Hanako Montgomery
Reporter, VWN
hanako.montgomery@vice.comCovers all things Japan and sometimes East Asia—from social issues, politics, working life and quirky what-did-I-just-read pieces.
North Korean Regime Would ‘End’ If It Launches Nuclear Attack, Biden Warns
The U.S. president promised to defend South Korea in meetings that featured a rendition of “American Pie” by his Korean counterpart.
Japan Will Lose Almost a Third of Its Population by 2070, Study Suggests
The depopulation of Japan is continuing apace despite measures to encourage births.
Japan’s First Private Moon Landing Likely Ended in a Crash
A rush of private companies and government agencies has planned to land spacecraft on the moon this year. It won’t be easy.
K-Pop Star Found Dead at 25 in His Apartment
“Moonbin suddenly left us and has now become a star in the sky,” his agency said on Thursday.
‘Toxic’ Dolphin Meat Is Being Sold and Eaten in Japan
A test showed a sample of dolphin offal contained mercury that’s nearly 100 times regulatory limits.
Acrobat Falls to Her Death During a Routine With Her Husband
37-year-old Sun was performing with her long-time acrobat partner and husband, when she slipped off the rope and fell mid-performance.
Japan Asks Schools Not to Penalize Students if They Were Late Because They Were Groped
Japanese authorities said students are reluctant to report groping crimes to the police because they fear getting penalized for missing school.
Leaked Docs Show US Spying on Its Allies, and No One Should Be Surprised
U.S. officials have been scrambling to mend ties with its allies following a leak of secret documents showing that the U.S. spied on its friends—again.
Millions of Birds Have Been Killed in Japan. Now There’s No Space to Bury Them.
Japan has culled a record number of birds this season due to bird flu.
Dozens of Dolphins Have Washed Up on Japan’s Beaches. No One Knows Why.
The reports follow a global trend of marine life washing up on beaches, in cases that have perplexed scientists.
‘Imminent Threat’: Kim Jong Un Unveils Mini Nukes as US Carrier Arrives in South Korea
Kim Jong Un reportedly told his officials that the country should be prepared to use its nuclear weapons “anytime and anywhere.”
Half-Black Student in Japan Segregated During Graduation For Wearing Cornrows
The 18-year-old wanted to celebrate his high school graduation by wearing cornrows, but was made to sit alone and away from his classmates.