In this issue

Justin McCurry

Last month, we heard the sad news that Mike “Buck” Tharp, a former FCCJ president and doyen of foreign correspondents in Tokyo, had died, aged 77, after receiving treatment for bone marrow cancer. This issue features several tributes, from a moving obituary by his old friend Tracy Dahlby to remembrances and anecdotes from friends, relatives and colleagues. Rest in peace, Buck. In my role as editor of the Number 1 Shimbun, I try to commission articles from contributors who are not directly connected to the FCCJ but who bring new perspectives and expertise to under-reported topics. This month’s “guest” submission – about Japan’s uncomfortable relationship with the Jewish community by Dylan O’ Brien – is no exception. It has been a busy year for royal correspondents and commentators here and in Britain. In this month’s cover story, David McNeill compares U.K. and Japanese royal coverage through the prism of the Komuros and the Sussexes. Elsewhere, Karyn Nishimura previews the trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, former FCCJ president Steve Herman explains his Twitter “suspension” at the hands of Elon Musk, and Anthony Rowley reports on a recent meeting between the FCCJ board and general members. In their Japan Media Review, Philip Brasor and Masako Tsubuku speculate on the future of Shinzo Abe’s constituency; and in his latest dispatch, Eric Johnston marks a year in his northern – and anything-but-grim – home.

Cover artwork by Julio Shiiki