The better for wear: Designer upcycles old kimonos

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

With roots in Belgium and Japan, Haruka Sugihara is a young designer and entrepreneur with a passion for taking the...

David Malone, rector of the United Nations University

“Rector” commonly known in Japan as “president,” denotes a senior official in an educational institution, as used in Europe and...

Architect Brooks reshapes offices to new world of work

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

Christopher Brooks is the executive officer and design director of Garde, an international branding and interior design company based in...

Lixil change-maker cultures people for a cleaner world

Louise George Kittaka
contributing writer

Sanitation is something we take for granted, yet 3 billion people around the world lack access to good hygiene. Jin...

Businessman ambassador opens Panama connections

With both a father and grandfather who served their country as diplomats, it might seem that Carlos Pere is simply...

Envoy hopes Cuba studies Japan’s development path

A veteran of several overseas postings around Asia, Miguel Ramirez was delighted to be appointed ambassador to Japan late last...

Longtime work for chamber evolves into leading role

Although her days are packed to the brim, Sally Townsend wouldn’t have it any other way. As commissioner for South...

Bridging cultures through ‘food diplomacy’ and more

Peter Tan Hai Chuan was looking forward to enhancing opportunities for bilateral cooperation when he took up his position as...

A leap from academia to first Armenian ambassador

As ambassador of a country with one of the longest histories in the world, Grant Pogosyan is eager to share...

New opportunities sown from the need to evolve

Having lived in Japan since 2002, Nicolas Floquet feels integrated and comfortable in this country he considers home. He appreciates...

Expanding the narrative of adjusting to life abroad

Since arriving back in Japan in 2015, Ben Jennings, or B.J. Fox as he is known professionally, has built up...

Newest post met with open-minded enthusiasm

Electric vehicles (EVs) have a number of advantages over those that rely on conventional fuels. Not only are EVs cheaper...