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 Joel Tansey

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Joel Tansey
Joel joined The Japan Times in 2017 after four years as a reporter with Black Press Media in western Canada. He's currently a senior news editor and in 2022 he helped launch a new section of the paper focusing on climate change, earth science and other environmental issues.
The sun sets on the Grand Ring on the final day of the Osaka Expo on Monday.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 13, 2025
After plenty of ups and downs, Osaka Expo concludes with message of unity
The 184-day event started on shaky ground amid concerns over the pace of construction and a lack of public interest but proved to be enormously popular.
Inna Ilina, vice president of the Ukraine Pavilion, says she is grateful her country was able to participate and send out a clear message: Ukraine and its democratic values are not for sale.
JAPAN
Oct 13, 2025
At Osaka Expo pavilions, staff recount ‘life-changing’ experiences
Nearly 160 countries and regions participated in the Osaka Expo, with each bringing staff from overseas to help run their respective pavilions during the six-month event.
After a run-up marked by apathy, organizers soon found they had the opposite problem as crowd control became a concern.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 12, 2025
As the Osaka Expo comes to a close, what will its legacy be?
The mega-event was a resounding success, taking in some 25 million visitors over 184 days. But how its legacy will look in the decades to come remains a question mark.
The Gas Pavilion had welcomed around 500,000 visitors by the end of August, making it one of the most popular exhibits at the Osaka Expo.
ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET
Oct 12, 2025
At Osaka Expo, gas giants promote a greener future. But is it a lot of hot air?
While major Japanese gas companies have lauded e-methane as key in fighting climate change, experts paint a different picture.
While the World Endurance Championship is seeing increased popularity overseas, the same level of success has eluded organizers in Japan.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Sep 28, 2025
At Fuji Speedway, WEC rides motorsports momentum to 100th race
The milestone race comes amid a global motorsports boom fueled by Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” series and Brad Pitt’s “F1” Hollywood film.
Toyota Gazoo Racing's No. 8 car competes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Sep 28, 2025
At 31, Ryo Hirakawa continues to chase F1 dream
The Formula One door may be slowly opening for the top endurance talent even at age 31.
People huddle near a large fan blowing icy-cold mist at the Osaka Expo on July 12. Amid Japan's relentless summer heat, organizes have put myriad measures in place in order to keep guests safe.
ENVIRONMENT / Climate change / OUR PLANET
Aug 10, 2025
Osaka Expo highlights the challenge of holding events in Japan's scorching summer
Giant umbrellas, mist fans and human-sized ice boxes are some of the many ways organizers are offering respite to visitors.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jordan Spence helps lead the Dreamskate Japan hockey camp in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, on July 5.
MORE SPORTS / Ice Hockey
Aug 3, 2025
From Osaka to the NHL: Jordan Spence hopes to inspire young Japanese hockey players
The Ottawa Senators defenseman briefly returned to Japan last month to help run a hockey camp in Hokkaido.
A Japan day ceremony at the Osaka Expo featuring Myaku-myaku on Thursday in the city of Osaka
JAPAN
Jul 3, 2025
Best-selling singer Misia and Hello Kitty celebrate Japanese culture at Osaka Expo
The expo’s national day celebrating its host country spanned culture from contemporary to ancient, in a ceremony featuring calligraphy and gagaku and more.
Momentum appears to be building toward what Osaka Expo organizers hope will be a boom period for the event as they try to recoup ballooning costs via ticket sales. But long lines are making some guests weary.
JAPAN
Jun 13, 2025
Two months in, Osaka Expo organizer struggles to improve experience as crowds grow
Even before the expo reaches its peak attendance, some visitors are already growing weary of the long lines.
Nissan's Oliver Rowland races to victory at the Tokyo E-Prix on Sunday.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
May 18, 2025
Oliver Rowland’s ‘dream’ Formula E season continues as Nissan driver wins in Tokyo
The win gives Rowland an iron grip on the championship trophy.
Founded with a mission of promoting electric vehicles, Formula E has always placed sustainability at the forefront of its raison d’etre.
ENVIRONMENT / Sustainability
May 18, 2025
For Formula E, ‘sustainability is at the heart’
Now in its 11th season, Formula E's efforts to reduce emissions and promote electric vehicles are paying off.
Maserati's Stoffel Vandoorne holds up the trophy after winning the Tokyo E-Prix on Saturday, alongside Nissan's Oliver Rowland (left) and McLaren's Taylor Barnard.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
May 17, 2025
Stoffel Vandoorne rides perfect strategy to Tokyo E-Prix win
The Belgian’s triumph was to the dismay of the loyal Nissan fans at the track, with championship leader Oliver Rowland slipping down to second after starting on pole. 
People visit the Osaka Expo on the first day it opened to the public, in the city of Osaka on Sunday.
JAPAN
Apr 13, 2025
Osaka Expo throws open its doors as mega-event kicks off
A steady rain failed to dampen the spirits of organizers and expo early-birds as 160 countries, regions and organizations showed off their best tech and culture.
A large statue of Osaka Expo mascot Myaku Myaku sits near the east entrance of the event's venue in Yumeshima island, Osaka, on Wednesday.
JAPAN
Apr 9, 2025
After a tumultuous buildup, a first look at the Osaka Expo
Members of the media and other invited guests got a glimpse of the event's shiny pavilions spread over 155 hectares, and the signature Grand Ring overlooking them.
A Haas F1 car on display in the fan zone at Suzuka Circuit on Saturday as Toyota marks a soft return to Formula One.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Apr 7, 2025
Toyota's synergy with Haas fuels automaker's modest return to Formula One
Toyota’s decision to partner with the American team immediately left observers wondering if it might have its eyes on more, such as an engine deal or a full-blown Toyota team.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Apr 6, 2025
Clinical Verstappen caps final home race for Red Bull-Honda with a win
The victory was the Dutch star’s fourth straight at Suzuka Circuit, while Red Bull debutant Yuki Tsunoda finished back in 12th.
Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe says the carmaker's development on the next generation of Formula One engines is proceeding as planned ahead of sweeping regulation changes in 2026.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Apr 5, 2025
Honda looks toward its F1 future as Red Bull partnership nears end
Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe discusses the carmaker's past and future in Formula One as its Red Bull partnership draws to a close.
Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda competes during the qualifying session of the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Apr 5, 2025
Tsunoda struggles in first qualifying with Red Bull as Verstappen takes pole
Tsunoda will start 14th at Suzuka Circuit on Sunday after a scruffy lap in the second qualifying stage, while his teammate grabbed a surprise pole.
Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda is a lot calmer than he was as a hotheaded rookie in 2021.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Apr 4, 2025
How Yuki Tsunoda’s new attitude helped him land a seat with Red Bull
Those close to Tsunoda are adamant that Red Bull is getting a new and improved version of the hotheaded rookie from 2021.

Longform

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