Shigeru Ishiba’s meeting with Donald Trump raises big questions. Was it strategy, optics or something else? Watch my latest ‘Japan Today Spotlight’ video for the full breakdown. Read more…
A Shocking Tragedy in Saitama
February 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment
A massive sinkhole in Saitama swallowed a car, leaving Japan in shock. What caused it, and could it happen again? I break it down in this episode of ‘Japan Today Spotlight.’ Read more…
A Lot Has Changed — Let’s Catch Up
February 1, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Big changes! From podcasting & hybrid work to launching a YouTube show— plus a new book project in the works. Here’s what I’ve been up to! Read more…
‘Japan This Week’ Wraps Up January
January 27, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Well, it was a busy start to the year — and we put out a January news wrap-up on “Japan This Week.” We also put the audio podcast on hiatus while we figure out what to do with it and so we can focus more on the “Japan Today Spotlight” video series. In the episode, […] Read more…
My First ‘Japan Today Spotlight’: Trump’s Re-election and Its Impact on Japan
January 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Starting off Japan Today Spotlight with a deep dive into Trump’s re-election and what it means for Japan. Here’s my take on this big political shift! Read more…
April 19, 2019: Micro Racism, Trump Sumo Summit, Toilet Bowl Baby, Train in Vain and Poop Museum
April 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment
In this week’s news from Japan Today: A survey of foreigners in Tokyo released this week reports that 50% of respondents have faced discrimination; Donald Trump plans to watch a sumo tournament when visiting Japan in May — and might present the winner’s trophy; a woman was arrested in Saitama Prefecture after giving birth in […] Read more…
April 12, 2019: The Defiant One, Foot-in-Mouth Disease, Like a Virgin, Fashion Police and Mango Tango.
April 12, 2019 By Leave a Comment
In this week’s news from Japan Today: Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn released a video message proclaiming his innocence via his lawyer that he recorded before he was arrested; the minister responsible for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has resigned after comments deemed insulting to people in the Tohoku area who suffered after the 2011 earthquake […] Read more…
April 5, 2019: Bail Fail Jail, Autocrat Era, Lost in Translation, Karoshi Cap and Velvet Buzz Cut
April 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment
In this week’s news from Japan Today: Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is back in a Tokyo jail tonight facing new financial misconduct charges; the new era name for Crown Prince Naruhito’s ascension to the throne next month has been announced — and not everyone is happy; after a recent survey, the Japan Tourism Agency […] Read more…
March 29, 2019: Emperors New Groove, AWOL University, No Eat’n’Go, Bathroom Cadaver and Hooters Bust
March 29, 2019 By Leave a Comment
In this week’s news from Japan Today: A new era in Japan starts in May — literally — as the country’s current emperor abdicates and his son takes the throne; a university in Tokyo has lost contact with 1,400 of its foreign students; the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is issuing a city-wide ordinance […] Read more…
March 22, 2019: Child Abuse Ban, Family Court Murder, Killer Robots, Election Objection and Invisible Man
March 22, 2019 By Leave a Comment
In this week’s news from Japan Today: The Japanese government approved a plan to legally ban parents and guardians from physically punishing children; an American man was arrested for fatally stabbing his Japanese wife in the neck at family court; Japan plans to back a resolution in the U.N. opposing the creation of “killer robots;” […] Read more…
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