Japan
Grave of the Fireflies: Two children fighting for survival in wartime Japan
By Elle Chapman, 22 September 2014
Produced over 25 years ago, the Japanese animation feature is a unique and emotionally intense story set in Kobe during the last months of World War II.
Japanese PM pressures Sri Lanka to weaken ties with China
By W.A. Sunil, 17 September 2014
Shinzo Abe’s two-day visit to Sri Lanka was bound up with a broader drive to secure Japanese influence in South Asia at the expense of China.
Australian government signals purchase of Japanese submarines
By Peter Symonds, 10 September 2014
While the choice is being presented in economic terms, such a decision would have far-reaching geo-political ramifications.
Japanese prime minister reshuffles cabinet
By John Watanabe, 9 September 2014
The new ministry will intensify the attacks on the working class at home and expand Japan’s remilitarization directed at its rivals abroad.
India and Japan proclaim “special strategic, global partnership”
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 4 September 2014
Modi’s Japan trip launched a month of hectic diplomacy in which India’s prime minister will meet the heads of government of all the key powers in the military-strategic confrontation between US imperialism and China.
Economic data show gathering global slump
By Nick Beams, 3 September 2014
Monetary stimulus has failed to halt recessionary trends in the global economy.
Tokyo holds talks with North Korea over Japanese abductees
By Ben McGrath, 29 August 2014
Japan’s moves have provoked concerns in Washington that Tokyo’s diplomacy will cut across US strategy in North East Asia.
Fears of “a new cold war” and conflict in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 26 August 2014
The increasingly volatile situation in Asia is provoking a degree of nervousness in Washington, including among those directly responsible for creating it.
Japanese lawmakers visit notorious Yasukuni war shrine
By Ben McGrath, 19 August 2014
The visit is part of the government’s revival of Japanese militarism, including whitewashing the past war crimes of the Japanese military.
Signs of serious problems in Chinese and Japanese economies
By Nick Beams, 15 August 2014
The sharp slowdown in credit expansion in China and the contraction in Japan will impact on the world economy.
Japanese PM tours Latin America
By Ben McGrath, 12 August 2014
Abe sought to expand Tokyo’s influence in the region, especially in order to counter that of China.
Japan’s defence white paper targets China
By Peter Symonds, 9 August 2014
The Abe government is exploiting the “China threat” to press ahead with plans for Japanese remilitarisation.
Japan’s PM visits Papua New Guinea to promote militarist agenda
By Will Morrow, 16 July 2014
China was not publicly mentioned during Abe’s visit, but commentators said the trip was a signal to Beijing.
South Korean government voices concern over Japanese “collective self-defense”
By Ben McGrath, 12 July 2014
While the militarization of Japan is currently targeted at China, it is alarming Seoul, a key ally of the United States.
War drums beat louder against China as Japanese imperialism re-emerges
By Nick Beams, 10 July 2014
Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Australia announced to the world that Japan is breaking from the shackles of the post-war “pacifist” constitution.
New Zealand government backs Japan’s militarist revival
By Tom Peters, 10 July 2014
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe visited New Zealand to secure support for his “reinterpretation” of Japan’s constitution to allow troops to fight in overseas wars.
Shinzo Abe’s Australian visit: Another step toward war
By Nick Beams, 9 July 2014
The corporate media establishment is backing the re-militarisation of Japan and its closer military ties with Australia.
Japan’s Shinzo Abe cloaks militarism in “peace” pledges to Australian parliament
By Nick Beams, 8 July 2014
Prime Minister Abe’s speech underscores the militarist agenda behind the reinterpretation of the Japanese constitution.
Japanese PM unveils “third arrow” of economic agenda
By Ben McGrath, 8 July 2014
The re-emergence of Japanese militarism
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2014
Abe’s constitutional “reinterpretation” is a major step toward ending any legal restraint on the ability of Japanese imperialism to wage wars of aggression.
