J. League Feb 23, 2021
Golden oldie 'King Kazu' Miura leads Japanese soccer's veterans
Nine players over the age of 40, including ageless Miura and other former national team stars, will be plying their trade for J. League clubs this season.
Andrew McKirdy
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
For Andrew McKirdy's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Olympics Jan 20, 2021
'Unwavering' Tokyo 2020 CEO says fans at Olympics not guaranteed
In an interview marking the six-month countdown to the Summer Games, Toshiro Muto did not rule out the possibility that events will take place behind closed doors amid the ongoing pandemic.
Art Nov 14, 2020
Art or vandalism? Japan tries to find the right balance with street graffiti.
Tokyo looks to find the right balance between encouraging creative expression and protecting buildings from vandalism.
Food & Drink Oct 17, 2020
With fortunes waning in Japan, sake finds a new home abroad
As the world’s hunger for Japanese cuisine grows, so does its thirst for the country’s iconic drink.
Music Oct 10, 2020
Facing the music: Can Japan’s vibrant record culture survive the COVID-19 pandemic?
An iconic Tokyo record store prepares to close, leaving vinyl fans fearing for the future.
Rugby Sep 14, 2020
Brave Blossoms won't play at all in 2020 because of pandemic
Brave Blossoms have not played a match since their World Cup quarterfinal defeat to South Africa on Oct. 20 last year.
Style & Design Sep 8, 2020
Japanese beat the summer heat with fan-fitted clothes
As Japan swelters through record temperatures, fan-fitted clothing moves beyond workwear and into new markets.
Rugby Sep 5, 2020
Can Japan make the most of its Rugby World Cup legacy?
One year after the global tournament kicked off, the impact of COVID-19 is hampering efforts to build on the hugely successful event.
Life Aug 11, 2020
Beetlemania: Japanese collectors pay high prices for big bugs
The nation's love of stag and rhinoceros beetles has flourished during the pandemic, with families driving demand.
Style & Design Jul 25, 2020
Redefining the kimono in modern times
While many associate the kimono with Japanese tradition, renewed interest in the garment at home and abroad is giving it a new lease on life.