DOCSLIB.ORG

12 Days for Assault: Fury at Weak Penalties for Attacks on Women Harassment, Assaults ‘Not Taken Seriously Enough’ in Singapore

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
12 Days for Assault: Fury at Weak Penalties for Attacks on Women Harassment, Assaults ‘Not Taken Seriously Enough’ in Singapore 7 International Tuesday, August 25, 2020 12 days for assault: Fury at weak penalties for attacks on women Harassment, assaults ‘not taken seriously enough’ in Singapore SINGAPORE: Sexual harassment and assaults against In July, Yin Zi Qin, a dentistry student at NUS, was women are not being taken seriously enough in Singa- jailed for less than two weeks and asked to conduct 80 pore, activists warn, after students at elite universities hours of community service despite pleading guilty to were given punishments criticized as too lenient for strangling his ex-girlfriend and pressing his thumb into their crimes. In the most recent incident, a 23-year-old her eye until she lost consciousness. The judge opted spent just 12 days behind bars after he tried to strangle for softer “community-based sentencing” put forward his ex-girlfriend during a vicious assault. The city-state by the prosecution as he was a first offender, cooper- is known for its tough approach to law and order, with ated with authorities, and voluntarily sought counseling vandalism punishable by caning, while drug trafficking and to apologize to the victim. and murder carry the death penalty. But it provoked a public backlash with some angry But campaigners say crimes against women have the privileged only get a “slap on the wrists” for serious long been minimalised-marital rape was only criminal- crimes. “I can’t believe the sentence is so light! I guess ized this year. “The justice system is very harsh on peo- NUS students have such a bright future that they can ple who vandalize state-owned get away with any crime,” com- property. But you want to mented Maruko Chan on a so- threaten and violate a woman’s cial media post about the ruling. life? Oh yeah, sure. It’s not as se- Punishments “Because he’s a medical student rious, is the message (authori- and a future doctor?... Go ahead ties) are giving,” said Pamela Ng, criticized as do more of wrist slapping,” said a spokeswoman for the Aim For netizen Huew Lim. Zero campaign against sexual too lenient In another case, NUS stu- violence. dent Terence Siow Kai Yuan SINGAPORE: A sign of the National University of Singapore is displayed at the campus entrance in Singapore. There are also concerns the was sentenced to 21 months of Sexual harassment and assaults against women are not being taken seriously enough in Singapore, academic potential of male per- supervised probation for mo- activists warn. — AFP petrators is being prioritized over the actual effect of lesting a woman on a train and at a station. The judge sex crimes on women. This echoes criticisms of inci- rejected the prosecution’s call for a custodial sentence dents at prestigious schools in the US, including the six- saying he had a high chance of being rehabilitated given ‘Sexual violence normalized’ Ong Ye Kung provided to Parliament last May. NUS month imprisonment of Brock Turner for three counts his academic record and “relatively minor” nature of his Vanessa who runs Instagram account upand.out, toughened penalties for sexual misconduct after the of sexual assault, where a judge feared a longer sen- acts, according to court documents. which aims to empower youth, says the system must Baey case in 2019, and said Yin Zi Qin is suspended tence would severely “impact” the Stanford University However, his victim told The New Paper, the attack treat everyone equally. “23-years-old = fully func- pending disciplinary proceedings. swimmer. was not “spur of the moment” and the impact on her tioning adult. He is fully capable of higher thinking if Despite the growing concerns, Singapore lawyer Last year, National University of Singapore (NUS) had not been minor. Siow was later jailed for two weeks he was accepted in one of our top university’s most Gloria James-Civetta cautioned that the judiciary could student Monica Baey took to social media to protest after prosecutors appealed. Following the July case, competitive courses. If SG is taking a more compas- only operate within the “boundaries prescribed by leg- the light punishment given to a male student who filmed women’s rights group AWARE raised concerns that sionate stance for crimes now, it should be reflected islators”. “In some instances, the academic background her in a dormitory shower. Her decision to go public more consideration was being shown for the assailant in every case,” the 22-year-old, who gave only her of the offender may be indicative of the offender’s pos- was dubbed the city-state’s #MeToo moment and is than the impact on the victims. “Rehabilitation is impor- first name, added. sibilities for reform,” she explained. Singapore has credited with encouraging other victims to come for- tant but this should not depend on the educational sta- There were 56 cases of sexual misconduct involving toughened some of its sex crime laws, with “cyber- ward. But critics say recent cases involving men of priv- tus of the perpetrator,” AWARE executive director students from six Singapore universities between 2015 flashing”-sending unsolicited images of one’s private ilege show not enough has changed. Corinna Lim adds. and 2017, according to information Education Minister parts-and “revenge porn” recently outlawed. —AFP when his examination lasted 7-1/2 hours, fuelling wor- Japan leader ‘second ries about his health. But major broadcaster Nippon TV said Abe was being treated for a chronic illness hospital visit within rather than a check-up, citing multiple unidentified government and ruling party sources. Abe has been prime minister since 2012 in his second stint after a Xinjiang residents days’ sparks concern troubled term from which he resigned abruptly in 2007, because of struggles with ulcerative colitis, a protesting online TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to