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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.
Yuki Tsunoda takes part in a practice session on Day 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, on Friday.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Sep 22, 2023
Tsunoda races into Suzuka as his F1 career reaches critical stage
The driver's homecoming to a track he knows all too well comes as his long-term future at the pinnacle of motorsport remains uncertain.
Former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel (left) helps Lewis Hamilton prepare the Mercedes team's "bee hotel" at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Thursday.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Sep 22, 2023
Sebastian Vettel creates a buzz in Japan amid biodiversity crisis
The retired former champion invited current F1 drivers to make a small contribution to nature by building "bee hotels" next to the Suzuka Circuit track.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen (right) and AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda take part in a fan event in Tokyo on Wednesday, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, at the weekend.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Sep 21, 2023
Red Bull's march to the title in focus as F1 arrives in Japan
The team will be looking to secure a second straight constructors' championship on the home turf of its engine supplier, Honda.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jun 26, 2023
The world is losing the 'war on plastic.' What can be done to curb waste?
The U.N. this month took a major step toward what could become the world’s first treaty to curb plastic pollution. But a recent report highlights the immense challenge that lies ahead.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jun 14, 2023
How the climate crisis is supercharging Japan’s rainy season
When you think of natural disasters do you think of guerrilla rainstorms, landslides and heatwaves? You should, since that’s in the forecast for Japan’s climate-crisis-charged rainy seasons.
JAPAN
May 7, 2023
In G7 host Hiroshima, a climate disaster in all but name
A minority of Japanese are seriously worried about how warming will affect them. Recent disasters indicate they probably should be.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 15, 2023
One year on, massive Tonga eruption still reverberates across Pacific Rim
The blast underscored the risks to other nations in the 'Ring of Fire,' particularly Japan, and the importance of gathering precise data to understand just how big those threats might be.
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
Dec 4, 2022
From Kyoto Protocol to ‘fossil’ awards: Japan’s climate image stained by inaction
A quarter century after Japan hosted the COP3 climate talks where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, the country's record at the national level is a study in contrasts.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 11, 2022
Japanese fans revved up by booming Formula One's return
Despite a shortened race due to heavy rains at Suzuka Circuit, a strong turnout at the first Japanese Grand Prix since 2019 showed that F1 has a bright future in Japan.
MORE SPORTS
Oct 7, 2022
Suzuka endures as one of Formula One's most popular and celebrated circuits
As the F1 circus pulls into Mie Prefecture for the first time since 2019, drivers and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the return of one of the sport's top venues.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 6, 2022
Fiery, foul-mouthed Yuki Tsunoda speeds toward Suzuka as Japan's latest Formula One hope
The Kanagawa Prefecture native has quickly gained a certain level of notoriety among both fans and drivers for what he does — and says — on track.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 6, 2022
Six drivers to watch at the Japanese Grand Prix
There is plenty of intrigue heading into the first Japanese Grand Prix since 2019, with battles up and down the grid.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 20, 2022
Suspect admits guilt over attack against Thai monarchy critic in Kyoto home invasion
Pavin Chachavalpongpun, whose criticisms of the monarchy have garnered him a large social media following, has linked the July 2019 attack to the Thai government.
JAPAN
Dec 17, 2021
24 confirmed dead in suspected case of arson in Osaka
One source said police received a report that the fire started from a liquid that came out of a paper bag held by a man who appeared to be in his 60s.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 8, 2021
Japan faces delicate balance over Beijing Olympics boycott
Tokyo is reportedly looking to send lower-level officials to the Winter Olympics, a far cry from when then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe traveled to the Pyeongchang Games in 2018.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / MLB
Aug 18, 2021
Detroit Tigers announcer apologizes after using racist accent to discuss Shohei Ohtani
The comment and apology were widely condemned on social media, with many criticizing the announcer, Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Morris, for saying he was sorry if he offended anyone.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 8, 2021
What to watch on the last day of the Tokyo Olympics
The men's marathon and the biggest game in Japanese basketball history should be the highlights of Tokyo 2020's final day.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 7, 2021
What to watch on Day 15 of the Tokyo Olympics
Samurai Japan will look to give the baseball-mad country its first Olympic gold in the sport, while one of Japan's flagbearers finally gets her chance to leave another mark on the Games.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 6, 2021
What to watch on Day 14 of the Tokyo Olympics
On Friday, Japan's women's basketball team looks to book a spot in the gold medal game while action at National Stadium continues with the men's and women's 4x100-meter relays.

Longform

Eme-Ima Kitchen is one of over 10,000 kodomo shokudō in Japan. A term first used in 2012 to describe makeshift eateries offering free or cheap meals to disadvantaged kids, it now refers to a diverse range of individuals, groups and organizations working to provide not only food but a sense of belonging to both children and adults.
Japan’s ‘children’s cafeterias’ are booming — but is that a good thing?