johnraff
@johnraff.bsky.social
Nagoya layabout. Master of nothing in particular. Linux (@bunsenlabslinux.bsky.social), food (元ラッフルズ), languages, gardening, music 第8旅団 ( daihachiryodan.com ) のジョンです。Lot of politics recently...
Pinned
johnraff
@johnraff.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Reposted by johnraff
Reposted by johnraff
Carney is right that the old world order isn’t coming back.
It wasn’t all that effective anyway, but had the right founding ideas, it went wrong in executing those ideas.
We must build a better rules-based order founded on nations, rights, equality, fraternity & dignity.
But do it better this time.
It wasn’t all that effective anyway, but had the right founding ideas, it went wrong in executing those ideas.
We must build a better rules-based order founded on nations, rights, equality, fraternity & dignity.
But do it better this time.
January 21, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Carney is right that the old world order isn’t coming back.
It wasn’t all that effective anyway, but had the right founding ideas, it went wrong in executing those ideas.
We must build a better rules-based order founded on nations, rights, equality, fraternity & dignity.
But do it better this time.
It wasn’t all that effective anyway, but had the right founding ideas, it went wrong in executing those ideas.
We must build a better rules-based order founded on nations, rights, equality, fraternity & dignity.
But do it better this time.
Reposted by johnraff
Many Presidents have been dumb enough to go to war.
But to first force NATO countries to invest considerably more in their militaries before you choose to go to war with NATO, requires a Trump level of stupidity.
But to first force NATO countries to invest considerably more in their militaries before you choose to go to war with NATO, requires a Trump level of stupidity.
January 21, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Many Presidents have been dumb enough to go to war.
But to first force NATO countries to invest considerably more in their militaries before you choose to go to war with NATO, requires a Trump level of stupidity.
But to first force NATO countries to invest considerably more in their militaries before you choose to go to war with NATO, requires a Trump level of stupidity.
Reposted by johnraff
This is the most astonishing graph of what the Trump regime has done to US science. They have destroyed the federal science workforce across the board. The negative impacts on Americans will be felt for generations, and the US might never be the same again.
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
January 20, 2026 at 10:53 PM
This is the most astonishing graph of what the Trump regime has done to US science. They have destroyed the federal science workforce across the board. The negative impacts on Americans will be felt for generations, and the US might never be the same again.
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
Reposted by johnraff
Literally Nikkei: Sanseitō is setting up "assassin" candidates to run against LDP moderates.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
January 21, 2026 at 4:10 AM
Literally Nikkei: Sanseitō is setting up "assassin" candidates to run against LDP moderates.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
Reposted by johnraff
Reiwa head Yamamoto Taro quitting for health reasons
www.47news.jp/13752705.html
www.47news.jp/13752705.html
【速報】れいわ山本代表が参院議員辞職を表明
れいわ新選組の山本太郎代表は21日、参院議員を同日に辞職する考えを表明した。健康上の理由 ...
www.47news.jp
January 21, 2026 at 4:26 AM
Reiwa head Yamamoto Taro quitting for health reasons
www.47news.jp/13752705.html
www.47news.jp/13752705.html
Reposted by johnraff
Yamagami's act brought to light the depth to which politicians in Abe's party had become beholden to the Church, and the role they had in shaping public policy in Japan for years:
buff.ly/dBZWU2B
buff.ly/dBZWU2B
Japanese Government to Ask Court to Dissolve Unification Church - Unseen Japan
The Japanese government looks to deal a major blow to the Unification Church - the object of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's assassin's ire.
unseen-japan.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:52 AM
Yamagami's act brought to light the depth to which politicians in Abe's party had become beholden to the Church, and the role they had in shaping public policy in Japan for years:
buff.ly/dBZWU2B
buff.ly/dBZWU2B
Reposted by johnraff
Left: Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, talking about liberty and freedom in the US in the UK parliament
Right: ICE agents attacking a dancing fox
Right: ICE agents attacking a dancing fox
January 20, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Left: Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, talking about liberty and freedom in the US in the UK parliament
Right: ICE agents attacking a dancing fox
Right: ICE agents attacking a dancing fox
"According to the World Bank, one-third of Japanese workers cannot perform a simple “copy and paste” operation in a document."
Japan’s “Digital Chasm” Hamstrings Growth - by Richard Katz richardkatz.substack.com/p/japans-dig...
Japan’s “Digital Chasm” Hamstrings Growth - by Richard Katz richardkatz.substack.com/p/japans-dig...
Japan’s “Digital Chasm” Hamstrings Growth
Takaichi Misses 21st Century Industrial Policy, Part III
richardkatz.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:02 AM
"According to the World Bank, one-third of Japanese workers cannot perform a simple “copy and paste” operation in a document."
Japan’s “Digital Chasm” Hamstrings Growth - by Richard Katz richardkatz.substack.com/p/japans-dig...
