Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jan 24, 2022

A shinkansen to space (and other news found beneath the sofa)

While you may have done a "big clean" around your house at New Year's, there are still a few news stories that our writer would like to tidy up.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Oct 18, 2021

It’s hard to get your voice heard in a Japanese election

Ten years ago, a British resident grabbed the mic from a Japanese politician. What would you say if you had that moment in the spotlight?

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Sep 27, 2021

18 months upon the rock: Perseverance amid the pandemic

With vaccinations increasing, it’s time for us to get out from under our rocks and look at what life will be like in these post-pandemic times.

Summer Paralympics Aug 23, 2021

2020 Tokyo Paralympics offer an opportunity for everyone to find their inner sportsperson

If the Olympics are typically celebrated for their athletic achievements, the Paralympics are no less deserving when it comes to the inspirational performances on display.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jun 28, 2021

Osaka: The world’s ‘second city’ … but by whose metrics?

The Economist Intelligence Unit has declared Osaka the second most livable city in the world. Does a former resident remember it being so wonderful?

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA May 10, 2021

Some people may not mind a scaled-back Olympics

Nobody likes a pandemic, but some people may be a little relieved that they won't have to deal with larger crowds come the Olympics.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Mar 29, 2021

So long, bus No. 99 from Shinagawa. Thanks for the memories.

As Japan prepares to make immigration services available online, our writer waxes nostalgic on the positives of making the trip out to the physical space itself.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Feb 1, 2021

You can't get anything past the neighborhood watchers

The eyes of the nation are upon you, and they are making sure that you put the trash out correctly.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jan 18, 2021

Perhaps it's time to un-discover some of 2020

We discovered a vaccine for COVID-19 in record time, but there are a few things that writer William Lang would like to un-discover about the pandemic if possible.

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Dec 24, 2020

Making way for a new kind of Christmas

Writer William Lang’s previous Christmases were all about excess — the more presents and food, the better. But this year, he’s celebrating the holidays with a minimalist approach.