About Debbie

Debbie Hodgson BA (Hons) Asian Studies, MA Japan Studies

Debbie Hodgson is an established magazine journalist, prize-winning Japanese translator, and commentator on Japanese culture and social change. She is currently based in Sydney, Australia.

Debbie completed her Master of Arts at Tsukuba University in Japan, writing her thesis in Japanese on the impact of the contemporary cult of celebrity on traditional comic artists. She was approached to join the Newsweek franchise in Japan for her consummate language skills and experience as a reporter in Newsweek International’s Tokyo bureau.

During her three years at Newsweek Japan, Debbie furthered her knowledge of contemporary Japan, publishing numerous cover stories on contentious local issues not covered by the Japanese domestic media. She consequently developed connections with people of all walks of life including academics, activists, politicians and minority groups.

Debbie has a passion for the craft of writing, combined with a genuine interest in people. She is married with a young son, and has a newfound interest in parenthood.

She has had over 100 articles published in multiple publications in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Australia.

“…As a consultant to Newsweek Japan I had the opportunity to work with Ms Hodgson on several major stories. I was amazed by the depth, range and sensitivity of her reporting...
…I also came to very much respect her craftsmanship. She tirelessly produces draft after draft of a story, reporting all the while, until the final piece meets her own high standards. I might add as her former editor that she is a delight to work with, taking suggestions cheerfully and using them to push the story to new heights.”

Steven Strasser, Associate Professor, City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism

Steven Strasser was National Affairs editor, as well as Managing Editor, of Newsweek International. He served as Newsweek's Moscow correspondent, Hong Kong bureau chief, and Asia Editor. He is also a book editor, who has edited volumes on the 9/11 Commission reports and the Abu Ghraib investigations.