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Opinions
Japan’s demographic dialogue: A conversation on population
Japan is well-known for being a mostly homogenous nation. However, it’s aging population necessitates change. So far, the measures taken to address the issue haven’t worked well. Regardless, relying on immigration seems unavoidable despite the difficulties implementing this will bring. Perhaps a re-examination of the country’s foreign resident demographics can… Read
In a future with more ‘mind reading,’ thanks to neurotech, we may need to rethink freedom of thought
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, never wrote things down. He warned that writing undermines memory – that it is nothing but a reminder of some previous thought. Compared to people who discuss and debate, readers “will be hearers of many things and will have learned nothing; they will appear to… Read
Iran upends decades of shadow warfare in direct attack on Israel as tensions mount at home
Iran's direct attack on Israel over the weekend upended decades of its shadowy warfare by proxy, something Tehran has used to manage international repercussions for its actions. But with both economic and political tensions at home boiling, the country's Shiite theocracy chose a new path as changes loom for the… Read
4 burning questions for 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball season
Spring is upon us, and more importantly than blooming flowers or warm sunshine, that means the 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball season is underway. The defending champion Hanshin Tigers are looking to repeat, and the Orix Buffaloes are chasing “dynasty” status. But beyond the top-flight teams, here are four burning questions… Read
Xi clearly determined to revamp his nation and make China great again
Coining the right slogan can pay mighty dividends in any political system. Ex-President Donald Trump swears by his MAGA message and China's supremo Xi Jinping loves his "China Dream." Of course, Xi isn't ever likely to wear a red baseball hat emblazoned with his rejuvenation message. Yet he has made it his… Read
The OJ Simpson saga was a unique American moment. 3 decades on, we're still wondering what it means
A dog’s plaintive wail. A courtroom couplet-turned-cultural catchphrase about gloves. A judge and attorneys who became media darlings and villains. A slightly bewildered houseguest elevated, briefly, into a slightly bewildered celebrity. Troubling questions about race that echo still. The beginning of the Kardashian dynasty. An epic slow-motion highway chase. And,… Read
If you can’t beat 'em? European politicians embrace TikTok despite security fears
When Simon Harris became Ireland's prime minister-in-waiting in March, he turned to a favored platform to express himself: TikTok. In a video with 'THANK YOU' written in yellow lettering, the man who will be Ireland's youngest Taoiseach told his 95,000 followers of his rise from an "opinionated, moody teenager" bristling… Read
Are embassies off-limits? Ecuadorian and Israeli actions suggest otherwise, setting dangerous diplomatic precedent
It has long been held that embassies should be treated as “off-limits” to other nations. Yet in a single week, two governments – both long-established democracies – stand accused of violating, in different ways, the laws surrounding foreign diplomatic missions. First, on April 1, 2024, Iran’s embassy in Damascus was… Read
Reform or barriers: What next after Yellen's China visit?
From her down-to-earth demeanor to chopstick skills, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been under scrutiny on her China visit, where she delivered a serious message -- a call to action to avoid the pitfalls of excess factory capacity. Washington and others are worried that overcapacity, fueled by Chinese government… Read
Europe's restless farmers forcing policymakers to act
European policymakers have scaled back rules to protect nature, drawn up limits on the import of tariff-free Ukrainian grains and scrapped new legislation limiting pesticide use as farmers' protests resonate with voters ahead of elections. From Poland to Portugal, farmers have won remarkable concessions in response to waves of street… Read
