Christopher P. Hood is a reader in Japanese studies at Cardiff University, UK. He is the author of Dealing with Disaster in Japan: Reponses to the Flight JL123 Crash (2011) and Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan (2006), also published by Routledge. In 2016, he received a Certificate of Commendation from the Ambassador of Japan in the UK in recognition of distinguished service to contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the UK.