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Speed, Silence, and the State
It challenges readers to consider how governance behaves under urgency and scrutiny. Photo: Ramiro Vargas / chilanga.com Power travels fast in Tokyo, but accountability must move faster. On January 22, 2026, a Cabinet Office vehicle tied to the Takaichi administration tore through a red light in Akasaka, ending a life and injuring eight others. Noboru Akashi, 32, a taxi passenger, died at a busy intersection framed by embassies and the Prime Minister’s Office—symbols of gover
Feb 21 min read


When a Street Crime in Tokyo Becomes a Diplomatic Signal
Police investigators in Tokyo review nearby surveillance cameras as part of the robbery investigation. Photo: Ramiro Vargas / chilanga.com Tokyo’s Ueno district, usually a postcard of museums, markets, and passing tourists, became the center of a rare diplomatic tremor this week. The reported robbery of approximately ¥423 million from a Chinese citizen is no longer just a criminal investigation; it is a test of trust between neighbors who share history, commerce, and unease.
Jan 312 min read
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