Japan’s rice crisis isn’t just about food — it’s about identity, politics and a decades-old system that’s now under pressure. In this extended episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at what’s really driving rice prices through the roof. From delayed stockpiles and 700% tariffs to political fallout and consumer frustration, this deep dive explains how Japan’s most sacred crop became a national flashpoint. 📺 This originally aired as part of our Japan Today Spotlight video series on YouTube. Wa...
Jun 06, 2025•13 min
Nissan is planning to cut 20,000 jobs and may shut down factories in Japan. What’s behind the crisis at Japan’s No. 3 automaker — and can a new CEO turn things around? This episode explores the failed merger with Honda, ongoing financial trouble and how U.S. auto tariffs are adding to the pressure. Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel. 🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/AKTlU_QHeVA 🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Toky...
May 29, 2025•7 min
Japan’s tourism boom is fueling more than just hotels and souvenir shops. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the rise in sex work targeting foreign visitors — a shift driven by demand, a weak yen, and disappearing restrictions. Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel. 🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/NlNIf-yAevc 🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.
May 23, 2025•8 min
End of the Yakuza? Inside Japan’s Vanishing Underworld The yakuza once ruled Japan’s streets — now their numbers are at a record low. But what’s replacing them might be harder to see… and harder to stop. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the fall of Japan’s traditional crime syndicates, the rise of encrypted “tokuryu” groups and the lasting social impact of tattoo stigma, front companies and prosthetic fingers for ex-gangsters. 🎙️ Originally produced as a video for Japan Toda...
May 16, 2025•9 min
🎙️ Japan Today Spotlight: Is Japan’s media stuck in the past? Legacy broadcasters like NHK, Fuji TV and TBS once defined Japan’s national conversation. But in the digital age, they’re struggling to adapt — weighed down by rigid hierarchies, aging audiences and slow innovation. This episode explores why Japan’s biggest media outlets are falling behind, what’s keeping them from modernizing, and what it means for journalism’s future. 📰 Based on a Japan Today article by Jeff W. Richards: https://j...
May 14, 2025•6 min
Why does "chikan" behavior — public groping on Japan’s trains — continue, even after decades of awareness campaigns? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore how offenders operate, what train companies and police are doing, and what victims — and the falsely accused — need to know. We also take a closer look at how Japan’s objectification of women plays into the larger issue. 👉 This originally appeared as part of our Japan Today Spotlight video series on YouTube. 📺 Watch the full e...
May 02, 2025•9 min
Japan’s Expo 2025 has opened in Osaka — but not without controversy. Ballooning costs, delayed pavilions, confusing ticketing, and a sweltering summer ahead have raised questions about whether the ¥235 billion (approx. $2.1 billion CAD) price tag is really worth it. And when it’s all over? Yumeshima Island becomes the site of Japan’s first casino resort — projected to cost ¥1.27 trillion (approx. $12.3 billion CAD). *This segment originally aired as part of Japan Today Spotlight on YouTube. 🎥 W...
Apr 25, 2025•10 min
*This episode originally appeared as part of our Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dive into the bizarre and uniquely Japanese phenomenon of taishokudaiko—resignation agencies that handle the quitting process for employees. What does this say about Japan’s evolving work culture? Is it a sign of progress, or a deeper reflection of the country’s reluctance to confront uncomfortable situations?
Apr 23, 2025•12 min
📢 Japan’s Biggest Stories in January 2025 | BOJ Rate Hike, Kyoto Tourist Tax, Record Heat, Osaka Smoking Ban & $1.4M Tuna Auction 🔥 This week, we’re doing things differently! We’re recapping the biggest news stories from January 2025—from the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike to Kyoto's crackdown on over-tourism, record-breaking heat, a smoking ban ahead of the Osaka Expo, and a jaw-dropping tuna auction bid. Plus, some important updates about the future of Japan This Week—so stick around...
Jan 31, 2025•13 min
In this episode of Japan This Week, we dive into some of the hottest stories making headlines in Japan. From scandals shaking up the entertainment industry to icy New Year rituals at Shinto shrines across the country, we've got it all covered. Timestamps: (0:00 - 1:00) INTRO (1:04 - 3:53) ENTERTAINMENT: Dozens more firms pull ads from Fuji TV over Masahiro Nakai sex scandal https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/dozens-of-firms-pull-ads-from-japanese-network-over-sex-scandal-linked-to-its...
Jan 24, 2025•16 min
Welcome to a brand-new season of Japan This Week! Join host Jeff Richards for your weekly Friday roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for the week of Jan. 17, 2025. This episode focuses on the rise in closings of beloved ramen shops to Coming-of-Age Day celebrations across the country. Plus, an increasing number of suicides that injure or kill innocent bystanders, a former Green Beret speaks out about Japan's penal system and opens up about helping Carlos Ghosn escape an...
Jan 17, 2025•19 min
Join Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong for a special year-end episode of Japan This Week as they recap the biggest news stories that shaped Japan in 2024. From the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake to Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking year, the impact of rising prices, a surge in tourism and even the Kanji of the Year selection, we’re wrapping up the year in a jam-packed episode. 🎙️ Main Stories Covered (0:09 - 1:19) Introduction (1:21 - 5:36) Noto Peninsula earthquake (5:40 - 9:01) Rising pric...
Dec 20, 2024•28 min
Welcome to Japan This Week for Dec. 13, 2024! This week we cover: 🎖️ (0:57 - 3-48) NATIONAL: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese atomic bomb survivors https://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-survivor-of-atomic-bomb-recalls-its-horrors-in-nobel-peace-prize-acceptance-speech ⚖️ (3:51 - 6:59) CRIME: Forced suicide case involving workplace bullying shocks Japan https://japantoday.com/category/crime/4-men-arrested-for-coercing-co-worker-to-walk-into-path-of-train-making-it-look-like-suic...
