A small publisher is struggling to expand the circulation of its biannual English-language magazine, which features hard-hitting stories on controversial issues, including the overseas deployment of the Self-Defense Forces and gender equality.

"We aim to deliver high-quality, critical stories about the political, economic and social states in Japan to the world in English," said Hikaru Kasahara, an editor of Japonesia Review.

The number of subscribers currently stands at 60, including 10 overseas researchers and civil activists.