Join us at JAPAN Forward as we celebrate the end of the year by reflecting on the best of 2024. While you followed the athletic achievements at the Paris Olympics, did you also take time to learn about the increase in foreign residents living in Japan?
This week's selection features stories and insights on Japanese culture, athletes, calligraphy artists, and international security. They reflect the news and events that held our attention in 2024.
Take a look to find out why your fellow readers navigated to these stories more than any others. And, once again, thanks for following JAPAN Forward!
This article highlights numbers 25 to 21 of the most popular articles of 2024.
25 - 21 | 20 - 16 | 15 - 11 | 10 - 6 | 5 - 1
25. Why is Kurdish Immigration to Japan on the Rise?
Professor Saburo Takizawa exposes an illicit network smuggling Kurds to the West and explains Japan's appeal as a more affordable immigration destination.
24. Paris Olympics a Family Affair for Japanese Volleyball Players
Siblings Yuki and Mayu Ishikawa played starring roles for Japan's men's and women's volleyball teams. Yuji Nishida and his wife, Sarina Koga, did as well.
23. 'Soar' Into the Future: Shoko Kanazawa Reveals New Year Kanji for 2024
With great brush strokes creating the kanji '翔' (soar), calligraphy artist Shoko Kanazawa sent power and the hope of reaching new heights from Tokyo to the world.
22. Predictions 2024: Taking On 5 International Trends Testing Japan in the New Year
As the shrinkage of American power and other trends shook the international order, Japan found itself reassessing the defense of its sovereignty.
21. Foreign Population in Tokyo Soars as Chinese Buyers Seek Condos
Foreign residents in Tokyo's 23 wards grew by nearly 20% over the past five years. Chinese nationals now make up a quarter of Japan's foreign resident population.
Coming up: the next five articles in our top 25, from 20-16.
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Author: JAPAN Forward
