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 Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Oct 3, 2022
Nick Kyrgios excited to be at Japan Open as court case looms at home
The 27-year-old Wimbledon finalist is due to have his case heard at a magistrates' court in Canberra on the same day he is scheduled to play in Tokyo.
Japan Times
Rugby
Sep 8, 2022
Jamie Joseph says Japan will tone down swashbuckling style at upcoming Rugby World Cup
Joseph believes the Brave Blossoms can reach another RWC quarterfinal if they get their preparations right.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 22, 2022
Ygor Coelho encouraging Brazilians to dance to rhythm of badminton
The world No. 51 has established himself in the badminton world and says more people in his soccer-mad nation are aiming to follow in his footsteps.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 21, 2022
Uneasy Kento Momota eyes third badminton world title in Tokyo
Despite dismal form so far this year, the 27-year-old hopes that home support can help him upset the odds and claim a third title when the world championships begin on Monday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jul 28, 2022
Esports players with impairments continue to break down barriers
Naoya Kitamura, who has microphthalmos and has been blind since birth, says esports can help change the perception that people with disabilities 'just need assistance.'
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 8, 2022
Liverpool and Manchester United leading Europe's top clubs back into Asia
European clubs are returning to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and are eager to tap back into lucrative markets.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jul 6, 2022
Far from war, Ukraine sumo team trains for global glory in Japan
The wrestlers, hailing from one of amateur sumo's hotbeds of activity, flew to the United States on Tuesday after completing a monthlong camp ahead of the World Games.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Nov 14, 2020
Art or vandalism? Japan tries to find the right balance with street graffiti.
Tokyo looks to find the right balance between encouraging creative expression and protecting buildings from vandalism.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Oct 17, 2020
With fortunes waning in Japan, sake finds a new home abroad
As the world's hunger for Japanese cuisine grows, so does its thirst for the country's iconic drink.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Oct 10, 2020
Facing the music: Can Japan’s vibrant record culture survive the COVID-19 pandemic?
An iconic Tokyo record store prepares to close, leaving vinyl fans fearing for the future.
Japan Times
Rugby
Sep 14, 2020
Brave Blossoms won't play at all in 2020 because of pandemic
Brave Blossoms have not played a match since their World Cup quarterfinal defeat to South Africa on Oct. 20 last year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Sep 8, 2020
Japanese beat the summer heat with fan-fitted clothes
As Japan swelters through record temperatures, fan-fitted clothing moves beyond workwear and into new markets.
Japan Times
Rugby
Sep 5, 2020
Can Japan make the most of its Rugby World Cup legacy?
One year after the global tournament kicked off, the impact of COVID-19 is hampering efforts to build on the hugely successful event.
Japan Times
LIFE
Aug 11, 2020
Beetlemania: Japanese collectors pay high prices for big bugs
The nation's love of stag and rhinoceros beetles has flourished during the pandemic, with families driving demand.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Jul 25, 2020
Redefining the kimono in modern times
While many associate the kimono with Japanese tradition, renewed interest in the garment at home and abroad is giving it a new lease on life.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jul 22, 2020
Sign of the times: Helping deaf people get by in Japan
Attempts are being made to enhance the visibility and availability of sign language across the nation.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 4, 2020
Steak House Ribera: Wrestling’s spiritual home in Japan
What do The Rock, Hulk Hogan and John Cena have in common? A shared love of Tokyo's Steak House Ribera.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jun 27, 2020
Fighting for the right to recognize same-sex marriage in Japan
The notion of legal partnerships is gaining acceptance and yet entrenched political obstacles remain.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Stage
Jun 26, 2020
Comic Saku Yanagawa was on his way to cracking the U.S. — then COVID-19 happened
Comic Saku Yanagawa is making a name for himself in the U.S., but with racist hecklers and awkward Zoom gigs, he's facing his toughest crowds yet.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jun 13, 2020
Suicide in Japan: Seeking to part the dark clouds as pandemic threatens recent progress
The death of u2018Terrace House' star Hana Kimura in May has thrust the issue of suicide back into the national spotlight.

Longform

A woman passes an "akichi" (vacant lot) in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The capital is littered with such small lots in part because of Japan's aging and shrinking population.
Dealing with rising land vacancies as Japan shrinks