author

 
 
 Alex K.T. Martin

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Alex K.T. Martin
Alex K.T. Martin is a Tokyo-based journalist and senior writer at The Japan Times, primarily focusing on feature stories. Previously he was a Tokyo correspondent for The Wall Street Journal.
JAPAN
Oct 30, 2008
'Trash houses' tough to tidy up
A middle-aged man walks through the Tokyo neighborhood of Higashi-Nippori at dawn, dropping bits of food for crows and cats to feed on, ensuring in the process that a mess is left in his wake.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2008
Film seeks to right Africans' image here
In Japan's "homogenous" society, foreigners who stand out tend to be vilified, easily associated with crime or other undesirable behavior, according to Nigerian film director Udyfrank.
JAPAN
Oct 16, 2008
Elderly offenders on rise
In August, a 79-year-old woman went on a slashing spree in Tokyo's bustling shopping and entertainment district of Shibuya, wounding two female passersby before being arrested by police.
JAPAN
Oct 16, 2008
Experts grope for vision for Japan
Nine leading experts from various fields held a symposium Wednesday in Tokyo to call for a comprehensive vision for Japan's future amid a world of uncertainty.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 30, 2008
N. Korea, viewed from the inside
North Koreans are aware of Kim Jong Il's reported illness and anticipating an end to his dictatorship, said a Japanese journalist who recently returned from the China-North Korea border.

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?