Culture
EDITORIAL | On Emperor’s Birthday, A Prayer for Japan’s Unity, Security, and Prosperity
Emperor Naruhito turned 60 on February 23, a birthday considered a landmark age in the Japanese zodiac calendar. We woul
Special Reports
Japan in 2020: Foreign and Security Policy From Caution to Candor
As the New Year 2020 begins, Rei (令) – the first character of the Reiwa era (dedicated to Japan’s […]
Special Reports
Japan in 2020: Get Ready for the Geopolitical Olympics
According to Vladimir Lenin, “There are decades when nothing happens and weeks when decades happen.” As Japan moves in
Special Reports
‘Wa’ — Harmony — is Shoko Kanazawa’s 1st Reiwa New Year Kanji for JAPAN Forward Readers
Shoko Kanazawa, 34, a Japanese calligrapher who also happens to have Down Syndrome, decided that the kanji for [&hel
Special Reports
2019 in JAPAN Forward Stories: Welcome to the Era of Reiwa
As 2019 comes to a close, we at JAPAN Forward are reflecting on the stories that moved […]
Special Reports
Japan’s Trending Words in Our 2019 Stories: Reiwa
What were the words and topics that Japanese couldn’t get enough of in 2019? What were the buzzwords on everyone’s [&hel
Culture
At 18, Japan’s Princess Aiko Learns to Embrace Imperial Duties
Japanese Princess Toshinomiya Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, turned 18 on December 1.
Special Reports
‘An Experience to Cherish’: Parade-Goers Celebrate Japan’s New Emperor, Empress
How many times does one think, “If I don’t see this event now, I might never get a […]
Culture
WATCH | Tokyo Streets Turn Festive as Emperor Naruhito Greets Citizens in Post-Enthronement Parade
The Japanese people en masse were finally able to greet the new Reiwa Emperor in a public parade through […]
Special Reports
WATCH | Thousands at People’s Parade Celebrate Japan’s New Emperor
When you laugh, the world lights up — Someone’s happiness makes the world a brighter place. We send […]
Special Reports
A Discussion on Japan’s Place in the World: ‘Japan Needs to Wake Up’
Japan should take hold of its narrative and wake up to take its place in the world. That […]
Politics & Security
Trump Visit Day 1: First ‘U.S. President’s Cup’ Awarded to Sumo Tournament Winner
Despite the frequency of sumo tournaments, the atmosphere is different for every event, determined by its location and