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Tyler Cowen
For Tyler Cowen's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 17, 2021
Nuclear fusion is close enough to start dreaming
The possibility of carbon-free energy generation raises a seldom discussed question: Just how much would it change the world if cheap and clean energy sources were truly abundant?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 27, 2021
GDP, the climate crisis and how to think like an economist
People who get annoyed at small changes in America tend not to appreciate the true magnitude of the American GDP.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 15, 2021
The explanation for seemingly irrational COVID-19 behavior
Before the vaccines came along, it made great sense to enforce masking norms. If infections could be shifted into the future, a vaccinated citizenry would be much better protected.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 8, 2021
How gaming will change humanity as we know it
Gaming is profoundly transforming two central aspects of the modern world: culture and regulation. There will be no turning back.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 4, 2021
The future will be weirder than we think
The future may become unthinkably weird and that weirdness will likely come sooner than we think.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 7, 2021
Ransomware attacks will end, but not anytime soon
Hackers will eventually 'overfish” the pool of ransomware victims. At some point there will be so many attacks that most institutions will have no choice but to respond.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 9, 2021
The NBA is making a risky bet with gambling
Basketball is a team game, so it's harder to throw or fix than a tennis match. Still, a clumsy foul or two in the last minute could alter the point spread without affecting the final result.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 10, 2021
The nicest Clubhouse on the internet
If you don't already know, Clubhouse is a year-old social media service consisting of virtual 'rooms” where people can talk to each other — by voice.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 12, 2021
COVID-19 improved how the world does science
The biggest problem for an open-access regime is how to ensure good refereeing, which if done correctly raises the quality of academic papers.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 13, 2020
Maybe Brexit isn’t so bad after all
The problem is that, especially in the last year, the EU has become a less workable political union, especially for the U.K.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 30, 2020
Warp speed for clean energy? That won't work.
It might it be easier for the government to subsidize battery research, rather than pre-ordering particular battery units for later distribution? Maybe so, and it would be smart policy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 20, 2020
The 'phantom risk' of COVID-19
Some parts of the economy will struggle even after most of the dangers of the virus have passed.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 15, 2020
Not even herd immunity can fully protect us
The prevalence of 'superspreaders' may well show the naive nature of ideas of safety.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 4, 2020
The China hawks got it mostly right
Are there any China accommodationists left in Washington?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 26, 2020
Britain's response to COVID-19 has been world class
One country has done more than any other to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 1, 2020
American lockdown exceptionalism
Telling people that they are stupid and too sociable is likely to make the problem worse.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 29, 2020
Americans are failing the mask test
The lack of trust in public health officials is baffling.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 26, 2020
What if you go back to the office and get COVID-19?
Any plan for reopening in the U.S. is going to have to resolve some sticky liability issues.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 7, 2020
Isolation changes everything for status seekers
COVID-19 is upending all the usual ways for people to win the approval of their peers.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 4, 2020
A vision of post-pandemic New York
Once this is over, the city will be younger, cheaper, poorer and segregated in a new way.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree