vying to swap their positions. While the Osaka Ishin no Kai attempts to pursue its dream of turning Osaka into a ‘metropolis’, these local elections have a lot into play. Join Timothy …
After 8 years, the Fukushima disaster still casts its shadow on Japanese politics. Opinion polls show general opposition to any suggestion of expanding nuclear energy. Did the Fukushima disaster radically shift energy policy for the best? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they discuss Japan’s energy policy since the 3/11 disaster. ————————————————————————————————————- Full Transcript …
On the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Singapore last November, Prime Minister Abe and President Putin both compromised to an acceleration in the negotiations of a peace treaty between both countries. We are now in March and close to the G20 Summit in Osaka, but has much been accomplished? Join us in this episode …
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a Jewish global human rights organization based in Los Angeles, California (U.S.). Rabbi Abraham Cooper shares with us his insights on Japan’s diplomatic relations in the Middle-East and what needs to be done to protect and promote human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. Join us in this episode as Timothy …
In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome H.E. Mikhail Galuzin, Russian Ambassador to Japan. We explore the origins of Russo-Japanese relations, the Russian community in Japan and the economic components of a thrilling trading relation. The Ambassador also gives us his insights on the possibility of a future peace treaty agreement and the so-called “Kuril islands issue”, still unresolved with their Japanese counterparts.
With increasing international scrutiny of the Japanese judiciary system due to recent mega scandals, such as the Carlos Ghosn case, attention has shifted to the tenets of legal order in Japan. What’s the role of the Supreme Court and how does it stand in Japan’s hierarchy of political power? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek …
Trade unions and interest groups have a special role within public policy in Japan. Their substantial leverage on governing bodies is a force to be reckoned with. Abe has done much to hinder their influence, but who are the big players and what do they really represent? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they …
Trade Unions and Interest Groups: Japanese Politics 101 Read More »
The Diet session convened just a few days ago, on January 28th, 2019. It will see only 58 Cabinet-sponsored bills the second lowest number since the Postwar era. Yet, a lot is going on in Japanese politics: the upcoming Emperor’s ascension, House of Councillors election in July, Tax hike in October, negotiations for a peace …
Startup culture is buzzing, and business between Israel and Japan is flourishing through initiatives such as the Japan-Israel Innovation Network (JIIN).
The 2018 US midterm elections resulted in Democrats securing a majority in the House of Representatives, while Republicans maintained a majority in the Senate. A divided government could effectively strengthen the institutional constraints on President Trump, and his ability to pass legislation. Will this domestic conflict prevent him from focusing on foreign policy and trade, or …
The Carlos Ghosn scandal continues, with the former Nissan chairman being rearrested over charges of understated income. The international community keenly watches as Japan’s judicial system comes under scrutiny. With further developments raising suspicion over CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who was allegedly going to be removed by Ghosn before the arrest, it begs the question – …
It seems as though Abe’s Team has an allergy to the ‘I’ word: why can’t immigration be called immigration? Days away from the final vote, the bill’s components are still unclear, and the LDP seems to be struggling with its constituents and the opposition parties— why all the fuss? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek …
The Carlos Ghosn arrest: all according to the script? Are foreign CEOs treated differently from Japanese CEOs? Were corporate management procedures followed correctly when dealing with Carlos Ghosn? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they discuss yet another Japanese corporate giant crisis.
