Julian Ryall
Julian Ryall never expected to still be in Japan 24 years after he first arrived, but he quickly realised its advantages over his native London. He lives in Yokohama with his wife and children and writes for publications around the world.
Julian Ryall never expected to still be in Japan 24 years after he first arrived, but he quickly realised its advantages over his native London. He lives in Yokohama with his wife and children and writes for publications around the world.
Landslide warnings remained in force on Tuesday after the 25th typhoon of the season left thousands without power and ruined holiday plans.
The takeover of Swiss and French brands raises the spectre of retaliation against some 230 Japanese businesses still in Russia.
Sealed in diving suits with mines attached to poles, Japan’s ‘fukuryu’ frogmen waited beneath the waves for an invasion that never came.
Analysts say a Ukraine trip will be an ‘excellent opportunity’ for Takaichi to show her mettle, despite concerns about chilly Russia ties.
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Reykjavik’s move to end hunts increases international pressure on Tokyo as low consumption of whale meat and high subsidies fuel debate.
Warming winters and military labour shortages are forcing the world-famous Hokkaido event to pivot towards sustainability.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is under pressure from conservatives to take firm action, including helping Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rules out non-nationals in uniform, even as a report warns personnel levels could fall to 130,000 by 2045.
The issue is set to continue rattling ties between Tokyo and Seoul even as they seek to find common ground on security and trade issues.
Hitachiomiya weighs state handouts against lasting stigma as residents protest against a preliminary survey for radioactive waste storage.
Rising temperatures and ‘artificial environments’ enable the insects to thrive in a region once considered too hostile for them, experts say.
Should Washington commission Mogami-class frigates, it will become Japan’s largest deal since relaxing the rules on weapon exports in April.
Government data shows student suicide spikes in September, when children return to school after a long summer break.
Rising sea temperatures are pushing pufferfish species together, spawning hybrids that even specialist chefs cannot safely prepare.
The fall of Yokohama’s mayor suggests the end of an era for local Japanese leaders treating staff and public funds with contempt.
Legal experts and those targeted in such cases say whistle-blowers can face termination, costly litigation and difficulty finding work.
Critics say the funds are being channelled into projects with limited direct benefit to travellers and question how the money is being spent.
Pyongyang slams Tokyo’s record defence budget and war shrine visits, framing regional tension as a Cold War-style clash.
Claims that a deadly quake was artificial and Hiroshima was not hit by an atomic bomb have alarmed experts tracking Japan’s online spaces.
Major outlays are being planned for drones, AI-enabled command systems, long-range missiles and support for the domestic defence industry.
Tokyo has to tread ‘extremely lightly’ on the issue to avoid jeopardising the US security umbrella on which it relies, analysts say.
Impostors dressed in military fatigues are reportedly prowling abandoned properties, with residents warned to be on the lookout.
Tohoku is just a couple of hours north of Tokyo by bullet train, yet only 6 per cent of overseas visitors visited last year.
Analysts say the move will be ‘a starting point’ for greater cooperation among like-minded partners amid concerns about US commitment.
Recent opinion polls show Takaichi’s approval rating slipping, reflecting the public’s disdain for her priorities, analysts say.
A proposal to map charts through five straits comes as Japan fears trade disruption from choke points in the South China Sea and off Malacca.
Data from the Kyoto City Tourism Association shows a sharp decline in Chinese overnight stays as a result of growing bilateral tensions.
Locals make up the vast majority of Japan’s mountain rescues, yet internet anger is largely reserved for ill-equipped tourists.
The Fukuoka prefectural government admitted it spent more than US$2 million on the excursions, triggering public anger.
