India Delivers Supersonic Missiles to the Philippines (China) Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are mounting. Hence, each vessel collision between the Philippines and China – along with China’s vast claims of the South China Sea (far from mainland China) – entails that the Philippines seeks to boost ties with America, Australia, India, Japan, and other nations. The Philippines uses the West Philippine Sea title concerning the area disputed by China. Accordingly, the West Philippine Sea is part of the exclusive ..read more

America to Pull Troops Out of Niger (Sahel and Russia) Kanako Mita and Chika Yoshida Modern Tokyo Times America is to withdraw approximately 1,100 military personnel from Niger. Accordingly, America will withdraw its armed forces from the Agadez base. Last month, Niger notified America that the military accord was revoked. Niger made this decision based on the ill will of America toward Niger according to this nation – and because America sought to impose on its foreign policy. Le Monde reports, “The decision confirms the loss of a strategic foothold for conducting intelligence operations on ..read more

Art of Japan and Tojiro Oshita: Watercolor Art  Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Tojiro Oshita (1870-1911) died during the late stages of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). However, despite dying relatively young, he created many stunning watercolors. Watercolor art developed throughout the Meiji Period of history. Accordingly, Oshita was a prominent watercolor artist in this period of Japan. Oshita was multi-talented. Hence, he was also a gifted designer, writer, and editor. However, his legacy concerns his stunning landscapes. He studied art under Harada Naojiro and Nakam ..read more

Nigeria and Christians Killed Endlessly by Islamists: Fulani to Boko Kanako Mita and Sawako Utsumi Modern Tokyo Times Nigeria is a land where Christians are butchered endlessly. In 2023, approximately 8,000 Christians were killed by various Islamic forces – from Fulani Islamists to Boko Haram. Recent reports claim that over 100 Christians have been killed in the Plateau State. This concerns 16 villages being attacked by Muslims in the district of Mangu. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto said, “Over the years, these murderers have left their footprints of blood and tears across the length ..read more

Japan Art and Goyō Hashiguchi: Sketchbook Beauties Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Goyō Hashiguchi (1880-1921) was born during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Sadly, at a relatively young age, he died during the Taisho Period (1912-1926). Goyō was born in the prefecture of Kagoshima. However, he moved to Tokyo at a young age and studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. Despite dying relatively young, he was at the forefront of the shin hanga (new prints) movement. The British Museum says, “… he became interested in Kano-school painting in his youth and in 1899 went to K ..read more

Greece Economy: Signs of Upturn Noriko Watanabe and Kanako Mita Modern Tokyo Times The debt crisis that engulfed Greece many years ago witnessed devastation for untold numbers. Accordingly, years of austerity, high unemployment, severe hardship, and political unrest followed. However, unlike the sluggish Eurozone average growth rate of 0.8% in 2024, the nation of Greece is forecast to grow by 3%. Reuters reports, “Borrowing costs have plummeted to below those of Italy, and banks bailed out during the crisis are set to be fully privatized for the first time in decades – a move some o ..read more

Japan Art and Full Moon to Moonrise Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times All three Japanese art pieces focus on the moon. Hence, the moonrise to the full moon binds each art piece. Above is a stunning print by Okuyama Gihachiro (1907-1981). He focuses on a stunning snow-filled landscape – illuminated by the striking full moon. In stark contrast, Uehara Konen focuses on the moonrise in the middle of a vast open landscape. He was born during the 1870s during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) and died during the war period in 1940. Konen produced early prints in the mōrō-tai (modern ..read more

Sudan War and $2.1 Billion Pledged (Darfur) Sawako Uchida and Sawako Utsumi Modern Tokyo Times Leading officials at the international conference in Paris pledged to support Sudan. This nation is blighted by the ongoing war throughout the country. Also, in Darfur, ethnic massacres by Arab militias against African Masalits and other minorities are a major concern. President Emmanuel Macron of France, announced $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Sudan during the international conference. General Antonio Guterres (United Nations General Secretary) said, “It is a war ..read more

Art of Japan: Kitao Masayoshi: Landscape Sketches Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Kitao Masayoshi (1764-1824) was born in the Edo Period. He studied under the acclaimed Kitao Shigemasa (1739-1820). The British Museum says he “Worked as an ukiyoe artist under the name Kitao Masayoshi, then became official painter to the daimyo of Tsuyama and worked in the Kano style using the name Kuwagata Keisai.” The revered Hokusai (1760-1849) respected the artistic merits of Kitao Masayoshi. Accordingly, these lovely sketches by Kitao Masayoshi influenced several prominent Japanese artists. Ki ..read more

Iran Launches Drones and Missiles at Israel: Little Damage Kanako Mita and Sawako Utsumi Modern Tokyo Times Iran and proxy forces launched drone and cruise missile strikes against Israel. This is the first time that Iran directly involved itself without hiding behind an array of proxy forces – including Hezbollah in Lebanon. The armed forces of Israel said over 300 hundred drones and missiles had been intercepted by Israel and allies of this country. Accordingly, no significant damage was reported. President Joe Biden of America said, “Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria, and I ..read more