Nevin Thompson is the Japan Editor for Global Voices. He is a translator, writer, and journalist, and has been connected to Japan for more than twenty years.
Nevin currently lives and works on an island off the West Coast of Canada, and spends about three months each year with his family in Tsuruga, a small city on the Japan Sea Coast, just north of Kyoto.
Latest posts by Nevin Thompson
23 June 2017
June and July Mark the Anniversary of the Wartime Destruction of Japan's Cities
Bombing raids systematically targeted Japan's cities for complete and utter destruction in June and July 1945.
22 June 2017
Thousands of Japanese Woodblock Prints Just Became Available Online
The Library of Congress prints collection depicts a vast number of subjects including actors, women, landscapes, scenes from Japanese literature, daily life in Japan, and views of Westerners in Japan.
17 June 2017
Japan's Controversial Anticonspiracy Bill Becomes Law
"It's possible that the law, which is intended to deal with organized crime groups, will expand to affect ordinary citizens."
16 June 2017
Japanese Traditional Sweets Day Means Twitter Is Full of Mouth-Watering Photos of ‘Wagashi’
Did you know Japan has observed "traditional sweets day" on June 16 for more than a thousand years?
10 June 2017
Locals Rejoice as Restart Planned for Nuclear Power Plant
The reactor restarts are welcome news to isolated host communities. However, residents of one of Japan's most densely populated regions are fearful about the potential for another massive nuclear accident.
3 June 2017
A Hashtag in Support of Victims Takes Off on Japanese Twitter After a High-Profile Journalist Is Accused of Sexual Assault
In Japan, as in other countries, many sexual assaults go unreported, but one victim has decided to go public in the hope of getting justice.
31 May 2017
The Myth of the ‘Nice Canadian’
Is Canadians' reputation for niceness preventing Canada from really achieving true greatness as a country?
27 May 2017
On the 45th Anniversary of Okinawa's Return to Japan, People Protest US Presence
It's been 45 years since the United States returned Okinawa to Japan. But American bases still dominate the landscape, and the politics of the prefecture.
22 May 2017
In Japan, Plastic Food Models Aren't Just for Restaurants Anymore
"Is there anyone out there who is going to say, "Wow, cool, I can customize my smartphone case with salmon roe?" I think I'll be the only one."
20 May 2017
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
13 May 2017
How ‘Aspie’ Is Misunderstood, Mistranslated and Misused In Japan
"Will (people living with Aspergers syndrome) be happy to hear the term asupe used as slang, I wonder?"
6 May 2017
Photographer Chronicles Day-to-Day Life in Tokyo
From stunning portraits to cultural scenes that may not be around for much longer, Lee Chapman is passionate about documenting life in Tokyo.
1 May 2017
A Software Engineer's Blog Takes Readers on Bike Rides Through Japan's Backroads
Friedl's blog is a great way to explore Japan by bike, even if you aren't in Japan or don't necessarily own a bike.
29 April 2017
“I'm Glad I'm From Tohoku” Trends on Twitter Following Japanese Politician's Cruel Words
A Japanese cabinet minister's insensitive remarks spurred a popular Twitter hashtag supporting Japan's northeastern Tohoku region, as well as the minister's resignation.
21 April 2017
Japanese Metal Legends LOUDNESS Turned Away at US Border
"After spending 27 hours in the air I'm back in Osaka. Just devastated."
14 April 2017
Amidst Political Scandal and a Hate Crime Probe, Japan’s Old Rescript on Education Is Back
When a Japanese private school was caught making racist and nationalistic remarks, the ensuing scandal started a national conversation about the relevance of a pre-war imperial edict on education.
10 April 2017
Colorized Photos Show Epic Battle Between American and Japanese Forces in Okinawa During World War II
On the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, a Japanese researcher has made Twitter posts featuring archival photos of the battle that have been colorized using a software tool.
8 April 2017
Osaka Becomes the First Municipality in Japan to Recognize Same-Sex Foster Parents
"If you love the children you raise above all else, be you same-sex parents or parents of the opposite sex, that's all that's important to being a parent."
3 April 2017
Six Years On: How Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate Are Recovering From the Tsunami
The report includes statistics from Japan's Reconstruction Ministry as well as surveys of evacuees themselves to provide a local perspective on efforts to recover from the 2011 "triple disaster."
24 March 2017
Concrete Lovers, This Is What Social Housing Looks Like in Japan
An interesting blog devoted to documenting the concrete housing projects that have been home to several generations of Japanese since the end of the war.
