Neff, longtime Businessweek staffer, dies at 77

Robert C. Neff, a former Businessweek staffer who covered the rise of the Japanese economy, died July 31 at the age of 77.

Bill Holstein writes for The Japan Times, “Neff was part of a golden age of magazine journalism. He circled the globe with postings in Honolulu, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London and New York. American news organizations maintained extensive networks of foreign correspondents, and Neff was one of the most highly respected and personable practitioners. Steven Shepard, who was the editor in chief of Businessweek from 1984 to 2005, was effusive in his praise of Neff.

“‘A great journalist, a wonderful man,’ Shepard posted of Neff. ‘I have many fond memories of visits to Tokyo and absorbing a bit of his great understanding of the country. I cherished our friendship.’

“Neff was also known for helping nourish the careers of less-experienced journalists, both those who worked for him and those who did not. He mentored many new reporters who arrived in Japan in the 1980s to tell the stories of Japan’s economic rise, the value of its currency, its technological prowess and, inevitably, its trade conflicts.”

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