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 Yoko Ishikura

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Yoko Ishikura
For Yoko Ishikura's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 1, 2020
Rethinking the nation's dependence on Tokyo
As living with COVID-19 becomes more normal and with the risks of other pandemics growing, Japan needs to disperse important agencies and facilities around the country.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 11, 2020
The older generation must make way for a younger generation and new ideas
Older adults should support and help realize a complete makeover of society by letting young people who will live in the next era take the reins of leadership.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 9, 2020
Diversity means accepting and tolerating differences
The days in which value is created only when people follow the same routine, the same work-style and the same unwritten rules are over.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 14, 2020
Is Japan ready for transformational change?
If the nation loses this opportunity, it will be known as the country that never changes.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 9, 2020
Why not apply 'danshari' to work and life?
The pandemic has given people an opportunity to reconsider what's important in their lives.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 11, 2020
What will happen to inclusion in COVID-19's wake?
The business sector has an unprecedented opportunity to take drastic and audacious initiatives.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 13, 2020
Facing our values and characters while being on our own
The state of emergency declared by the government has given us a launching pad to start transforming ourselves.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 9, 2020
From forced disruption to a new beginning
The forced disruption of daily activities in Japan is a blessing in disguise that can move the nation forward and change its way of doing things.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Feb 11, 2020
Communication apps and English are key to global reach
Communication apps can give Japanese firms global reach.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 13, 2020
We own the problems — and the solutions
Now is the time to take action to improve one's life instead of just discussing action.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 10, 2019
A long-term outlook for decisions here and now
Short-term thinking is detrimental to sound decision-making.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 12, 2019
Food as a 'connector' between people
When technology is used to connect people who are in different locations and allow them to share the experience of eating together in virtual space, using a smartphone, for example, it will help reduce the problems linked to eating alone.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 18, 2019
Will labor practices in Japan be disrupted?
Disruption is made difficult not by technological challenges but by people's mind-set and their difficulty to set their traditional ways of thinking aside.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 16, 2019
Making cross-border collaboration work
There is great potential for collaboration between Brazil and Japan.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 11, 2019
Flexible work style — can it be sustainable?
We see signs of what can drive a transformation of the way people work in Japan. What we need is to make these moves and developments sustainable.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 10, 2019
Can we achieve an 'age-free' society?
It's time we end the age-driven society and pay attention to the variety and differences among people in the same demographic.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 10, 2019
Are Japanese ready to make their mark on the world?
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to make Japan a signficant player on the world stage, but many young Japanese people don't seem to care about global issues.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 12, 2019
Time to make diversity and inclusion a reality
Recent changes in Japan's labor market, as well as changes in people's mindsets, point to a move toward greater diversity and inclusion.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 3, 2019
Hanami a reminder of life's fleeting nature
As cherry blossoms remind us each year, life is too short to waste.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 12, 2019
Heisei Era: Slow decline or hope for new collaboration?
How Japanese view the Hesei Era varies by generation, with young people having a more positive image of it than older generations.

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