Read this exciting story from Los Angeles Times July 18, 2026 issue. Japan on Friday enacted a controversial new law prohibiting desecration of its national flag, a key right-wing agenda pushed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Opponents say it’s an attempt to intimidate the public and silence criticism of her government.
Mari Yamaguchi is a journalist at the Associated Press. She covers a diverse range of topics including nuclear issues, politics, defense, and human rights, with a focus on regional interests in North America, LATAM, and the APAC regions. Mari's work has been featured in numerous publications, including the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The Washington Post, and NBC News.
