iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Check out this new East Angle podcast with my good friends Professor Sherzod Muminov and Simon Lee [@kant.bsky.social], in which we had a wide-ranging discussion of issues facing Japan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVJW...

youtube.com

A Tokyo Special: Simon Lee and Jeffrey J. Hall on Changing Japan

YouTube video by The East Angle

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

LDP politician Akamatsu Ken, who was a famous manga author before entering politics, has frequently spoken out about the importance of freedom of expression. He posted an apology for "not being able to stop" a law outlawing desecration of the flag. He joined the LDP in voting "yes" for the law.

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Reposted by Jeffrey J. Hall

21st Century Schizoid Tran @grayathena.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

just keeps happening

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

・US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby in January 2026: South Korea is a "model ally." ・Trump in August 2026: US-ROK joint exercises are "inappropriate and hostile." North Korea, which recently test fired several missiles without warning, is "unthreatening and respectful."

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

PM Takaichi prayed to the war dead at the Yasukuni Shrine today...from a parking lot less than one kilometer away. If she bows and prays from outside of the actual shrine grounds, does it count as not visiting? www.jiji.com/jc/article?k...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I was interviewed by DW News about the Northern Territories dispute: "Why did Putin just visit territory embroiled in decades-long Japan-Russia dispute?" www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDbR...

youtube.com

Why did Putin just visit territory embroiled in decades-long Japan-Russia dispute? | DW News

YouTube video by DW News

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

“I’ve never seen a prime minister brag about not sleeping.” - Japan's Mainichi Shimbun reports on Takaichi Sanae's strange post announcing that she is operating on 0-3 hours of sleep many nights. It's a dangerously low level of sleep that could impair judgement. mainichi.jp/articles/202...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

I was interviewed for this article about Japan's Lower House approving a bill that will ban desecration of the national flag: www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Japanese People Don't Trust Trump: A new Pew Research poll has found that only 25% of Japanese people trust that President Donald Trump will do the right thing regarding world affairs. Only 11% of Japanese trust Benjamin Netanyahu and 7% trust Xi & Putin. www.pewresearch.org/global/2026/...

pewresearch.org

How do views of Trump compare with other global leaders?

Of the six leaders asked about, only Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu ranks below President Donald Trump in confidence.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I appeared on Australia's ABC News today to talk about Japan hiking entry fees for tourist visas, and how it might impact people from certain countries more than others: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNwj...

youtube.com

Japan to hike entry visa fees - what does it mean for your holiday? | The World | ABC NEWS

YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I have started co-hosting a podcast for Japanese media outlet NewsPicks: Here is a link to the first twenty minutes of the first episode, in which we discuss Takaichi's diplomacy. (Newspicks is a paid service, so only the preview clip is free.) www.youtube.com/watch?v=skuA...

youtube.com

アメリカ人日本専門家 Jeffery J. Hallが高市政権、日本政治、社会、トランプ政権に切り込む【新番組 J CONTEXT スタート】

YouTube video by NewsPicks /ニューズピックス

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

I randomly flipped through a "Florida Place Names" book at a Japanese library today and learned the horrible story of "Hongry Land."

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Japan's Mire Biscuits has halted production of some of its products due to the impact of a naphtha shortage caused by the Iran War. It hasn't been able to get enough packaging materials. The Takaichi administration has told the nation there is no naphtha supply shortage. www.47news.jp/14294317.html

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Japan is experiencing shortages of petroleum-based materials: •"The effects are already being felt across a wide range of everyday goods, including food products" •There is a "gap" between the PM Takaichi's claims that there are no shortages & the actual situation. www.47news.jp/14289309.html

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

A look at the Twitter account of the person who claimed responsibility for yesterday's Shibuya scramble crossing fire reveals past posts in which he enthusiastically supported the far-right Sanseito party. He also appeared to have positive views of Prime Minister Takaichi.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

The Japanese conspiracy theorist who set a fire in Shibuya scramble crossing was a follower of the Lotus Eaters, a right-wing English language podcast hosted by Carl Benjamin (Sargon of Akkad). Prior to the crime, he left a message notifying them to take note of his actions.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