disease he now keeps in check with medicine that was take care of his health and do his utmost at his job, he not previously available. said yesterday, after a second hospital visit within days against lockdown sparked concern whether he could stay on as leader ‘Not at all’ worried of the world’s third biggest economy. The visit came as His office did not give a detailed explanation for the BEIJING: Residents in China’s northwestern Japan’s longest-serving prime minister surpassed a hospital visits, but close aide Health Minister Kat- Xinjiang region have complained on social TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wearing a record for longest consecutive tenure as premier set sunobu Kato said last week’s visit was a regular check- media about the harsh coronavirus lockdown face mask arrives at the Prime Minister’s office in by his great-uncle Eisaku Sato half a century ago, up and he was “not at all” worried about Abe’s health. measures in the sensitive region after a local Tokyo yesterday. — AFP adding to speculation Abe could resign after reaching Japanese media have speculated about Abe’s health outbreak. China - where the disease first the milestone. this month, including detailed reports on his walking emerged - had largely brought domestic trans- Abe, criticized for his handling of the coronavirus speed. Weekly magazine Flash said Abe had vomited election, followed by the winner’s formal election in mission under control through lockdowns, travel outbreak and some scandals, has suffered a slide in blood at his office on July 6. Reuters was unable to ver- parliament.Abe’s tenure as LDP president, and thus, restrictions and testing, but sporadic regional voter support to one of the lowest levels since return- ify the widely cited report, which was denied by gov- premier, ends in September 2021 unless he steps down outbreaks have emerged. A new cluster in Xin- ing to office for a second term in 2012 with promises ernment officials. earlier. Those tipped as possible successors include jiang’s capital Urumqi in mid-July prompted to revive the economy and bolster defense. “I’d like to Abe gets a regular check-up twice a year, with his Aso, former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba, ex-for- fresh restrictions. A total of 902 cases have been take care of my health and do my best at my job,” Abe most recent on June 13, Kyodo news agency said, eign minister Fumio Kishida, Suga, and Defense Min- officially reported in the outbreak. told reporters at his official residence, after visiting a adding that last week’s visit was a follow-up to a June ister Taro Kono. All are veteran LDP lawmakers Officials said earlier this month that they had Tokyo hospital where he said he had received results check-up, citing a hospital source. If Abe is incapaci- unlikely to make huge policy shifts, despite differing “effectively contained” the spread of the Urumqi of an exam done last week and undergone additional tated, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, 79, who dou- over details. But any successor may find it tough to em- cluster, and there have been no new cases re- examinations. Abe, who turns 66 next month, also said bles as finance minister, would take over temporarily ulate Abe’s political longevity, which followed years of ported in the last eight days. But hundreds of he wanted to speak again later about his medical tests. as acting prime minister. If Abe says he has decided to revolving-door premiers and was aided by the strong local residents flooded local social media forums Earlier, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said resign, he would stay on until formally replaced, which economy, tight control over bureaucrats and weak op- in recent days to complain about harsh condi- Abe was having a follow-up to a check a week ago requires a ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential position parties.— Reuters tions, including many being forced to stay home.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • GJAA Nishimura.Pdf (936Kb)
    Nishimura | Chasing the Conservative Dream Research Chasing the Conservative Dream: Why Shinzo Abe Failed to Revise the Constitution of Japan Rintaro Nishimura This paper examines the role of domestic actors in shaping Japan’s constitutional debate during Shinzo Abe’s time as prime minister. Based on a holistic analysis of the prevailing literature and the role of the public, leadership, and other political actors, this study finds that Abe was unable to garner enough support from the public or fellow lawmakers to push his version of proposed revisions to the Constitution of Japan. The paper identifies the wide spectrum of views that exist on the issue and how revising the constitution is viewed as a challenge against prevailing norms. Public opinion remains opposed to revision and the inability of lawmakers to build consensus on what to amend stymies the process further. Abe seems to have had a grasp on the political climate, opting to pursue constitutional revision largely for electoral purposes. Introduction Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his decision to step down in August 2020.1 Japan’s longest-serving prime minister left behind a mixed legacy defined by electoral and foreign policy achievements, as well as a period of economic stagnation and string of political scandals.2 But what best defines Abe’s political career will undoubtedly be his desire, and ultimate failure, to revise the seventy-four-year-old Constitution of Japan (COJ). Although Abe’s failure to amend the COJ is often attributed to institutional hurdles, this paper argues that varying interests among domestic actors—from public resistance to militarism, to the prime minister’s agenda, and lawmakers’ scattered inter- ests regarding what exactly to amend—ultimately determined the fate of his political 1 Eric Johnston and Satoshi Sugiyama, “Abe to resign over health, ending era of political stability,” Japan Times, August 28, 2020, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/08/28/national/politics-di- plomacy/shinzo-abe-resign/.
