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 Hugh Cortazzi

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Hugh Cortazzi
Hugh Cortazzi was posted to British Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan in 1946, and he joined the British Foreign (later diplomatic) service in 1949. After retiring, he worked in the city of London and was an adviser to a number of Japanese companies. He was chairman of the council of the Japan Society from 1985-1995. Since 1983 he has researched and written a number of books about Japanese culture and history and has edited and compiled a series of books on personalities active in Anglo-Japanese relations.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 28, 2016
Saudi Arabia versus Iran
When dealing with Iran and Saudi Arabia, Western governments should be mindful of their appalling human rights records.
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 18, 2016
The growth of chauvinism
Efforts must be made to stem the rise of populist politicians, who are exacerbating anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-globalization sentiments.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 28, 2016
To stay in or go out, that is the question for U.K.
The case for Britain remaining in the EU is overwhelming. If Britain were to make the mistake of voting for 'Brexit' there would be rejoicing in the Kremlin and among right-wing anti-EU parties across Europe.
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 18, 2016
Dangerous wave of discontent
Widespread disillusionment with the political establishment in the U.S. and Europe is paving the way for more extreme forces to take power.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 29, 2016
Abe's misplaced priorities
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would be better off working on real-life problems like the stagnant economy than worrying about changing the Constitution, which has served Japan so well.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 11, 2016
Nostalgia versus prospects
The old days aren't as good as people remember, while the future won't be as bad as people fear.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 27, 2015
The folly of a British 'Brexit'
A British exit from the European Union would have dire consequences.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 7, 2015
Japan has little to gain by resuming its whale hunt
The government's decision to defy the International Court of Justice and send the whaling fleet to the Antarctic is sure to inflame anti-Japan sentiment worldwide.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 19, 2015
Japan's population problem
Japan's political and business leaders appear to be taking an ostrich-like approach to the severe demographic challenges that lie ahead.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 13, 2015
Japan's place in the world
Once renowned for its economic success, recent business scandals have diminished Japan's influence and prestige on the world stage.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 29, 2015
Chinese affluence speaks loudly in London
Human rights concerns took a back seat to trade and investment opportunities during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain this week.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 20, 2015
Abe eroding Japan's soft power
Japan's considerable soft power is being undermined by political insensitivity, provocative policies and a reluctance or inability to explain and justify.
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 22, 2015
A parliamentary democracy needs a viable opposition
By entrenching the British Conservative Party in government, Jeremy Corbyn's election as leader of the Labour Party is a threat to the health of parliamentary democracy in Britain.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 20, 2015
The Syrian crisis's tangled web
Syria is a tangled web of humanitarian, political and religious complexities that seem impossible to disentangle. Yet if solutions are not found the flood tide of refugees and human misery will only grow worse.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 17, 2015
Abe's unconvincing attempt to whitewash Japan's history
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's WWII anniversary statement glosses over unpalatable facts and attempts to interpret them in a favorable way for Japan.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 5, 2015
Hiroshima after 70 years
If the war had not been brought to an end in August 1945 with the atomic bombings, many Japanese who went on to see the revival of Japan would not have survived.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 24, 2015
The Greek tragedy continues
While the latest bailout package provides a lifeline for the Greeks, it does not provide the means for them to get back safely on land.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 5, 2015
The unstoppable human tide
Europe and the rest of the world needs to step up to the plate and deal with the humanitarian crisis over the tide of migrants sweeping across the Mediterranean.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 15, 2015
Will Japan repeat past errors?
A repetition of events in the 1930s is inconceivable but there is much about politics in Tokyo to cause alarm.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 2, 2015
Cameron's work is cut out
David Cameron, if he is unlucky and plays his hands badly, could end up as the prime minister who led Britain out of the EU and who was responsible for the demise of the union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Longform

People in cities across Japan will pop into their local convenience store for any number of products they believe will help them with a night of drinking.
Hangover cures are everywhere in Japan — but do they work?