Dec 13, 2024•18 min
First, a survey reveals nearly 90% of Chinese respondents have unfavorable views of Japan due to issues like the Senkaku Islands dispute and the Fukushima water release. We also discuss Japan’s record-breaking warm autumn, which has delayed the country's iconic fall foliage. In other news, Japan transitions to integrating health insurance cards into the MyNumber system, sparking debate about privacy and security. Plus, a bear creates chaos in an Akita supermarket before a tragic end and an Austr...
Dec 06, 2024•17 min
From defense updates to weasel crime, here’s your weekly roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for Nov. 29, 2024. In this episode, we explore: (0:59 - 4:55) POLITICS: Japan-U.S missile deployment https://japantoday.com/category/politics/u.s.-to-deploy-missile-units-to-japan-islands-in-taiwan-contingency Japan and the U.S. gear up for Taiwan contingencies, with missile units on Japan's islands and the Philippines. Russia warns of retaliation. (4:58 - 7:42) CRIME: High-prof...
Nov 29, 2024•21 min
🚨 This week’s top Japan news stories 🚨 A tourist vandalizes the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine torii gate 🏯 Prime Minister Ishiba faces backlash for APEC summit gaffes 🌏 Pit bull attacks spark safety concerns and calls for stricter regulations 🐕 An Australian woman claims she was tricked into smuggling drugs for love 💔 Harassment culture in Japan: Exploring 44 unique types of "hara" 🎤 Tune in for this week’s biggest and most surprising stories from Japan! 🇯🇵 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:5...
Nov 22, 2024•26 min
In this edition, we cover the latest in Japanese politics, including Shigeru Ishiba’s re-election as prime minister after a rare runoff vote, a record number of women elected to Japan's parliament and the impact of a tragic car accident that has reignited concerns about elderly drivers. We also dive into a controversial crime story involving social media and victim-blaming and wrap up with results from our latest reader poll on whether Donald Trump's re-election is good news for Japan. POLITICS:...
Nov 15, 2024•20 min
Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from Japan Today for Nov. 8, 2024. In this week's episode: NATIONAL: Customer harassment crackdown (1:01 - 5:40) Japan's service industry workers are facing increasing abuse from customers. Major companies like Ito-Yokado are implementing manuals and training to handle "kasuhara" and support employee well-being. NATIONAL: Mount Fuji light rail (5:41 - 8:13) Yamanashi Prefecture has proposed a light rail s...
Nov 08, 2024•21 min
Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from Japan Today for Nov. 1, 2024. This week, we dive into the aftermath of Japan's recent general election, which has left the ruling coalition in disarray and no party with a majority. We also explore the heated controversy around Tokyo's Jingu Gaien Park redevelopment, where trees are being cut down to make way for skyscrapers. Next, we discuss the tragic murder of a young woman at a "girls' bar" in To...
Nov 01, 2024•19 min
In this episode, we cover the rise of organized crime and robberies in the Kanto region driven by social media apps, Japan's nuclear energy resurgence to tackle carbon emissions and a spike in used smartphone sales as consumers push back on constant new releases. Plus, we discuss efforts to find Claudio Worm, a missing German tourist, and give listeners insight into Japan's current crime trends and tech landscape. CRIME: Criminal part-time work (0:48 - 3:06) Social media apps are being used to r...
Oct 25, 2024•23 min
In this episode, Jeff covers election season in Japan, growing tensions between Taiwan and China, an atomic bomb survivors' group receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, a cross-dressing man causing a stir at a Nagoya bathhouse and readers' thoughts on odd Japanese car names. Tune in for a mix of serious news and lighter, quirky topics with commentary from readers. Question of the week (answer in the comments): As the only nation attacked with nuclear weapons, should Japan join the Treaty on the P...
Oct 18, 2024•19 min
In this episode, Jeff and Kong dive into stories of heartbreak, excitement and controversy — including a mother's ongoing search for her abducted daughter, Japan's #1 ranking as the best country to visit, an in-flight movie mishap and Netflix's new pro wrestling series. They also profile the British engineer who helped launch Japan railways over 150 years ago. NATIONAL: (1:13 - 4:25) Where is Megumi? A heartbreaking story about Megumi Yokota, abducted by North Korea at the age of 13 in 1977. Her...
Oct 11, 2024•21 min
Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. This week, Jeff Richards runs solo to bring you the latest stories and reader reactions, including Japan's new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, prices rising yet again across the country, Tokyo's Shibuya and Shinjuku districts’ expanded alcohol ban and the 60th anniversary of Japan's famous shinkansen bullet train. POLITICS: Japan's new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba (01:03 - 0...
Oct 04, 2024•25 min
Sept. 27, 2024 — In this episode, Jeff and Kong discuss the natural disasters plaguing the Noto Peninsula, airspace breaches of Japan by China and Russia, the latest political meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Joe Biden, the treatment of death-row inmates in Japan and the question of capital punishment plus an update on electric scooter traffic violations. NATIONAL: Noto Peninsula double disasters (0:09 - 2:40) https://japantoday.com/category/national/Search-goes-on-for-7-miss...
Sep 27, 2024•29 min
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] – Cri...
Sep 20, 2024•26 min
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 influe...
Sep 13, 2024•23 min
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 ...
Sep 06, 2024•23 min
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 c...
Aug 30, 2024•21 min
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 ve...
Aug 23, 2024•17 min
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 ...
Aug 16, 2024•30 min
