Yoshioka Takuma

Yoshioka Takuma started his career as an NHK reporter in Kyoto and later served as NHK’s bureau chief in Singapore and Hong Kong. While covering issues ranging from diplomacy to local culture, he has always focused on the interests of people placed in weak positions, including victims of karoshi (death by overwork), children of foreign workers and citizens striving to attain freedom of speech under government pressure. Born and raised in Japan, he got his first passport at age 19, when he studied at a liberal arts college in Ohio as an exchange student from Waseda University. He enjoys sports and is an accomplished campfire guitarist.