Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode More students studying abroad despite having to bear higher costs | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14979372 China lifts ban on group tours to Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230810_05/ China condemns Aso’s ‘resolve to fight’ remarks over Taiwan | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysi...
Aug 13, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan junior high students average 12% correct answers in English oral test https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/9ed466e60cbe-japan-jr-high-kids-average-12-correct-answers-in-english-oral-test.html Over 140 Japan-born foreign minors to get special permission to stay https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/6e5921c78c2a-over-140-japan-born-foreign-minors-to-get-special-permission-to-stay.html J...
Aug 06, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 208
This week, Natsuki and Mitch talk about Japan's deadly heat stroke problem, bullying in Japanese schools, Japan's Bigmotor scandal, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 熱中症疑いで搬送された山形の女子中学生が死亡…部活動後の帰宅途中に路上で倒れる : 読売新聞 https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20230729-OYT1T50294/ 'Foreigners are disgusting': Osaka school rapped over response to student's bullying - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230727/p2a/00m/0na/0...
Jul 30, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 207
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode: Nintendo's Famicom game console marks 40th anniversary | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/15/business/tech/nintendo-nes-famicom-40th-anniversary/ Reveler fatally crushed by 1-ton float at Hakata Gion festival | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14957780 Fukushima Pref. idol group with members aged 17-59 debuts in bid ...
Jul 22, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Stolen Pokemon cards mishandled by police, a World Heritage temple vandalized by a foreign teen, a woman whose citizenship was suddenly revoked in Japan, and more! Mitch and Ricky talk about the top news in Japan! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episodeWorld Heritage temple in Nara vandalized by visiting foreign teen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/ee43474563b6-world-heritage-temple-in-nara-vandalized-by-visiting-foreign-teen.htm...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 205
This week, Mitch and Natsuki talk about a disturbing American TV show following the life of a man who lived through the Hiroshima nuclear bomb, a new One Piece restaurant opening in Japan, why Pokemon cards are the target of theft in Japan, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Kiyoshi Tanimoto - This is your life https://youtu.be/KPFXa2vTErc Headless body found at Sapporo hotel, person seen with victim sought https://english.ky...
Jul 07, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 204
This week, Mitch and not Natsuki talk about how Japan sends a man to tell women how to do their job, how Japan's government might be replacing ALTs, a misunderstanding that caused panic in a Tokyo train, an actress who made an AI generated swimsuit book, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Chinese public sees Japan, U.S. as least trustworthy: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/0721714d25a5-chinese-public-sees-ja...
Jul 02, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 203
This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about a giant crane game, a million dollar lawsuit against sushi terrorist, a billion dollar lawsuit against Nissan for conspiracy, and several times Japan's government has commited questionable acts recently! If you would like to support the show, please check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan to regulate smartphone app stores to end Apple-Google duopoly https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/ad0a2...
Jun 24, 2023•56 min
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Vietnamese in Tokyo arrested over illegal haircuts to thousands https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/b05dc4fef6ee-vietnamese-in-tokyo-arrested-over-illegal-haircuts-to-thousands.html Japan allocates US$25 billion to reverse birthrate decline - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/japan-allocates-us25-billion-to-reverse-birthrate-decline/101670 Investors are putting big money into Japan again. H...
Jun 18, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 2 dead, 35 injured after heavy rain pounds Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/1b20a1bddb73-bullet-train-services-to-resume-between-tokyo-and-osaka-around-noon.html Japan seeks over 30% of female executives in key firms by 2030 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/2776091373c0-japan-seeks-over-30-of-female-executives-in-key-firms-by-2030.html Wrong bank account linked to numerous ‘M...
Jun 09, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 200
This week, Mitch and Natsuki are joined by special guest from Natsuki's past to talk about life in America vs Japan, as well as talk about the news this week in Japan! Articles from this week's episode Women in Japan say biggest cause of low birth rate is high cost of child care: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230525/p2a/00m/0na/010000c Baby boomtown: does Nagi hold the secret to repopulating Japan? | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/2...
Jun 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 199
This week, Mitch and Alex are joined by two special guests as they talk about the good, the bad, and the strange parts of Japan! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan's Nikkei powers to 1990 'bubble' era high | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/japans-nikkei-powers-1990-bubble-era-high-2023-05-19/ https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/13qaj3n/human_body_found_in_the_stomach_of_a_brown_bear/?utm_source=share&utm_...
May 27, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 198
Allegations against Japan's biggest boy band producer, the dairy crisis of Japan, weird new gadgets in Japan, and more! That's what Mitch and Ricky talk about on this week's episode of Small Talk Japan! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode New ex-member of Johnny's talent agency claims teenage sexual abuse https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/34edabd6d1a3-alleged-sex-abuse-victim-lauds-apology-of-johnnys-head-seeks-change.html Toky...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 197
This week, Natsuki is back in studio with Mitch to talk about crime in Japan, parental harassment, convenience stores with beer on tap, the new Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom merch, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan lowers COVID threat level to same as flu in major policy shift https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/40b13036adf1-japan-lowers-covid-threat-level-to-same-as-flu-in-major-policy-shift.html Nearly...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 196
This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about the most popular destinations for foreign tourists in Japan, the earthquake that shook Japan, Jack Ma working in Tokyo, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Shiga Pref. hoping Austria-shaped Lake Biwa makes tourism splash https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/343aa201fb00-shiga-pref-hoping-austria-shaped-lake-biwa-makes-tourism-splash.html FOCUS: Japan moves to criminalize exploitative...
May 07, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 195
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/4e4e26d7c472-japan-health-ministry-panel-oks-oral-abortion-pill-for-1st-time.html https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/47d82b06649b-japan-aims-to-draw-100-tril-yen-foreign-investment-digital-nomads.html https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/459003 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/9b8ade8708c5-japan-pm-likely-us-presidential-hopeful-say-alliance...
Apr 29, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 194
This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about train prices going up, the prime minister being attacked, vending machine sushi, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan, U.S. first ladies plant cherry tree at White House https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/569f718e7674-japan-us-first-ladies-plant-cherry-tree-at-white-house.html Lack of security for Japanese prime minister surprised many - Global News Bulletin https://globenewsb...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 193
This week, Mitch and Alex talk about Japan's first casino, a film with only audio, guidelines for AI chatbots in schools, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Sound-only film about foreigners aims to open eyes to their presence https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/9b5f43f94f62-feature-sound-only-film-about-foreigners-aims-to-open-eyes-to-their-presence.html Japan's crown prince, princess to attend British king's coronatio...
Apr 13, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 192
This week, Mitch is back from China to talk about Japan's birthrate, a potential war, fast food that makes you buff, and more! Articles from this week's episode Tokyo ramen shop bans customers from watching YouTube videos while eating | CNN https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tokyo-debu-chan-smartphone-ban-intl-hnk/index.html Japan probed China Communist Party member over leaking farm tech data https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/7267209f526b-japan-probed-china-communist-party-member-over-...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 191
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan egg prices soar amid record 16 million bird flu cullings https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/f8b84f25644e-japan-egg-prices-soar-amid-record-16-mil-bird-flu-cullings.html Baseball: Shohei Ohtani fans Mike Trout, closes out Japan's 3rd WBC title https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/dc14f6a4c8ca-urgent-japan-beats-us-for-3rd-world-baseball-classic-championship.html No. of yakuza, assoc...
Mar 25, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 190
This week, Mitch and Natsuki debate about Japan's useage of Chinese medicine, a big win for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, a problem Japanese flight attendants often encounter, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode YouTuber-turned-lawmaker expelled from parliament for never showing up https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/71e6aaaf637a-urgent-youtuber-turned-lawmaker-loses-seat-for-missing-diet-sessions.html Japan grants lon...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 189
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Knife-wielding teen attacks teacher in school near Tokyo, arrested https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/ab399377a5e7-man-arrested-after-knife-attack-on-teacher-in-school-near-tokyo.html South Korea's Yoon says Japan changed from aggressor to partner https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/3d039138feed-s-koreas-yoon-says-japan-changed-from-aggressor-to-partner.html Japan sees 1st foreign cruis...
Mar 03, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 188
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan inn in hot water for bathwater bacteria 3,700 times the limit https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/8bb2c1b6f92a-japan-inn-in-hot-water-for-bathwater-bacteria-3700-times-the-limit.html Japan to signal illegality of nonconsensual sex in crime rename https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/83ec79355f3c-japan-to-signal-illegality-of-nonconsensual-sex-in-crime-rename.html Japan's manga sales...
Feb 25, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 187
Weird food in Japan, weird school rules, internet celebirities who support Sushiro, and more! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Gov't revises PM's pledge to double Japan's budget for children https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/dfcc8700600c-govt-revises-pms-pledge-to-double-japans-budget-for-children.html Japan's ruling bloc OKs easing weapon use against flying o...
Feb 17, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 186
Japanese women during Valentine's Day, more foreigners expected to come to Japan, the school that bans jackets in the winter, and more! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan with Mitch and Natsuki! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan aiming for record number of foreign visitors in 2025 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/f9f34e464698-japan-aiming-for-record-number-of-foreign-visitors-in-2025.html ...
Feb 10, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 185
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan's ‘Sushi Terrorism’ is the Latest Viral Video Prank | Time https://time.com/6252073/japan-sushi-viral-video/ 'Entirely different world': Backcountry of Japan's alpine areas continues to claim lives - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230131/p2a/00m/0na/013000c Japan court nixes univ.'s dismissal of English teacher before unfixed contract eligibility - The Mainichi https://maini...
Feb 03, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 184
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan's foreign worker population hits record 1.82 million https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/633b961497c0-japans-foreign-worker-population-hits-record-182-million.html 8 arrested in case linked to "Luffy" group robberies across Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/d84bdcfad1dd-8-arrested-in-case-linked-to-luffy-group-robberies-across-japan.html Japan to d...
Jan 28, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 183
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/91e936c38d2b-japan-mulls-lifting-anti-covid-recommendation-to-wear-masks-indoors.html https://shueisha.online/newstopics/95147 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ac73810d2f43-japan-us-leaders-to-confirm-importance-of-taiwan-peace.html https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/817303cbb5b5-dead-whale-in-osaka-to-be-sunk-offshore-this-week.html https:/...
Jan 22, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Tuna fetches 36 mil. yen at New Year auction in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/fcde8c3a189b-tuna-fetches-36-mil-yen-at-new-year-auction-in-tokyo.html Scientists leave Japan for China, wooed by better teamwork, jobs | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14800258 China suspends issuing visas in Japan and South Korea | Reuters htt...
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 181
The end of Ash's story, the new biggest robot in the world, Japan's kanji of the year, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221217/p2a/00m/0na/002000c https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221216/p2a/00m/0na/005000c https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/567fa510932a-focus-contentious-major-defense-policy-shift-shows-japan-wariness-of-china.html https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/...
Dec 19, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 179
