Japan Today

In this episode, Jeff and Kong dive into topics ranging from Japan's upcoming cannabis laws to the resurgence of whale meat in Japan and record-breaking Emmy wins for a Japanese period drama. Plus, they tackle Japan's aging population and sushi chefs earning more overseas. Timestamps for the Main Stories: [0:00 - 0:11] – Intro Jeff introduces this week's key topics: new cannabis laws, whaling in Japan, population aging, Emmy wins for "Shogun," and a discussion on sushi chefs. [0:11 - 2:05] – Criminalizing Cannabis Use in Japan Japan will criminalize cannabis use on December 12th, with prison sentences of up to 7 years. Medical cannabis products will be legalized. [2:05 - 5:04] – Listener Comments on Cannabis Laws Comments from Japan Today readers: contrasting perspectives on Japan criminalizing cannabis vs. Western legalization trends. [5:07 - 7:34] – Whaling Industry Trying to Revive Whale Meat Demand Japan's whaling industry held a tasting event in Tokyo, offering whale meat to reignite consumer interest.

This week, Jeff and Kong dive into the influx of rich Chinese immigrants flocking to Japan, the country's slow adoption of cashless payments, a disturbing court case involving a child placed in a washing machine, Fukushima peaches selling for a premium in London and the rise of posthumous divorces in Japan. NATIONAL: Rich Chinese immigrants (2:43 - 5:04) A discussion about the increasing number of wealthy Chinese choosing Japan as their destination. Listener comments explore the potential influence of these individuals on China's future and concerns over their wealth acquisition. BUSINESS: Cash or cashless payments in Japan (5:05 - 12:28) Despite the growing trend, Japan lags behind other countries in adopting cashless payments, with older generations preferring cash. Reader comments debate the pros and cons of cashless systems. CRIME: Court Sentences Man for Putting a Child in a Washing Machine (12:28 - 16:12) In Ibaraki Prefecture, a man receives a suspended sentence for placing his girlfriend’s 3-y

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. This week, Jeff and Kong dive into the political debates surrounding the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, the push for a four-day workweek in Japan, a heartbreaking teenage suicide in Yokohama, new penalties for cycling offenses and Japan’s low birth rate. Tune in, as well, for commentary from Japan Today readers and insightful discussions. Politics: Sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel U.S. political leaders, including Trump, Biden, and Harris, oppose the sale, citing national security concerns. U.S. Steel claims the deal will save jobs and strengthen supply chains. Reader Comments: Discussions ranged from nationalism to the potential for venture capitalists taking over. Business: Four-day workweek push The Japanese government encourages companies to adopt a four-day workweek, but only 8% have done so. Critics argue it could lead to more work for less pay. Reader Comments: Support

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. In this episode, Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss the rice shortage causing panic buying in Japan, the invasion of Japanese airspace by Chinese aircraft, dolphin attacks in Fukui Prefecture, a couple caught in an indecent act at a shrine and the closure of Japan's top love doll maker, this episode covers a range of fascinating topics. The hosts also share and discuss comments from Japan Today readers on these stories. National: Rice shortage in Japan Shelves in supermarkets are being emptied due to panic buying, driven by government warnings of a possible megaquake, recent typhoons, lower harvests, water shortages, and increased demand from foreign tourists. The government urges the public not to panic buy, assuring that the shortage will be resolved with 40% of the new crop available by late September. Readers express disapproval of hoarding and skepticism over blaming tourists

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss a range of topics including the accommodation of Muslim visitors in Japanese retail spaces, repeated vandalism at Yasukuni Shrine, Prime Minister Kishida's upcoming international trips before leaving office, a potential acquisition of 7-Eleven by a Canadian company and the unique offerings of Japan's ubiquitous vending machines. National: Shop and pray An increase in Muslim tourists to Japan, exceeding 870,000 in 2023, has prompted Japanese department stores and shopping malls to establish prayer rooms equipped with foot washing facilities and prayer mats. Matsuya Ginza in Tokyo and several Aeon Mall locations have introduced these facilities to cater to visitors from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey. Discussions among Japan Today readers highlight varying opinions on the initiative, debating between accommodat

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss Prime Minister Kishida's shocking resignation amid corruption scandals, a megaquake advisory causing panic during Obon Week, and a bizarre egg-throwing incident in Gifu Prefecture. They also explore the strict rules faced by Japanese idol singers, highlighted by a recent punishment case, and conclude with a recap of Japan's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Politics: Prime Minister Kishida's resignation Prime Minister Fumio Kishida surprised the nation by announcing he will step down as the leader of Japan's ruling party, paving the way for a new prime minister. Kishida's decision was influenced by corruption scandals within his party and his dwindling support, which has fallen below 20%. The hosts delve into the potential political shifts following Kishida’s resignation and the possible candidates for the next prime m