Anti-militarism protester sets himself alight in Tokyo
By Peter Symonds, 1 July 2014
The protest indicates the depth of opposition in Japan to the government’s reinterpretation of the constitution to permit “collective self-defence.”
Official Japanese report whitewashes wartime sexual slavery
By Ben McGrath, 28 June 2014
The Abe government’s review calls into question the formal 1993 apology for the army’s abuse of women during World War II.
Australia, Japan forge closer military ties
By Peter Symonds, 14 June 2014
The US has encouraged closer collaboration between its two allies as part of its “pivot to Asia” and preparations for war against China.
Australian Senate committee discusses threat of US-China war
By Mike Head, 11 June 2014
Behind the backs of the public, a discussion is taking place about the likelihood of Australia being involved in a US war for domination over the Asia-Pacific.
Close encounter between Japanese and Chinese military planes
By Ben McGrath, 28 May 2014
China scrambled fighters in response to Japanese planes monitoring a joint Chinese-Russian naval exercise in the East China Sea.
Japanese PM embraces “collective self-defence”
By Peter Symonds, 17 May 2014
Abe is seeking to remove constitutional restraints on Japan’s full involvement in future US wars of aggression.
Japan: Fukushima worker sues TEPCO over radiation exposure
By Will Morrow, 12 May 2014
The lawsuit comes amid growing anger among workers at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, dangerous conditions and low pay.
The danger of war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 26 April 2014
Obama is touring American allies in Asia, stoking up flashpoints, consolidating the US military encirclement of China and preparing for a new Pacific war.
Obama affirms US backing for Japan in any conflict with China
By Peter Symonds, 24 April 2014
Obama’s unequivocal support for Japan will only further fuel tensions with China over disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Japan to erect new radar base close to China
By John Watanabe, 23 April 2014
On the eve of Obama’s visit to Tokyo, the Japanese government announced the strengthening of its military posture in areas adjacent to China.
Obama’s tour to reinforce “pivot to Asia”
By Peter Symonds, 22 April 2014
Obama’s overriding aim is to signal his intention to press ahead with the “pivot to Asia,” which seeks to ensure US hegemony in the region.
Australia and Japan extend military ties
By Patrick O’Connor, 9 April 2014
The agreements underscore Japan and Australia’s active collaboration with Washington’s drive to militarily encircle and diplomatically isolate China.
Japan gives green light to shoot down North Korean missiles
By John Watanabe, 8 April 2014
Washington and Tokyo are hypocritically using North Korean missile drills as an excuse for the remilitarisation of Japan, directed against China and Russia.
US defense secretary threatens China during Japan visit
By James Cogan, 8 April 2014
Hagel publicly stressed that the Obama administration is prepared to go to war alongside Japan against China.
The Eternal Zero: Propaganda in the service of present day militarism
By John Watanabe, 2 April 2014
The film about Japanese kamikaze pilots during World War II is part of a concerted campaign to revive militarism and condition young people for new wars.
Provocative remarks by US Pacific fleet commander fuel disputes with China
By Nick Beams, 21 March 2014
A senior US admiral invokes the Crimea crisis to accuse China of expansionism.
Japanese government seeks to whitewash crimes against “comfort women”
By Ben McGrath, 13 March 2014
The Abe government has suggested it will revise the 1993 apology for the women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military in the 1930s and 1940s.
Japanese government signals restart of nuclear power plants
By Will Morrow, 10 March 2014
Three years after the Fukushima disaster, the Abe government is riding roughshod over overwhelming popular opposition to the nuclear industry.
Japan’s diplomacy in shambles over Ukraine crisis
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2014
Japanese support for the US confrontation with Russia is undermining Tokyo’s efforts over the past year to forge closer ties with Moscow.
US and Japanese troops train for war against China
By Peter Symonds, 28 February 2014
US imperialism, following its wars of aggression in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, is preparing for a new and more terrible conflict against China.
