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Justin McCurry

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Christian Science Monitor

Long troubled by school bullying, Japan now eyes zero tolerance

By Justin McCurry | 05/10/13

Japanese responded to record numbers of severe bullying cases last year, prompting a national outcry and calls for legislation. But a proposed bill doesn’t address schools' intense culture of conformity, critics say.

Christian Science Monitor

As world dials back death penalty, Japan heads in opposite direction

By Justin McCurry | 05/02/13

Two gangsters were hanged in Japan last week. More executions are likely under new Prime Minister Abe, who has expressed strong support for the death penalty — and says the public backs him.

Global Post

Japanese turn against whaling

By Justin McCurry | 02/21/13

Report says hunts cost govt. $8.5 million a year; unsold meat leaves 6,000-ton stockpile.

Global Post

Japan: Tsunami town mayor says survivors were abandoned

By Justin McCurry | 01/30/13

Nearly two years after the tsunami devastated his town and killed his wife, Futoshi Toba pleads for aid from an unresponsive Tokyo.

Global Post

In Japan, sadness and frustration over Algeria hostage crisis

By Justin McCurry | 01/28/13

Japan had the highest death toll of any country involved in the Algeria hostage crisis.

Christian Science Monitor

Japan's deadlock over? A supermajority emerges in exit polls

By Justin McCurry | 12/17/12

Japan’s main conservative party pulled off a major victory in Sunday’s election, giving its leader, Shinzo Abe, a mandate to push for big public spending and a hawkish foreign policy.

Christian Science Monitor

Japan tunnel collapse ignites debate about infrastructure spending

By Justin McCurry | 12/06/12

Japan has ordered immediate inspections of dozens of road and highway tunnels after the ceiling of a tunnel near Tokyo collapsed on Sunday, killing nine people.

Global Post

Who will rule Japan? Nationalism

By Justin McCurry | 12/04/12

There is no clear frontrunner in pre-election Japan, but the candidates are playing right into the hands of Japan’s hawks.

Global Post

Japan v. China: small islands, big worry

By Justin McCurry | 10/30/12

The threat of military confrontation between China and Japan continues to fester, as both sides flex during naval drills.

Christian Science Monitor

Arrests of US sailors in Okinawa reignites opposition to bases

By Justin McCurry | 10/18/12

The arrests in Okinawa of two US sailors on suspicion of raping a local woman are adding to longstanding frustrations by local Japanese with the US military presence there.