Community May 3, 2021

The downside of decision-making practices in Japan

Adherence to the rules is important in Japan. When those rules don’t work, it is sometimes easier to make a whole new set.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Dec 7, 2020

The pandemic border policy that will leave a scar on Japan's foreign community

Border restrictions imposed on non-Japanese residents to stop the spread of COVID-19 were seen as discriminatory by many, but they're not likely to prevent travel here in the future.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Dec 7, 2020

'My business is going down the drain': Stories from residents stuck outside Japan

It’s hard to list the stories of every person still stuck outside of Japan due to the country’s border policies, but two of them show just how complicated the situation can get.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Oct 26, 2020

The bureaucratic wall that hampers entry to Japan

The requirements Japan has put in place to enter the country amid the pandemic don't quite match up with the realities of what's going on overseas.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Aug 31, 2020

A costly waiting game for inbound foreign workers

While some permanent residents and students are slowly trickling back into Japan, businesses are waiting to hear if new hires can join their ranks.

DEEP DIVE Aug 25, 2020

Episode 62: How Japan's border closures have affected international students

Since Japan imposed entry restrictions on April 3, many students and academics have been left stranded outside the country, unable to pursue their studies and research. Many have also lost the scholarships that have funded their studies so far. On this episode we’re taking a ...

National Aug 14, 2020

Travel bans throttle Japanese universities’ global ambitions

Non-Japanese students and faculty find study and research plans upended by pandemic restrictions.

Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Jul 17, 2020

Re-entry ban causes foreign firms and talent to question long-term plans in Japan

As confusion continues over the Japanese government's re-entry ban for foreign residents, the international business community has started voicing concerns.

Commentary / Japan Jun 12, 2020

Is Japan’s low COVID-19 death rate due to a 'higher cultural level'?

The nation's successful management of the pandemic has become a point of pride for many Japanese.

How-tos May 11, 2020

How the coronavirus widens a cultural divide

If you'd like your Japanese colleagues to come around to your way of thinking, you'll need to convince them in a way that's common in the culture.