Jonathan Webb
@jwebb.bsky.social
Research Fellow NIRA｜Senior Researcher Keio Research Institute｜PhD(c) & former lecturer Keio University｜
Theorizing Geopolitical Demography.
Tech enthusiast, photographer & Japan Hand in training
NIRA総研 研究員｜慶應大学 博士候補・元講師｜安保｜少子化｜日米韓｜人口的地政学
Theorizing Geopolitical Demography.
Tech enthusiast, photographer & Japan Hand in training
NIRA総研 研究員｜慶應大学 博士候補・元講師｜安保｜少子化｜日米韓｜人口的地政学
I think a lot of the discourse on Takaichi’s high support, especially with young people, undervalues the optics. Not only is she the first female PM, representing a historic break from the past, she comes across as younger & more refined, with a charismatic energy her predecessors often lacked.
October 28, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I think a lot of the discourse on Takaichi’s high support, especially with young people, undervalues the optics. Not only is she the first female PM, representing a historic break from the past, she comes across as younger & more refined, with a charismatic energy her predecessors often lacked.
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
The article @robfahey.net and I wrote on Sanseito is finally out (open access). We describe the party’s conspiracy worldview and how it shapes its policies and organizational features. I may do a thread to include the work I have done since finalizing the draft.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Fighting the Cabal from the Diet: Sanseitō and the Role of Conspiracy as Political Ideology | Asia-Pacific Journal | Cambridge Core
Fighting the Cabal from the Diet: Sanseitō and the Role of Conspiracy as Political Ideology - Volume 23
www.cambridge.org
September 24, 2025 at 12:03 PM
The article @robfahey.net and I wrote on Sanseito is finally out (open access). We describe the party’s conspiracy worldview and how it shapes its policies and organizational features. I may do a thread to include the work I have done since finalizing the draft.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
So…
You’re wiping it wrong?
You’re wiping it wrong?
Toto says you can damage your washlet seat if you wipe it down with toilet paper. This is the English translation of a article published on Christmas Day. mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Don't wipe toilet seats with bathroom paper, Japanese maker Toto advises - The Mainichi
FUKUOKA -- Though cleaning toilet seats with flushable paper at hand sounds easy and convenient, Japanese toilet maker Toto Ltd. is urging consumers n
mainichi.jp
December 30, 2024 at 12:02 AM
So…
You’re wiping it wrong?
You’re wiping it wrong?
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
Entire South Korean Cabinet has resigned after all of Yoon's senior aides resigned earlier in the day. Yoon is almost completely alone now. Seems increasingly likely the pressure to resign may overcome him.
www.chosun.com/politics/pol...
www.chosun.com/politics/pol...
[속보] 국무위원 전원 사의 표명… 총리·여당·대통령실 2시 긴급 회동
속보 국무위원 전원 사의 표명 총리·여당·대통령실 2시 긴급 회동
www.chosun.com
December 4, 2024 at 4:21 AM
Entire South Korean Cabinet has resigned after all of Yoon's senior aides resigned earlier in the day. Yoon is almost completely alone now. Seems increasingly likely the pressure to resign may overcome him.
www.chosun.com/politics/pol...
www.chosun.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
The Ishiba government, which had been preparing to send Defense Minister Nakatani to Seoul later this month and Ishiba in January to kick off commemorations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is perplexed and concerned about Tuesday's events.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
韓国「非常戒厳」解除、中谷防衛相「事態を注視」 - 日本経済新聞
韓国の尹錫悦（ユン・ソンニョル）大統領による「非常戒厳」の宣言と、直後の解除を受け、日本政府は4日午前、情報収集などの対応に追われた。中谷元防衛相は4日、防衛省で「引き続き特段の関心をもって事態を注視する」と述べた。北朝鮮対応など安全保障への影響を巡り「日韓の防衛協力は非常に大事なものだ」と語った。韓国の国内情勢で混乱が続けば、改善基調にある日韓関係に影響を及ぼす可能性がある。外務省幹部は記
www.nikkei.com
December 4, 2024 at 3:41 AM
The Ishiba government, which had been preparing to send Defense Minister Nakatani to Seoul later this month and Ishiba in January to kick off commemorations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is perplexed and concerned about Tuesday's events.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
While Japanese TV News certainly dropped the ball by not reporting on Korea this morning, the morning editions of the country's daily newspapers did not.
It was not only front page news at Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, Mainichi, & Sankei, but the headline story dominating the page everywhere but Mainichi.
It was not only front page news at Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, Mainichi, & Sankei, but the headline story dominating the page everywhere but Mainichi.
