Matthew Hernon is a Senior Editor at The Japan Times. He specializes in themes such as competitive sports, regional interest, and world news, with a focus on both individual and team sports, as well as the hospitality and leisure industries. Matthew's work has been featured in The Japan Times and Tokyo Weekender Magazine.
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Japan (National)
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By: Matthew Hernon
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday morning (JST). Ahead of the tournament, we preview Japan's chances.
On this day in 1948, Osamu Dazai died by suicide, drowning in Tokyo’s rain-swollen Tamagawa Josui canal alongside his lover, Tomie Yamazaki.
By: Matthew Hernon
Daichi Kamada deflected the ball home in the 88th minute to rescue a point for Japan in an entertaining game against the Netherlands.
By: Matthew Hernon
Television personality Bobby Ologun was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of nonconsensual sexual intercourse with a female acquaintance
By: Matthew Hernon
After Daichi Kamada rescued a point for Japan against the Netherlands on Monday, Japanese fans stayed behind after the final whistle.
By: Matthew Hernon
On Tuesday, Tokyo Metro launched Metro CrowdNavi, a new website that lets passengers check congestion levels across all of its rail lines.
By: Matthew Hernon
From October 1, 2026, JR Central and JR West will introduce Supreme Class — a new tier of private compartments on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen.
By: Matthew Hernon
A huge number of fans celebrated at the famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo after Japan defeated Tunisia at the 1,000th World Cup game.
By: Matthew Hernon
The Asahikawa Murder case took a dramatic turn when a man stormed court demanding the death penalty after Riko Uchida's sentencing.
By: Matthew Hernon
Former AKB48 idol Mei Hanada, who was dismissed from the group, claims management asked her to shave her head.
