Jon Reinsch
@jonreinsch.bsky.social
My main focus is Japan, and in particular, US bases in Okinawa—because as John Lewis said, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up."
Read some of my old articles here: https://shingetsunewsagency.com/author/jon/
Read some of my old articles here: https://shingetsunewsagency.com/author/jon/
Reposted by Jon Reinsch
JD Vance loudly booed at the Winter Olympics today.
February 6, 2026 at 9:25 PM
JD Vance loudly booed at the Winter Olympics today.
AP gives Takaichi a free campaign ad, calling her a "charismatic straight talker." Was she a "straight talker" when she claimed a document about LDP-Unification Church links was "clearly incorrect," which Mainichi says was misleading?
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
A charismatic straight talker, Japan’s Takaichi is poised to expand her power in Sunday’s vote | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Japan's prime minister is a heavy metal music fan. She loves motorcycles and playing the drums, including with visiting dignitaries. She thrilled a nation that often fetishizes company loyalty by decl...
www.asahi.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:20 PM
AP gives Takaichi a free campaign ad, calling her a "charismatic straight talker." Was she a "straight talker" when she claimed a document about LDP-Unification Church links was "clearly incorrect," which Mainichi says was misleading?
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"Anti-mosque rhetoric sparks counterprotests near Tokyo ahead of election"
I applaud the counterprotesters.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
I applaud the counterprotesters.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Anti-mosque rhetoric sparks counterprotests near Tokyo ahead of election - The Mainichi
YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- A fringe camp in an electoral district near Tokyo has sought to make a planned mosque a key issue in Sunday's general election, dr
mainichi.jp
February 6, 2026 at 11:46 PM
"Anti-mosque rhetoric sparks counterprotests near Tokyo ahead of election"
I applaud the counterprotesters.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
I applaud the counterprotesters.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"Japan's Constitution does not stipulate that the prime minister can dissolve the chamber. But its Article 7 states that the house can be dissolved by the emperor 'with the advice & approval' of the Cabinet and this has long been interpreted as
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan PM's power to dissolve lower house stirs debate ahead of election - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Debate over the prime minister's
mainichi.jp
February 6, 2026 at 11:31 PM
"Japan's Constitution does not stipulate that the prime minister can dissolve the chamber. But its Article 7 states that the house can be dissolved by the emperor 'with the advice & approval' of the Cabinet and this has long been interpreted as
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"3 parties—[JCP, Reiwa, & SDP]—explicitly oppose any revision to Article 9 in their platforms."
Positive amendments are conceivable, but opening it up is more likely to result in killing Article 9. The stance of these parties is safer.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Positive amendments are conceivable, but opening it up is more likely to result in killing Article 9. The stance of these parties is safer.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Constitutional revision backers hope to gain supermajority | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
With the ruling coalition poised for a major victory in the Feb. 8 Lower House election, attention is focusing on whether forces favoring constitutional revision can win a supermajority in the Diet.
www.asahi.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:07 PM
"3 parties—[JCP, Reiwa, & SDP]—explicitly oppose any revision to Article 9 in their platforms."
Positive amendments are conceivable, but opening it up is more likely to result in killing Article 9. The stance of these parties is safer.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Positive amendments are conceivable, but opening it up is more likely to result in killing Article 9. The stance of these parties is safer.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"in 2025, US service members, their dependents or civilian employees committed at least 101 criminal offenses [in #Okinawa], the highest number in 22 years."
www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1...
www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1...
Okinawa ’24 boat blaze: Paris prosecutors launch investigation into elite French military cadets on suspicion of property destruction, theft and removal of evidence | Jon Mitchell Investigates | 沖縄タイム...
The burning workboat in Haneji Inland Sea, Okinawa Prefecture, on 25 November 2024.
www.okinawatimes.co.jp
February 6, 2026 at 3:40 PM
"in 2025, US service members, their dependents or civilian employees committed at least 101 criminal offenses [in #Okinawa], the highest number in 22 years."
www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1...
www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1...
