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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.
For Hugh Cortazzi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 23, 2016
Japan's image and culture
Japans' language, culture and democratic image are assets of vital importance. They should be carefully nurtured.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 15, 2016
Defining national interest
The election of Donald Trump should be worrying for anyone who advocates cooperation over confrontation and adherence to international law and international agreements.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 2, 2016
The tyranny of the majority
Only a small proportion of the British population voted to leave the European Union, but the whole nation will face the consequences.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 24, 2016
Trump tremors shake world
Will Donald Trump's election trigger a surge of support for right-wing politicians worldwide, including in Japan?
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 7, 2016
Keeping Japan in the U.K.
As Britain gears up for Brexit, the government is trying hard to keep Japanese companies from jumping ship.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 12, 2016
Just say no to 'hard Brexit'
If British Prime Minister Theresa May goes ahead with a 'hard Brexit' she will damage British interests.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 5, 2016
Ignorance and prejudice rising
If the world is to continue to benefit from trade liberalization and expansion, more needs to be done to provide transitional relief to workers disadvantaged by globalization.
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 21, 2016
Trump's nightmare menace
Turbulence, insecurity and dangers lie ahead if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 5, 2016
U.K. needs a reality check
The British economy and people will survive Brexit, but we should not kid ourselves into believing that there will be no pain.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 15, 2016
Modernizing the Imperial house's succession law
The government should find ways of modernizing the Imperial succession law so that the Emperor can abdicate if he so desires.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 11, 2016
Reappraising Japan-U.K. ties
As it prepares to exit the EU, Britain needs a prosperous and politically stable Japan more than ever.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 9, 2016
Combating the terrorist threat
While the threat of terrorism in Britain is real, people should remember the chance of falling victim is remote and carry on with their normal lives.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 24, 2016
FTAs easier said than done
The Britons who pushed for Brexit misled voters by telling them that free trade was an easy and speedy option.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 13, 2016
Britain should reflect on its self-inflicted mess
Brexit's narrow victory has caused a political meltdown in Britain and economic uncertainty.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 28, 2016
U.K.'s mid-summer madness
Those who voted to leave the EU will learn the hard way that freedom of movement and free trade go together.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 9, 2016
Just say no to leaving the EU
The Brexit campaign bases its appeal on emotion rather than reason.
COMMENTARY / World
May 25, 2016
The business of corruption
Corruption is not a victimless crime.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 10, 2016
Protectionism on the rise
Protectionist forces seem everywhere to be on the rise.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 13, 2016
Closing the tax loopholes
The British government needs to take more effective measures to deal with anonymous shell companies and to control tax havens.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 11, 2016
Press freedoms under attack
Freedom of speech and of the press, a key democratic right, is increasingly under threat around the world.

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