December 4, 2024 at 2:52 AM
While Japanese TV News certainly dropped the ball by not reporting on Korea this morning, the morning editions of the country's daily newspapers did not.
It was not only front page news at Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, Mainichi, & Sankei, but the headline story dominating the page everywhere but Mainichi.
It was not only front page news at Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, Mainichi, & Sankei, but the headline story dominating the page everywhere but Mainichi.
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
There's a lot of criticism of Japanese TV media this morning because of its lack of live coverage of the events following a declaration of martial law in Korea. Many channels kept showing regularly scheduled programming.
December 4, 2024 at 2:14 AM
There's a lot of criticism of Japanese TV media this morning because of its lack of live coverage of the events following a declaration of martial law in Korea. Many channels kept showing regularly scheduled programming.
I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said better but it sure was a relief to wake up to martial law having already been repealed in Korea in just 6 hours.
Hats off to Koreans for showing everyone else what real civic engagement / caring about your democracy looks like.
Hats off to Koreans for showing everyone else what real civic engagement / caring about your democracy looks like.
December 4, 2024 at 2:12 AM
I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said better but it sure was a relief to wake up to martial law having already been repealed in Korea in just 6 hours.
Hats off to Koreans for showing everyone else what real civic engagement / caring about your democracy looks like.
Hats off to Koreans for showing everyone else what real civic engagement / caring about your democracy looks like.
Flipping through Japanese news channels this morning:
Not a single mention of martial law / it being lifted in 6 hours in Korea.
I'm sure my timing was bad & I understand moving segments & getting experts first thing in the morning/short notice is tough but...
Business as usual? REALLY!?
🤦♂️
Not a single mention of martial law / it being lifted in 6 hours in Korea.
I'm sure my timing was bad & I understand moving segments & getting experts first thing in the morning/short notice is tough but...
Business as usual? REALLY!?
🤦♂️
December 4, 2024 at 2:03 AM
Flipping through Japanese news channels this morning:
Not a single mention of martial law / it being lifted in 6 hours in Korea.
I'm sure my timing was bad & I understand moving segments & getting experts first thing in the morning/short notice is tough but...
Business as usual? REALLY!?
🤦♂️
Not a single mention of martial law / it being lifted in 6 hours in Korea.
I'm sure my timing was bad & I understand moving segments & getting experts first thing in the morning/short notice is tough but...
Business as usual? REALLY!?
🤦♂️
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
Nobuyuki Baba, of political party Nihon Ishin no Kai, is getting ratio'd thoroughly on twitter for suggesting the situation in South Korea shows the need for Japan to add an "emergency clause" to its constitution. Many argue the reverse is true: an emergency clause *caused* the situation.
December 3, 2024 at 5:28 PM
Nobuyuki Baba, of political party Nihon Ishin no Kai, is getting ratio'd thoroughly on twitter for suggesting the situation in South Korea shows the need for Japan to add an "emergency clause" to its constitution. Many argue the reverse is true: an emergency clause *caused* the situation.
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
I was preparing to pitch an op-ed on the nationwide protests calling for President Yoon's resignation, aiming to provide global context amid the limited international coverage.
Given the urgency, I’m sharing it now. I didn’t expect events to escalate this quickly. #SouthKorea #Democracy
Given the urgency, I’m sharing it now. I didn’t expect events to escalate this quickly. #SouthKorea #Democracy
South Korea Is Fighting for Democracy Again—And the World Needs to Know
Last updated December 3, 10:09 AM South Korea Is Fighting for Democracy Again—And the World Needs to Know Heesoo Jang Assistant Professor of Media Law and Ethics Journalism Department, University of...
docs.google.com
December 3, 2024 at 3:11 PM
I was preparing to pitch an op-ed on the nationwide protests calling for President Yoon's resignation, aiming to provide global context amid the limited international coverage.
Given the urgency, I’m sharing it now. I didn’t expect events to escalate this quickly. #SouthKorea #Democracy
Given the urgency, I’m sharing it now. I didn’t expect events to escalate this quickly. #SouthKorea #Democracy
Obviously much more concerned with the safety of everyone I know in Korea, and the survival of the country’s democracy at the moment but I can’t help thinking…
“Welp there goes the whole reconciliation with Japan / trilateral cooperation thing (again)”
😞
“Welp there goes the whole reconciliation with Japan / trilateral cooperation thing (again)”
😞
December 3, 2024 at 3:23 PM
Obviously much more concerned with the safety of everyone I know in Korea, and the survival of the country’s democracy at the moment but I can’t help thinking…
“Welp there goes the whole reconciliation with Japan / trilateral cooperation thing (again)”
😞
“Welp there goes the whole reconciliation with Japan / trilateral cooperation thing (again)”
😞
I’ll just check Bluesky one more time before bed…and, wait martial law in South Korea!? WTF
December 3, 2024 at 3:17 PM
I’ll just check Bluesky one more time before bed…and, wait martial law in South Korea!? WTF
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
This feels surreal. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first president to declare martial law since South Korea democratized in 1987. Forty-five years of progress in democracy... regressing in the blink of an eye. #SouthKorea #MartialLaw
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
South Korea President Yoon declares martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared martial law in an unannounced late night address broadcast live on YTN television.
