If You Ask Me

If You Ask Me April 2015

Books do make a room

The joy of reading from paper and ink
If You Ask Me March 2015

Bigotry writ large

Ayako Sono's idea of segregating living areas in Japan according to race has caused controversy.
If You Ask Me February 2015

What price freedom of speech?

The right to free speech may come with responsibilities but it should be protected.
If You Ask Me January 2015

A look back at 2014

The year has seen a number of global, economic and environmental issues come to the fore.
If You Ask Me December 2014

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.
If You Ask Me November 2014

Who Shall Inherit the Earth?

Environmental laureates urge global citizens to agree on actions to address climate change.
If You Ask Me October 2014

Get Ready, on Your Marks …

As Tokyo prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the country has lessons to learn to achieve success.
If You Ask Me September 2014

A writer’s responsibility

How the role a journalist plays can shape society, for better or worse.
If You Ask Me August 2014

European Union: stay in or get out?

Withdrawal could lessen appeal of UK as a regional headquarters for Japanese firms.
If You Ask Me July 2014

Veering to the Right

The election results for the European Parliament cause a stir in the UK and across Europe.
If You Ask Me June 2014

A look again at article 9

Regional territorial disputes beg questions on Japan's constitution.
If You Ask Me May 2014

Death penalty: for and against

The release of a death row inmate following new DNA evidence shows the need for a review of executions.
If You Ask Me April 2014

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.
If You Ask Me March 2014

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?
If You Ask Me February 2014

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.
If You Ask Me January 2014

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.
If You Ask Me December 2013

Occasion for Reflection

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, one of the BBC's most successful programmes.
If You Ask Me November 2013

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.
If You Ask Me October 2013

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.
If You Ask Me September 2013

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.
If You Ask Me August 2013

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.
If You Ask Me July 2013

My Brother and I

If You Ask Me June 2013

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?
If You Ask Me May 2013

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.
If You Ask Me April 2013

With this Ring ...

British Prime Minister David Cameron has gone out on a limb to promote it; US President Barack Obama has soundly endorsed it; the establishment fumes and rails against it; and the religious of virtually every stripe condemn it.