The Diplomat | Author
Thisanka Siripala
Thisanka Siripala is an Australian-Sri Lankan cross platform journalist living in Tokyo.
Thisanka Siripala is an Australian-Sri Lankan cross platform journalist living in Tokyo. She specializes in Asia-Pacific news and current affairs while predominantly covering Japan and North Asia-related politics, business, and socio-economic shifts. She is an honors graduate from The University of Melbourne with a degree in International Relations, Media Studies, and Japanese language.
March 03, 2025
Japan’s Struggle to Resolve North Korean Abductions
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s decades-long struggle to resolve the abduction issue faces another setback as families oppose the government’s latest strategy of opening new liaison offices.
February 25, 2025
Japan’s #MeToo Movement Takes Center Stage With Controversial ‘Black Box Diaries’ Documentary
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s #MeToo icon Ito Shiori faces backlash from her former legal team in Japan, which has delayed the premiere of her feature length documentary investigating her sexual assault.
February 05, 2025
Japanese Broadcaster Fuji TV’s Sexual Assault Scandal Sparks Major Corporate Crisis
By Thisanka Siripala
Fuji TV has been accused of cover-ups, mismanagement, and botched crisis response following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a celebrity TV personality.
June 14, 2024
Japan’s Rush to Play Cyber Defense Catchup
By Thisanka Siripala
The Japanese government plans to introduce “preemptive” cyber defense as Japanese companies face successive cyber attacks.
May 31, 2024
Japan, China, South Korea Trilateral Summit Was a Missed Opportunity
By Thisanka Siripala
The three leaders touched base on economic cooperation and trade revitalization, with an eye on reducing regional friction.
May 28, 2024
Japan’s Slush Fund Scandal Intensifies in Diet Discussions
By Thisanka Siripala
Political parties clashed over political fundraising reform as lawmakers deliberate on proposals for varying levels of transparency and punishment.
May 23, 2024
Osaka Will Host the 2025 World Expo. Can Japan Pull It Off?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan is pushing a PR campaign for the embattled Osaka Expo in 2025, despite waning public enthusiasm.
April 10, 2024
The US and Japan’s Mission to Push Next Generation Nuclear Power
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan ramps up the joint nuclear power agenda with the U.S. and Philippines, with an eye to deterring regional conflict.
February 06, 2024
Japan’s Governing Party Is Engulfed by a Slush Fund Scandal. Will It Spur Political Reform?
By Thisanka Siripala
The government is facing intense pressure over fears of widespread corruption and financial misconduct.
January 29, 2024
Japan’s First Moon Rover Resumes Operations After Landing Upside Down
By Thisanka Siripala
After technical setbacks, Japan has reestablished communication with the dormant spacecraft, putting the lunar mission back on track.
January 13, 2024
Japan Offers Ukraine Condolences and Cooperation for Reconstruction
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan pledges “unwavering” support to Ukraine amid aid fatigue in the West.
January 03, 2024
Japan’s New Years Day Celebrations Cut Short by Deadly Earthquake
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan enters 2024 rocked by a powerful earthquake and a deadly airplane collision.
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