The website promoted by the Shibuya arsonist reveals him to be a far-right conspiracy theorist, obsessed with the idea that Zainichi Koreans have taken over Japan with the help of the "deep state." In 2025 he wrote a letter asking Elon Musk and Trump for help.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I am quoted in this new article from the FCCJ's Number 1 Shimbun: Sanae Takaichi’s preference for populist messaging has left Japan’s mainstream media struggling to respond www.fccj.or.jp/number-1-shi...

fccj.or.jp

Trust and betrayal | FCCJ

April 2026 | Cover story Sanae Takaichi’s preference for populist messaging has left Japan’s mainstream media struggling to respond Journalists dream of a viral moment in the White House Oval Office. ...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is heading to Washington to meet Trump. The visit was set up before the US and Israel launched a war against Iran. She now faces a difficult situation, with Trump using quotation marks to question if "allies" will secure the Straight of Hormuz.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

In October Prime Minister Takaichi's declared she would throw away work-life balance and "work, work, work." It became Japan's buzzword of the year for 2025. The media is reporting she had to cancel a diplomatic meeting yesterday because she was "sleep-deprived." news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0e1...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

I spoke to India's Firstpost TV about Takaichi's election victory and the outlook for her relations with China and the United States: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i7F...

youtube.com

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Wins Snap Elections, Modi, Trump & Meloni Extend Wishes | Firstpost Live

YouTube video by Firstpost

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

I was interviewed by Time Magazine about Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's big election victory. A lot of LDP politicians, including former Abe faction members who lost their seats in 2024, will be grateful to her and look to her leadership. time.com/7372956/japa...

time.com

Japan’s Takaichi Wins Big in Snap Election: What to Know

The conservative Prime Minister’s gamble seems to have paid off.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

I was interviewed by the Telegraph for their coverage of Takaichi's election victory: "Japan puts faith in first female prime minister" www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...

telegraph.co.uk

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

The LDP politician who called Abe a "traitor" and publicly rated Takaichi a 2/10 has won a seat in the Diet. Takaichi punished him by placing him at a low position on the LDP's proportional representation list, but the party got enough votes for him to win anyway. news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6569167

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Former LDP lawmaker Sugita Mio, who is infamous for her use of hate speech against Koreans & Ainu, failed to win a seat in Osaka's 5th district. Prime Minister Takaichi didn't visit Osaka to campaign for LDP candidates(possibly to avoid friction with the Ishin party).

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

NHK's map of election district results shows LDP red making major gains across the country. Osaka, the home of the LDP's coalition partner, the Ishin Party, remains Ishin territory. 30 minutes after the polls have closed, they haven't called a single district for the Centrist Reform Alliance.

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Reposted by Jeffrey J. Hall

Paul Nadeau @pauljnadeau.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Re-upping this because I think it still holds…Takaichi and her supporters might think they have a stronger hand on China after their election win, but the structural constraints of a tight budget, wobbly ally in DC, and voters demanding action on the economy are still very much in place

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Takaichi successfully convinced voters to ignore unresolved scandals and cast their votes for LDP candidates. The LDP will likely win a 300+ seat majority. The opposition CRA is going to lose over a hundred seats. The far-right Sanseito continues to grow, more than doubling its seats.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

I made a brief appearance on DW News today to talk about tomorrow's snap election in Japan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjha...

youtube.com

Voters in Japan prepare for snap election: What's at stake | DW News

YouTube video by DW News

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

My comments on Japan's election appear in this piece from the Sydney Morning Herald: 「‘Not from central casting’: Japan’s unconventional leader puts it all on the line」 www.smh.com.au/world/asia/n...

smh.com.au

‘Not from central casting’: Japan’s unconventional leader puts it all on the line

Sanae Takaichi is banking on a snap election to give her the mandate to run the country the way she wants to.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

I was interviewed by BBC News for this article about tomorrow's election in Japan: "Will Sunday's snap election gamble pay off for Japan's first female premier?" www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

Will Sunday's snap election gamble pay off for Japan's first female premier?

Sanae Takaichi is popular - but inflation and a diplomatic row with China weigh on voters' minds.