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan. In this episode, Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong delve into the significant drop in the Nikkei index due to global economic concerns, the tragic loss of over 100 lives in Tokyo from a severe heat wave and the arrest of a university student involved in a bizarre BB gun shooting spree. They also engage Japan Today reader comments in the "Have Your Say" section. This week's topic: "Do Japanese cities utilize bike lanes effectively, if they even have them? What are some ways Japanese municipalities could get more people cycling safely?" National: Market mayhem The Nikkei index plunged 12.4% due to global economic concerns, sparking discussions about the impact on everyday life in Japan. National: The big heat Over 100 people in Tokyo died from heatstroke as the country faced record-breaking temperatures. The hosts discuss health tips, the importance of air conditioning, and public reactions to th

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan. In this episode hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss the emotional defeat of Japanese judo star Uta Abe at the Paris Olympics, the orange juice shortage in Japan due to various economic and environmental factors, the ongoing mystery of Tiphaine Véron's disappearance in Nikko, and the logistical challenges posed by new electric vehicle models. They also highlight reader comments from the "Have Your Say" section on the Japan Today site, bringing diverse opinions on current events to the forefront. Sports: Paris Olympics drama Japanese judo star Uta Abe, known for her victories in the Olympics and World Championships, faced a shocking defeat in the women's 52-kilogram category at the Paris Olympics. Overwhelmed with emotion, she collapsed and cried on the mat before being escorted out by her coach. National: Orange juice shortage Japan is dealing with an orange juice shortage caused by t

Welcome to Japan This Week. Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they discuss the introduction of dual-pricing systems for tourists and locals in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida’s comments on the U.S. presidential race, a bizarre crime involving glue and bird poop in Nagoya, a lawsuit over a late pizza delivery in Osaka and the controversy surrounding a Japanese gymnast barred from competition at the Paris Olympics for smoking and drinking. They also share listener comments on the stories and invite further engagement from the audience.

Welcome to Japan This Week! Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they recap the most significant news stories from Japan Today for the week of July 19, 2024. In this episode, they discuss Japan's stance on autonomous lethal weapons, the prevalence of microaggressions against people of mixed heritage in Japan, the theft of a peace symbol in Seattle and Japan's aspirations for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Welcome to Japan This Week! Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they recap the most significant news stories from Japan Today for the week of June 28, 2024. This episode covers a range of topics from political pranks in Tokyo's gubernatorial election to tragic incidents on Mount Fuji and controversial crimes involving U.S. servicemen. Plus, we discuss a discriminatory hotel incident in Kyoto and share readers' comments on these stories.

In this episode of Japan This Week, the mayor of the city of Himeji wants to raise entrance fees for overseas visitors to the iconic Himeji Castle, a gate has been installed on a Mount Fuji trail to control the crowds, Tokyo Gov Koike faces a criminal complaint over her allegedly fake university diploma, A Russian food shop in Ginza is GOING to close its doors as the war in Ukraine drags on and a prize-winning Japanese pianist was arrested for stealing an ANA flight attendant's apron and other items.

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan. In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong bring you the latest updates on various topics: Health Alert Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) cases are on the rise in Japan, reaching record highs. Women's Rights The ongoing debate on whether Japanese women will be able to keep their maiden names after marriage. Policy Change Japan's new initiative to step up the enrollment of foreign residents in its pension system. Controversy in Tokyo A nearly completed condo in Tokyo faces demolition for obstructing the iconic view of Mount Fuji. Tourism Issues The impact of over-tourism in Japan and its effects on both locals and tourists. Listener Comments The episode features insightful comments from Japan Today readers on these topics, highlighting public opinion and personal experiences. How to Listen Tune in to stay informed and engaged with the latest happenings in Japan. S

In this week's news from Japan Today: Prices for over 600 food items rise in June; Japan plans to replace cedar with low-pollen trees to fight hay fever; no more street drinking in Shibuya; Japan’s high-tech toilets all the rage internationally and a criminal who picked the wrong store to rob. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts: http://itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan…id517133982?mt=2 Find jobs in Japan: GaijinPot Jobs: https://jobs.gaijinpot.com Catch all the news at Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/ This weeks stories: Up, Up and Away https://japantoday.com/category/business/prices-for-614-food-drink-items-to-be-hiked-in-june Cedar Fever https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-to-replace-cedars-with-low-pollen-trees-to-tackle-hay-fever Punk in Drublic https://japantoday.com/category/national/shibuya-ward-in-tokyo-plans-to-extend-night-street-drinking-ban-all-year-round High-Tech Toilets https://japantoday.com/category/tech/feeling-flush-japan%27s-high-tech-toilets-go-global Right Place

