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Temple University (US)

Temple University is a prominent public state-related research university headquartered in Philadelphia, USA, recognised for its very high research activity. Its primary mission is to provide accessible education, foster innovation, and conduct groundbreaking research across over 600 degree programmes. Notably, Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ), located in Tokyo and Kyoto, is the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan, offering American-style higher education. TUJ houses the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS), a key centre for lectures, seminars, and research on contemporary Asian politics, society, and economics, contributing to global understanding.

Temple University (US)

Why Japanese firm’s tie-up with Ukrainian drone maker sparks concerns in Russia

The two firms plan to develop drones that can be ‘deployed quickly and at low cost in the real combat conditions of Ukraine’.

‘Making a racket in Chinese’: Japan’s cherry blossom season stirs cultural rift

Japan races to limit fallout from Chinese embassy break-in

Trump’s ‘wind-up doll’? Japan’s PM faces backlash over White House fawning

White House imagery showing Sanae Takaichi cheering for a rock song and laughing at a jibe at Joe Biden left some in Japan feeling ‘ashamed’.

Russian hypersonic jets buzz Japan’s coast in ‘thinly veiled threat’

The exercises send a message that Tokyo should avoid antagonising Moscow or risk ‘repercussions’, observers say.

Trump wants Japanese warships in Hormuz. Can Takaichi ‘dodge the bullet’?

The Iran war complicates Trump-Takaichi talks, putting her in a bind between US demands and constitutional limits on military action.

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

Japan’s Takaichi pushes to scrap food tax, ignoring economists’ warnings

The newly reappointed prime minister is gambling 5 trillion yen a year on a popular election promise that could backfire badly.

Okinawa voters shift away from concerns over US military presence

Analysts point to a shift in priorities among younger Okinawans as a possible factor in the alliance’s bruising defeat in the election.

A doomed experiment? Japan’s opposition struggles to regroup amid crushing loss

A 124-seat collapse has left the Centrist Reform Alliance in tatters, with observers calling the defeat a ‘debacle of epic proportions’.

Japan set to revive WWII military titles in controversial shift

While some argue the change aligns Japan with global norms, others say better pay – not historical titles – is what soldiers really need.

Japan’s Takaichi faces uphill task in election as opposition unites

Takaichi’s LDP is expected to lose millions of votes as Komeito allies with the CDP after ending its coalition with the ruling party.

Fisherman, defector or spy? Mystery ‘ghost ship’ discovery puzzles Japan

Korean writing on the boat led to conjecture that it was a ‘ghost ship’ similar to those that washed up on Japanese shores in the past.

Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics

Conservatives are calling for a rethink of nuclear taboos, while critics warn of risks to the global non-proliferation regime.

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

More Japanese favour having an empress as Princess Aiko’s public appeal rises

Japan’s conservative politicians are against changing the centuries-old tradition of a male heir for the throne.

Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening

Tokyo’s over 52 per cent funding cut to a global body fighting Aids and malaria risks damaging its hard-won reputation as a ‘peace nation’.

China-born architect Wang Fei dies in suspected car crash in London

Tributes to the ‘distinguished architectural educator, scholar and curator’ from Syracuse University say he was killed on Monday.

Japan’s Takaichi resurrects frozen dispute over islands lost to Russia

Analysts warn there’s ‘no chance’ of visits to the islands resuming while Tokyo continues to back Kyiv in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Could Osaka be Japan’s second capital? Takaichi appears to demur on ally’s plan

A key demand of the Japan Innovation Party in its alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party is for Osaka to be Tokyo’s backup capital.

Japan, US join forces to mine deep-sea rare earths amid China’s dominance

Both sides will seek joint projects to fortify supply chains, in a move analysts say could counter China’s grip on rare earths.

Takaichi-Lee meeting raises hopes of Japan and South Korea burying history row

The two leaders focused on regional security and trade, and did not mention long-standing differences over history and maritime territory.

Japan’s PM slammed for ‘currying favour’ with Trump over Nobel Peace Prize plan

Sanae Takaichi’s intention to recommend Trump for the accolade has even drawn criticisms within her Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan deploys 18,000 police officers for Trump amid ‘lone wolf’ attack fears

The high-profile security cordon is appropriate given Trump has been the target of assassination attempts back home, analysts say.

‘Peace-loving’ Japan to ease weapons export rules amid rising security tensions

The three principles guiding defence equipment exports and broader security tenets are expected to be updated.

Japan PM Takaichi faces high-stakes meeting with Trump over defence, trade

While the prime minister has vowed to bring forward a defence spending goal, she faces a risk of Trump asking for more, analysts say.

From ‘love hotel’ meetings to abuse, Japanese politicians get mired in scandals

Among them, Mayor Akira Ogawa has refuted reports of her impropriety, saying her ‘love hotel’ check-ins with a male colleague involved work.

Japan is getting a new leader, but her government could be over before it begins

Sanae Takaichi’s hardline views on immigration and wartime history have put her at odds with the ruling LDP’s long-time coalition partner.