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Reposted by Jeffrey J. Hall

Emily @suika.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Sharing for a friend: "Spot was a beloved puppy who brought so much joy to everyone around him. Sadly, he passed away after a brave fight against cancer. Let’s honor his memory by supporting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, where he found love."

gofund.me

Donate to Memorial for Spot, organized by Rebecca Li

On Jan.30, 2026, Mr. Spot, the beloved puppy of Jingyi and Joseph, crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully,… Rebecca Li needs your support for Memorial for Spot

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

The Japanese Communist Party shared this video telling voters what it stands for: •a society in which people get fair pay and healthcare •freedom, equality, and no unfair discrimination •taxing the ultra wealthy

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Reposted by Jeffrey J. Hall

Dan Orlowitz @aishiterutokyo.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

Just got a robocall from Kyodo News to participate in a poll on the upcoming Lower House election, so here's what that survey looks like @tobiasharris.bsky.social @mrjeffu.bsky.social. Shockingly no 'I'm a foreigner and not eligible to vote' option, also Q3/4 autopopulate when you add zip code.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

Japan's National Doujinshi Convention Liaison Council is cooperating with the Japanese government to encourage young people to vote. Millions of people read doujinshi (fan comics) each year in Japan, but youth voter turnout is usually quite low. www.lets-go-senkyo.jp

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Reposted by Jeffrey J. Hall

Hikosaemon @hikosaemon.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Achievable if we learn to eat insects!

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

The Japanese Communist Party has a simple slogan for the upcoming election: Tax the Rich. According to a recent NHK poll, 2.6% of Japanese voters support the JCP. About 35% of respondents supported no political party or said they did not know what party to support.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

The far-right Sanseito party got Community Noted on Twitter for posting a pledge to raise Japan's food self-sufficiency rate from 38% to 100%. The note points out that it's simply unrealistic to expect that such a pledge could be achieved.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Japan's ruling LDP has politicians with conflicting views on the far-right. As you can see from these Yomiuri surveys that asked candidates to rate leaders of each political party, some rate the far-right Sanseito and CPJ leaders as 0/10, while others rate them nearly as high as Takaichi.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Video of my appearance on Australia's ABC News last night to discuss the politics of nuclear power restarts and Japan's upcoming general election: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6vz...

youtube.com

Japan delays restart of reactor at world's biggest nuclear plant | The World | ABC NEWS

YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Japanese Prime Minister Abe was known for having a strong circle of advisors. According to tabloid Daily Shincho, Takaichi, "who regards Abe as her political mentor, is said to be sitting alone at her desk," making top-down decisions without getting much advice. www.dailyshincho.jp/article/2026...

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Tobias Harris @tobiasharris.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

If I was more conspiratorially minded I would say it's deliberate given the opposition's relative strength up north.

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

It's been 36 years since the last time Japan held a general election in the middle of winter, and there's a practical reason for that: many areas of the country get a lot of snow this time of the year. How do you campaign and put up posters in heavy snowfall? www.asahi.com/articles/ASV...

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Dan Orlowitz @aishiterutokyo.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Former Nadeshiko Japan midfielder Marumi Yamazaki, who retired in 2023 after a career spent mostly in the Nadeshiko League with Urawa, Niigata, Nagano and Chiba (along with a short WEL stint at Omiya) has come out as a trans man and announced his marriage. h/t @rbyryo.bsky.social

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

I was at a Japanese supermarket yesterday and saw a display of Christmas messages written by children who had visited the store. Almost all of the messages were wishes for a Merry X-mas, but one kid simply wrote the word "Roblox."

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

“The U.S. is a total outlier in how much people suffer.” - Keio University Prof. Ikegami comparing the Japanese universal healthcare system to the U.S. healthcare system. Japanese conservative broadly support the existing system. www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-assa...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Nissin is going to produce and sell cup curry using the special recipe of the President of the APA Hotels chain, which is known for having historical revisionist literature in its hotel rooms, denying that Japan waged a war of aggression in World War II. news.livedoor.com/article/deta...

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Jeffrey J. Hall @mrjeffu.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

Prime Minister Takaichi's official supporter merch shop is also selling a "Fight On!! Sanae For Japan" toothbrush for 6,600 yen ($42). They only plan to sell 200 of them, so I guess that makes this a very special toothbrush?

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