In this week's news from Japan Today: Toyota plans to end its massive Olympics sponsorship deal; a record 30 million reported lost items found by Japanese police in 2023; high-profile opposition figure Renho to run for Tokyo governor; a U.N. rights group says Japan needs to do more to counter human rights abuses and a pair of premium Yubari melons sell for ¥3 Million. Rate and review us: itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan…id517133982?mt=2 GaijinPot Jobs: https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/ Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/ This weeks stories: Sportsmen, Cheats & Liars: https://japantoday.com/category/sports/report-japanese-carmaker-toyota-set-to-end-massive-olympic-sponsorship-deal Lost & Found: https://japantoday.com/category/national/record-29.79-million-found-items-reported-to-japanese-police-in-2023 Run, Renho, Run: https://japantoday.com/category/politics/high-profile-opposition-figure-renho-plans-to-run-for-tokyo-governor Human Writes: https://japantoday.com/category/national/un-rights-group-

In this week's news from Japan Today: A town in Yamanashi Prefecture is so fed up with tourists taking photos of Mount Fuji that it's erected a barrier to block the viral view of the mountain; Japan just ranked third in a list of top world travel destinations released by the World Economic Forum; police in Ibaraki Prefecture have arrested a man after he put his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter in a washing machine and a cafe in Kyushu has a perfectly innocent reason for the spelling of its rather unsettling — some say obscene — name. Rate and review us: itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan…id517133982?mt=2 GaijinPot Jobs: https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/ Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/ This weeks stories: Break Down the Barricades: https://japantoday.com/category/national/Swarmed-with-tourists-town-blocks-off-popular-Mount-Fuji-viewing-spot Japan Tops Travel Lists: https://japantoday.com/category/features/travel/japan-ranks-3rd-among-top-world-travel-destinations-report Dirty Launderer: https://japantod

In this week's news from Japan Today: The Japanese government wants companies to hire employees until age 70 as part of measures to address a severe labor shortage amid Japan's rapidly graying population; Nissan this week reported that its annual profit nose-dived 57.3% to less than half of what it earned the previous year, and forecast even dimmer future results; a 10-year-old girl who died in January after a series of assaults by her father had earlier been released from protective custody despite his suspected sexual abuse of her; a lawmaker was expelled from the opposition Japan Innovation Party this week after alluding to Japan waging war with Russia to regain control of islands at the center of a territorial dispute and Tokyo's busy Shibuya district has decided to ban drinking alcohol on some streets during the Halloween season following a number of incidents last year, including the overturning of a small truck. Rate and review us: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan-today/id517133982?mt=2 Gai

In this week's news from Japan Today: Two preschoolers were killed and a dozen injured when they were rammed by a car in Shiga Prefecture; verbal abuse and threats by a teacher have been blamed for the suicide of a junior high school girl in Ibaraki Prefecture; two teenagers were arrested for stringing a rope across a road in Osaka Prefecture and clothes lining a 77-year-old woman off her scooter; a quote by American crime reporter and former Japan resident Jake Adelstein inflamed Japan Today readers plus a social video of the Japanese PM goes viral internationally — and it has nothing to do with politics or scandal. Rate and review us: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan-today/id517133982?mt=2 Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/ This weeks stories: Toddler Deaths — https://japantoday.com/category/crime/Car-hits-group-of-preschoolers-in-Shiga-Pref-2-dead Schoolgirl Suicide — https://japantoday.com/category/national/teacher%E2%80%99s-verbal-abuse-blamed-for-15-year-old-girl%E2%80%99s-suicide Rope

In this week's news from Japan Today: A very quick scan of headlines in Japan this week and then a look back at the last 30 years of Emperor Akihito’s reign and events that shaped the Heisei era, including: the bubble bursts; the earthquake emperor; revolving door politics, criminal minds, fashion pops, toilet technology plus readers look back on Japan and Heisei. Rate and review us: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan-today/id517133982?mt=2 Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/

In this week's news from Japan Today: A survey of foreigners in Tokyo released this week reports that 50% of respondents have faced discrimination; Donald Trump plans to watch a sumo tournament when visiting Japan in May — and might present the winner’s trophy; a woman was arrested in Saitama Prefecture after giving birth in a 7-Eleven restroom and leaving the newborn in the toilet bowl; in punctual Japan, an elderly man in Nagoya who stopped a train from leaving the station by repeatedly preventing the doors from closing goes viral in a video and… that’s it? Plus a poop museum opens in Yokohama. Rate and review us: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/podcast/japan-today/id517133982?mt=2 Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/ This weeks stories: Micro Racism — https://japantoday.com/category/national/half-of-foreigners-in-tokyo-experienced-discrimination-survey Trump Sumo Summit — https://japantoday.com/category/politics/sumo-trump-wants-to-watch-sumo-during-japan-visit-in-may Toilet Bowl Baby — https://japantod