What to expect in the Year of the Tiger
Astrologers say the tiger denotes strength, vitality and growth — qualities that will hopefully stand us in good stead as we look to move past the uncertainty that COVID-19 has wrought.
Child adoption slowly gains ground in Japan, though prospective parents still face obstacles
Child adoption slowly gains ground in Japan, though prospective parents still face a number of obstacles in trying to expand their families.
Park life: Growing Japan's green spaces through private investment
Green spaces nationwide increased fivefold between 1970 and 2010, but that growth has slowed to a trickle over the past decade.
‘Modern girls’: Japan's first recognizable youth culture movement
Young women in the late 1920s and ’30s exuded a sense of affluence and independence that is still apparent today.
On shaky ground: Is Tokyo prepared for the ‘Big One’?
A powerful earthquake that shook the capital in October has fueled fresh fears of an impending temblor that could devastate the world’s largest city.
Deflation generation: Japan’s budget-minded consumers keep price hikes in check
Decades of stagnant wages and low prices have ingrained a “deflationary mindset” into shoppers who are hesitant to spend more, thwarting policymakers’ efforts to fan inflation.
Ticket to ride: Shizuoka Prefecture shifts gear on turning Izu Peninsula into Japan’s cycling mecca
Despite its relatively small land mass, the peninsula is replete with a plethora of natural, cultural and historical attractions
Voter apathy looms over yet another election in Japan
Efforts are underway to buoy turnout amid widespread political disenchantment, especially among the young. Will more eligible voters exercise their rights during the Lower House election?
Kodoku: The fine line between solitude and loneliness in Japan
The nation appears to be showing remarkable tolerance toward COVID-induced social isolation, but are people really fine being alone?
The British spy behind the rise in Japan’s naval air power leading up to World War II
William Sempill’s mission to Japan 100 years ago led to intelligence leaks that some believe were partly to blame for Japan’s audacious attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Japan’s convenience stores look to the future
Domestic franchises are struggling to remain relevant as consumer habits change and global competition intensifies.
How to retire in Japan decades earlier than you think
Japan’s pioneers of the FIRE movement — ‘financial independence, retire early’ — believe in living below one’s means early in life so they're able to stop working well before retirement age.
| Party Name | Total (pre-election seats) |
Electoral districts | Proportional representation |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDP | 316 (198) | 249 | 67 | |
| JIP | 36 (34) | 20 | 16 | |
| CRA | 49 (172) | 7 | 42 | |
| DPP | 28 (27) | 8 | 20 | |
| Sanseito | 15 (2) | 0 | 15 | |
| Mirai | 11 (0) | 0 | 11 | |
| JCP | 4 (8) | 0 | 4 | |
| Reiwa | 1 (8) | 0 | 1 | |
| Tax Cuts | 1 (5) | 1 | 0 | |
| CPJ | 0 (1) | 0 | 0 | |
| SDP | 0 (0) | 0 | 0 | |
| Minor parties | 0 (0) | 0 | 0 | |
| Independents | 4 (10) | 4 | 0 |
