Dateline Japan - reliable English language news

Since PM Takaichi's government opened in the autumn of 2025, I've been glued to the news. Her government is tightening immigration, attempting to address inflation, and securing energy supplies. There's a lot to keep up with, a firehose of information.

There are lots of sources of English and other foreign language news that stay on top of these issues. Prolific blogger Genkidesu focused on news outlets that provide short-form and in-depth stories on Japanese politics. Here is a roundup of others covering culture, economics, and regional issues.

I have a look at Nippon.com periodically. Journalists and academics contribute columns on current affairs, cultural shifts, economics, and government policy. While it is partiallly government funded, the articles provide background from both left and right perspectives. Even better, the in-depth articles are offered in up to half a dozen languages.

East Asia Forum is a quarterly publication with a web platform posting daily. EAF has serious credentials, coming from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. The articles are peer-reviewed. Click on Japan in the header, and you'll see about 10 stories a month about politics, security, economics, and immigration.

Unseen Japan is run by a small team of translators and interpreters with keen eyes for stories that are overlooked by bigger news outlets. You'll see columns about minorities, social movements, and what makes Japan tick.

What reliable, timely Japan news platforms in English or other languages do you recommend?