Japan « Yuri Kageyama

My AP Stories for 2026

My AP Stories for 2025. My AP Stories for 2024. The links for 2023 and My AP stories from past years.

My AP Stories for 2026

My AP Story and My AP Photo Sept. 22, 206 about ikebana. The photo editor chose two of my own arrangements to relay with the story. The caption doesn’t say that although the editor did ask, and I said it was mine.

This Photo did not move with My AP Story about ikebana, but this is how the teacher looks in everyday life so sharing.

And this photo shows the completed arrangement.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story Oct. 5, 2026 about the population decline.

My AP Story Oct. 1, 2026 about the Bank of Japan “tankan” economic survey.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story Sept. 20, 2026 and Oct. 3, 2026 about North Korea firing a missile.

My AP Story Sept. 18, 2026 on the Bank of Japan raising the benchmark rate.

My AP Story Sept. 16, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story Sept. 4, 2026 about motor maker Nidec.

My AP Story Aug. 27, 2026, an Obit on Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

The photo AP photographer Itsu took when I interviewed Yayoi Kusama. And yes, I wore dots.

My 2012 Interview with Yayoi Kusama.

My AP Story Aug. 12, 2026, an Obit on Hiroshi Okuda, a former top executive at Toyota.

And because of this story, I get interviewed by Jeremy Siegel for his radio show The World, “Remembering an Auto Industry Giant.”

My AP Story July 29, 2026, in which I interview film director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and the video link to the interview.

My AP Story July 25, 2026, in which I interview Hirokazu Kore-eda about his filmmaking.

My AP Story Aug. 31, 2026 about Honda and Nissan entering a partnership in software development.

My AP Story Aug. 20, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story Aug. 17, 2026 on Japan’s GDP.

My AP Story Aug. 6, 2026 about Nintendo’s financial results.

My AP Story Aug. 6, 2026 about SoftBank Group Corp.’s financial results.

My AP Story Aug. 5, 2026 on Honda making a turnaround from its first ever annual loss.

My AP Story Aug. 4, 2026 about Toyota’s financial results.

My AP Story Aug. 3, 2026 about Nissan’s financial results.

My AP Story July 31, 2026 on Sony’s results, which have yet to factor in the recent Kyushu quake.

I was also busy this week in late July writing the AP Story on the Kumamoto earthquake while my colleagues were on site.

My AP Story July 25, 2026 about school blackboard artworks.

My AP Story and My AP Photo July 16, 2026 on Japanese robotics makers and Nvidia’s physical AI.

My AP Story July 1, 2026 in which I interview Eiko Kadono, the author of “Kiki’s Delivery Service.”

Korochan and Jiji. Reminders my AP Stories go all over the place with one being the toy a 9-year-old always has at her DJ gigs (story below) and the other that cat companion of Kiki the witch, a character created by a 91-year-old writer (story above).

My AP Story July 22, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story July 1, 2026 on the tankan survey.

My AP Story June 28, 2026 about an earthquake, the latest in a series amid typhoon season.

My AP Video June 24, 2026, my interview of “Human Vapor” remake director Shinzo Katayama.

My AP Story June 15, 2026 about a child DJ and My AP Video.

My AP Story June 16, 2026 about SoftBank using OpenAI technology to protect against cyberattacks.

My AP Story June 17, 2026 on the Japan Fair Trade Commission raid on ice cream makers.

My AP Story June 16, 2026 about the Bank of Japan raising its benchmark interest rate.

My AP Story June 3, 2026 and My AP Photos on how to make your own sushi.

My AP Story May 28, 2026 on the Humanoids Summit Tokyo.

My AP Story May 25, 2026, an obituary on the Japanese behind the convenience store empire.

My AP Story June 17, 2026 on Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story May 21, 2026 on Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story May 13, 2026 about chips packaging going without color.

My AP Story May 19, 2026 about Japan’s GDP.

My AP Story May 14, 2026 about Honda posting its first ever full year fiscal loss.

