Tokyo Weekender
Tokyo Weekender magazine is the oldest free English publication in Japan.
Founded in 1970 by Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, the Weekender is published bi-monthly and is distributed in central Tokyo and via Fuji San, Japan's largest magazine subscription site.
Early years
Tokyo Weekender was co-founded by Korean War veteran Millard "Corky" Alexander and Susan Scully, previously co-workers at Pacific Stars and Stripes. It was the first free regular English publication in Japan. As well as being free at various locations, it used to come inside the Friday edition of the English Daily Yomiuri, a real distribution coup. After Corky died, the publication was taken over by his daughter and son-in-law before being relaunched by Caroline Pover. In 2008 Tokyo Weekender was purchased by Entrepreneur Ray Pedersen.
New Weekender
In 2008 Tokyo Weekender was bought by Bulbous Cell Media Group, a Tokyo-based media company. A new website and complete redesign was launched, and the magazine was changed from tabloid size newsprint to a glossy A4 magazine and increased page count and distribution.
Content
As well as regular contributors Weekender is a general interest magazine, featuring upcoming events, opinion, Japanese business news, interviews with notable expats, society, travel, product reviews, restaurant and bar reviews, community news and announcements and a section featuring reprints of vintage articles.
Columnists
- The longest-running contributor to the magazine is Bill Hersey. His weekly column on parties has been published for over 30 years.
- Other contributors have included Ian de Stains OBE, formerly of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Japanese broadcaster NHK.
Distribution
Tokyo Weekender is distributed to various embassies, hotels, restaurants and shops around central Tokyo and is also delivered to subscribers via Fuji San.
Trivia
- Tokyo Weekender was featured on Japanese news channel NHK and NHK World when the publication celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010.
External links
Online version
Archives of original issues