As growth slows, Bank of Japan “opens spigot” to the rich
By John Watanabe, 26 February 2014
Japan’s central bank decided to expand its massive monetary easing program.
Japan: New radioactive water leak at Fukushima
By Will Morrow, 24 February 2014
No faith can be placed in any of TEPCO’s claims about the extent of radioactive material that has reached the environment.
Toyota registers record profit through ruthless restructuring
By John Watanabe, 14 February 2014
The restructuring of Toyota’s operations, within Japan and internationally, is aimed at driving down wages and increasing exploitation.
Tokyo election reveals widespread political alienation
By Peter Symonds, 11 February 2014
The turnout was just 46.1 percent, down from 62.6 percent in 2012, and the third lowest figure ever.
The revival of Japanese militarism
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2014
The denial of crimes such as the Rape of Nanking has only one meaning—it is the ideological preparation for new wars and new atrocities.
Japanese government promotes militarism in media and schools
By John Watanabe, 5 February 2014
The government stacked the NHK’s board with right-wing appointees to shift the public broadcaster’s political orientation.
US warns China over air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 4 February 2014
The Obama administration has seized on an insubstantial Asahi Shimbun article to stir up tensions with China over the South China Sea.
Japan: New political alignment emerges in Tokyo election
By John Watanabe, 31 January 2014
The election is being held amid growing public opposition to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government.
Japanese PM strengthens economic-strategic ties with India
By Deepal Jayasekera, 30 January 2014
Both Japan and India are concerned to counter the growth of China’s economic and strategic influence in Asia.
The danger of war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 29 January 2014
Asia in 2014 bears chilling resemblance to Europe in 1914.
Japanese Communist Party signals regroupment with bourgeois “left” parties
By John Watanabe, 20 January 2014
The JCP is seeking to channel popular discontent by forming a new alliance that would posture as the only viable opposition to the Abe government.
Japanese PM’s aggressive diplomatic push in Africa
By John Watanabe, 16 January 2014
The trip was aimed at expanding Japanese influence in Africa and curbing China’s presence in this strategically vital region.
France, Japan form alliance targeting Chinese influence in Africa
By Kumaran Ira, 13 January 2014
Japan’s foreign and defense ministers visited Paris for “two-plus-two” talks with their French counterparts last Thursday.
Japanese defence minister’s Indian visit strengthens military ties
By Deepal Jayasekera, 10 January 2014
Tokyo is seeking to integrate New Delhi into a US-led strategic alliance against China.
Japan scrambles fighters amid escalating tensions with China
By Peter Symonds, 8 January 2014
In the midst of the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute with China, the Japanese government announced that it was registering another 280 remote islands as state property.
Japan: Okinawa governor approves new US Marine base
By Peter Symonds, 31 December 2013
US Defence Secretary Hagel hailed the decision as “the most significant milestone” in the realignment of US forces in the region.
Japanese PM revives militarist traditions
By Peter Symonds, 27 December 2013
Abe’s visit to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine to Japan’s war dead is part of his campaign to whitewash past war crimes in order to prepare for new ones.
Japanese government boosts defence budget
By Peter Symonds, 19 December 2013
The military buildup is part of a strategic re-orientation of the Japanese armed forces to more aggressively confront China.
Japan’s new defence documents target China
By John Chan, 16 December 2013
The strategic documents outline a drive to strengthen the US-Japan alliance and expand Japan’s military buildup.
Japan steps up campaign against Chinese air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 10 December 2013
The Japanese government is intensifying the pressure on China by soliciting support in South East Asia to oppose Beijing’s ADIZ and convene an international meeting on the issue.
State secrets law pushed through in Japan
By Ben McGrath, 10 December 2013
The secrecy law is a crucial part of Abe’s efforts to remilitarise Japan and strengthen US-Japan alliance against China.