My AP Story May 13, 2026 about Nissan reducing red ink and promising a turnaround.

My AP Story May 13, 2026 about SoftBank seeing profit growth from AI investments.

My AP Story May 8, 2026 about Toyota’s earnings for the year.

My AP Story May 8, 2026 about Nintendo’s financial results.

My AP Story May 8, 2026 about Sony’s financial results.

My AP Story May 2, 2026 on the Inoue-Nakatani fight.

My AP Story April 25, 2026 on Japan’s love for boxing as anticipation grows for the Inoue-Nakatani bout.

And the boxer I interviewed for the story at a Tokyo boxing gym. Really nice guy. And may you keep winning!

My AP Story April 28, 2026 about the Bank of Japan holding the key rate steady.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story April 23, 2026 by Matt O’Brien on a robot.

My AP Story April 22, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story April 12, 2026 about economic vulnerabilities to “oil shocks.”

My AP Story April 10, 2026 about the art being passed down over generations in Kabuki theater.

Always an honor, even if you just did your very small part, to be part of the Best of AP Honorable Mention awarded in February 2026, for this AP Story about an explosion at U.S. Steel.

My AP Story April 1, 2026 on the Bank of Japan’s “tankan.”

Throughout the year, I filed a lot of Markets stories, so many there are no links here, but sharing the dramatic photos from my AP colleagues.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story March 19, 2026 on how Asian nations are responding to the energy crunch.

My AP Story March 18, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story March 14, 2026 about North Korea firing a missile. 　

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story Feb. 24, 2026 about China’s export restrictions.

My AP Story and My AP Photos Feb. 20, 2026 about the kimono and sustainability.

My AP Story Feb. 18, 2026 on Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story Feb. 16, 2026 about Japan’s economic growth.

My AP Story Feb. 6, 2026 on Toyota naming a new chief as profits decline.

My AP Story Feb. 12, 2026 about SoftBank Group thriving on the OpenAI boom.

My AP Story Feb. 12, 2026 about troubled Nissan promising it’s on the right track.

My AP Story Feb. 10, 2026 about Honda’s profits being hurt by Trump’s tariffs and EV policies.

My AP Story Feb. 5, 2026 on Sony’s earnings.

My AP Story Feb. 4, 2026 about heavy snow in Japan.

My AP Story Jan. 22, 2026 about Japan’s trade data.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story Jan. 4, 2026 about North Korea firing missiles.

My AP Story Jan. 2, 2026 about the emperor and his family greeting well-wishers at the palace for New Year’s.

I usually start the New Year by covering a countdown event for our roundup story. I send a bunch of material but, by the end of the global day, it becomes one line, if even that. It’s a great way to start out the new year as a reporter, a humbling but comforting reminder that we just do our jobs. I am a Contributor to this AP Story Jan. 1, 2026.

I am Interviewed on the Radio

I am Interviewed on the Radio about Toyota’s Hiroshi Okuda

I am interviewed on a radio show called The World about Toyota’s Hiroshi Okuda by Jeremy Siegel on the theme of “Remembering an Auto Industry Giant.” My AP Story Aug. 12, 2026, Okuda’s obituary.

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 12

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 12

Today’s ikebana was fun because my teacher Mr. Okada, a man of many talents who can do backflips, allowed me to come up with own ideas. In the assignment, the yellow flowers were supposed to be the main elements, but I wanted to make the sweet peas the main elements, in the same way that the sidekick may steal the show from the lead actor. I also made the ivy into a circle. The link to my last ikebana with the link that leads to more previous ikebana links.

