Foreign Perspectives Substack by @OliverJia1014 | Cultural commentary, writings on life in Japan, and more. | Subscribe to get updated when new pieces go live!
A Foreign Place
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NEW: On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I ask what it means to truly remember.
As living memory fades into history, we must preserve these stories for future generations.
This piece is dedicated to everyone affected by Sept. 11, 2001. Past and present.
foreignperspectives.net/p/91…
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In 2023, I wrote this piece on the state of Star Wars in the format of a doctor advising an ill patient.
Probably due for an update relatively soon. I still think that Star Wars is sick, but marginally not as bad three years later.
foreignperspectives.net/p/st…
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NEW: In the last part of my column series on leaving academia, I discuss my time reporting on North Korea.
I dedicated over a decade of my life to the subject and had some incredible experiences.
But it couldn't provide a living, so I had to move on.
foreignperspectives.net/p/wh…
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The above piece is exclusively available for paid subscribers of Foreign Perspectives.
Take advantage of 20% off until the end of September!
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NEW: In the next part of my column series about leaving academia, I dive into why international relations isn't much of a career in Japan.
The subject is fascinating, but it's a niche field that few actually get to use.
Out now:
foreignperspectives.net/p/in…
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The above column is exclusively for paid members of Foreign Perspectives.
I'm running a 20% off end of summer sale, details here. Thank you for your support of my writing, plenty of articles are coming throughout the rest of 2026!
foreignperspectives.net/subs…
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NEW: Earlier this year, I decided to finally drop out of my international relations doctoral course.
From publication requirements I couldn't meet to dense theoretical language I hated writing, it was time to face the music.
My latest, out now:
foreignperspectives.net/p/i-…
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NEW: In my latest, I discuss the elimination of video game ownership proposed by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick.
These corporations want you to own nothing and be happy.
Unfortunately, a lot of this has been self-inflicted by the consumer side as well.
foreignperspectives.net/p/ta…
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NEW: In my latest, I review Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
While it can't escape all the MCU tropes, this is the kind of film adaptation of the character I've always wanted.
It also calls back to the earnest humanism of Sam Raimi. Enjoyed it immensely.
foreignperspectives.net/p/sp…
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NEW: I've hit 100 Substack posts and I'm now writing a book!
Slated for late 2026, this compilation of newly edited essays will cover all things related to life and travel in Japan.
Read the announcement and important updates in my latest column:
foreignperspectives.net/p/10…
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NEW: In my latest column, I discuss why Obsession gives me hope for the future of Gen Z and cinema.
Curry Barker's feature film debut is a promising sign that young people aren't just hungry for good films, they're also capable of making them.
foreignperspectives.net/p/ob…
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NEW: In my latest column, I give my thoughts on Sony ending production of physical PlayStation discs.
I'm only scratching the surface, but the future looks bleak for consumer ownership of games.
We've reached the end of an era. It was a good run.
foreignperspectives.net/p/a-…
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Foreign Perspectives retweeted
This is my 97th piece published on my Substack!
98 and 99 will be a two-part column about me leaving academia.
100 will be a brief retrospective and where I’ll officially announce a book of collected essays on Japan I hope to get out later this year. Stay tuned!
NEW: Spider-Noir is the best incarnation of Spider-Man in years.
It works beautifully as both a tribute to film noir and the comic book history of the web-slinger. Nicolas Cage's fantastic performance sells it all.
Read my column on the series here:
foreignperspectives.net/p/sp…
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NEW: Spider-Noir is the best incarnation of Spider-Man in years.
It works beautifully as both a tribute to film noir and the comic book history of the web-slinger. Nicolas Cage's fantastic performance sells it all.
Read my column on the series here:
foreignperspectives.net/p/sp…
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Does Lupin III have a timeline?
In this lengthy piece for the fan site Lupin Central, I wrote about how Monkey Punch’s long-running franchise has evolved over the decades.
Like James Bond, it’s meant to be something you can jump in at from any point.
lupincentral.com/home/does-t…
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John T. Downey was a CIA officer imprisoned in China for over 20 years after a botched espionage mission left him in the hands of the communists.
His story of the longest-held POW in American history is often forgotten.
My piece from 2023 for NK News:
archive.is/EZ6ji
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Apologies for the lack of posts here.
May and June have been busy as I’m in the process of establishing my business, so there has been little time for Substack pieces.
Future ones are planned though, and I hope to use this account to also repost old pieces from over the years.
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My latest on the difficulty of turning Mario into a movie.
“Despite having a reputation for years as one of the worst films of all time, what’s mindblowing about 1993’s Super Mario Bros. is that it’s actually watchable and quite entertaining.”
foreignperspectives.net/p/wh…
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NEW: In my latest piece, I ponder the question of why it's so difficult to make a Mario movie.
Sticking too closely to the games tends to result in a narratively thin plot, but being too radically creative alienates fans.
Can there be a balance?
foreignperspectives.net/p/wh…
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The above piece is exclusively for paid subscribers of Foreign Perspectives.
Currently running a 20% off sale, so take advantage today! Your support is greatly appreciated 🙏
foreignperspectives.net/subs…
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