    [Show full text]
  • JAPAN: the Silence Defeated Suga, As Eyes Turn Now to Kono
    Asia | September 3, 2021 JAPAN: The silence defeated Suga, as eyes turn now to Kono ● Strategic silence from Abe and Aso undermined Yoshihide Suga, but the prime minister’s own gambits hastened his departure. ● Taro Kono is set to enter the race as the favorite, and Kishida may now be joined by Ishiba and other candidates. ● The LDP’s prospects for the general election will now improve, as will the likelihood of another stimulus package The dominos all fell quickly at the end. Perhaps the chief factor in Yoshihide Suga’s decision to step down from his positions as party president and prime minister was the ongoing silence of two of the kingmakers, his boss of eight years and former PM Shinzo Abe, and his current deputy PM and Finance Minister Taro Aso. Their lack of public support created the space for doubts to fester in Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) circles about whether the factionally-unaligned premier would secure the votes to repeat his unlikely victory of 12 months ago. Suga also hastened his own departure with two consequential gambits this week – first floating the idea of a snap September election that resulted in blowback from jittery party colleagues, then presenting several prominent names with a back-me-or-I’ll-sack-myself ultimatum with his plan to reshuffle top posts only weeks before the party vote. Environment Minister Junichiro Koizumi and others ultimately seem to have concluded that Suga’s offers of promotion were akin to being given front-row deck chairs on the Titanic. The leadership race opens The incumbent’s withdrawal leaves the field open in the party leadership race.
    [Show full text]
  • Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis
    Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis Policy Issues facing the Abe Administration in the final stage of Abenomics - Looking beyond to “post-Abenomics” - October 10, 2018 Copyright Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contents 1. Policy Issues of the Abe Administration [ Overview ] P 3 2. Key Policy Issues of the Abe Administration [ Details ] P 4 3. Future Points of Focus P 12 4. Shift in Priorities of Abenomics P 13 Conclusion P 14 1 Summary The Liberal Democratic Party leadership election held in September 2018 saw LDP President (Prime Minister) Shinzo Abe capture his third consecutive victory and party leadership for the next three years. During his last three-year term under the LDP constitution, the Abe administration needs to complete the final stage of Abenomics and draw up a roadmap for the post-Abenomics era. Over the past nearly six years, the Abe administration has promoted its economic policy featuring “three arrows” and “three new arrows,” and the policy has demonstrated certain achievements, for example, substantial progress made in overcoming deflation. But Japan’s full-fledged economic recovery is only halfway down the road. In the coming years, the government needs to advance its policy agenda below and address important medium- and long-term issues. This report examines (1) consumption tax increase, (2) fiscal consolidation, (3) monetary policy, (4) growth strategy, (5) social security, (6) employment, and (7) regional revitalization as the government’s key policy issues. Japan is facing numerous domestic and foreign affairs challenges, including changing the current Japanese era name, the Upper House election, chairing the G20 summit in 2019, and hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan Covid-19 Update 28 May 2020 This Report Covers the Latest
    Japan Covid-19 update 28 May 2020 This report covers the latest developments in Japan in relation to the Covid-19 crisis, including current restrictions, economic measures and the political impact. Latest figures As of 27 May, Japan has: • 17,396 confirmed cases (including 712 on the cruise ship Diamond Princess) • 878 deaths (including 14 on the Diamond Princess) • GDP decreased by 0.9% quarter-on-quarter, in Q2 2020 (3.4% annualised) • Private consumption down 0.7% quarter-on-quarter • 6.0% fall in exports • 4.9% fall in imports Nationwide end to state of emergency On 25 May, the government announced the end of the nationwide state of emergency, a week ahead of schedule. The state of emergency, introduced on 7 April, was gradually lifted during May, starting from prefectures with lower infection rates. The decision was made based on three criteria: an infection rate during the previous week of less than 0.5 per 100,000; sufficient healthcare capacity; and sufficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capability. Some restrictions remain in place (see Table 1), however, and will be reviewed every three weeks. Local variations are likely to continue, based on decisions made by local governors. Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, Yasutoshi Nishimura, in charge of Covid-19 countermeasures, stated that a state of emergency could be reintroduced if necessary, also depending on three factors: the rate of new infections during the preceding week; the time for the infection rate to double; and the proportion of infections occurring via unidentified routes. Although entry restrictions on foreign nationals remain in place, the government has begun planning to reopen the borders in phases.