US vice president backs Japan over China’s air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 4 December 2013
The US seized on the Chinese ADIZ to strengthen its alliances with Japan and South Korea, as part of its “pivot” to Asia.
US vice-president to lay down law to China
By Peter Symonds, 3 December 2013
The prime responsibility for last week’s flare-up of tensions in the East China Sea lies with Obama’s “pivot to Asia” aimed at undermining China economically and militarily.
Chinese fighters shadow US/Japanese warplanes in disputed ADIZ
By Peter Symonds, 30 November 2013
The incident—the first time China has scrambled fighters in response to a US or Japanese incursion—underscores the danger of a clash.
Tensions escalate over Chinese air defence zone
By John Chan, 29 November 2013
Miscalculations in the current situation could quickly lead to a clash involving Chinese warplanes with those from Japan, the US or South Korea.
Japan: Fuel removal begins at stricken nuclear plant
By John Watanabe, 26 November 2013
TEPCO has started the hazardous task of transferring nuclear fuel rods from the unstable reactor 4 building at its Fukushima Daiichi plant.
China announces “air defence identification zone” in East China Sea
By John Chan, 25 November 2013
The Obama administration criticised the Chinese air defence zone and reiterated that the US-Japan Security Treaty will apply if war breaks out between China and Japan over the disputed Senkaku islands.
Japan’s new state secrecy law
By John Watanabe, 16 November 2013
The bill will expand the range of secret government information, paving the way for closer involvement in the US military build-up against China.
China and Japan hold rival military exercises
By John Chan, 6 November 2013
Massive exercises, staged not far from the disputed Diaoyu/Senkakus islands, have become the focal point for a war of words between Tokyo and Beijing.
Japanese PM foreshadows tougher action over disputed islets
By Peter Symonds, 29 October 2013
Abe’s stance on the Senkaku islands is part of a broader strategy to reassert Japanese imperialism’s interests throughout the region.
US-Japan talks escalate war preparations against China
By Peter Symonds, 5 October 2013
The talks announced deployments of hi-tech US weaponry to Japan and a green light for Japanese remilitarisation, in the framework of “a more robust alliance”.
US-Japan ministerial meeting strengthens military stance against China
By John Chan, 4 October 2013
The US Secretary of State and Defence Secretary yesterday sent a strong message that the American military build-up in Asia would continue.
Japanese defence ministry calls for substantial budget increase
By John Watanabe, 25 September 2013
The increased spending is in line with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s turn to the remilitarisation of Japan.
Sino-Japanese tensions flare over disputed islands
By John Chan, 16 September 2013
Both Japan and China engaged in risky military manoeuvres on the anniversary of Tokyo’s nationalisation of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
Divisions in Japanese government over consumption tax hikes
By John Watanabe, 7 September 2013
Financial markets demand the scheduled doubling of Japan’s consumption tax, but sections of the ruling elite fear social unrest and the negative impact on economic growth.
Fukushima leaks’ radioactivity 18 times higher than previously reported
By John Marion, 4 September 2013
Water leaking from Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear reactor is so radioactive that exposure to it for four hours would be deadly.
TEPCO reports new leaks at Fukushima reactor
By John Marion, 28 August 2013
This latest threat to public health comes after revelations that radioactive water from underground storage tanks and groundwater has leaked into the ocean.
Japanese PM drops pledge to renounce war
By John Chan, 17 August 2013
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe marked Thursday’s anniversary of Japan’s wartime surrender by again indicating his determination to revive Japanese militarism.
Japan’s new naval carrier heightens regional tensions
By John Chan, 12 August 2013
The Izumo is the latest attempt to circumvent the pacifist clause in the country’s constitution that nominally bans offensive weapons.
Contaminated water leaks into sea from Japan’s crippled nuclear plant
By Peter Symonds, 7 August 2013
Japan’s nuclear regulatory authority has offered no solution to what it has declared as an emergency.
