Issues | LEARNING CURVE Jun 8, 2016

Is the Eiken doing Japan's English learners more harm than good?

Critics argue that the Eiken proficiency exams focus too heavily on vocabulary, grammar and the written word at the expense of fluency.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Oct 7, 2015

Fukuoka honors Asians for work to preserve and reinvent culture

The Fukuoka Prize is awarded to three Asians for their contributions to "preserving and creating the unique and diverse cultures" of the continent.

Our Lives | TELLING LIVES Aug 12, 2015

Surai Sasai: a Buddhist monk battling the caste dragon

Japan-born monk's lifelong mission to convert millions of India's Dalits has won him legions of followers, but also led to threats to his life.