    [Show full text]
  • Expert Voices on Japan Security, Economic, Social, and Foreign Policy Recommendations
    Expert Voices on Japan Security, Economic, Social, and Foreign Policy Recommendations U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Cohort IV Expert Voices on Japan Security, Economic, Social, and Foreign Policy Recommendations U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Cohort IV Arthur Alexander, Editor www.mansfieldfdn.org The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, Washington, D.C. ©2018 by The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation All rights reserved. Published in the United States of America Library of Congress Control Number: 2018942756 The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation or its funders. Contributors Amy Catalinac, Assistant Professor, New York University Yulia Frumer, Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University Robert Hoppens, Associate Professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Nori Katagiri, Assistant Professor, Saint Louis University Adam P. Liff, Assistant Professor, Indiana University Ko Maeda, Associate Professor, University of North Texas Reo Matsuzaki, Assistant Professor, Trinity College Matthew Poggi Michael Orlando Sharpe, Associate Professor, City University of New York Jolyon Thomas, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania Kristin Vekasi, Assistant Professor, University of Maine Joshua W. Walker, Managing Director for Japan and Head of Global Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President, Eurasia Group U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Advisory Committee Dr. Susan J. Pharr, Edwin O. Reischauer Professor
    [Show full text]
  • JAPAN: Suga's Cabinet Offers Bland Continuity but Honeymoon Is Still Likely
    Asia | September 16, 2020 JAPAN: Suga’s cabinet offers bland continuity but honeymoon is still likely ● Yoshihide Suga was officially selected as Japan’s prime minister by the Diet on Wednesday, 16 September. ● Suga’s cabinet retains ten members from its predecessor, but the new members contain few politicians who will raise excitement about the government. ● The new government will still enjoy healthy approval ratings, which could tempt Suga to call a snap election. In his first press conference Wednesday, Suga stressed that combating the Covid-19 pandemic and helping the economy recover its consequences after a historic contraction will be his top priorities, signaling that he wants an orderly transition from the Abe administration. However, while Suga will likely enjoy a honeymoon period at the outset of his government, he faces a challenging policy environment and the new cabinet lineup, announced on Wednesday, could contain some potential liabilities. The most notable feature of the new cabinet is personnel continuity. Half of the cabinet – ten of 20 ministers – are holdovers from the Abe cabinet, with new Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato and new Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono moving over from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) and Ministry of Defense (MOD) respectively. Other notable holdovers included Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, Economy, Trade, and Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama, Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, and Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. In other words, the top-tier posts – and the posts most relevant for managing the most urgent issues he faces – were mostly left unchanged.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan's Political Turmoil in 2008: Background and Implications for The
    Order Code RS22951 September 16, 2008 Japan’s Political Turmoil in 2008: Background and Implications for the United States Mark E. Manyin and Emma Chanlett-Avery Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary On September 1, 2008, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda stunned observers by resigning his post, saying that a new leader might be able to avoid the “political vacuum” that he faced in office. Fukuda’s 11-month tenure was marked by low approval ratings, a sputtering economy, and virtual paralysis in policymaking, as the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) used its control of the Upper House of Japan’s parliament (the Diet) to delay or halt most government proposals. On September 22, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect a new president, who will become Japan’s third prime minister in as many years. Ex-Foreign Minister Taro Aso, a popular figure known for his conservative foreign policy credentials and support for increased deficit spending, is widely expected to win. Many analysts expect that the new premier will dissolve the Lower House and call for parliamentary elections later in the fall. As a result, Japanese policymaking is likely to enter a period of disarray, which could negatively affect several items of interest to the United States, including the passage of budgets to support the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and the renewal of legislation that authorizes the deployment of Japanese navy vessels that are refueling ships supporting U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan. This report analyzes the factors behind and implications of Japan’s current political turmoil.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint U.S. Korea Academic Studies
