Japan This Week

Japan Today
Japan This Week

A weekly roundup of the week's biggest — and smallest — national news, crime, politics and entertainment stories from Japan Today with a dash of opinionated commentary and a sprinkling of readers' comments. Ready for you every Friday evening (JST).

  1. Dec. 13, 2024: Nobel Prize, forced suicide, Miho Nakayama's death, izakaya woes & JAL pilot scandal

    12月13日

    Dec. 13, 2024: Nobel Prize, forced suicide, Miho Nakayama's death, izakaya woes & JAL pilot scandal

    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-suicide 🎭 (7:01 - 9:35) ENTERTAINMENT: Beloved actress Miho Nakayama found dead at 54 https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japanese-actress-nakayama's-death-ruled-accident-while-bathing 🍻 (9:37 - 14-01) BUSINESS: Record bankruptcies for Japan’s iconic izakaya pubs https://japantoday.com/category/business/tough-times-for-japanese-pubs-as-izakaya-bankruptcies-come-at-highest-rate-in-more-than-a-decade ✈️ (14:04 - 16-28) NATIONAL: JAL pilots fail alcohol test delaying a Melbourne-Tokyo flight https://japantoday.com/category/national/2-jal-pilots-consume-alcohol-before-flight-cause-3-hour-delay Get the latest headlines, hear reader reactions and stay updated on Japan’s top stories. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts! 🎧 Listen now and join us next week for our year-end recap of Japan’s biggest stories in 2024!

    18分
  2. Dec. 6, 2024: China's view of Japan, record heat, My Number debate, Akita bear drama & Aussie smuggler sentenced

    12月6日

    Dec. 6, 2024: China's view of Japan, record heat, My Number debate, Akita bear drama & Aussie smuggler sentenced

    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.com/category/national/Japan-experiences-warmest-autumn-on-record This year marked the hottest autumn in 126 years, with delayed fall foliage and extended tourist seasons in Kyoto. Scientists link the warming trend to climate change. (6:29 - 9:14) NATIONAL: Health insurance cards integrated with My Number system https://japantoday.com/category/national/Health-insurance-cards-to-no-longer-be-issued-as-info-will-be-integrated-with-My-Number-cards Japan stops issuing standalone health insurance cards, moving toward integrating personal data with the controversial MyNumber system, sparking concerns over privacy and security. (9:33 - 11:28) NATIONAL: Bear intrusion in Akita supermarket https://japantoday.com/category/national/bear-killed-after-2-day-rampage-through-northeast-japan-supermarket A bear's two-day rampage in a northeast Japan supermarket ends tragically, raising questions about urban wildlife management. (12:14 - 15:45) CRIME: Australian woman sentenced for drug smuggling https://japantoday.com/category/crime/japanese-court-convicts-australian-who-says-she-was-tricked-into-smuggling-drugs Donna Nelson, who claims to have been tricked in an online romance scam, receives six years in prison for unknowingly smuggling amphetamines into Japan.

    17分
  3. Nov. 29, 2024: Japan-U.S. missiles, crash saga, suicide leap, Tokyo lost-found and shoe thief weasel

    11月29日

    Nov. 29, 2024: Japan-U.S. missiles, crash saga, suicide leap, Tokyo lost-found and shoe thief weasel

    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. (12:39 - 16:41) NATIONAL: Tokyo lost & found https://japantoday.com/category/national/tokyo-police-care-for-lost-umbrellas-keys-flying-squirrels How Tokyo police meticulously care for lost items, from everyday objects to exotic animals. (16:45 - 19:55) NATIONAL: Shoe-stealing weasel https://japantoday.com/category/national/stolen-shoe-mystery-solved-at-japanese-kindergarten-when-security-camera-catches-weasel-in-the-act A kindergarten mystery goes viral as a furry thief is caught in the act but remains at large.

    21分
  4. Nov. 8, 2024: Customer harassment crackdown, Mount Fuji light rail, bike law penalties, new train safety measures and missing student update

    11月8日

    Nov. 8, 2024: Customer harassment crackdown, Mount Fuji light rail, bike law penalties, new train safety measures and missing student update

    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 while using mobile devices or riding under the influence. CRIME: JR West's new train safety measures (12:51 - 16:10) In response to recent knife attacks, JR West is equipping trains with special blade-resistant umbrellas. These umbrellas are designed to help crew protect passengers and facilitate safer evacuations during emergencies. NATIONAL: Update on missing German student (16:11 - 20:22) The body of 21-year-old German student Claudio Worm, who went missing in Wakayama, was found off the coast of Wakayama City. Police were unable to determine the cause of death due to damage to the body.

    21分
  5. Nov 1, 2024: Political turmoil, Tokyo’s green space battle, tragic crime and Meta's fake ad scandal

    11月1日

    Nov 1, 2024: Political turmoil, Tokyo’s green space battle, tragic crime and Meta's fake ad scandal

    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 Minister Ishiba’s ruling coalition lost its majority. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito's loss of seats and impact on Japan’s political landscape. Rising yen concerns due to political uncertainty and potential leadership changes. Japan Today reader comments: the need for change, fresh faces in Japanese politics and public reaction to political scandals. NATIONAL: Tree-cutting controversy in Tokyo’s Jingu Gaien Park [5:56 - 9:43] Developers led by Mitsui Fudo-san have begun cutting trees in the historic Jingu Gaien Park to make way for skyscrapers and a new baseball stadium. Environmentalists and local Tokyo residents protest the loss of green space, pointing out that Tokyo already has limited parks. Tokyo Governor Yuiko Koike’s support for the redevelopment despite being a former environment minister. Japan Today reader comments: Japan’s struggle to balance development with preserving nature and the city’s lack of accessible green spaces. CRIME: Tragic murder at a Tokyo "girls' bar" [9:44 - 13:12] A shocking murder at a girls' bar in Shimbashi where a 49-year-old man fatally stabbed an 18-year-old bar employee. Details on the suspect and the victim’s prior financial disputes; background on girls' bars in Tokyo’s nightlife scene. Japan Today reader reactions: harsh punishment and stronger safety measures in nightlife areas. BUSINESS: Meta sued in Japan over fake ads with celebrity endorsements [13:13 - 17:50] Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is facing lawsuits in Japan over fraudulent investment ads with fake celebrity endorsements. Well-known Japanese figures, including billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, were featured in these misleading ads. Plaintiffs argue that Meta failed to prevent these scams and ignored requests to remove the false ads. Japan Today reader comments: online ad scams and the need for greater regulation of social media advertising. JAPAN TODAY READER POLL: U.S. presidential election’s impact on Japan [17:51 - 18:23] Results from a Japan Today poll asking readers who they believe would be a better U.S. president for Japan: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. (Cast your vote in the link above.) Insights from readers on how U.S. foreign policy under different leaders might affect Japan, particularly in terms of security and trade. Subscribe to Japan This Week Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS feed Follow us on social media Facebook: Japan Today Instagram: @JapanTodayNews Threads: @JapanTodayNews X: @JapanToday

    19分
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A weekly roundup of the week's biggest — and smallest — national news, crime, politics and entertainment stories from Japan Today with a dash of opinionated commentary and a sprinkling of readers' comments. Ready for you every Friday evening (JST).

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