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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.
For Joel Tansey's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES
Feb 27, 2019
One family slides into action to create an outdoor ice rink
After a long day of Christmas Eve celebrations with seven of their eight children, five of whom were visiting from overseas, Christoph and Satoko Odermatt got to work.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Feb 15, 2019
Phuket: A destination that can just about be anything you want it to be
It was only after the third run to the bathroom that regret started to set in over my beachside lunch — a veritable smorgasbord that included a green curry chock-full of seafood, tom yum hot-and-sour soup and a smattering of side dishes, all enjoyed in view of the dazzling Andaman Sea.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Feb 13, 2019
Osaka's split with coach shocks tennis world
Deep into the Melbourne night on Jan. 26, the newly crowned world No. 1 was still fielding questions from a room full of reporters.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jan 30, 2019
Episode 6: What a week for Naomi Osaka
This week on Deep Dive, Oscar Boyd is joined by Baye McNeil and Joel Tansey to discuss Naomi Osaka's rise to the top and a recent case of whitewashing.
Japan Times
TENNIS / ANALYSIS
Jan 27, 2019
At last, Naomi Osaka has her moment in the spotlight
Over four months since her U.S. Open win catapulted her into the realms of tennis' elite, Naomi Osaka at last got to have a true moment in the spotlight.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 11, 2019
Naomi Osaka's poise key for success at Australian Open
It's often said that getting to the upper echelon of tennis is the easy part.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 8, 2019
Kei Nishikori poised to have deep run in Melbourne after ending title drought
Joy, elation, exuberance.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Oct 30, 2018
Naomi Osaka needs more consistency next season
Naomi Osaka made her Centre Court debut in July at Wimbledon and looked every bit the part of a player who wasn't ready for prime time.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Oct 7, 2018
Kei Nishikori outclassed by Daniil Medvedev in Rakuten Japan Open final
Kei Nishikori’s title drought continues.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Oct 1, 2018
Nishioka savors first career ATP title
At 40-30, Yoshihito Nishioka fired a second serve up the middle and watched as his opponent dumped a return into the net.
TENNIS
Sep 30, 2018
Marin Cilic, Kei Nishikori amongst favorites as unpredictable Japan Rakuten Open begins
With Ariake Coliseum undergoing renovations ahead of the 2020 Summer Games, eight of the world's top 25 players will descend upon Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Chofu, western Tokyo, this week for the 2018 Rakuten Japan Open. The facility's court speed and playing conditions are unknowns, making this year's tournament particularly difficult to predict.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 23, 2018
Naomi Osaka upset by Karolina Pliskova in Toray Pan Pacific Open final
Karolina Pliskova has accomplished what 10 others have tried and failed to do over the past month: beat Naomi Osaka.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 13, 2018
New star Naomi Osaka arrives in Tokyo to hero's welcome
It was March and Naomi Osaka had just won the biggest match of her life, fulfilling the promise that many pundits had long foreseen.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 9, 2018
Analysis: In drama-filled match, Naomi Osaka shows her mettle with historic win over Serena Williams
Naomi Osaka fired an unreturnable serve, pulled her visor down over her eyes and strolled to the net to hug her childhood idol.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 8, 2018
Naomi Osaka emulates Serena Williams' powerful style of play
At just 17 years of age, Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 1999 U.S. Open.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 4, 2018
Naomi Osaka shows grit in fourth-round victory over Aryna Sabalenka
Onlookers who wrote Naomi Osaka off in the early stages of the deciding set of her fourth-round encounter with Aryna Sabalenka can probably be given a pass.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Aug 28, 2018
Yoshihito Nishioka faces tough task against Roger Federer at U.S. Open in latest stage of comeback
It's been a long road back from major knee surgery for Yoshihito Nishioka.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Aug 14, 2018
Osaka must improve mental focus to become elite player
With 2018 wins over Grand Slam champions Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova as well as reigning world No. 1 Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka has proven that she, too, has the potential to win a major — or perhaps several.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jul 10, 2018
New first for Kei Nishikori, but clock ticking on bid for major title
Up until the midway point of the second set of his fourth-round match with Ernests Gulbis, it appeared Manic Monday was going to get the best of Kei Nishikori once again.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jul 1, 2018
Osaka set for second Wimbledon
This time last year, Naomi Osaka was ranked No. 59 and preparing for her Wimbledon debut while still in search of her first WTA title.

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