Small Talk Japan Small Talk Japan

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/29/baby-boomtown-does-nagi-hold-the-secret-to-repopulating-japan

Japan court rules disallowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/74a20340d484-breaking-news-court-rules-not-recognizing-same-sex-marriage-as-unconstitutional.html

Japan aims to halve pollen emissions in 30 years to tackle hay fever https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/4bca5537822c-japan-aims-to-halve-pollen-emissions-in-30-years-to-tackle-hay-fever.html

Kishida eyes Japan's child care budget boost of about 3.5 tril. yen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c02f8a20abbd-kishida-eyes-japans-child-care-budget-boost-of-about-35-tril-yen.html

Japan PM Kishida sacks son as executive secretary amid criticism https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/737ffea2ae80-urgent-kishidas-son-to-step-down-as-executive-secretary-to-pm-govt.html

Foreigner hotel stays in Japan top 10 mil. for 1st time in 3 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/9f77ed09dcfd-foreign-hotel-guests-in-japan-top-10-mil-for-1st-time-in-3-yrs.html

Tokyo seeks measures to stop out-of-town billboard trucks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14907752

Photograph : Thrill Ride: Stripper Mobile - https://m.lasvegassun.com/photos/2011/jun/13/120813/

Japanese government promises, for real this time, that expressways will be free by the year 2115 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/02/japanese-government-promises-for-real-this-time-that-expressways-will-be-free-by-the-year-2115/

“Horse Feces Cafe” opens in Tokyo, looks stylish and delicious【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/01/horse-feces-cafe-opens-in-tokyo-looks-stylish-and-delicious%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/30/fans-in-japan-dont-sound-happy-with-netflixs-one-piece-live-action-changes-to-the-going-merry/

Japan to boost child care spending to match Sweden - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230601/p2g/00m/0na/049000c



Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan



Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/



If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1

City legislator's son detained over 4 deaths in Japan's Nagano https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/bb60dd965e2c-urgent-man-with-hunting-rifle-on-run-in-central-japan-4-injured.html

Older men with no sexual interest in women at risk of earlier death | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14870440

Student obsessed with strange road signs turns corner on hobby | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14894855

Japanese mom’s beautiful Legend of Zelda character bento brings tears (of the Kingdom) to our eyes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/japanese-moms-beautiful-legend-of-zelda-character-bento-brings-tears-of-the-kingdom-to-our-eyes





Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/



If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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

Tokyo ranked as world’s second wealthiest city after New York | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14894025

Japan to accept wounded Ukrainian soldiers for treatment https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/43991dab3e0d-japan-to-accept-wounded-ukrainian-soldiers-for-treatment.html

'Dairy crisis' hits Japan as farm bankruptcies see 10-year high - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230511/p2a/00m/0bu/038000c

Bear attack on angler suspected after human head found at Japan lake https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/7629723db555-bear-attack-on-angler-suspected-after-human-head-found-at-japan-lake.html

How a former yakuza criminal went from a jail cell in Japan to fighting the war in Ukraine - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-17/former-japanese-yakuza-criminal-joins-foreign-legion-in-ukraine/102276660

Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke in hospital, suicide attempt suspected https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/836b59e3166f-popular-kabuki-actor-ichikawa-ennosuke-taken-to-hospital.html

Universal Studios Japan lifts ban on hugging, high-fiving mascots | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/universal-studios-japan-lifts-ban-on-hugging-high-fiving-mascots/

Japanese police make first-ever YouTuber arrest for uploading video game gameplay videos | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/japanese-police-make-first-ever-youtuber-arrest-for-uploading-video-game-gameplay-videos/

Super Mario Sunshine-style water splash event coming to Universal Studios Japan this summer | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/18/super-mario-sunshine-style-water-splash-event-coming-to-universal-studios-japan-this-summer

Kobe man arrested after threatening driving school with 1,500 origami cranes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/kobe-man-arrested-after-threatening-driving-school-with-1500-origami-cranes/

Japan’s newest vending machine absorbs CO2 from the environment | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/japans-newest-vending-machine-absorbs-co2-from-the-environment/

Japan’s weirdest gadget maker has a new fan just to dry off your legs (and crotch)【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/japans-weirdest-gadget-maker-has-a-new-fan-just-to-dry-off-your-legs-and-crotch%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

What should you do if you get stuck in an elevator in an earthquake? Japan’s NHK offers five tips | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/15/what-should-you-do-if-you-get-stuck-in-an-elevator-in-an-earthquake-japans-nhk-offers-five-tips









Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/



If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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 40% of people surveyed in Japan going without a mask | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14903672

Rolex store in Tokyo robbed, 4 men taken into custody https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/5231b52d7df9-rolex-store-in-tokyo-robbed-4-men-taken-into-custody.html