www.reuters.com
December 3, 2024 at 2:24 PM
This feels surreal. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first president to declare martial law since South Korea democratized in 1987. Forty-five years of progress in democracy... regressing in the blink of an eye. #SouthKorea #MartialLaw
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Exhibit A for why so many Japanese policy makers have traditionally preferred working with Republicans.
They distinctly remember every single time Democrats have thrown them under the bus for (attempted) political gain.
They distinctly remember every single time Democrats have thrown them under the bus for (attempted) political gain.
Obama held back on TPP to protect Hillary and she lost; Biden held back on IPEF to protect Sherrod Brown's reelection and he lost; Biden came out against the Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel to secure Pennsylvania and Harris lost the state
Maybe protectionism isn't a winning strategy
Maybe protectionism isn't a winning strategy
November 14, 2024 at 1:42 PM
Exhibit A for why so many Japanese policy makers have traditionally preferred working with Republicans.
They distinctly remember every single time Democrats have thrown them under the bus for (attempted) political gain.
They distinctly remember every single time Democrats have thrown them under the bus for (attempted) political gain.
I must admit all the recent doom and gloom has had one major upside for me.
I’ve cut my nighttime doomscrolling by like 75%!
I’ve cut my nighttime doomscrolling by like 75%!
November 14, 2024 at 6:27 AM
I must admit all the recent doom and gloom has had one major upside for me.
I’ve cut my nighttime doomscrolling by like 75%!
I’ve cut my nighttime doomscrolling by like 75%!
So let me get this straight… unless the Senate steps in, the incoming Secretary of Defense doesn’t wash his hands… because “germs are not a real thing,” as he “can't see them.” 😂
I guess now we know where they’re gonna find a big chunk of that 2 trillion!
I guess now we know where they’re gonna find a big chunk of that 2 trillion!
November 14, 2024 at 6:22 AM
So let me get this straight… unless the Senate steps in, the incoming Secretary of Defense doesn’t wash his hands… because “germs are not a real thing,” as he “can't see them.” 😂
I guess now we know where they’re gonna find a big chunk of that 2 trillion!
I guess now we know where they’re gonna find a big chunk of that 2 trillion!
It's honestly hard to fathom that after everything... America somehow wants this.
There's no fig leaf to hide behind this time. People knew exactly who they were voting for.
There's no fig leaf to hide behind this time. People knew exactly who they were voting for.
November 6, 2024 at 3:11 PM
It's honestly hard to fathom that after everything... America somehow wants this.
There's no fig leaf to hide behind this time. People knew exactly who they were voting for.
There's no fig leaf to hide behind this time. People knew exactly who they were voting for.
It’s times like this I’m glad I have a cabinet full of whisky.
Sure, I wanted to be breaking out the good stuff tonight to
celebrate, but since that’s clearly not happening, bottom shelf it is.
Sure, I wanted to be breaking out the good stuff tonight to
celebrate, but since that’s clearly not happening, bottom shelf it is.
November 6, 2024 at 10:48 AM
It’s times like this I’m glad I have a cabinet full of whisky.
Sure, I wanted to be breaking out the good stuff tonight to
celebrate, but since that’s clearly not happening, bottom shelf it is.
Sure, I wanted to be breaking out the good stuff tonight to
celebrate, but since that’s clearly not happening, bottom shelf it is.
Went to get my flu shot so I could say I did something positive today and take my mind off… Other things.
Dr: “So how are you feeling today?”
Me: 😵💫🥶🤢
Nurse afterward: “OK so now just wait here for 30 minutes.”
Me: 🫣📺🤮
Dr: “So how are you feeling today?”
Me: 😵💫🥶🤢
Nurse afterward: “OK so now just wait here for 30 minutes.”
Me: 🫣📺🤮
November 6, 2024 at 6:58 AM
Went to get my flu shot so I could say I did something positive today and take my mind off… Other things.
Dr: “So how are you feeling today?”
Me: 😵💫🥶🤢
Nurse afterward: “OK so now just wait here for 30 minutes.”
Me: 🫣📺🤮
Dr: “So how are you feeling today?”
