Japan News

Ishihara Shintaro's government acts like the Gestapo in monitoring teacher-student patriotism. Of course, this also reflects neo-nationalist thinking in the Education Ministry. Although the mainstream liberal media reports on this, it does so inconsistently and without drawing a connection between this issue and others affecting diplomacy, such as the Yasukuni visits. Like … [Read more...] about HINOMARU: PUNISHING TEACHERS-日の丸・君が代」&#24375

So Japan's business-first politicians have slowly caved in to U.S. demands that cows under 10 months be excluded from testing. Why? Because the U.S. puts priority on business first too. When Japan tries to protect itself from Mad Cow, the U.S. cries "unfair trade practices". And while the U.S. for a while banned Canadian cattle--to protect its own industry no doubt more than … [Read more...] about MAD COW IN JAPAN, THE US, CANADA

Very good overview of the history behind the downturn in Japan-China-Korea relations. Fairly evaluates the many parts of the picture, such as ultranationalism among Japanese leaders while avoidoing taking the side of ill-infomed students in China. It also notes that nationalism amongst the populace in Japan is relatively low (although we see a great deal of it from the media … [Read more...] about A Long History-The Anti-Japanese Demonstrations in China

An interesting look at the various groups which are or have been identified as minorities in the Japanese socio-cultural landscape plus an examinaton of the treatment given one Korean resident attempting to fight institutional discrimination.Political and Cultural Perspectives on Japan … [Read more...] about Race and Ethnicity in Japan: Two stories

This is what the mainstream media had to say, essentially that the Indonesian government had done some bad things in the past, but now Condoleezza Rice and others were saying they have mended their ways, and besides, now they are partners with us in the war on terror, so it helps to engage them and continue to foster an ever-more democratic Indonesia. After you read the Reuters … [Read more...] about Tsunami Brings About Renewed Military Ties