Email: robgoss@tokyofreelance.com
What can I help you with? I specialize in writing books on Japan, travel writing, and Japan-related features on topics that have ranged from sustainability to craft beer and craftspeople. I can also help with travel- and culture-related web projects and (when there are no clashes of interest) marketing projects. There are samples of the kind of work I do on my portfolio page and more about the clients I have worked with on my bio page. I’m happy to travel on assignment and have the flexibility to do so at short notice. Need a Japan or Tokyo correspondent? I am also available to deliver stories on a regular or semi-regular basis for publications that need somebody to represent them in Japan.
Photos? First and foremost, I write, although I can take a half-decent image when needed. I shot most of the images used in this project with Reuters, for example. However, I’m more than happy to introduce you to some of the great Japan-based photographers I’ve been fortunate to have worked with and I can help source images from agencies, interviewees and other sources.
What don’t I do? I get requests to help out with lots of other things, too, but I’m really not the person you want to attend finance seminars, write conference reports, act as a fixer, comment on the latest earthquake/typhoon/financial crisis to hit Japan (although it’s usually a safe bet it won’t be as bad or panicky as the likes of FOX make it out to be), write corporate copy, churn out SEO-rich content, set up a video feed, get paid in “exposure”, translate brochures, give guided tours of Tokyo, or teach English. I’m a writer.
New writer? Student? School? If you have any questions about freelancing or becoming a writer, you are more than welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to visit schools to do author talks and writing workshops (for travel writing, haiku or micro fiction). That said, I’m afraid I’m not the best person to shadow for a day; I spend most of my time either sat at my desk or out of Tokyo. And, no, you can’t hire me to do your journalism coursework or homework (I have been asked before!).