Me: 😵💫🥶🤢
Nurse afterward: “OK so now just wait here for 30 minutes.”
Me: 🫣📺🤮
Reposted by Jonathan Webb
WE ARE SO BACK
(Re)introducing @tokyoreview.net, an online platform for political, social, and cultural analysis of Japan from young and emerging scholars designed to elevate discussions about Japan from hot takes and the tired tropes of “Weird Japan”
Follow us!
(Re)introducing @tokyoreview.net, an online platform for political, social, and cultural analysis of Japan from young and emerging scholars designed to elevate discussions about Japan from hot takes and the tired tropes of “Weird Japan”
Follow us!
Japan's Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) elects a new leader this week. @rmarcantuoni.bsky.social notes that three of the four candidates already led the opposition in the past; does the party simply lack a new generation of potential leaders?
www.tokyoreview.net/2024/09/look...
www.tokyoreview.net/2024/09/look...
Look Who’s Back: The CDP Leadership Race
The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) is voting for a new leader - but three of the four candidates already led the opposition in the past, raising questions about why the party seems to lack a ne...
www.tokyoreview.net
September 23, 2024 at 1:29 AM
WE ARE SO BACK
(Re)introducing @tokyoreview.net, an online platform for political, social, and cultural analysis of Japan from young and emerging scholars designed to elevate discussions about Japan from hot takes and the tired tropes of “Weird Japan”
Follow us!
(Re)introducing @tokyoreview.net, an online platform for political, social, and cultural analysis of Japan from young and emerging scholars designed to elevate discussions about Japan from hot takes and the tired tropes of “Weird Japan”
Follow us!
Yomiuri 11.7.23 AM
Care Worker Wage Hike: +6000/Mo & FY24 Comp Revamp to Curb Resignations
Gaza Split North to South: Deaths > 11,400
Generative AI 3rd party Certification: Gov Mulls > Verification & Regulation
Banking System Disruption: NTT Data Apologizes for Nationwide Outage from SW malfunction
Care Worker Wage Hike: +6000/Mo & FY24 Comp Revamp to Curb Resignations
Gaza Split North to South: Deaths > 11,400
Generative AI 3rd party Certification: Gov Mulls > Verification & Regulation
Banking System Disruption: NTT Data Apologizes for Nationwide Outage from SW malfunction
November 7, 2023 at 9:05 AM
Yomiuri 11.7.23 AM
Care Worker Wage Hike: +6000/Mo & FY24 Comp Revamp to Curb Resignations
Gaza Split North to South: Deaths > 11,400
Generative AI 3rd party Certification: Gov Mulls > Verification & Regulation
Banking System Disruption: NTT Data Apologizes for Nationwide Outage from SW malfunction
Care Worker Wage Hike: +6000/Mo & FY24 Comp Revamp to Curb Resignations
Gaza Split North to South: Deaths > 11,400
Generative AI 3rd party Certification: Gov Mulls > Verification & Regulation
Banking System Disruption: NTT Data Apologizes for Nationwide Outage from SW malfunction
Dear Pizza Hut Japan
Stop fucking trying to make hand toss happen, it's not going to happen.
"Campaign Pricing!*"
"Coupons!*"
(*hand toss only)
Defaults to hand toss
Up charge for Pan Pizza
No M Size Pan Pizza via Web/App
STOP😡
Pizza Hut = Pan Style
Sincerely
-A Lifelong Pizza Hut Connoisseur
November 3, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Dear Pizza Hut Japan
Stop fucking trying to make hand toss happen, it's not going to happen.
"Campaign Pricing!*"
"Coupons!*"
(*hand toss only)
Defaults to hand toss
Up charge for Pan Pizza
No M Size Pan Pizza via Web/App
STOP😡
Pizza Hut = Pan Style
Sincerely
-A Lifelong Pizza Hut Connoisseur
“Gerrymander can be obtained by trading a Charmander to another player while letting it hold a wad of cash from a political lobbyist in its hands, and once you do, you can literally never lose,”
🤣
🤣
Nintendo Announces New Charmander Evolution "Gerrymander" That's Unbeatable Due to Its Ability to Randomly Change the Rules of Battle
Nintendo Announces New Charmander Evolution ‘Gerrymander’ That’s Unbeatable Due to Its Ability...
The Pokémon Company introduced a new alternate Charmander evolution, Gerrymander, which will be totally unbeatable.
hard-drive.net
November 2, 2023 at 10:12 AM
“Gerrymander can be obtained by trading a Charmander to another player while letting it hold a wad of cash from a political lobbyist in its hands, and once you do, you can literally never lose,”
🤣
🤣