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 Roger Pulvers

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Roger Pulvers
Roger Pulvers is an author, playwright, theater director and translator who divides his time between Tokyo and Sydney. He has published more than 40 books. His latest book in English is "The Dream of Lafcadio Hearn."
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Mar 2, 2008
Will Japan's insular mindset ever be inclusive of others?
First of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Feb 24, 2008
New values rise from the ashes of conformity
Second of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Feb 17, 2008
In Japan, there's a 'quiet revolution' afoot
First of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Feb 10, 2008
Kurosawa cohort tells illuminating Showa tails
Alongside great artists are those who witness their triumphs and setbacks, recording behind-the-scenes episodes that illuminate the processes of art.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Feb 3, 2008
'Lest We Forget' — what?
There may be no more potent expression of our consciousness of historical tragedy than the three words "Lest We Forget."
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Jan 27, 2008
In memory of one for whom Japan was a muse
A month ago I lost a very close friend. This would not be the proper place to write about it, except for the fact that despite her not being Japanese, her profound understanding of Japan and her love for the country were the lifeblood of her artistic career.
LIFE / Language
Jan 22, 2008
Corny corkers add life to lingo, you elephant!
First of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Jan 20, 2008
'Three ecologies' pioneer fought Japan's rape of nature
Second of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Jan 13, 2008
Japan's wild genius of slime-mold fame and more
First of two parts
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Jan 6, 2008
Why have Japan's bookworms turned?
Let's talk books this first Sunday of the new year.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Dec 23, 2007
Oh, to be American — with God on Your side
The administration of George W. Bush, with its faith-based mission, is seen by many as a radical departure from the main- stream of American politics. But in fact it is no more than a continuation, in a mildly extreme form, of what has gone before. Bush has changed the typeface, but not the layout, on...
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Dec 16, 2007
'Kyoko' shines on as the true star she was
Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the death of a wonderful friend. Actress and author Kyoko Kishida passed away on Dec. 17, 2006, and Japan lost not only a fantastic stage presence but also an immense creative spirit and inspiration to its young actors.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Dec 9, 2007
A moment of opportunity for Australia's new PM
The election of Kevin Rudd as prime minister of Australia last month gives that country an excellent opportunity to broaden the base, and redefine the tenor, of its ties with Japan.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Dec 2, 2007
A country of consumers who salivate over swank
Does any country have as many food programs on television as Japan?
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Nov 25, 2007
Salvation Skype's out for a state of despair
I must confess this Sunday. No, I am not about to blurt out my sins. I would rather keep those to myself, thank you. The confession today is out of total despair. Despair for this country we are living in: Japan.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Nov 18, 2007
How well do you really know Japan?
Well, dear reader, it's time for our annual How Well Do You Know Japan? quiz.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Nov 11, 2007
Why trust the self-serving United States anymore?
I began by asking myself the question linked inevitably to the survival of the United States as a trusted nation in the 21st century: Why can't America admit defeat?
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Nov 4, 2007
Who'd trust conservatives to conserve the countryside?
Farmers in many countries are icons of their nation's ethos. But "American Gothic," Grant Wood's famed 1930s painting of a gaunt, stoic-looking farming couple complete with pitchfork, is by no means the whole story. In fact, today it is not even part of it.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Oct 28, 2007
A rough guide to avoiding ethnocentric cloddery
Writing in The Guardian on Oct. 16, Mark McCrum listed 10 "hot tips to avoid social embarrassment" while traveling overseas. There were three among these travel faux pas that particularly caught my eye.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Oct 21, 2007
The power of telling tales versus making apologies
In his new book, "The Political Brain," Drew Westen analyzes in detail the election debates of 2000 between Al Gore and George W. Bush. Westen points out that it was Gore's dispassionate approach to issues that hurt him. Bush, then as now, presents himself as someone who knows what is right (and moral)...

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?