Japan’s “Digital Chasm” Hamstrings Growth - by Richard Katz richardkatz.substack.com/p/japans-dig...
But why condominiums aimed at foreigners only? Trying to build a ghetto?
Fukuoka residents fight for the right to be racist.
Foreigner condo plan in Japan ignites social media uproar, complaints to local gov'ts mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Foreigner condo plan in Japan ignites social media uproar, complaints to local gov'ts mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Foreigner condo plan in Japan ignites social media uproar, complaints to local gov'ts - The Mainichi
ASAKURA, Fukuoka -- Residents in an idyllic area of this southwest Japan city were perplexed when a developer briefed them about a project to build co
mainichi.jp
January 20, 2026 at 6:26 AM
But why condominiums aimed at foreigners only? Trying to build a ghetto?
The Japanese business world are not thrilled at all with the foreigner-bashing. It could hit their bottom line hard.
110,000 foreigners supporting convenience store chains as employees. Nice to see employers speaking up for the importance of not alienating foreign workers keeping them alive
Top execs at Japan convenience stores stress foreign workers' role as gov't eyes clampdown mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Top execs at Japan convenience stores stress foreign workers' role as gov't eyes clampdown mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Top execs at Japan convenience stores stress foreign workers' role as gov't eyes clampdown - The Mainichi
TOKYO -- Top executives at major convenience store chains in Japan have spoken out on the importance of foreign workers in the wake of moves by the ad
mainichi.jp
January 20, 2026 at 6:23 AM
The Japanese business world are not thrilled at all with the foreigner-bashing. It could hit their bottom line hard.
Reposted by johnraff
I'm beginning to suspect that the public complaints from LDP leadership that they weren't consulted about a snap election are a concerted effort to make Takaichi look more independent from the party.
January 19, 2026 at 10:27 PM
I'm beginning to suspect that the public complaints from LDP leadership that they weren't consulted about a snap election are a concerted effort to make Takaichi look more independent from the party.
Reposted by johnraff
Just a quick reminder that the US and Europe at each others’ throats is exactly what Putin & his gang worked so long to achieve.
And here we are, courtesy of millions who stayed at home and couldn’t be bothered to vote, and millions more who believe any lie they are told, giving him what he wants.
And here we are, courtesy of millions who stayed at home and couldn’t be bothered to vote, and millions more who believe any lie they are told, giving him what he wants.
January 19, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Just a quick reminder that the US and Europe at each others’ throats is exactly what Putin & his gang worked so long to achieve.
And here we are, courtesy of millions who stayed at home and couldn’t be bothered to vote, and millions more who believe any lie they are told, giving him what he wants.
And here we are, courtesy of millions who stayed at home and couldn’t be bothered to vote, and millions more who believe any lie they are told, giving him what he wants.
This is excellent.
The very latest from the PNG Courier's overseas correspondent.
Visit the link for more.
mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p/the-png-co...
Visit the link for more.
mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p/the-png-co...
January 19, 2026 at 1:57 AM
This is excellent.
Takaichi is using foreigner-bashing as an election gimmick, to try to fend off the Sanseito.
Reality:
"the need to position foreigners in Japan as residents of local communities, rather than just imported labor"
Reality:
"the need to position foreigners in Japan as residents of local communities, rather than just imported labor"
Honestly I like the low key way Japan has boosted immigration dramatically without politicizing it. But valid issues of need to support integration - which should be spent where residents are
Japan’s Governors Speak Out on Need for a Better Foreign Resident Policy www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/...
Japan’s Governors Speak Out on Need for a Better Foreign Resident Policy www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/...
Japan’s Governors Speak Out on Need for a Better Foreign Resident Policy
Japan’s National Governors’ Association has presented the national government with a formal request for a comprehensive policy on better integrating foreign residents into Japanese society. A talk wit...
www.nippon.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Takaichi is using foreigner-bashing as an election gimmick, to try to fend off the Sanseito.
Reality:
"the need to position foreigners in Japan as residents of local communities, rather than just imported labor"
Reality:
"the need to position foreigners in Japan as residents of local communities, rather than just imported labor"
Reposted by johnraff
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings has said that an alert system did not work during a test operation of the idled No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, potentially delaying its restart.
TEPCO reports error at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The error was in the alert system, which is designed to activate when a control rod is being pulled out of the reactor while another rod is already out.
ebx.sh
January 18, 2026 at 5:30 AM
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings has said that an alert system did not work during a test operation of the idled No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, potentially delaying its restart.
