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.
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October 01, 2021
Is Japan’s New LDP Leader a Victory for the Party Establishment or a Risk?
By Thisanka Siripala
Kishida Fumio won the ruling party’s leadership election to become Japan’s next prime minister despite widespread public support for runner up Kono Taro.
July 23, 2021
Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony: The Attendees and the No-Shows
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s spectatorless Opening Ceremony welcomes world leaders and sponsors amid a COVID-19 state of emergency.
July 20, 2021
Is Japan’s Olympic Bubble About to Burst?
By Thisanka Siripala
Gaping holes in the Tokyo Olympics bubble could derail the safety of athletes in the village and entire competitions.
July 19, 2021
Will Japan’s Rapid COVID-19 Rebound Set Back the Tokyo Olympics?
By Thisanka Siripala
The COVID-19 outlook for Tokyo ahead of the Olympics looks bleak, with the infection rate expected to rise.
July 08, 2021
Japan’s Same Surname Law for Married Couples Is in the Hands of the Diet
By Thisanka Siripala
Efforts to annul outdated marriage provisions through the courts have failed. Can the legislature overcome the deeply entrenched political gap hindering reform?
June 23, 2021
Japan Welcomes Domestic Spectators for Tokyo Olympics Despite Warnings From Experts
By Thisanka Siripala
While restaurants and bars in Tokyo face COVID-19 restrictions, local fans will be allowed at Olympic venues, fanning fears of a coronavirus rebound.
June 16, 2021
Japanese Corporations Get VIP COVID-19 Vaccine Treatment Ahead of Immunity Passports
By Thisanka Siripala
Despite a lagging vaccination rollout, Japan has set its sights on issuing vaccine passports and ensuring corporations get priority jabs.
June 11, 2021
Japan’s COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign Is Quietly Picking Up Steam
By Thisanka Siripala
Vaccinations for the elderly are in full swing, but the current pace means Japan won’t see a return to normal life until the end of the year.
June 03, 2021
Will the Tokyo Olympics Go Ahead?
By Thisanka Siripala
Public opinion has hardened against the Tokyo Olympics as Japan struggles to curb the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in time for the tournament.
May 13, 2021
Japan Set to Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccine Program For Elderly
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan will step up efforts to complete the vaccination of its elderly population by the end of July.
May 09, 2021
Japan Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency Amid Alarming Spike in COVID-19 Variants
By Thisanka Siripala
Tokyo and Osaka face a prolonged, stricter state of emergency after an explosion of faster spreading COVID-19 variants.
April 16, 2021
Japan Faces Growing Pressure to Rethink Releasing Fukushima’s Wastewater into Ocean
By Thisanka Siripala
China and South Korea have reacted strongly to the Japanese government’s decision to release contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear reactor.