Hugh Cortazzi

Hugh Cortazzi was posted to British Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan in 1946, and he joined the British Foreign (later diplomatic) service in 1949. After retiring, he worked in the city of London and was an adviser to a number of Japanese companies. He was chairman of the council of the Japan Society from 1985-1995. Since 1983 he has researched and written a number of books about Japanese culture and history and has edited and compiled a series of books on personalities active in Anglo-Japanese relations.

For Hugh Cortazzi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Commentary / Japan Aug 25, 2017

Intersection of U.K. and Japan interests

A former British ambassador to Japan offers his personal views on the bilateral relationship.

Commentary / World Aug 18, 2017

American democracy under assault

U.S. President Donald Trump's disastrous mishandling of the Charlottesville white supremacist rally raises questions yet again about his political beliefs and values.

Commentary / World Aug 3, 2017

Lessons in losing international influence

What's happening now in the U.S. and U.K. shows how poor leadership can be devastating to a country's international standing.

Commentary / World Jul 24, 2017

British pragmatism now on trial

Britain faces a bumpy ride in the wake of Prime Minister Theresa May's failed election gambit.

Commentary / World Jul 10, 2017

May's 'red lines' pose a threat to British interests

It's in the interest of both the EU and U.K. that terms acceptable to both parties should be agreed smoothly and quickly.

Commentary / World Jun 21, 2017

Tower inferno shames Britain

The Grenfell Tower tragedy has not yet been played out and the political fallout should not be discounted.

Commentary / World Jun 12, 2017

Theresa May pays dearly for her hubris

The British prime minister will have her hands full trying to hold onto her job following the Conservative Party's disastrous performance in Thursday's election.