“They are almost certainly not fishing, and I can’t think of any explanation that isn’t state-directed”
January 18, 2026 at 2:09 AM
“They are almost certainly not fishing, and I can’t think of any explanation that isn’t state-directed”
Reposted by johnraff
Japan should also create support of sake-tourism and other local agriculture product production support like locally grown indigo and urushi lacquer to support sustainable local farming which support traditional crafts & enhance tourism - an increasingly important source of income for economy
FYI: European Wine Sector Set for 80% Climate Aid Under New Regulatory Package #EuropeanWine #ClimateAid #WineTourism #EUBudget #Sustainability
European Wine Sector Set for 80% Climate Aid Under New Regulatory Package
Producers to gain flexible crisis tools, planting controls, and major support for wine tourism as EU reforms advance
www.vinetur.com
January 17, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Japan should also create support of sake-tourism and other local agriculture product production support like locally grown indigo and urushi lacquer to support sustainable local farming which support traditional crafts & enhance tourism - an increasingly important source of income for economy
“in essence, it’s all an illusion that doesn’t reflect statistical reality”
Instead of "cracking down" on foreigners, the authorities should be promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe? - The Japan Times www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01...
Instead of "cracking down" on foreigners, the authorities should be promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe? - The Japan Times www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01...
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe?
Crime is low but anxiety is rising, fueled by demographics, social media and perception gaps shaping how safety is felt.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 16, 2026 at 7:36 AM
“in essence, it’s all an illusion that doesn’t reflect statistical reality”
Instead of "cracking down" on foreigners, the authorities should be promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe? - The Japan Times www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01...
Instead of "cracking down" on foreigners, the authorities should be promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe? - The Japan Times www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01...
"both sides now have reached the conclusion that it is up to Korea and Japan to pull the alliance along instead of the US taking the lead"
Seoul, Tokyo watch US foreign policy twists with rising fear www.dw.com/en/seoul-tok...
Seoul, Tokyo watch US foreign policy twists with rising fear www.dw.com/en/seoul-tok...
Seoul, Tokyo watch US foreign policy twists with rising fear
Donald Trump's hostile signals over Greenland and the aftermath of the Venezuela attack have raised fears in Japan and South Korea that Washington is no longer committed to its allies in East Asia.
www.dw.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:42 AM
"both sides now have reached the conclusion that it is up to Korea and Japan to pull the alliance along instead of the US taking the lead"
Seoul, Tokyo watch US foreign policy twists with rising fear www.dw.com/en/seoul-tok...
Seoul, Tokyo watch US foreign policy twists with rising fear www.dw.com/en/seoul-tok...
It's all hypothetical, but it could be huge. We'll find out soon enough...
Jiji visualizes what the CDP-Kōmeitō merger could mean for the contests in the SMDs: www.jiji.com/sp/tokushu?i...
【試算】自民党・公明党の連立解消による影響シミュレーション：時事ドットコム
こちらのページでは、2024年衆院選の投票結果を基に様々な試算を行っています。公明の岩盤支持層（主に創価学会員票）を示す各小選挙区での同党比例票をベースに、その票が自民候補から減った際のシミュレーションと、さらにその票が立憲民主党や国民民主党といった民主系候補に上積みされた場合を可視化しました。（2026年1月15日・時事ドットコム作成）
www.jiji.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:36 AM
It's all hypothetical, but it could be huge. We'll find out soon enough...
Reposted by johnraff
The world stands at an inflection point.
Choose your side now, and choose wisely.
To help, picture yourself explaining your choice to your grandchildren.
Choose your side now, and choose wisely.
To help, picture yourself explaining your choice to your grandchildren.
January 15, 2026 at 11:32 PM
The world stands at an inflection point.
Choose your side now, and choose wisely.
To help, picture yourself explaining your choice to your grandchildren.
Choose your side now, and choose wisely.
To help, picture yourself explaining your choice to your grandchildren.
"as regards US public opinion, the notion that the US is no longer a country that abides by international law, nor one that adheres to the liberal international order that it established post-Cold War, will be circulated en masse among the American people"
www.sinification.org/p/yan-xueton...
www.sinification.org/p/yan-xueton...
Yan Xuetong: Trump's Imperial Turn and the End of the West
"The result is that the United States will no longer be a Western democratic country in the traditional sense, but will gradually evolve into a semi-dictatorial state."
www.sinification.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:13 AM
"as regards US public opinion, the notion that the US is no longer a country that abides by international law, nor one that adheres to the liberal international order that it established post-Cold War, will be circulated en masse among the American people"
www.sinification.org/p/yan-xueton...
www.sinification.org/p/yan-xueton...
There's no "foreigner problem". The Japanese online world has shifted to the right, but that's not reflected in the real world. Yet.
The top issue for Japanese voters by far is rising prices. However, online agitation against foreigners has helped shift Japanese politics to the right, resulting in a slew of new policies cracking down on purported immigration abuse:
buff.ly/CFCGdAC
buff.ly/CFCGdAC
Japan Continues Cracking Down on Foreigners, for Some Reason - Unseen Japan
New proposals around property registration and naturalization raise questions around what problem the country is trying to solve.
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 2:53 AM
There's no "foreigner problem". The Japanese online world has shifted to the right, but that's not reflected in the real world. Yet.