    2012 2012 Joint ASIA AT A TIPPING POINT: KOREA, THE RISE OF CHINA, AND THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GILBERT ROZMAN, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY Polical Change in 2010-2012 and Regional Sociological Processes and Regional Community JOINT Cooperaon Centered on the Korean Peninsula Formaon Incorporang South Korea U. S. Leadership Changes and South Korea’s China Policy South Korean Naonal Identy Gaps with -K U.S.KOREA Jae Ho Chung China and Japan Gilbert Rozman or North Korean Polics and China ea Academic Studie Jack Pritchard and L. Gordon Flake Diverging Trajectories of Trust in Northeast Asia: ACADEMIC South Korea’s Security Relaons with Japan and China Japanese Polics, the Korean Peninsula, and China Leif-Eric Easley Kazuhiko Togo STUDIES A Cognive Approach to Ethnic Identy Chinese Polics and the Korean Peninsula Construcon in the Korean Enclave in Beijing ASIA AT A TIPPING POINT: Gilbert Rozman Sharon Yoon KOREA, THE RISE OF CHINA, AND THE IMPACT OF Security Challenges and the Changing TPP or ASEAN+3: Alternave Plans for Asian Balance on the Korean Peninsula Regionalism and Free Trade Pacts LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS s The View from China The U.S. Approach to Regional Trade Agreements EDITORSINSCHIEF: Andrew Scobell Involving East Asia GILBERT ROZMAN Edward J. Lincoln The View from Russia Stephen Blank South Korea: Which Way Will It Go on Asian Integraon? Hyung-Gon Jeong V Japan’s Response to Nuclear North Korea ol. 23 Narushige Michishita Compeng Templates in Asia Pacific Economic Integraon Peter A. Petri The View from
    [Show full text]
  • The People Vs. Koizumi? NAOYUKI AGAWA Japan-U.S
    ASIA PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT NO. 119 FEBRUARY 2004 INSIDE The People vs. Koizumi? NAOYUKI AGAWA Japan-U.S. Relations Japan-U.S. Relations and Japan’s and the Japanese Public Struggle for National Identity page 7 ABSTRACT: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has pleased Washington by deploying MASARU TAMAMOTO Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in Iraq. But half the public remains opposed. How serious is the gap A Nationalist's Lament: between Koizumi and the Japanese people on security affairs? This Special Report includes three The Slippery Slope of very different perspectives, and extends beyond the immediate question of SDF deployment to Koizumi's Foreign Policy such issues as Japan’s role in the world, the lingering legacy of World War II, and how Japan can best contribute to stability in Asia as well as the Middle East. Naoyuki Agawa of the Japanese page 10 embassy argues that the Japanese people will continue to support expansion of the SDF under TOSHIO NISHI the U.S. wing. According to Masaru Tamamoto, the prime minister has pushed the public farther than it wants to go in the direction of militarization—casualties in Iraq could bring down Japan’s Last Stand in the Koizumi government. Toshio Nishi argues that increased national pride will prompt Japan the 21st Century toward a more independent and assertive foreign policy. page 16 Introduction perceive as U.S. aggressiveness. Last December, Amy McCreedy those Japanese who “do not trust the United States” topped those who “trust” on a percent- age basis for the first time.2 Half of Japanese ou’re the pride of the Japanese remain opposed to sending SDF to Iraq, and 84 people, the pride of the nation,” percent complain that Koizumi has not been “Y Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba fully accountable to the public on the issue.3 told his troops on January 16.1 Amid a flurry of What will be the consequences of this per- media attention, the first members of the Self- ception gap between elites and ordinary Defense Forces (SDF) left for Samawa, Iraq.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan: 'Abenomics' Has NOT Resigned
