Tomohiro Osaki

-- Assumed the new, exhilarating role as a long-form features writer tasked with immersing our readers in "regional" aspects of Japan that a Tokyo-based audience might be oblivious to. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I am currently taking a break from this beat to focus on coverage of the global crisis.

-- Navigated through the complex, sometimes hostile world of Japanese politics, covering entities including the national Diet, the Prime Minister's Office and the ministries of foreign affairs and defense. -- Joined our then editor-in-chief in conducting an exclusive interview with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in February 2018.

-- Took on the role as a beat reporter covering the nation's Justice Ministry and district/high/supreme courts, pursuing topics such as judicial injustice, immigration and LGBTQ rights -- Tackled some investigative projects, including exploring the sexual commodification of teen girls, the life in limbo faced by children of visa overstayers and youth attitudes toward romance, sex and marriage

My main responsibilities included helping art and entertainment editors at The Japan Times manage day-to-day content, liaising with external contributing writers and fact-checking copy on entertainment-oriented topics ranging from art to film and fashion to lifestyle. I also wrote short-form previews for upcoming art exhibitions and weekend events.

I helped the then editor-in-chief in Tokyo manage day-to-day content for the website, occasionally translating, proofreading and pitching/writing original stories.