Foreign Perspectives with Oliver Jia

2025 in Review

Looking back on personal achievements, my best writing, and the media I enjoyed this year.

Dec 31, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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November 2025

Farewell to Tatsuya Nakadai (1932-2025)

The end of an era for Japanese cinema.

Nov 19, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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Why Fake News About Japan is Spreading

From political agendas to language barriers, there is no shortage of misinformation around the Land of the Rising Sun.

Nov 3, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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September 2025

9/11 and Historical Memory

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is something all should experience.

Sep 11, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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Why Japanese People Still Can't Speak English

Surprisingly, almost for the same reasons why you don't speak Japanese.

Sep 5, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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August 2025

80 Years Later — The World War II Generation is Almost Gone

All those who lived during the 20th century's bloodiest conflict will inevitably fade into history.

Aug 15, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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Should You Live in Japan?

Coming to the Land of the Rising Sun isn't so hard, but staying with a fulfilling life and career are considerable challenges.

Aug 5, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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July 2025

'Superman' Is an Enjoyable but Flawed Reboot

James Gunn gets his DC Universe off to an admirable start despite some stumbles and pointless controversy.

Jul 16, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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"Death Stranding 2" Doesn't Interest Me — For Now

Confessions of a lapsed Hideo Kojima fan.

Jul 7, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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June 2025

'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' — Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

A Netflix true crime documentary that is surprisingly nuanced and thought-provoking.

Jun 21, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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South Korea's New President Could Be Bad for Japan — Or Maybe Not

Lee Jae-myung has a history of anti-Japanese rhetoric, but he's a pragmatist above all else.

Jun 13, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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May 2025

Should You Learn Japanese?

It's a lifelong effort and most will inevitably give up, but that doesn't mean you still can't try.

May 28, 2025 • Oliver Jia

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