Reposted by Jon Reinsch
Today, Okinawa Times is running my report on 4 French military cadets under investigation by Paris prosecutors for multiple offenses in Okinawa. The men have already left the country - and it remains to be seen if the Japanese gvt. will seek extradition.
Okinawa's military burden takes many forms.
Okinawa's military burden takes many forms.
Okinawa ’24 boat blaze_ Paris prosecutors launch investigation into elite French military cadets on suspicion of property destruction, theft and removal of evidence
Okinawa ’24 boat blaze_ Paris prosecutors launch investigation into elite French military cadets on suspicion of property destruction, theft and removal of evidence
2026年02月06日 18時11分
www.okinawatimes.co.jp
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Today, Okinawa Times is running my report on 4 French military cadets under investigation by Paris prosecutors for multiple offenses in Okinawa. The men have already left the country - and it remains to be seen if the Japanese gvt. will seek extradition.
Okinawa's military burden takes many forms.
Okinawa's military burden takes many forms.
The Actual Gavin Newsom Is Much Worse Than You Think
“seems determined to move away from his pro-environment past.... 77% of Democrats believed Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza—but last month Newsom said the opposite"
www.commondreams.org/opinion/is-g...
“seems determined to move away from his pro-environment past.... 77% of Democrats believed Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza—but last month Newsom said the opposite"
www.commondreams.org/opinion/is-g...
The Actual Gavin Newsom Is Much Worse Than You Think | Common Dreams
If you want a more progressive Democratic Party, the California governor ain't it.
www.commondreams.org
February 5, 2026 at 11:41 PM
The Actual Gavin Newsom Is Much Worse Than You Think
“seems determined to move away from his pro-environment past.... 77% of Democrats believed Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza—but last month Newsom said the opposite"
www.commondreams.org/opinion/is-g...
“seems determined to move away from his pro-environment past.... 77% of Democrats believed Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza—but last month Newsom said the opposite"
www.commondreams.org/opinion/is-g...
Both Noda and Saito pledge to resign as leader if their party loses seats in the Lower House election—which is likely. Best news I've read all day!
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan opposition co-leader vows to accept blame if party loses election - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tetsuo Saito, a co-leader of Japan's newly formed opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, said Wednesday he will take responsibility if
mainichi.jp
February 5, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Both Noda and Saito pledge to resign as leader if their party loses seats in the Lower House election—which is likely. Best news I've read all day!
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Komeito's views are MUCH closer to LDP than to CDP:
47% of CDP incumbents favor nuclear power abolition vs. 5% of Komeito incumbents.
43% of CDP incumbents oppose constitutional revision vs. NONE of Komeito incumbents.
End this cursed "alliance"—CDP is better off alone!
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
47% of CDP incumbents favor nuclear power abolition vs. 5% of Komeito incumbents.
43% of CDP incumbents oppose constitutional revision vs. NONE of Komeito incumbents.
End this cursed "alliance"—CDP is better off alone!
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Centrist Reform Alliance split over LDP tie-up, key policies | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Sharp splits have emerged in the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance (Chudo) that could affect the cohesion of the largest opposition party ahead of the Feb. 8 Lower House election, a survey showed.
www.asahi.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Komeito's views are MUCH closer to LDP than to CDP:
47% of CDP incumbents favor nuclear power abolition vs. 5% of Komeito incumbents.
43% of CDP incumbents oppose constitutional revision vs. NONE of Komeito incumbents.
End this cursed "alliance"—CDP is better off alone!
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
47% of CDP incumbents favor nuclear power abolition vs. 5% of Komeito incumbents.
43% of CDP incumbents oppose constitutional revision vs. NONE of Komeito incumbents.
End this cursed "alliance"—CDP is better off alone!
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Takaichi avoids hot-button topics in Lower House election strategy
"She has also grown quiet on conservative policies she has long championed."
Don't worry; once she gets her big win and there's no way to stop her, she'll loudly push for those policies.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"She has also grown quiet on conservative policies she has long championed."
