People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jul 14, 2018
From 'big in Japan' to far better in America
by Kaori Shoji
Megumi Ijiri Haskin felt so different to other children when growing up in Japan, that she aspired to live in the U.S. at the age of 17.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jul 7, 2018
Tetsuji Honna picks up the tempo in Hanoi
by Rob Gihooly
A sense of nostalgia, fate and the national orchestra's passion enticed a Japanese maestro to settle in Vietnam
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jun 30, 2018
Playwright Aya Ogawa: Seeing theater as a stage for cultural identity
by Mika Eglinton
Director believes her multicultural upbringing helped open doors to the theatrical business.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jun 16, 2018
Haruka Kuroda: Taking advantage of stereotypes
by Matthew Hernon
Best-known for her role voicing Noodle in Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's virtual band Gorillaz, Haruka Kuroda has been working in the British entertainment industry for nearly two decades.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jun 9, 2018
Akiko Hirai: A natural ceramicist in London
by J.J. O'Donoghue
Learning crafts in the U.K. can give artists more room to breathe.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jun 2, 2018
Life goals: Soccer player Yuki Nagasato is always on the ball
by Irma Nunez
From Japan to Europe to the U.S., Nagasato's experience on the soccer field has taught her how to play smart.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? May 12, 2018
Mayumi Uejima-Carr: Setting the Table For Two in the United States
by J.J. O'Donoghue
After reading about the NPO Table For Two, a quick Google search and a "passionate email," Mayumi Uejima-Carr now educates American students about the health benefits of Japanese cuisine.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? May 5, 2018
From Chiba to LA, and acting to filmmaking
by Kaori Shoji
Director/scriptwriter Atsuko Hirayanagi's film "Oh Lucy!" reflects some of her own opinions on cultural divide.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Apr 21, 2018
Naoyuki Kawahara: Helping Sudan heal with medicine and more
by Kathryn Wortley
Naoyuki Kawahara quit his job as a medical attache for the Embassy of Japan in Sudan to set up a non-profit organization, Rociantes, and provide much-needed medical care in Sudan.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Apr 14, 2018
Ryoko Hori: The art of massage and crafts
by Verena Dauerer
Born and raised in Osaka, Ryoko Hori, 37, moved to Tokyo to study fashion design at the age of 18. As a student she was lucky enough to work for the famous clothing brand Issey Miyake, but she wanted even more experiences in life. ...
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Apr 7, 2018
Tak Tokumine: It's all about love and noodles
by George Koutsakis
Founder of Japan Centre and Shoryu Ramen says the U.K. is now his home.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Mar 31, 2018
Midori Sato and her 'only in America' dream
by Irma Nunez
How a child of wartime Japan embraced the unknown and became a textile conservator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art