Allan Cook Media

Allan Cook is a London born, British freelance writer, photographer, and videographer currently based in Tokyo, Japan.  Cook has written for a number of publications in Japan including the Hiragana Times, Tokyo Notice Board, and Metropolis.  Among his works were the thought-provoking look at the future in, “The Future of Japan” column which ran for a year in the Hiragana Times back in 2001.  Another hot topic back in 2002 was Japan’s amazing opportunity at co-hosting its first FIFA football World Cup which Cook covered for the Tokyo Notice Board in his short “Japans World Cup Countdown,” series.  In addition to the many articles Cook has written for Japanese publishers, his photographs have been published on the Japan Times website, and in the Tokyo Notice Board, and Metropolis publications. 

In addition to a decade of writing for publishers throughout Japan, Cook’s media has also appeared in CNN’s global coverage via his contributions as a member of CNN’s iReporter community.   Most notably, his coverage of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 3/11/2011 led to the in-depth docu-diary written by CNN’s Christina Zdanowicz titled, “One man’s Japan: Day by day.” In the article Zdanowicz highlights how Cook documented the tragedy through his thought provoking videos, photographs and journalism encompassing the 38 days after the devastating 9.0 earthquake crippled Japan’s east-side.   Cook’s video, “Aftermath of Japan 9.0 Megaquake”, was one of the most viewed among the iReports that covered the quake and highlighted the stark reality of life in Tokyo as blackouts and power-cuts set in!

Currently Cook is writing and filming a documentary taking a deeper look at the devastation in Japan caused by earthquakes.  In addition he is always working on fresh articles that will be relevant to the readers of Japan, while building on his photographic skills and adding to his portfolio.  When Cook is not working he can be found running the streets of Tokyo. As a finisher in the 2011 Tokyo Marathon he is always eager to get some training in and quicken his pace!