TOM PLATE WRITES – Exquisite food was only the half of it, but what a fabulous half it was. A multi-course lunch at Hermitage in Jakarta (www.hermitagejakarta.com/dining) set the table for Asia Media International’s first mini-reunion in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Loyola Marymount University has a lively and loyal alumni contingent…
ERISA TAKEDA WRITES – It was quite a familial setting – he sat at the head of the table over lunch as he recounted episodes in his 83 years of life in a calm but assured manner. No, this was not my grandfather, but renowned Japanese journalist, Fumio Matsuo. There…
ERISA TAKEDA WRITES – Japan and Saudi Arabia each want a better economy. To get there, they’ve just doubled down on closer bilateral relations and deeper cultural ties. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met in Tokyo September 1 to sign a handful of agreements…
ERISA TAKEDA WRITES – Despite claims from the Right that the film lacked credibility, would hurt U.S.-Japanese relations, and put the country in a bad light, Angelina Jolie’s biopic “Unbroken” opened in Japan without incident February 6. Released under the title “A Man of Fortitude” — a direct translation of…
ERISA TAKEDA WRITES FROM PARIS – Everyone already knows what happened on the night of the night of November 13th in Paris. Social media, despite its questionable reliability, was the first to spread the word so widely about the horrible attacks. Instead of dwelling on this tragedy, I would like…
ERISA TAKEDA WRITES: Hi all! My mom tells me that in Japan, it’s a tradition to start a letter by addressing the season. So: For the past three weeks or so, Japan has been getting warnings of typhoons 9, 10, 11, and the upcoming 12. Do not be fooled; this…
