Extravagant and colourful wide-eyed Manga characters may abound in Japan, but social preferences are for cultural uniformity. Picture from the Akihabara district, Tokyo.Photo: Batchelder / Alamy

Japan’s firewall against populism

In a world buffeted by populist tides, Japan has avoided turbulence. Are there lessons to be learned? asks political scientist Tina Burrett.

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NI 517 - Trade in Turmoil - January, 2019
On death row

On death row

The mastermind of the 1995 sarin gas attacks in Tokyo is executed.

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NI 515 - Making peace in a world at war - September, 2018
Hands off

Hands off

Anti-groping badges are becoming a popular tool in Japanese women’s fight against sexual harassment or chikan.

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NI 514 - The next financial crisis - July, 2018
Woof in boots: a robotic dog provides diversion and companionship to a woman in a nursing home.Photo: Dmitri Alexander/National Geographic/Getty Images

Building the future, living in the past?

Robots aren’t likely to replace postal workers in Japan, but they may soon be looking after grandma – or sharing the bed. Christopher Simons explores some of their unique impacts.

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NI 507 - Humans vs robots - November, 2017
Sun sets on Japanese media freedom

Sun sets on Japanese media freedom

Conservative forces are on the rise in Japan, threatening its commitment to peace and democracy. Tina Burrett and Christopher Simons report.

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NI 495 - Trade unions - rebuild, renew, resist - September, 2016
A group of women enter the bamboo forest garden at Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura, Japan. Photo: Roni Bintang/Reuters

Forest bathing

Escaping the pressures of modern life in Japan. By Tina Burrett and Christopher Simons.

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NI 491 - Last stand - Saving the world's forests - April, 2016
Japan's drift away from pacifism

Japan's drift away from pacifism

Increased defence spending is just one sign that the country is pulling away from its pacifist moorings, writes Tina Burrett.

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NI 484 - Capitalism is spinning out of control - July, 2015
Protesters at an anti-nuclear rally in Tokyo, 27 March 2011. The signs read: ‘Change energy policy’ and ‘Do not sprinkle radioactive material’.
jeanbaptisteparis under a CC Licence

Nuclear debate intensifies post-Fukushima

An item from the Agenda section of our magazine.

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NI 442 - Climate change denial - May, 2011
Okinawans battle to close US bases

Okinawans battle to close US bases

Okinawa currently hosts 75 per cent of US military facilities in Japan

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NI 438 - Zero carbon world - December, 2010

Articles in this category displayed as a table:

Article title From magazine Publication date
Trade in Turmoil January, 2019
Making peace in a world at war September, 2018
The next financial crisis July, 2018
Humans vs robots November, 2017
The Equality Effect July, 2017
Trade unions - rebuild, renew, resist September, 2016
Last stand - Saving the world's forests April, 2016
Capitalism is spinning out of control July, 2015
Cuba October, 2014
How the war on pirates became big business September, 2013
Climate change denial May, 2011
Zero carbon world December, 2010
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