Don't worry; once she gets her big win and there's no way to stop her, she'll loudly push for those policies.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Takaichi avoids hot-button topics in Lower House election strategy | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has remained silent on her “earnest wish” to eliminate the consumption tax on food items in the election campaign, a strategy aimed at further neutralizing the opposition...
www.asahi.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Takaichi avoids hot-button topics in Lower House election strategy
"She has also grown quiet on conservative policies she has long championed."
Don't worry; once she gets her big win and there's no way to stop her, she'll loudly push for those policies.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"She has also grown quiet on conservative policies she has long championed."
Don't worry; once she gets her big win and there's no way to stop her, she'll loudly push for those policies.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"Foreigner issue under focus as parties rush to ease worries of Japanese voters"
It never ceases to amaze me that the one group of foreigners these people don't seem to mind at all consists of US military personnel, a group responsible for numerous accidents and crimes
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
It never ceases to amaze me that the one group of foreigners these people don't seem to mind at all consists of US military personnel, a group responsible for numerous accidents and crimes
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Foreigner issue under focus as parties rush to ease worries of Japanese voters - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign nationals have increasingly become an issue of focus in Sunday's House of Representatives election, with parties rushing to e
mainichi.jp
February 4, 2026 at 9:40 PM
"Foreigner issue under focus as parties rush to ease worries of Japanese voters"
It never ceases to amaze me that the one group of foreigners these people don't seem to mind at all consists of US military personnel, a group responsible for numerous accidents and crimes
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
It never ceases to amaze me that the one group of foreigners these people don't seem to mind at all consists of US military personnel, a group responsible for numerous accidents and crimes
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"Japan's top court has upheld a ruling that sentenced a US Air Force serviceman in Okinawa to 5 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16"
A drop of justice in a sea of outrages.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
A drop of justice in a sea of outrages.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan top court upholds prison term for US airman over sexual assault - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's top court has upheld a ruling that sentenced a U.S. Air Force serviceman in Okinawa to five years in prison for kidnapping an
mainichi.jp
February 3, 2026 at 8:36 PM
"Japan's top court has upheld a ruling that sentenced a US Air Force serviceman in Okinawa to 5 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16"
A drop of justice in a sea of outrages.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
A drop of justice in a sea of outrages.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Ex-Hiroshima mayor Akiba to be flagbearer at Olympics opening ceremony
"The decision recognizes Akiba's commitment to nuclear disarmament"
While taking part in a "Hiroshima & Peace" seminar in 2010, we met with Mayor Akiba. He was one of the good ones.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"The decision recognizes Akiba's commitment to nuclear disarmament"
While taking part in a "Hiroshima & Peace" seminar in 2010, we met with Mayor Akiba. He was one of the good ones.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Ex-Hiroshima mayor Akiba to be flagbearer at Olympics opening ceremony - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Hiroshima mayor Tadatoshi Akiba will be among the internationally renowned personalities carrying the Olympic flag at the open
mainichi.jp
February 3, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Ex-Hiroshima mayor Akiba to be flagbearer at Olympics opening ceremony
"The decision recognizes Akiba's commitment to nuclear disarmament"
While taking part in a "Hiroshima & Peace" seminar in 2010, we met with Mayor Akiba. He was one of the good ones.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"The decision recognizes Akiba's commitment to nuclear disarmament"
While taking part in a "Hiroshima & Peace" seminar in 2010, we met with Mayor Akiba. He was one of the good ones.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
"Chudo... is likely to fall far below its pre-election strength of 106 seats in single-seat districts, with the possibility of its total being cut by more than half.
...
LDP & Ishin combined could potentially exceed 310 seats, which constitutes a 2/3 majority"—
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
...
LDP & Ishin combined could potentially exceed 310 seats, which constitutes a 2/3 majority"—
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Survey: LDP may ride Takaichi’s popularity to big Lower House win | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is on track to significantly gain more than the 233 seats needed for a majority on its own in the Feb. 8 Lower House election, according to a new Asahi Shimbun surv...
www.asahi.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:13 PM
"Chudo... is likely to fall far below its pre-election strength of 106 seats in single-seat districts, with the possibility of its total being cut by more than half.
