About

HERSEY is Tokyo’s essential guide to the people, places, and moments that shape the city’s international life. Founded in 1975 by Bill Hersey — the legendary voice behind the Tokyo Weekender column PartyLine — HERSEY has spent five decades at the intersection of diplomacy, community, and culture in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan capitals.

At the heart of HERSEY is Embassy Watch, our flagship section chronicling Tokyo’s diplomatic community: national day receptions, cultural exchanges, charitable initiatives, and the relationships between Japan and the world. We cover the ambassadors, cultural attachés, expat communities, and civic organisations who give this city its remarkable international character — not as distant figures, but as neighbours and contributors to Tokyo life.

HERSEY’s coverage extends across high society, arts, fashion, luxury, and the personalities who define Tokyo’s international scene — from celebrated chefs and designers to royalty, sporting icons, and cultural ambassadors. The tone is warm, informed, and genuinely connected. We are not observers from the outside; we have been part of this world for fifty years.

Whether you are an embassy looking to reach Tokyo’s international community, a brand seeking access to influential audiences, or a reader who wants to understand the city beyond the tourist lens, HERSEY is your guide.

Tokyo’s international life — reported from the inside.

Bill Hersey, Founder

Bill Hersey, founder of HERSEY, was the original ‘influencer’ and ‘society columnist’ in Tokyo. A fixture on the Tokyo social and entertainment scene for decades, Bill covered everything from Hollywood movie premieres to charity and embassy events. His renowned PartyLine column – ‘People, Parties, Places’ in theTokyo Weekender became a defining feature of the magazine since its founding in 1970.

Bill’s high-society photos and sharp reporting captured the essence of Tokyo’s elite, leaving a lasting legacy. He passed away on March 14 at age 87, but his influence continues to shape HERSEY’s commitment to providing exclusive content and access to the most prestigious circles in the city. At HERSEY, we proudly carry on his legacy, celebrating the luxury lifestyle he so passionately documented.