Japan Today Spotlight

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Breaking stories and deep dives into Japan’s news and changing society — in English, from Tokyo.

  1. 7H AGO

    The Senkakus: Little islands, big tensions

    Tensions between Japan and China continue to simmer in the waters around the Senkaku Islands, with near-daily coast guard patrols and growing military activity. This episode examines what’s happening at sea, why the dispute matters strategically and how it fits into the broader rivalry between Beijing and Tokyo. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    10 min
  2. How Japan chooses its prime minister

    FEB 13

    How Japan chooses its prime minister

    Japan’s prime minister is not elected by popular vote. Instead, the leader emerges through a parliamentary process shaped by party politics, coalition math and internal power struggles. This episode explains how the system works, who really decides and why the outcome can be predictable long before voters head to the polls. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    16 min
  3. The death penalty in Japan

    FEB 7

    The death penalty in Japan

    Japan remains one of the few developed countries to retain capital punishment, carrying out executions in secrecy and with limited public scrutiny. Despite international criticism and periodic domestic debate, support for the death penalty remains high. This episode examines how the system works, why it persists and what could finally force change. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    17 min
  4. Japan and nuclear weapons: A line it hasn’t crossed — yet

    JAN 30

    Japan and nuclear weapons: A line it hasn’t crossed — yet

    Japan remains the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, yet its stance on nuclear weapons is more complicated than it appears. Officially opposed, Japan still relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella and periodically revisits the debate as regional tensions rise. This episode examines where Japan draws the line, how firm it really is and what pressures could force a rethink. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    14 min
  5. Inside Japan's troubled classrooms

    JAN 23

    Inside Japan's troubled classrooms

    Japan’s schools are under pressure. Teacher shortages, unpaid overtime, rising burnout and cases of sexual misconduct are exposing deep structural problems in the education system — and raising urgent questions about accountability, student safety and reform. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    13 min
  6. New rules for foreigners in Japan

    JAN 19

    New rules for foreigners in Japan

    Japan is tightening and reshaping its rules for foreign residents, from visa renewals to compliance checks and enforcement. This episode breaks down what’s changing, who is affected and what the new rules signal about Japan’s evolving immigration policy. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    17 min
  7. Can Japan power its AI future?

    JAN 13

    Can Japan power its AI future?

    Japan is racing to expand AI and data center capacity, but power shortages, grid limits and climate targets pose major challenges. This episode examines whether Japan’s energy system can support an AI-driven economy — and what trade-offs policymakers face. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    12 min
  8. Japan Today Spotlight: The stories that defined Japan in 2025

    JAN 2

    Japan Today Spotlight: The stories that defined Japan in 2025

    From politics and the economy to social change and major scandals, 2025 was a turbulent year for Japan. This special year-in-review episode looks back at the biggest stories covered on Japan Today Spotlight and what they reveal about where the country is heading next. Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

    11 min
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Breaking stories and deep dives into Japan’s news and changing society — in English, from Tokyo.

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