...
LDP & Ishin combined could potentially exceed 310 seats, which constitutes a 2/3 majority"—
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
...
LDP & Ishin combined could potentially exceed 310 seats, which constitutes a 2/3 majority"—
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
VOX POPULI: Takao Saito’s defiance eclipsed those upholding imperial ‘order’
Saito (1870-1949), who courageously spoke up during wartime, has messages for us today. "He warned of the futility of arms races: 'If we expand, they will also expand.'
He also cautioned
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Saito (1870-1949), who courageously spoke up during wartime, has messages for us today. "He warned of the futility of arms races: 'If we expand, they will also expand.'
He also cautioned
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
VOX POPULI: Takao Saito’s defiance eclipsed those upholding imperial ‘order’ | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
What, ultimately, is a member of parliament for—and what, precisely, are they meant to do?
www.asahi.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:22 PM
VOX POPULI: Takao Saito’s defiance eclipsed those upholding imperial ‘order’
Saito (1870-1949), who courageously spoke up during wartime, has messages for us today. "He warned of the futility of arms races: 'If we expand, they will also expand.'
He also cautioned
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Saito (1870-1949), who courageously spoke up during wartime, has messages for us today. "He warned of the futility of arms races: 'If we expand, they will also expand.'
He also cautioned
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Coalition pushes revival of ranks from imperial military days
Ishin Dietmember: “It is our responsibility to address SDF-related issues by renaming rank names & other terms to adjust to international standards through legal revisions & the issuance of a ministerial
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Ishin Dietmember: “It is our responsibility to address SDF-related issues by renaming rank names & other terms to adjust to international standards through legal revisions & the issuance of a ministerial
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Coalition pushes revival of ranks from imperial military days | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
The ruling coalition aims to restore Japanese military ranks used in World War II for members of the Self-Defense Forces, a plan that has drawn concern and bewilderment in the Defense Ministry.
www.asahi.com
January 31, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Coalition pushes revival of ranks from imperial military days
Ishin Dietmember: “It is our responsibility to address SDF-related issues by renaming rank names & other terms to adjust to international standards through legal revisions & the issuance of a ministerial
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Ishin Dietmember: “It is our responsibility to address SDF-related issues by renaming rank names & other terms to adjust to international standards through legal revisions & the issuance of a ministerial
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"Takaichi vows to respect tradition and not step on sumo dohyo"
We know this is BS because she had no problem with breaking the "tradition" of male prime ministers.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
We know this is BS because she had no problem with breaking the "tradition" of male prime ministers.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Takaichi vows to respect tradition and not step on sumo dohyo | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to abide by tradition and not enter a sumo ring, where women are prohibited.
www.asahi.com
January 31, 2026 at 8:50 PM
"Takaichi vows to respect tradition and not step on sumo dohyo"
We know this is BS because she had no problem with breaking the "tradition" of male prime ministers.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
We know this is BS because she had no problem with breaking the "tradition" of male prime ministers.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"Big election win would give Takaichi clout to counter China"
Unless you want to see Takaichi fans waving little rising sun flags to send off the troops, it's vital that she not get that big win. Doesn't look like Chudo can do it.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Unless you want to see Takaichi fans waving little rising sun flags to send off the troops, it's vital that she not get that big win. Doesn't look like Chudo can do it.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Big election win would give Takaichi clout to counter China | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
TOKYO/BEIJING--China may rethink its escalating pressure campaign on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi if she delivers a resounding victory in a Feb. 8 snap election, say current and former Japan...
www.asahi.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:33 PM
"Big election win would give Takaichi clout to counter China"
Unless you want to see Takaichi fans waving little rising sun flags to send off the troops, it's vital that she not get that big win. Doesn't look like Chudo can do it.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Unless you want to see Takaichi fans waving little rising sun flags to send off the troops, it's vital that she not get that big win. Doesn't look like Chudo can do it.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
"UN Chief Guterres Warns of ‘Imminent Financial Collapse’ as Trump Pulls Funding"—likely in order to replace it with his "Board of Peace" under his sole control.
www.commondreams.org/news/un-immi...
www.commondreams.org/news/un-immi...
