If You Ask Me
Books do make a room
The joy of reading from paper and ink
Bigotry writ large
Ayako Sono's idea of segregating living areas in Japan according to race has caused controversy.
What price freedom of speech?
The right to free speech may come with responsibilities but it should be protected.
A look back at 2014
The year has seen a number of global, economic and environmental issues come to the fore.
The Elusive Third Arrow
While the Abenomics approach to bring economic well-being has had limited success, a snap election may get it back on target.
Who Shall Inherit the Earth?
Environmental laureates urge global citizens to agree on actions to address climate change.
Get Ready, on Your Marks …
As Tokyo prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the country has lessons to learn to achieve success.
A writer’s responsibility
How the role a journalist plays can shape society, for better or worse.
European Union: stay in or get out?
Withdrawal could lessen appeal of UK as a regional headquarters for Japanese firms.
Veering to the Right
The election results for the European Parliament cause a stir in the UK and across Europe.
A look again at article 9
Regional territorial disputes beg questions on Japan's constitution.
Death penalty: for and against
The release of a death row inmate following new DNA evidence shows the need for a review of executions.
Here’s to a safe haven for D&I
The need could not be greater for “a safe, positive and nurturing environment” if Japan is to avoid a bleak future.
Stormy Weather
What more will it take to persuade people that if we continue to treat our planet as we do currently, it will soon be too late?
From the Horse’s Mouth
In this Year of the Horse, the Tokyo governor’s race and the Sochi Winter Olympics are events to watch.
From Prisoner to President
I have always felt that, if I could have met one person in my life, it would have been Nelson Mandela.
Occasion for Reflection
Last month marked the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, one of the BBC's most successful programmes.
Death and Taxes
All eyes are on the reaction to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s plan to increase the already unpopular consumption tax next April.
Worth Every Yen
My regular visits to the outpatient department and the substantial amount of medication I must now take are significantly more affordable as a result of national health coverage.
Europe: In or Out?
Anyone who has followed the history of Anglo-Japanese relations over the past three decades should be aware of the importance of Japan’s investments in the UK.
Has the Revolving Door of PMs Now Closed?
Japan’s voters—at least the 36% who bothered to turn out in July’s House of Councillors (upper house) election—have spoken: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now has control of both chambers in the Diet.
My Brother and I
Dragon in Shallow Waters?
What—if anything—are we to make of the recent upset in the UK’s local elections in which the UK Independence Party (UKIP) won almost 25% of the votes?
Irony of the Iron Lady
In death, as in life, she was divisive and, no doubt, relished the fact. When news came of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the age of 87, few could have been surprised.
