Julian Ryall

South China Morning Post SCMP

Danger, death and devotion: Japan's festivals face crisis after fatal accidents

By: Julian Ryall

A number of tragic deaths have forced local communities across Japan to reconsider centuries of sacred tradition in the name of safety

Newswav

Danger, death and devotion: Japan’s festivals face crisis after fatal accidents Japan’s centuries-old festivals are facing renewed scrutiny after a series of fatal accidents in recent weeks, raising questions over how communities can preserve their cultural traditions without putting lives at risk. Three people have been killed and more than a dozen injured in accidents at autumn festivals across the country in recent wee 1 View

By: Julian Ryall

A number of tragic deaths have forced local communities across Japan to reconsider centuries of sacred tradition in the name of safety

South China Morning Post SCMP

Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce' after decades of marriage

By: Julian Ryall

As children leave home and with changing pension rules, more older Japanese women are choosing to walk away from distant marriages

South China Morning Post SCMP

Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce’ after decades of marriage

By: Julian Ryall

As children leave home and with changing pension rules, more older Japanese women are choosing to walk away from distant marriages.

Deutsche Welle

Germany's Merz heads to Asia as security issues loom large

By: Julian Ryall

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be meeting the leaders of Singapore, Japan and South Korea as Germany seeks to adjust its foreign policy to rising uncertainty and threats to global supply chains.

Deutsche Welle

Merz heads to Asia as Germany navigates a world of interconnected threats

By: Julian Ryall

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be meeting the leaders of Singapore, Japan and South Korea as Germany seeks to adjust its foreign policy to rising uncertainty and threats to global supply chains.

South China Morning Post SCMP

Japan's tame answer to jobseeker sex harassment: name and shame

By: Julian Ryall

After years of predatory recruiters targeting graduates, new rules are now in place – but critics say they lack real teeth

South China Morning Post SCMP

Why younger Japanese now fear Trump's US more than China

By: Julian Ryall

A survey reveals under-50s see the US as the world's top threat – driven by growing horror at its foreign policy, analysts say

South China Morning Post SCMP

Will US midterm battles blind Washington to Asia? Japan isn’t taking any chances

By: Julian Ryall

Fearing post-election paralysis in the White House, Tokyo is fast-tracking defence partnerships across the region to reduce US reliance.

New Zealand Herald

The beginner's guide to Laos

By: Julian Ryall

Quietly overshadowed by its well-traversed neighbours, only now is Laos stepping into the spotlight - and if you're a first-timer, this is how to do it, writes Julian Ryall