Chris Russell - The Japan Times

December 25, 2024

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Chris Russell

Chris Russell joined The Japan Times in 2018 as a member of the News Desk, where he is now a Senior News Editor. He also jointly oversees the Our Planet page focused on the environment and climate change, as well as editing and commissioning stories for Longform.

The government is preparing to set Japan’s new Nationally Determined Contribution, an emissions reduction commitment made by members of the United Nations climate framework's Paris Agreement.

ENVIRONMENT / Climate change / OUR PLANET

Dec 10, 2024

As Japan nears new climate goal, criticism of policy process ramps up

Critics say the process is not intended to facilitate genuine debate, and that those who support the energy status quo are overrepresented on policy panels.

A man walks past a gasoline station in Tokyo on Thursday.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET

Nov 24, 2024

How Japan can exit the fossil fuel subsidies it can’t seem to quit

While offering relief to low-income households, such measures encourage the continued use of the fossil fuels driving climate change.

The Tokyo Hydrogen Museum in the capital's Koto Ward on Thursday. The capital is targeting the “full use” of hydrogen produced using renewable energy “in all fields” by 2050 as part of its decarbonization drive.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET

Nov 3, 2024

Tokyo's climate goals rely on a fuel that is falling out of favor

The metropolitan government is targeting the widespread use of hydrogen, but strong competition and its physical properties are limiting its applications.

The “Fragment Shadow” exhibition by Shunichi Kasahara and Satoru Higa, in which people’s shadows were digitally re-created and manipulated.

JAPAN / Science & Health / OUR PLANET

Sep 29, 2024

Researchers in Japan look to art to mold the scientific process

From astrobiology to cybernetics, scientists are trying to use art not just for public outreach, but to shape research itself.

A gyrotron, which is used to heat plasma for nuclear fusion reactions, developed by Kyoto Fusioneering

ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET

Jul 7, 2024

Kyoto Fusioneering looks toward a 'Made in Japan' approach for nuclear fusion

Although it recognizes that international collaboration is key, the startup sees the country playing an integral role in the fusion ecosystem.

Pedestrians holding umbrellas during a downpour in Tokyo in June 2023

JAPAN / Science & Health / OUR PLANET

Jun 2, 2024

The growing link between extreme rain and respiratory health in Japan

Researchers have found a strong association between respiratory mortality and severe downpours of the kind being made worse by climate change.

Toshihiro Kinjo (center), a research support technician at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, inspects an audio recording device in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on April 3 as Masako Ogasawara, a research support specialist at OIST, looks on.

PODCAST / deep dive

May 23, 2024

What does climate change sound like in Okinawa?

This week, Japan Times climate editor Chris Russell joins us to discuss what researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology are listening to.

Toshihiro Kinjo (center), a research support technician at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, inspects an audio recording device in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on April 3 as Masako Ogasawara, a research support specialist at OIST, looks on.

ENVIRONMENT / Wildlife / OUR PLANET

Apr 21, 2024

Hearing the impact of climate change in Okinawa, one bird call at a time

From Okinawa to Australia, “passive acoustic monitoring” projects are feeding scientists with data about changes to ecosystems and biodiversity.

In writing "Climate Capitalism: Winning the Global Race to Zero Emissions," journalist Akshat Rathi said his goal was to try and determine where climate solutions are being built and uncover the challenges that they face.

ENVIRONMENT / Climate change / OUR PLANET

Dec 24, 2023

Finding crucial solutions in a time of climate crisis

Journalist Akshat Rathi explores the economic side of the emergency in his book ‘Climate Capitalism.'

Japan Times

PODCAST / deep dive

May 24, 2023

Japan's up for fusion — just don’t call it 'nuclear'

The Japanese government sets out guidelines to encourage private sector competition in the field of fusion power. Will a nuclear-wary public get on board?

Japan Times

WORLD / Science & Health

Apr 9, 2023

Whales help store carbon. Scientists are trying to figure out just how much.

The giant creatures have a role to play in the fight against warming, and that all comes down to how they can help keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in both direct and indirect ways.

Japan Times

WORLD

Dec 18, 2022

For firms, climate and deforestation becoming part of bigger ‘nature’ issue

Companies may still be tempted to treat their responsibilities on climate and forests as separate issues, but the two are intimately linked, an expert has stressed.

Japan Times

PODCAST / deep dive

Dec 14, 2022

25 years on from the protocol’s signing, did we ever 'Kyoto'?

Dec. 11 marked the 25th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark treaty that put the idea of global effort to save the planet on many national radars. To mark the event, The Japan Times has launched a new section, Our Planet, that will look at the climate crisis, earth science and disaster management...

WORLD

Dec 6, 2022

25 years after Kyoto Protocol, U.N. climate process stumbles on

The ultimate failure of the protocol offers a cautionary tale on how such international deals can fall short, but also the capacity of climate action to evolve.

JAPAN

Apr 22, 2022

Japan joins scramble to respond to Solomon Islands' pact with China

The deal reportedly allows China to dock military ships in the island nation, representing a significant strategic advance in the region for Beijing.

Japan Times

PODCAST / deep dive

Apr 14, 2022

Nakagin, Nakagone: Demolishing an architectural dream

Japan Times editor Chris Russell joins to discuss the story of Nakagin and why he thinks it has captivated so many people over the years.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Apr 12, 2022

Demolition of Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower officially begins

Fans gathered for a last look at the building, an iconic representation of Japan's metabolist architectural movement.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Apr 1, 2022

School is back in Japan. At last, so are foreign students.

Following the easing of Japan's strict border controls, at least some foreign students have been able to arrive in time for Friday's start of the academic year.

JAPAN

Feb 18, 2022

Easing of border rules met with relief by education sector, but some criticize scope

With the door to Japan set to be opened somewhat, the key for the government will be setting out the specifics of the policy, of which there are presently few details.

JAPAN / FOCUS

Feb 11, 2022

Japan’s entry ban leaves students and universities counting the cost

Restrictions on new entries have seen projects disrupted, scholarships lost, international exchange undermined, career plans left in tatters and much more.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Visitors to Kyoto walk along a street near Kiyomizu Temple in April. A popular tourist spot, Kyoto has seen what locals feel to be an overwhelming amount of tourists in 2024.

Is Japan ready for 60 million tourists?

By Kathryn Wortley

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