Japan Today

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.

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.

*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?

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-staff-and-celebrity One of Japan's most famous TV networks, Fuji TV, is facing major backlash after allegations emerged of a cover-up involving a 90-million-yen ($575,000) sexual assault settlement with entertainer Masahiro Nakai. Sponsors are pulling out, and the entertainment industry is under fire once again. (3:33 - 6:24) POLITICS: 'Japan First' mindset key for Ishiba in dealing with to Trump https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-first-mindset-key-for-ishiba-in-dealing-with-trump-ex-aide Prime Minist

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 and the growing misuse of Japan's emergency number "110" — this episode covers the biggest headlines you need to know. Timestamps: (1:17 - 4:57) BUSINESS: Record number of Japan ramen eateries went bankrupt in 2024 --> A record number of ramen shops have shut down in 2024 due to soaring costs for ingredients and utilities. What’s next for Japan's favorite comfort food? (5:00 - 9:03) NATIONAL: Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies held across Japan --> Young adults across Japan don colorful kimono and celebrate a milestone wi

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.

Welcome to Japan This Week for Dec. 13, 2024! This week we cover:

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 Australian woman faces six years in prison after being tricked into smuggling drugs. (0:53 - 3:39) NATIONAL: Negative views of Japan in China https://japantoday.com/category/national/nearly-90-of-chinese-view-japan-negatively-2nd-highest-level-poll A survey finds 87.7% of Chinese respondents view Japan negatively, citing territorial disputes, wartime history and environmental issues. Social media's role in amplifying these views is explored. (3:40 - 6:12) NATIONAL: Japan’s warmest autumn on record https://japantoday.co

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-profile crash saga ends https://japantoday.com/category/crime/93-year-old-driver-in-fatal-tokyo-crash-dies-in-prison The convicted bureaucrat behind the high-profile 2019 accident that killed two people dies in prison. (7:45 - 12:37) CRIME: Tragic suicide case update https://japantoday.com/category/crime/girl-who-jumped-off-building-roof-killing-herself-and-pedestrian-below-to-be-prosecuted Police recommend charges in a heartbreaking case where a teenage girl’s suicide also claimed the life of an innocent bystander. (

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: Shigeru Ishiba re-elected in runoff vote [1:01 - 3:55] POLITICS: Women in Japanese politics: Record wins, but still a minority [3:55 - 8:11] NATIONAL: Kagoshima car accident sparks elderly driver debate [8:11 - 11:29] CRIME: Sexual assault case in Saitama [11:29 - 14:55] READER POLL: Is Donald Trump’s re-election good for Japan? [14:55 - 18:13] Results show 57% of readers think Trump’s re-election is not good for Japan, with 33% in favor and 10% undecided.

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 system to Mount Fuji's fifth station to manage tourist traffic and cut emissions. The project, which would run alongside the Fuji Subaru Line, is projected to cost over ¥148.6 billion (USD$960 million) and generate significant revenue. Local opposition, however, may shape the final decision. CRIME: New cycling law penalties in Japan (8:14 - 12:50) Revised cycling laws came into effect on Nov. 1, imposing stricter penalties for distracted or impaired riding. Jail time and hefty fines now await those caught cycling wh

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 Tokyo, shedding light on Japan's nightlife and safety concerns. Finally, Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) faces legal action in Japan over fake ads featuring celebrity endorsements for shady investment schemes. Plus, we check in on a Japan Today poll about the upcoming U.S. presidential election and how it could impact Japan. Join us for these stories and more from Japan Today! POLITICS: Japan’s political turmoil after election [1:51 - 5:55] Summary of Japan's recent election results, where Prime Ministe

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 recruit individuals for illegal activities, such as home invasions. A series of violent robberies in the Kanto region has led to around 30 arrests. NATIONAL: Nuclear energy and carbon emissions (3:06 - 5:52) As part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions, Japan is restarting its nuclear power plants with new safety measures in place. We discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy in Japan's energy strategy. BUSINESS: Used smartphone trend (5:52 - 15:12) Sales of used smartphones in Japan are booming as consumers g

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 Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)?

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 mother, now 88, continues to push for answers as Megumi would have turned 60 this year. Despite North Korea claiming Megumi died in 1994, the family remains hopeful for her return, but little progress has been made in recent years. NATIONAL: (4:25 - 6:26) Japan voted best country to visit by Condé Nast For the second year in a row, Japan was voted the best country to visit by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Key attractions like cherry blossoms, Ghibli Park, and Japanese cuisine were cited as reasons.

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 - 06:08) Shigeru Ishiba replaces Fumio Kishida as Japan's prime minister amid low public confidence, economic challenges and security concerns. Ishiba’s new cabinet features security-focused leaders and only two female ministers. He also plans a general election on October 27. Key reader comments: "Good luck to Ishiba, U.S.-Japan alliance is vital." "The dude is clueless and incompetent." BUSINESS: Rising prices in Japan (06:09 - 10:04) About 3,000 food and drink items are set to rise in price across Japan — along wit

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-missing-after-floods-hit-Noto-Peninsula Heavy rain caused floods and landslides in Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula. At least 11 people have died, and 6 are missing in yet another disaster for the region. ==> If you would like to help out in the Noto Peninsula due to the recovery and effects of the earthquake earlier this year and the current flooding situation, you can donate directly here: https://www.jrc.or.jp/english/donate/ Or you can visit their Noto Peninsula page here: https://www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/20

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.