    September 2, 2020 Japan: ‘Abenomics’ has NOT resigned Prime Minister Abe’s successor is likely to focus on continuity The LDP will elect a new leader in two weeks who will succeed Shinzo Abe as Japan’s prime minister. Continuity is expected in terms of fiscal and monetary policy, but it will not be easy to handle the pandemic, prepare for the Olympics, engage on the global stage, and enact further regulatory reform all while striving to win the hearts and respect of a nation. Even so, candidates willing to face the challenge are already lining up Source: Håkan Hedström, NHK 2020 ceremonies. Instead, he was making headlines with the government’s handling of the I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make last Friday by resigning from his post as prime COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the Cabinet’s the best decisions for the people. I have minister due to health reasons, only days after approval rating fell to a record low of 34% in decided to step down from my post ... before having become Japan’s longest serving prime a poll conducted by Japan’s major public TV accomplishing my goals. minister. Prior to the start of his second term broadcaster NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai). 69% in 2012, Abe served as prime minister from of those polled opposed Abe serving as PM Shinzo Abe 2006 to 2007 before having to step down, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader for a also due to health reasons. fourth term. It is also interesting to note that Had the COVID-19 pandemic not erupted despite falling support for the Cabinet, the Abe’s public support had faltered recently Prime Minister Abe would have been in the overall support rate for the LDP remains far following a vote-buying scandal involving a global spotlight last month during the above that of opposition parties.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2017 Ajet
    AJET News & Events, Arts & Culture, Lifestyle, Community APRIL 2017 Hakama: The Art of Graduation — what better way to leave than with a bang? (and a splash of colors?) Fan Clubs — to join or not to join? Better question: how to join? Block 8 Photo Contest — think you’ve got the pics to win? Find out how to enter the Shikoku Photo Contest! Battle with Mold — how to battle the dark menace Ikura Circus — come one, come all! To this spectacular new workout! The Japanese Lifestyle & Culture Magazine Written by the International Community in Japan1 CREDITS & CONTENT HEAD EDITOR HEAD OF DESIGN & SOCIAL MEDIA Timothy Saar LAYOUT Abbie Philpott Ashley Hirasuna Farrah Hasnain ASSITANT EDITOR Lilian Diep ASSISTANT DESIGNER COPYEDITING Leia Atkinson Korellia Schneider SECTION EDITORS Amy Brown Kelsey Lechner Lauren Hill COVER PHOTO Sarah Pragnell CONTRIBUTORS Annamarie Carlson Maggie Thorpe Michael Sosnick Ollie Weeden Sabrina Zirakzadeh TABLE OF CONTENTS Andrew Rails Erica Grainger PHOTO Verity Townsend Roxanne Ghezzi Sarah Pragnell Punima Baba Pameline Kang Sydney Owen Jessica Williams ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Shaina Somers Lara Bigotti Giovanni Perez Brad Breiten Dawn Wyruchowski Mark Lamb Karl Warsop Subane Abdi Illaura Rossiter Emma Riley Sarah Pragnell Joshua Francis Maggie Thorpe Marissa Beale Andrew Rails Verity Townsend Punima Baba Sydney Owen Jennifer Blakely Angelica Hunter Hailey Maeda Iba Jun Ikuko Tanigawa Leia Atkinson Ashley Hirasuna This magazine contains original photos used with permission, as well as free-use images. All included photos are property of the author unless otherwise specified. If you are the owner of an image featured in this publication believed to be used without permission, please contact the Head of Graphic Design and Layout, Ashley Hirasuna, at ashley.
    [Show full text]
  • Racing Toward Tragedy? Racing Toward Adam P
    Racing toward Tragedy? Racing toward Adam P. Liff and Tragedy? G. John Ikenberry China’s Rise, Military Competition in the Asia Paciªc, and the Security Dilemma Throughout the post– Cold War period, scholars and policymakers have widely considered the Asia Paciªc “ripe for rivalry” and at risk of intensifying military competition.1 De- velopments over the past decade have deepened these expectations. A chang- ing distribution of material capabilities owing primarily to China’s rise, coupled with regionwide economic growth, surging military spending, and military modernization, seems to have created an even more volatile climate and a potentially vicious cycle of arming and rearming. Together, the pace and scale of change create uncertainty about the future, which in turn exacerbates extant insecurities. In a reºection of these regional trends, many observers sug- gest that an arms race is under way in the Asia Paciªc, and some point to the security dilemma as driving this competition. But is this the case? What are the forces driving the intensiªcation of military competition in the region? In the past, several cases of rising powers, rivalries between major powers, and arms races fomented “hot” or “cold” wars that were ªnancially costly and devastating for international peace, stability, and the global economy.2 Were ei- Adam P. Liff is Assistant Professor of East Asian International Relations at Indiana University’s School of Global and International Studies, a postdoctoral fellow in the Princeton-Harvard China and the World Program, and Associate-in-Research at Harvard University’s Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies and Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies.
    [Show full text]