National / History Dec 4, 2020
He escaped death as a kamikaze pilot. 70 years later, he told his story.
by Ben Dooley
Kazuo Odachi hid his wartime past from almost everyone, but finally published his memoirs, which were recently released in English.
Books Oct 10, 2020
What are the stories we’re reading about Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
by Eric Margolis
This year’s releases on the atomic bombs run the gamut of perspectives, proving that historical events are very much what we make of them.
Art Sep 24, 2020
Japanese POW art in Australasia analyzed for first time
by Anna Watanabe
Academics say the previously ignored works illustrate the 'isolating and traumatic experience of internment.'
Books Aug 15, 2020
'Memoirs of a Kamikaze': A teenage World War II pilot’s life in his own words
by Louise George Kittaka
Kazuo Odachi’s memoir about his life as a kamikaze pilot is a poignant reminder of the resilience of humanity in times of adversity.
Commentary / Japan Aug 13, 2020
Why Japan, South Korea and China can't put the past behind them
by Stephen R. Nagy
On the 75th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, domestic politics, structure and identity continue to prevent reconciliation between the three Northeast Asian neighbors.
Art Aug 4, 2020
Saitama gallery raises money online to share iconic A-bomb paintings worldwide
by Ayano Shimizu
The work of Iri and Toshi Maruki depicts the aftermath of the August 1945 bombings along with other aspects of World War II.
Commentary / World Jun 22, 2020
by Gwynne Dyer
The Russian president is scared, and he's probably right to be.
Basketball | HOOP SCOOP Dec 5, 2019
Wat Misaka leaves an admirable legacy
by Ed Odeven
When Wataru "Wat" Misaka passed away on Nov. 20, he left an indelible legacy on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. He showed what was possible for someone who looked like he did on the basketball court. And to his eternal credit, he reached ...
Commentary / Japan Oct 28, 2019
Mamoru Shinozaki: Japan's forgotten humanitarian
by Shaun O'dwyer
A monument and a suitable memorialization for Mamoru Shinozaki would communicate a humane message about Japanese remembrance of past injustices, and about its close, peaceful engagement with the rest of Asia in the present.
Culture Oct 13, 2019
George Takei hopes his manga on internment reaches U.S. youths
by Kimi Robinson
Having experienced WW II internment camps as a child, George Takei hopes that his graphic memoir will resonate with and inspire younger generations to oppose the discrimination facing immigrants today.
Books Sep 21, 2019
'Paper Houses': Loving one half of the country, detesting the other
by Jason James
Author William Plomer came to Japan during the 1920s following the publication of "Turbott Wolfe." Hugely inspired by the country, in his later life he persuaded Benjamin Britten to watch a noh performance, inspiring him to write the opera "Curlew River," and publisher Jonathan ...