Kita Kamakura Writers’ Workshop

the online invite we got, courtesy Simon Scott, who read his found poem at the workshop

Kita Kamakura Writers’ Workshop

Delighted I got invited to take part in the Kita Kamakura Writers’ Workshop March 21, 2026. I climbed a lot of beautiful green hills (giving my legs an enormous workout) to get to the home of Duncan Whom (aka D Whom, a performance artist, filmmaker and dancer), filled with bottles of perfume because his partner, Neil Chapman, is a scent specialist. We also got taken on another walk around the area, uphill much of the way, to finally see a lake, which had been hidden. Although not articulated, it was part of the workshop to do all this obviously, to feel through our muscles that nothing comes without work. As a reward, we got very nice food, including couscous I hadn’t had in a while, but was marvelous with salad with cheese, and wine.

Last but not least, I got to read my essay, “Why Butterfly Should Stop Committing Literary Harakiri,” published in “Bigotry on Broadway,” Baraka Books, 2021. I hadn’t looked at that piece in a while, and of course never shared it. I have finally come to terms with what I have written, feel and want to tell the world _ everyone _ and our legacy. Racism is wrong, no matter what. But the fight can be meaningful, creative, even redemptive. I was filled with gratitude toward the hosts, the other writers who were there and shared their work, as well as to Ishmael Reed and Carla Blank, who put together the book, in which my work was published. And to the world of artists in general.

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 11

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 11

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 10 with links to more, back to my very first attempt at No. 1.

I am always struck by how this art form requires you to think about what these flower elements might have looked like as they were growing in nature. As a result, all that you do to the flowers, including breaking the branches, bending the leaves and cutting off some of the flowers, is totally unnatural, which goes to show that is what people do all the time to nature. To make things looks right. Feel right. Be right for human existence. It is a cruel thing to do. But we do it all the time. And the saddest thing of all is that it does look right after you do it all. And it makes you feel better, and at peace.

My AP Stories for 2025

My AP Stories for 2025

My AP Story Nov. 21, 2025, a co-byline with my colleague Terry, about the “rental family” business in Japan and the Hollywood film starring Brendan Fraser it inspired. Click on the link below to see the Video for the Story:

https://apnews.com/video/brendan-frasers-new-film-rental-family-puts-the-spotlight-on-an-unconventional-industry-377ecb88afc14406b09064cea9c97e64

My AP Story Nov. 12, 2025 on “Last Samurai Standing,” for which I interview Junichi Okada, as in the video below:

https://apnews.com/video/netflixs-last-samurai-standing-pays-respect-to-original-083976bd6edf430bbd7d474fe8be6267

My AP Story Dec. 8, 2025 on Japan’s revised GDP data.

My AP Story Nov. 11, 2025 on SoftBank saying it’s sold all its stock in Nvidia.

My AP Story Nov. 11, 2025 on Sony’s profits soaring because of blockbuster “Demon Slayer.”

My AP Story Nov. 7, 2025 on Honda’s profits slipping because of Trump’s tariffs.

My AP Story Nov. 6, 2025 about Nissan’s selling its Yokohama headquarters building as it reports losses.

My AP Story Nov. 5, 2025 about Toyota reporting lower profits as a result of tariffs.

My AP Story Nov. 2, 2025 about Japan celebrating the Dodgers becoming the 2025 World Series champions.

My AP Story and My AP Photo Oct. 30, 2025 on how fans are rooting for Shohei Ohtani.

My AP Story Oct. 30, 2025 and My AP Photo on the Tokyo auto show.

My AP Story Oct. 21, 2025 about the newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic policies.

My AP Story Oct. 22, 2025 on Japan’s trade data for September.

My AP Story Oct. 3, 2025 on the AI collaboration between Nvidia and Fujitsu.

My AP Story Oct. 3, 2025 about the cyberattack on Asahi.

My AP Story and My AP Photo Oct. 1, 2025 on Japan’s minister negotiating on Trump’s tariffs.

My AP Story and My AP Photos Sept. 22, 2025 about Nissan’s self-driving technology.

My AP Story Sept. 3, 2025 about a film about the Kabuki theater becoming a big hit.

My AP Story Sept. 3, 2025 when that former executive asserts his innocence.

My AP Story Sept. 2, 2025 on an executive’s resignation at Suntory over drug allegations.

