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Motoko Rich
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 29, 2021
At some Olympic competitions, the rarest of sightings: spectators
While fans have been barred from the majority of venues to contain COVID-19 infections, three host prefectures are still allowing a limited number of spectators at Olympic venues.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jun 6, 2021
Olympics gave hope to Japan’s LGBTQ activists. But old prejudices die hard.
Even a modest goal of labeling discrimination 'unacceptable” has proved too much for conservative lawmakers, who have blocked consideration of a bill by the Diet.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Apr 2, 2021
Episode 89: Why are the Tokyo Olympics still going ahead in a pandemic?
Joining Deep Dive is the New York Times Tokyo bureau chief Motoko Rich, here to discuss why the government seems so intent on holding the Games this summer, and the risks associated with them going ahead as planned.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 27, 2021
An ‘old men’s club’ dominates Japan. The young just put them on notice.
Change may come slowly in Japanese society, but social media has offered an outlet for a younger generation stifled by a rigid hierarchy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Feb 24, 2021
As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women
In Japan, 6,976 women took their lives last year, nearly 15% more than in 2019. It was the first year-over-year increase in more than a decade.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Feb 17, 2021
Episode 82: The sexism scandal engulfing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
New York Times bureau chief Motoko Rich breaks down Tokyo Olympic President Yoshiro Mori's sexist comments and what his resignation says about the status of women in Japanese society.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 4, 2020
'Tokyo Ueno Station' novelist Yu Miri magnifies the quietest voices
Japanese-born Korean writer Yu Miri won a National Book Award for her novel about the ghost of a construction worker.
Japan Times
CULTURE
Oct 9, 2020
The pressure to be perfect turns deadly for celebrities in Japan
Yuko Takeuchi is the latest in a succession of suicides that has shown the burdens of a society where many feel that they must conceal their personal struggles.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Oct 2, 2020
After a long ride, will anyone save this Tokyo carousel?
More than 110 years after its creation in Germany, the future of Toshimaen's El Dorado merry-go-round now seems uncertain.

Longform

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