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 Will Fee

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Will Fee
Will Fee is a staff writer covering the domestic politics beat. He holds an MPhil in Japanese Studies from Oxford University, where he specialized in postwar history and culture, and is an alumnus of the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC) in Yokohama.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Feb 23, 2023
A year after war broke out, Ukrainian evacuees take life in Japan one step at a time
Forced to abandon careers, education plans and other opportunities at home, those who made the 8,000 kilometer journey to East Asia have had their lives put on hold.
BUSINESS
Feb 1, 2023
The British offshore wind firm hoping to win big on Japan’s 'trump card'
As more overseas companies arrive in the Asia Pacific in search of opportunities in the renewables industry, one U.K. firm sees Japan as the ideal base for regional growth.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 30, 2023
From lessons of 3/11, Japan scientists share knowledge of disaster resilience across Pacific
As Japan’s top researchers continue to glean new information from 3/11, some scientists are aiming to pass on that knowledge to the rest of the disaster-prone Pacific Rim.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 20, 2023
With the end of ‘zero-COVID,’ when will Chinese tourists return to Japan?
A number of factors may stand in the way of a timely boost to the hospitality industry over Lunar New Year — from expensive flights to Japan's border rules for arrivals from China.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 9, 2023
How researchers in disaster-prone Japan and the Pacific are rethinking city design
In the years following the 2011 megaquake and tsunami, seawalls have proliferated along northeastern Japan's Pacific coast. Some researchers are pushing for an alternative approach.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 26, 2022
As Japan takes to rental e-scooters, some see changes to cities ahead
Services such as Luup could shift the nation's train station-centric urban layouts, but they have attracted controversy over drunken driving.
SOCCER / World cup
Dec 6, 2022
Penalty shootout agony for fans as Japan's World Cup dream comes to a disappointing end
Devastated fans brave rain and a midnight start to watch the Samurai Blue's historic chance at a quarterfinal appearance slip through their fingers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2022
In Japan, people gather in solidarity with China's anti-lockdown protests
With criticism tightly controlled in China, the protestors there are “very, very brave,” a demonstrator said, adding that that's why 'I can't do nothing, I must do something.”
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 28, 2022
People in Japan snap up winter clothing to reduce impact of high energy costs
A rise in sales of cold-weather goods is being driven by the government's “Warm Biz” initiative and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine.
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2022
Released Japanese filmmaker calls for greater scrutiny of Myanmar junta
Toru Kubota was arrested and detained in Myanmar for filming a small demonstration against the junta, but recently returned to Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Nov 27, 2022
Concerned about the future, will more Japanese youth seek opportunities overseas?
Amid a growing sense that the economic downturn in Japan is more than just a passing phase, some Japanese are heading abroad to seek better pay and a change in lifestyle.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Nov 7, 2022
Weak yen could keep foreign workers away from Japan
The yen's rapid slide against the dollar has eroded the value of overseas remittances, causing concern at firms that rely on staff from abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 1, 2022
Tokyo begins recognition of same-sex partnerships
However, same-sex marriage is prohibited nationwide, meaning various legal protections only afforded to married couples remain unavailable as well.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 30, 2022
Celebrations relatively restrained as Halloween returns to Tokyo
After waves of COVID-19 and memories of a costumed assailant last year, Shibuya's Halloween partygoers were met with alcohol bans and more security.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 26, 2022
Ukraine delegation looks to Japan’s expertise on reconstruction
The Japan-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship League described Japan as “a leader in the world” in terms of disaster response that Ukraine can learn from as it plans its own future recovery.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2022
As water-related disasters mount, experts call for more warning tech
Risk assessment tools and early warning technologies are necessary to mitigate the damage such disasters cause, a leading Japanese researcher on disaster risk reduction has said.
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 23, 2022
The government wants you to get a My Number card. Should you?
The cards offer more convenient access to government services, but many people have been hesitant to get them due to concerns over data leaks.
PODCAST / deep dive
Oct 19, 2022
Japan reopens its borders. Are tourists ready to return?
Masks? Vaccinations? Yen? You're ready to come to Japan! News chief Kanako Takahara and reporter Will Fee join the podcast this week to discuss whether the country's grand reopening will help its beleaguered tourism sector.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 11, 2022
Japan's eagerly anticipated reopening gets off to slow start
Despite the eagerly anticipated reopening, many of those arriving at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday were either business travelers or residents returning after trips abroad.
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 9, 2022
What to expect as Japan opens back up to the world
While requirements for guided tours will be a thing of the past, proof of vaccination and mask-wearing etiquette will remain in place.

Longform

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