首相官邸敷地内で拳銃自殺か　警備中の警視庁機動隊員 ｜ 共同通信 https://nordot.app/1027008733696950272

マイナンバーカード コンビニの証明書交付システム 一時停止を要請 | NHK | マイナンバー https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230509/k10014061271000.html

Several injured as predawn M5.2 quake rattles Tokyo Bay area https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c9d9160e99ca-urgent-strong-quake-jolts-chiba-tokyo-other-areas.html

Tokyo teacher sent to prosecutors for alleged murder,likely laden with debt https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/bfca4caabb42-tokyo-teacher-sent-to-prosecutors-for-murder-likely-laden-with-debt.html

Mysterious fireballs seen crossing sky over Okinawa https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/d3c17eb11617-mysterious-fireballs-seen-crossing-sky-over-okinawa.html

Do childless adults in Japan face parental harassment? - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/do-childless-adults-in-japan-face-parental-harassment/101250

The Japanese convenience store where you can drink beer on tap | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/12/the-japanese-convenience-store-where-you-can-drink-beer-on-tap

Japanese Self-Defense Force mulls removing its ban on tattoos | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/11/japanese-self-defense-force-mulls-removing-its-ban-on-tattoos/

Japan has a pizza for dogs, so of course we tried it | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/09/japan-has-a-pizza-for-dogs-so-of-course-we-tried-it/

Light-up Master Sword, Rupee dishes, and heart notebook all part of new Legend of Zelda merch line | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/08/light-up-master-sword-rupee-dishes-and-heart-notebook-all-part-of-new-legend-of-zelda-merch-lin

Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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 photo voyeurism https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/830036798422-focus-japan-moves-to-criminalize-exploitative-photo-voyeurism.html

Alibaba's Jack Ma joins University of Tokyo as visiting professor https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/7a6bc6de66e8-alibabas-jack-ma-joins-university-of-tokyo-as-visiting-professor.html

Super Mario creator says new movie humanizes popular game character https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/7847fdb84097-super-mario-creator-says-new-movie-humanizes-popular-game-character.html

残業「月80時間」過労死ライン超える中学校教員依然4割近く 17年前に夫を過労で亡くした遺族「今も全く同じことが起こっている」 | TBS NEWS DIG https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/461965

M6.5 quake rocks central Japan amid Golden Week holidays, 1 dies https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/40de734dcd7e-urgent-m63-quake-rocks-central-japan-no-tsunami-threat.html

45% of young people in Japan have suicidal thoughts: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/98d8e885dbde-45-of-young-people-in-japan-have-suicidal-thoughts-survey.html

Forced participation in religious activities to be classified as child abuse in Japan | The Straits Times https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/forced-participation-in-religious-activities-to-be-classified-as-child-abuse-in-japan

FOCUS: LDP resistance imperils passage of Japan LGBT law before G-7 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c193401ef44a-focus-ldp-resistance-imperils-passage-of-japan-lgbt-law-before-g-7.html

The top 10 things foreign tourists visiting Japan want to do during Golden Week | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/04/the-top-10-things-foreign-tourists-visiting-japan-want-to-do-during-golden-week

Eiko Digital Creative High School opens in two cities where students can study e-sports and more | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/02/eiko-digital-creative-high-school-opens-in-two-cities-where-students-can-study-e-sports-and-more/

Cartoon Explaining Mormonism - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgw-C_DTVo8

Fantasmic! Dragon Catches Fire at Disneyland - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQdH0ZrUXQs



Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/



If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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-key-to-peace.html



https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/37160f7f36b8-harry-potter-theme-park-in-tokyo-unveiled-ahead-of-june-16-opening.html



https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/0b30bc9d9174-yokosuka-becomes-1st-local-govt-in-japan-to-begin-chatgpt-trial-use.html



https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/58040ec0c84e-japan-lawmakers-buckle-down-to-fight-hay-fever-form-bipartisan-group.html



https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/4184207c2c71-japan-public-safety-chief-kept-eating-despite-kishida-attack-news.html



https://youtu.be/enLdoTg9HBI



https://euro.eseuro.com/movies/246858.html



https://soranews24.com/2023/04/28/massive-variation-new-pikachu-plushie-line-lets-you-find-the-perfect-pikachu-just-for-you/



https://soranews24.com/2023/04/25/middle-school-teacher-moonlighting-as-host-bar-host-arrested-in-nagoya/



https://soranews24.com/2023/04/25/aichi-man-arrested-for-failing-to-steal-very-large-donation-box-from-shinto-shrine/



https://soranews24.com/2023/04/24/kfc-adds-hash-brown-burgers-to-its-menu-in-japan/







Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/



If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu

headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64

amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM