Jan. 31, 2025 Month in Review: BOJ rate hike, Kyoto tax, record heat, Osaka smoking ban & ¥207M tuna

📢 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! ⏰ Timestamps: (0:00) Welcome to Japan This Week! 📢 (1:27 - 3:17) BOJ raises interest rates to a 17-year high 📈 (3:20 - 5:13) Kyoto increases hotel taxes to curb over-tourism 🏨 (5:16 - 6:57) Japan logs its hottest year on record—again! 🔥 (7:00 - 9:00) Osaka expands public smoking bans ahead of Expo 2025 🚭 (9:03 - 10:56) A massive tuna auction bid kicks off the new year 🐟💰 (10:59 - 11:48) Podcast update: What's next for Japan This Week? 🎙️ (11:48 - 13-06) New shows coming soon: Japan Today Spotlight & Japan Yesterday 🔍🎧 🔔 Don’t miss our latest deep dive! Check out our Japan Today Spotlight video covering the Fuji TV-Masahiro Nakai scandal and the fallout shaking Japan’s entertainment industry. Watch here: https://youtu.be/WKGGoNXl74k 💬 What do you think about Kyoto's new tourist tax? Is it fair? Let us know in the comments! 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more insights on Japan’s top stories! 🔗 Read more at Japan Today: https://japantoday.com 🎯 #JapanNews #JapanToday #BOJ #Overtourism #KyotoTravel #OsakaExpo2025 #ClimateChange #TunaAuction #Tokyo #JapanBusiness #JapanCulture