The Japanese “Desert”: Tottori Prefecture

About My Work

I’m a Northern Irish freelance journalist, writer and editor based in Tokyo and Belfast. Fusing reporting and social commentary with extensive experience traveling throughout the country, I have published stories on travel, arts and culture, politics and current affairs, and sports in Japan. My work has appeared in a range of national and international publications online and in print.

I wrote an op-ed column for more than two years for Tokyo Weekender, called Frankly, in which I covered social issues in Japan. I have also written regular features for The Japan Times, Al Jazeera and The Belfast Telegraph. Elsewhere, my work has been published in The Independent, The Irish Independent, Lonely Planet, CNN Style and CNN Travel, Deeper Japan, Metropolis, InTouch Magazine, Intrepid Times.

Having lived in Japan for several years, I have built up a wealth of cultural knowledge, much of which has informed my previously published work. This has ensured I’m well-placed to paint an accurate portrait of the country for those on the outside looking in.

Feel free to get in touch at davidmcelhinney@live.com

Other Published Work

  • I appeared on episode 1128 of The Stand with Eamon Dunphy, an Irish sports, politics and current affairs podcast to talk about the ill-fated Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

  • I appeared on the Strange Old World podcast with travel writer Joe Reaney to chat about life in Tokyo.

  • I have written branded content for publications in Japan and abroad, including CNN, CNBC, Wanderlust, Lonely Planet, Voyapon, and Japan Travel.

  • I covered Japan at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France for The Japan Times.

  • I had articles published in The Rugby Fan’s Guide to Japan, a print publication for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, produced by Tokyo Weekender in collaboration with Asahi Shimbun Publications Inc.

  • I contributed to the 2022 editions of Kansai Weekender and Kyushu Weekender magazines, annual offshoots of the Tokyo Weekender brand.

  • I contributed editing to the revamped Hokkaido Love, the official tourism website for Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan.

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