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Chris Russell
Chris Russell joined The Japan Times in 2018 as a member of the News Desk, where he is now a Senior News Editor. He also jointly oversees the Our Planet page focused on the environment and climate change, as well as editing and commissioning stories for Longform.
The Tokyo Hydrogen Museum in the capital's Koto Ward on Thursday. The capital is targeting the “full use” of hydrogen produced using renewable energy “in all fields” by 2050 as part of its decarbonization drive.
ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET
Nov 3, 2024
Tokyo's climate goals rely on a fuel that is falling out of favor
The metropolitan government is targeting the widespread use of hydrogen, but strong competition and its physical properties are limiting its applications.
The “Fragment Shadow” exhibition by Shunichi Kasahara and Satoru Higa, in which people’s shadows were digitally re-created and manipulated.
JAPAN / Science & Health / OUR PLANET
Sep 29, 2024
Researchers in Japan look to art to mold the scientific process
From astrobiology to cybernetics, scientists are trying to use art not just for public outreach, but to shape research itself.
A gyrotron, which is used to heat plasma for nuclear fusion reactions, developed by Kyoto Fusioneering
ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET
Jul 7, 2024
Kyoto Fusioneering looks toward a 'Made in Japan' approach for nuclear fusion
Although it recognizes that international collaboration is key, the startup sees the country playing an integral role in the fusion ecosystem.
Pedestrians holding umbrellas during a downpour in Tokyo in June 2023
JAPAN / Science & Health / OUR PLANET
Jun 2, 2024
The growing link between extreme rain and respiratory health in Japan
Researchers have found a strong association between respiratory mortality and severe downpours of the kind being made worse by climate change.
Toshihiro Kinjo (center), a research support technician at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, inspects an audio recording device in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on April 3 as Masako Ogasawara, a research support specialist at OIST, looks on.
PODCAST / deep dive
May 23, 2024
What does climate change sound like in Okinawa?
This week, Japan Times climate editor Chris Russell joins us to discuss what researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology are listening to.
Toshihiro Kinjo (center), a research support technician at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, inspects an audio recording device in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on April 3 as Masako Ogasawara, a research support specialist at OIST, looks on.
ENVIRONMENT / Wildlife / OUR PLANET
Apr 21, 2024
Hearing the impact of climate change in Okinawa, one bird call at a time
From Okinawa to Australia, “passive acoustic monitoring” projects are feeding scientists with data about changes to ecosystems and biodiversity.
In writing "Climate Capitalism: Winning the Global Race to Zero Emissions," journalist Akshat Rathi said his goal was to try and determine where climate solutions are being built and uncover the challenges that they face.
ENVIRONMENT / Climate change / OUR PLANET
Dec 24, 2023
Finding crucial solutions in a time of climate crisis
Journalist Akshat Rathi explores the economic side of the emergency in his book ‘Climate Capitalism.'
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
May 24, 2023
Japan's up for fusion — just don’t call it 'nuclear'
The Japanese government sets out guidelines to encourage private sector competition in the field of fusion power. Will a nuclear-wary public get on board?
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Apr 9, 2023
Whales help store carbon. Scientists are trying to figure out just how much.
The giant creatures have a role to play in the fight against warming, and that all comes down to how they can help keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in both direct and indirect ways.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 18, 2022
For firms, climate and deforestation becoming part of bigger ‘nature’ issue
Companies may still be tempted to treat their responsibilities on climate and forests as separate issues, but the two are intimately linked, an expert has stressed.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Dec 14, 2022
25 years on from the protocol’s signing, did we ever 'Kyoto'?
Dec. 11 marked the 25th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark treaty that put the idea of global effort to save the planet on many national radars. To mark the event, The Japan Times has launched a new section, Our Planet, that will look at the climate crisis, earth science and disaster management...
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 6, 2022
25 years after Kyoto Protocol, U.N. climate process stumbles on
The ultimate failure of the protocol offers a cautionary tale on how such international deals can fall short, but also the capacity of climate action to evolve.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 22, 2022
Japan joins scramble to respond to Solomon Islands' pact with China
The deal reportedly allows China to dock military ships in the island nation, representing a significant strategic advance in the region for Beijing.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Apr 14, 2022
Nakagin, Nakagone: Demolishing an architectural dream
Japan Times editor Chris Russell joins to discuss the story of Nakagin and why he thinks it has captivated so many people over the years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 12, 2022
Demolition of Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower officially begins
Fans gathered for a last look at the building, an iconic representation of Japan's metabolist architectural movement.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 1, 2022
School is back in Japan. At last, so are foreign students.
Following the easing of Japan's strict border controls, at least some foreign students have been able to arrive in time for Friday's start of the academic year.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 18, 2022
Easing of border rules met with relief by education sector, but some criticize scope
With the door to Japan set to be opened somewhat, the key for the government will be setting out the specifics of the policy, of which there are presently few details.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Feb 11, 2022
Japan’s entry ban leaves students and universities counting the cost
Restrictions on new entries have seen projects disrupted, scholarships lost, international exchange undermined, career plans left in tatters and much more.
Japan Times
JAPAN / First Person
Dec 20, 2021
Quarantining at home after returning to Japan? Omicron means you shouldn’t count on it.
I had settled back into the pandemic lifestyle at home after getting back from the U.K., only to be asked to again head to a quarantine hotel due to an omicron case on my flight.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 26, 2020
'Anime Architecture' brings out the beauty in the details
Stefan Riekeles' book puts a spotlight on the background work that informs the ambience of anime's intricate worlds.

Longform

Akira Oishi (left) and Shinichi Okanobori have taken on the responsibility of surveying the flora and fauna of Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu in Saitama Prefecture.
Inside Japan's 100-year project to monitor its deteriorating biodiversity