Culture
Foreigners Should Be Okay with Taro Aso Describing Japanese Good Manners as Mindo 民度
All of us like to receive compliments. The Japanese, I have noticed, particularly enjoy hearing praise from foreigne
Author Archives for Duncan Bartlett
Duncan Bartlett is the editor of Asian Affairs and the author of the weekly blog Japan Story. He formerly worked in Tokyo for the BBC.
Politics & Security
Hong Kong Clampdown, Huawei Trail Should Remind Japan of Risks of Dealing with China
Global companies cannot exit China. Nor can people suddenly stop buying goods which are made in China, or which [&hell
Politics & Security
South Korea’s Election Result Shows Supporters Ignored President Moon’s Mistakes
Few countries in the world have decided to press ahead with elections despite the coronavirus crisis. More than 40 [&h
Culture
5 Reasons Japan Should Quit Smoking
There’s never been a better time to give up cigarettes. I gave up smoking about eight years ago, […]
Culture
Kimono: Timeless Treasures on Display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum until June 21
A major new exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the kimono’s elegant history. It also display
Coronavirus
Coronavirus Crisis Becomes Sword Hanging Over Tokyo 2020 Games
Since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, the International
Special Reports
Coronavirus’ ‘Butterfly Effect’ Will Have A Major Impact on East Asian and Global Economies
One of the passengers aboard a luxury liner being held in Yokohama Bay says the ship feels like a […]
Politics & Security
Carlos Ghosn: Media Manipulation Skills on Full Display as Fugitive Resurfaces
The former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn knew full well that he would have the undivided attention of the world’s [&hel
Special Reports
Welcome, Your Holiness, We Share Your Values in Japan
We learned this week that a man who uses the name “Francisco” — the same name as the Pope […]
Culture
The British Museum Showcases Manga Art — A ‘New Dimension’ of Japan
The largest exhibition of manga ever held outside Japan has opened in London. The British Museum is […]
Politics & Security
A Weakened Britain is the Number One Target for Chinese Business
There was amazement in London when Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson was summoned to Number Ten Downing Street and as
Politics & Security
Why Do We Let North Korea Go On with Empty Promises of Denuclearization?
The United States military says there has been a “palpable reduction in tension” on the Korean Peninsula, despite the