Deep Dive from The Japan Times

I have been binge listening to all the episodes. I only recently started listening to the Deep Dive podcast and my only regret is that I did not start sooner. Even episodes that are several years old are still relevant and interesting.

Subjects covered are always interesting. There’s always more to say about some of the more complex social issues in Japan, but in terms of the episode discussing host clubs, I often see host club touts (or in some way related) young men very aggressively pressuring young women on the street in Shibuya and Ebisu. It’s very unpleasant for the target of the moment and painful to watch. Commodification of desire and connection indeed. All the lonely people.

Oscar Boyd and his guests discuss important topics regarding Japan with clear-eyed analysis. Sean McKenna is a worthy successor. I am still trying to decipher what I hear as “pod tsukane sama”.

I’m really enjoying this show! I love the variety of topics the episodes discuss as well as the contributors that add depth to the discussions.