The revival of Japanese militarism
By Peter Symonds, 3 August 2013
Japanese militarism has been deliberately encouraged by the Obama administration as part of its “pivot to Asia”, aimed at encircling China militarily.
Constitutional amendments prepare authoritarian rule in Japan
By John Watanabe, 31 July 2013
The draft constitution prepared by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party scraps fundamental democratic rights.
Japan seeks pre-emptive military strike capabilities
By John Chan, 29 July 2013
The report is in line with Prime Minister Abe’s calls for a “strong Japan” and a “strong military."
Japan scrambles fighters against Chinese plane in East China Sea
By John Chan, 26 July 2013
Japan scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday after a Chinese military aircraft flew between the main island of Okinawa Prefecture and Miyako Island, south of Japan.
Ruling LDP wins Japanese upper house election
By Peter Symonds, 22 July 2013
Prime Minister Abe will use his control of both parliamentary houses to advance his right-wing agenda of militarism and austerity.
The re-emergence of Japanese militarism
By John Chan, 13 July 2013
The defence white paper adopts a belligerent tone toward China and emphasises expanding Japan’s military capacities and ties with Washington.
Japanese PM seeks election win to advance his right-wing agenda
By Peter Symonds, 9 July 2013
The main reason for the LDP’s lead is the collapse of support for the opposition DPJ, which came to power in 2009 and reneged on its election promises.
Japan moves to boost influence in Asia
By Ben McGrath, 18 June 2013
Prime Minister Abe visited Burma and met with the Indian prime minister last month as part of his “strategic diplomacy” to rebuild Japan as a major power.
Visiting Europe, Chinese premier demands Japan return “stolen” territories
By John Chan, 29 May 2013
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang used the Potsdam Declaration to challenge Japanese sovereignty over the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands.
Japanese share sell-off a sign of growing financial instability
By Nick Beams, 27 May 2013
A key element in the Japanese stock market was the fear of a crisis if the Fed cuts back its “quantitative easing” program
Japanese officials secretly visit North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 25 May 2013
The secret trip to North Korea by an advisor of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has raised questions concerning Japan’s intentions in the Korean Peninsula.
Global stock markets fall after 7 percent collapse in Japan’s Nikkei index
By Alex Lantier, 24 May 2013
The one-day 7.3 percent drop in Japan’s Nikkei stock index came amid signs of a growing global slump and demands for attacks on the working class in Japan.
Far-right Japan Restoration Party defends wartime abuse of “comfort women”
By John Chan, 23 May 2013
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto recently declared that the Japanese army’s policy of keeping thousands of women as sex slaves during World War II was necessary.
China challenges Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa
By John Chan, 18 May 2013
China’s state-owned People’s Daily published a provocative article last week implicitly asserting Chinese claims over Okinawa.
Japanese government promotes “Sovereignty Restoration Day”
By John Watanabe, 16 May 2013
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe commemorated the anniversary of the end of the US occupation by reviving symbols of Imperial Japan.
US concerns about Japanese nuclear reprocessing
By Peter Symonds, 7 May 2013
Japan is preparing to open a huge plutonium reprocessing plant that can manufacture fuel not only for power reactors, but for nuclear weapons.
Japanese retail giant introduces Third World wages
By John Watanabe, 6 May 2013
Japan’s richest man declared that workers must accept wages at the level of developing countries.
South Korea protests against Japanese shrine visits
By Ben McGrath, 3 May 2013
Behind the growing tensions between Japan and South Korea are not just disputes over past history, but present-day economic and geo-political rivalry.
Australian warship to join US fleet off Korean peninsula
By Mark Church and James Cogan, 3 May 2013
The deployment of the HMAS Sydney is part of preparations by the Australian military for participation in larger US operations to contain China.
Japanese ministers visit notorious war shrine
By Peter Symonds, 23 April 2013
The decision to visit the Yasukuni Shrine is another sign of the militarist agenda being pursued by the Abe government.
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