UN Chief Guterres Warns of ‘Imminent Financial Collapse’ as Trump Pulls Funding | Common Dreams
As the world's largest economy, the US provided nearly a quarter of the UN's funding. That is, until earlier this month, when Trump stripped hundreds of millions of dollars from dozens of treaties.
www.commondreams.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:13 PM
"UN Chief Guterres Warns of ‘Imminent Financial Collapse’ as Trump Pulls Funding"—likely in order to replace it with his "Board of Peace" under his sole control.
www.commondreams.org/news/un-immi...
www.commondreams.org/news/un-immi...
"Trump warns UK about China ties as Starmer hails reset"
The US hasn't allowed Japan to have its own foreign policy for 8 decades. Now, hardly any country is allowed.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
The US hasn't allowed Japan to have its own foreign policy for 8 decades. Now, hardly any country is allowed.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Trump warns U.K. about China ties as Starmer hails reset | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
WASHINGTON/BEIJING--U.S. President Donald Trump warned the United Kingdom against getting into business with China as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer lauded the economic benefits of resetting re...
www.asahi.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:59 PM
"Trump warns UK about China ties as Starmer hails reset"
The US hasn't allowed Japan to have its own foreign policy for 8 decades. Now, hardly any country is allowed.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
The US hasn't allowed Japan to have its own foreign policy for 8 decades. Now, hardly any country is allowed.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Reposted by Jon Reinsch
This is the BEST explanation I have seen so far.
January 28, 2026 at 3:12 AM
This is the BEST explanation I have seen so far.
"Japan's left-leaning forces lag as social media rises, old support fades"
In addition to the explanations offered here, the steady dwindling of the generation with direct experience of the Pacific War has taken a toll on pacifism in Japan.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
In addition to the explanations offered here, the steady dwindling of the generation with direct experience of the Pacific War has taken a toll on pacifism in Japan.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan's left-leaning forces lag as social media rises, old support fades - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's left-leaning political forces have struggled to gain traction in recent years, as social media and the decline of traditional
mainichi.jp
January 29, 2026 at 11:04 PM
"Japan's left-leaning forces lag as social media rises, old support fades"
In addition to the explanations offered here, the steady dwindling of the generation with direct experience of the Pacific War has taken a toll on pacifism in Japan.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
In addition to the explanations offered here, the steady dwindling of the generation with direct experience of the Pacific War has taken a toll on pacifism in Japan.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Report: [Unification] Church affiliate bought Takaichi’s party tickets twice
Caught red-handed:
"In August 2022, Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that after a 'thorough investigation,' she had confirmed 'No election support.'"
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Caught red-handed:
"In August 2022, Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that after a 'thorough investigation,' she had confirmed 'No election support.'"
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Report: Church affiliate bought Takaichi’s party tickets twice | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
An affiliate of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and its associates purchased 100,000 yen ($653) in fund-raising tickets for a Liberal Democratic Party branch headed by Sanae Taka...
www.asahi.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Report: [Unification] Church affiliate bought Takaichi’s party tickets twice
Caught red-handed:
"In August 2022, Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that after a 'thorough investigation,' she had confirmed 'No election support.'"
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Caught red-handed:
"In August 2022, Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that after a 'thorough investigation,' she had confirmed 'No election support.'"
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Noda: "we will cross the country speaking up for people first and pacifism."
A bizarre kind of pacifism that declares Abe’s war law—authorizing action with and for US—constitutional.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
A bizarre kind of pacifism that declares Abe’s war law—authorizing action with and for US—constitutional.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
New centrist opposition a wild card in Japan PM's election gambit - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's new centrist party, formed shortly ahead of a snap general election, is seeking to derail Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's hop
mainichi.jp
January 29, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Noda: "we will cross the country speaking up for people first and pacifism."
A bizarre kind of pacifism that declares Abe’s war law—authorizing action with and for US—constitutional.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
A bizarre kind of pacifism that declares Abe’s war law—authorizing action with and for US—constitutional.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...