My AP Story and AP Photos Aug. 22, 2025 on the popularity of matcha outside the tea ceremony.

My AP Story and My AP Photos Aug. 8, 2025 about bugs being pets in Japan.

My AP Story July 26, 2025, in which I interview the great Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa.

My AP Story and My AP Photos July 25, 2025 on how AI is being used in traditional weaving. I also did AP Video.

My AP Story July 22, 2025, a book review.

My AP Story July 8, 2025 on Japanese boxing star Junto Nakatani, a story relayed to the world as a Top Story for The Associated Press.

As a reporter, I am privileged to meet some of the best people in the world, like this champion, Junto Nakatani. When I asked him about how he is always smiling, even in the ring, he told me matter-of-factly that it is a disadvantage to get angry because “you lose control.” Obviously, boxing is all about winning. He also said he believes winning by knockout is what is “expected” of him. And I felt like a mom, as I often do at interviews, and in life, because I am one, and couldn’t help but respond with an empathetic: “Hey, it’s OK to just win.” Which goes to say that Nakatani is a very special person _ to bring that out in you.

My AP Story and My AP Photos July 9, 2025 on Tsukudani, a traditional dish made in Tsukuda, Japan.

My AP Story and My AP Photos July 9, 2025, a recipe for Tsukudani.

My AP Story July 17, 2025 on Canada’s Couche-Tard dropping its attempt to acquire 7-Eleven.

My AP Story July 15, 2025 on Nissan ending vehicle production at its flagship Oppama plant.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story June 24, 2025 about travel disruptions because of Middle East tensions.

My AP Story June 10, 2025 on the merger of the truck units of Toyota and Daimler.

My AP Story June 9, 2025 on a sumo wrestler’s retirement.

My AP Story May 27, 2025 and My AP Photo on the new CEO approved by shareholders at 7-Eleven.

My AP Story May 26, 2025 and My AP Photos on Nissan’s e-Power technology.

My AP Story May 20, 2025 on Honda delaying its electrification strategy to focus more on hybrids.

My AP Story May 21, 2025 on Japan’s trade data that show exports falling.

My AP Video Story May 13, 2025 on collectors’ cards being authenticated and evaluated in Japan.

My AP Story May 16, 2025 on Japan’s economy contracting.

My AP Story May 13, 2025 on job cuts at Nissan.

My AP Story May 14, 2025 on record profits at Sony.

My AP Story May 13, 2025 on profits falling at Honda.

My AP Story May 13, 2025 on SoftBank reporting a profit for the first time in four years.

My AP Book Review May 6, 2025.

My AP Story, My AP Photo and My AP Video April 23, 2025 on “Bullet Train Explosion.”

My AP Story May 9, 2025 on job cuts at Panasonic.

My AP Story May 8, 2025 on Toyota’s financial results.

My AP Story and My AP Photos May 1, 2025 on May Day around the world.

My AP Photos are part of this Gallery on May Day.

My AP Story April 22, 2025, a book review on a memoir.

My AP Story April 18, 2025 on a Star Wars event in Japan.

My Co-Byline AP Story May 5, 2025 about Trump’s trade demands.

My AP Story April 30, 2025 on the collaboration between Toyota and Waymo.

My AP Story and My AP Photos April 25, 2025 on the CEO-to-be of the 7-Eleven chain.

My AP Story April 24, 2025 about Nissan’s earnings forecast.

My AP Story May 2, 2025 about a minister’s comment on Japan’s U.S. Treasury holdings.

My AP Story April 17, 2025 on Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story April 15, 2025 about Japanese regulators accusing Google of monopolistic behavior.

My AP Story and My AP Photos April 10, 2025 on a machine that measures the fattiness of tuna.

My AP Story April 6, 2025 on a helicopter crash.

My AP Story April 1, 2025 on a major survey about sentiments on the economy.

My AP Story and My AP Photos March 26, 2025 on Nissan’s soon-to-be CEO.

