Mara Budgen

Head International Editor

I have several passions: discovering new cultures, learning languages, exploring nature, climbing and eating well, of course. I studied in the United Kingdom, have worked in Italy and traveled in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Sometimes I get dizzy because I can’t stay still. I still want to see the world and discover different lifestyles, because diversity is what fascinates me most.

Favourite quote: “Do not ask who I am and do not ask me to remain the same” (Michel Foucault)

Last article

Ume, Japan’s favourite pickle, is the fruit of 400 years of sustainable farming

On the hills of Minabe and Tanabe ume fruit has been cultivated alongside oak forests and honeybees for centuries using a method now recognised by the FAO.

All articles

The Tokyo 2020 Reconstruction Games start from tsunami-hit areas

Tokyo hosts the Olympics but Tohoku, the region hit by the 2011 disaster, also takes centre stage. Its symbol is a miracle pine.

Goldman Prize winner Kimiko Hirata on blocking 13 coal plants in Japan

Kimiko Hirata has blocked 13 new coal plants in Japan, but she hasn’t done it alone. The 2021 Goldman Prize winner tells us about her movement.

Why Japan will release contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean

“None of the information from the government and TEPCO should be trusted unless it’s independently verified,” says Safecast’s Azby Brown. We discuss what lies behind Japan’s decision to release radioactive water into the ocean with the researcher and transparency advocate.

The Greater Aletsch Glacier, a journey into the melting heart of the Alps

In the heart of Switzerland lies the largest glacier in the Alps, the Greater Aletsch Glacier. However, climate change is threatening its very existence.

Indigenous leaders want the ICC to try Bolsonaro for crimes against humanity

Jair Bolsonaro is accused of crimes against humanity for persecuting indigenous Brazilians and destroying the Amazon. We speak to William Bourdon and Charly Salkazanov, the lawyers bringing the case before the ICC.

Return to Fukushima, 10 years later

Ten years have passed since the 11 March 2011 disaster, but this chapter is far from over. Travelling through Fukushima, renewal and destruction can be seen side by side, sometimes separated only by a road.

In the eye of the typhoon: Japan isn’t ready for the climate crisis

Typhoons will become more intense as a result of global warming, but Japan must do more to prepare itself for the perfect storm.

Shinzo Abe, Japan’s ex-prime minister, has died after being shot

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has died at the age of 67 after being shot by an attacker. A look back at the legacy of Japan’s longest serving democratic leader.

Kamala Harris makes history as first woman of colour to become Vice-President

The second black female US senator has become the first black female vice-president. Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have made history.

Japan leads the way in accessible tourism

Disabled travellers need not fear Japan. Accessible Japan founder Josh Grisdale tells us about his commitment to opening the country’s doors to everyone.