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Megha Wadhwa
For Megha Wadhwa's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Women attend a protest in 2018 against the rape of three girls, an 8-year-old, an 11-year-old and a teenager, in different parts of India. The country experiences alarming rates of sexual violence against women.
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 15, 2024
Why is India failing to protect its women?
India is plagued by sexual violence, with many horrific cases in the spotlight over the years. Despite reforms, cultural norms are hindering progress.
Indian migrant women in Tokyo often face stifling social expectations. In contrast, they may feel empowered in more egalitarian societies like Berlin.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 3, 2024
How patriarchy perpetuates among Tokyo’s Indian migrants
Indian migrant women in Tokyo struggle to break free from the patriarchal structures they experienced back home. But in Berlin, a different picture emerges.
Shiv Kumar (left) and Nirmal Singh say they are learning a lot about living and thriving in Japan while taking part in the Technical Intern Trainee Program. Their case, however, seems to be an exception to the norm.
COMMUNITY / Issues / The Foreign Element
Dec 18, 2023
Beating the odds on Japan's controversial foreign trainee program
Nirmal Singh and Shiv Kumar beat the odds on the Technical Intern Training Program, but luck shouldn't play such a key role in a government initiative.
Yogendra Puranik, the first person from India to win elected office in Japan, at the Indian cultural center he manages in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward in October 2022.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 6, 2023
Japan needs Indian migrants. How can it attract them?
India can help fill the domestic labor gap, but for migrants to succeed, Japan must embrace a genuinely intercultural approach.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Oct 25, 2021
For one dancer, the Mohiniyattam became a step to unlocking a whole new world
Hiromi Maruhashi's interest in dance eventually led her to the Indian state of Kerala and a cultural exchange she is eager to show to Japan.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Mar 20, 2021
‘Immigrant Japan’: An expansive account of the migrant experience
In her book, Gracia Liu-Farrer judiciously covers the migrant experience and argues that Japan is becoming an 'immigrant country.'
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Sep 13, 2020
Keerthana Mariappan: 'People recognize the potential of India as an economic and cultural partner'
Keerthana Mariappan balances a fast-paced job with a life of practicing and teaching yoga.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Aug 23, 2020
Rev. Cyril Veliath: 'As Indians, we have plenty to be proud of'
Rev. Cyril Veliath came to Japan from India more than 40 years ago and he has seen a lot of changes in his time.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Aug 10, 2020
Re-entry ban horror stories pile up in Japan's Indian community
Some worry confusion surrounding border restrictions will 'leave a scar' among residents of Indian descent.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Jun 21, 2020
Pandemic leaves Indian cooks in Japan dependent on bosses and the state
When your life revolves around your work, a shutdown makes things extra hard.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Mar 18, 2020
An Indian take on making a Japanese film
Indian filmmaker Anshul Chauhan opted to make his first feature film in Japan, but discovered just how difficult working with the local industry can be.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES
Feb 6, 2020
Yogendra 'Yogi' Puranik: The first Indian voice in Tokyo politics
After seeing miscommunication and bullying firsthand, Yogendra 'Yogi' Puranik decided to stand up and do something about it. Now, as a politician, he hopes to be a bridge between two communities.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Jun 23, 2019
Cleaning toilets with a smile: The lessons you can learn from a convenience store side job
Learning Japanese and want a bit of extra cash? Getting a part-time job in the service industry can teach you a lot more than the language.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
May 1, 2019
Views from Tokyo: Japan has a new emperor, but what would you do if you could be emperor for a day?
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019, ushering in the Reiwa Era. We asked people in Tokyo what they would do if they were emperor for a day.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Apr 25, 2019
Views from Tokyo: Do you have any plans for the extra-long Golden Week?
If you don't have any plans for Golden Week, what would you have done? And what do you recommend other people do?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Dec 30, 2018
Views from Tokyo: How was your 2018, and are you looking forward to 2019?
Maria Bueno
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Nov 14, 2018
Views from Tokyo: How long is your commute? What do you do during that time?
Those long commutes to work can be rough, luckily smartphones can help pass the time.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Nov 8, 2018
Views from Tokyo: Should Japan follow Canada and legalize recreational marijuana?
What do Tokyoites and tourists think of Canada legalizing pot for recreational use? Could or should it ever happen in Japan?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Oct 28, 2018
Indian women in Japan struggle to find their niche
After following their husbands to Japan, educated Indian women face obstacles tracking down work that matches their qualifications.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Sep 26, 2018
Views From Tokyo: What is it that makes someone — like Naomi Osaka — Japanese or not?
In the wake of Naomi Osaka's historic triumph in the U.S. Open, The Japan Times asked people what they think makes a person Japanese. Is it parentage, language, culture or a combination of factors?

Longform

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