My AP Story March 18, 2025, a book review.

My AP Story March 13, 2025 on 7-Eleven.

My AP Story March 11, 2025 on Nissan replacing its chief executive.

My AP Story and My AP Photos March 10, 2025 on Nissan’s driverless vehicles.

My AP Story and My AP Photos Feb. 22, 2025 on a city Toyota is building near Mount Fuji.

My AP Story Feb. 25, 2025 on Toyota trying to add diverse views to its board.

My AP Story and My AP Photos Feb. 19, 2025 on marketing Japan’s elderly.

My AP Story Feb. 17, 2025 on Japan’s economy.

My AP Story Feb. 13, 2025 on Nissan and Honda dropping their talks for a business integration.

My AP Story Feb. 5, 2025 on Toyota’s EV initiatives in China and the U.S.

My AP Story Feb. 4, 2025 on the appeals court ruling on the case of Nissan’s former executive Greg Kelly.

My AP Story Jan. 16, 2025 on a YouTube star with eyes now on a global audience.

My AP Story Feb. 3, 2025 on the partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI for smarter artificial intelligence.

My AP Story Jan. 30, 2025 on Nissan’s job and production cuts in the U.S.

My AP Story Jan. 24, 2025 on the Bank of Japan raising interest rates.

My AP Story Jan. 23, 2025 on Japan’s trade data.

My AP Story Jan. 16, 2025 on bank executives taking pay cuts after acknowledging an employee stole from customers’ safe deposit boxes.

My AP Story Jan. 13, 2025 on the quake that hit southwestern Japan.

My AP Story Jan. 7, 2025 on Nippon Steel determined to push its US Steel takeover.

My AP Story Jan. 5, 2025 about a Nagasaki bombing survivor, who has died.

My AP Story Jan. 4, 2025 on the death of the world’s oldest person.

My AP Story Jan. 2, 2025 on the well-wishers at the Imperial Palace.

I’m a Contributor to this AP Story Jan. 1, 2025, which started out as My last AP Story for last year.

My Shoka Ikebana, Ikenono No. 7

My Shoka Ikebana Nov. 5, 2025. My previous ikebana pieces here with links to even more previous ikebana.

My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 6

This arrangement has the feel of autumn. The yellow chrysanthemums are the main objects. But the susuki grass blades add dynamism to the composition, while the brown-tinged leaves to the side have their own distinct personality.

My teacher said it was interesting I kept the blades long, and very much like me, which I think he meant in a positive way, as in a free spirit.

More of my ikebana at these links: No. 5 No. 4 No. 3 No. 2 and My No. 1 Ikenobo Ikebana.

My Second Ikenobo Ikebana

My Second Ikenobo Ikebana

Actually my teacher told me it’s against the rules to let a flower that broke off float in the water, when I did it. But when he took the photos at the end of the class with all the lighting set up, or actually another student and me holding them up, he took the flower, dropped it in the water and took this photo. He is a nice teacher. Although allowed in other styles of Ikebana, Ikenobo did not, seeing fallen flowers as death, and his works are about life, purity and our eternal connection to the spiritual. It made me sad that death is so beautiful. And I like this photo.

The link to my very first attempt at Ikenobo ikebana. And there are many more every month, each one a fleeting moment but very special.

KELOID _ a Poem by Yuri Kageyama

This poem is part of an upcoming book “Continuously Poetry,” co-written with Japanese poet Osaki HANIYA, and put together by designer Shinsuke Matsumoto. I like this poem, and I like this book.

KELOID _ a poem by Yuri Kageyama

A famous actor once told me

He wished he didn’t have a Face.

Oiwa in Yotsuya Kaidan asks:

Is this my Face?

Criminals feel free to do evil

Their Faces behind a mask.

I still remember I cringed in horror:

Her Face was covered with Keloid

But instead of being a vengeful ghost,

Or criminally insane,

She is just gently worried

Not blaming

Not frail

Not vain