Reflecting on the Tokyo Sarin Gas Attacks: 30 Years Later

This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of Japan’s most tragic events—the Tokyo sarin gas attacks. On March 20, 1995, the Aum Shinrikyo cult carried out a deadly attack on Tokyo’s subway system, killing 14 and injuring more than 6,000 people.

The impact of that day continues to shape Japan’s public safety measures and its broader approach to security now.

In this Japan Today Spotlight video, we look back at that fateful morning, explore how it changed Japanese society and examine its lasting effects that pervade life in Japan to this day.

But our look at this shocking event is not just about the past—it’s about the present and the lessons we can still learn from that tragedy. We also discuss how public safety measures and attitudes have evolved over the last 30 years, and what it means for those living in Japan today.

Watch the full video here:

30 years later: Reflecting on the Tokyo sarin gas attack and its lasting impact.

30 years later: Reflecting on the Tokyo sarin gas attack and its lasting impact.

Remembering this event is a reminder of the importance of not forgetting history—no matter how old  or recent.

Take a moment to watch, think, and let me know your thoughts.

Japan’s Birthrate Crisis — What’s Really Going On?

In the latest episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dive into something that’s been a growing concern here in Japan for years: the country’s plummeting birth rate.

In 2024, Japan recorded just 720,988 births — the lowest number since records began in 1899. It’s the ninth straight year the number has dropped, and it’s creating serious problems for the economy, the social safety net and even daily life in both the larger cities and smaller, rural towns.

This isn’t just about people choosing not to have kids. There are deeper issues:

  • A demanding work culture that leaves little time for family life
  • Low wages, rising living costs and limited housing options
  • Very little support for single parents or unplanned pregnancies
  • Long-standing cultural expectations that are tough to change
  • And yes, even Japan’s rural depopulation and strained pension system play a role

In the video, I also touch on how Japan’s government is responding, what might be learned from South Korea (the country with the lowest birth rate in the world, which just saw a rare bump) and why immigration is a controversial — but potentially necessary — part of the conversation here.

Watch the full episode here: 

If you’re interested in what life is really like here, or curious about how Japan is handling some of the same challenges other countries are beginning to face, I think you’ll find it worth a watch.

Why Is Everything in Japan Getting More Expensive?

If you live here in Japan (or have been in Japan recently), you’ve probably noticed that prices are creeping up everywhere — at the supermarket, at restaurants, and even on utility bills. The latest buzzword? “Cabbage shock” — because a head of cabbage now costs three times more than it did last year! (That’ about ¥350, or US$2.35, in case you’re wondering…)

But of course, it’s not just cabbage. Inflation is hitting food, electricity, and everyday essentials — and many of us are feeling it.

What’s Behind the Rising Prices?

In my Japan Today Spotlight episode on the subject, I break down what’s driving Japan’s price hikes:

  • Food Prices Are Soaring – Rice is up 70%, and electricity bills have jumped 18%. Not great news for anyone who enjoys eating… or having the lights on.
  • The Weak Yen – Japan relies heavily on imports, and with the yen being so low, imported goods — from groceries to fuel — are getting much pricier.
  • Extreme Weather & Crop Issues – Last summer’s heatwave, heavy rain, and even record snowfall have damaged crops, making fruits and vegetables more expensive.
  • Shrinkflation & Business Struggles – Have you noticed snack packages getting smaller while prices stay the same (or go up)? That’s shrinkflation. Restaurants are also serving smaller portions, and some are even closing down because they just can’t keep up.

How Are People Adapting?

It seems like everyone has their own strategy to deal with higher prices. Some are cooking at home more  (this is a big change for younger Japanese adults who haven’t started families — more on that in an upcoming post!). Others are hunting for late-night supermarket discounts, and I’ve even had people tell me in the comments that they are now bicycling long distances to budget stores like Gyomu Super to save a few yen.

Meanwhile, tourists keep convenience stores busy, even as locals find them a bit pricey.

Watch the Full Breakdown

I go into more details in the Japan Today Spotlight video. If you’re curious about how Japan’s inflation is playing out, check it out here:

Watch: Japan’s Rising Prices – What’s Causing Inflation?

A man in a brown blazer sits at a desk with an expressive look, discussing Japan’s inflation crisis. A large inset image shows cabbages with high price tags in a Japanese supermarket. The text overlay reads: ‘Cabbage Shock – Japan’s Prices Are Surging — Here’s Why!

Cabbage Shock?! Japan’s Prices Are Surging — Here’s Why! Watch now to see what’s driving the rising cost of living.

What’s Next?

The government is trying to push for wage increases, but so far, salaries aren’t keeping pace with rising prices. With more price hikes expected and big labor negotiations coming up, we might be in for more surprises.

How are you handling higher prices in Japan (or wherever you are)? Have you changed your spending habits? Let’s chat in the comments!

PM Shigeru Ishiba’s Trump Meeting: What’s the Real Game Here for Japan?

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s newest prime minister, met with Donald Trump on Feb. 7, 2025.

Now that’s a political move I didn’t see coming — not from him, anyway. He’s been trying and failing for months since his election. Ishiba has spent years as the LDP’s resident outsider, the guy who critiques from within but never quite gets the backing to lead. And now he’s cozying up to Trump? Interesting.

Let’s be real — Trump isn’t exactly known for having a nuanced grasp of Japan’s internal politics. If you’re a Japanese politician meeting with him, it’s not about deep policy discussions. It’s about optics, influence and signaling to power players back home. So what’s Ishiba’s angle? Is he trying to rebrand himself as a bridge to Trump’s Republican circle? Or is this just a case of “why not?” — a move to keep his name in the headlines while Japan’s political future remains uncertain?

In my latest “Japan Today Spotlight” video, I break down what this meeting could mean.

Here’s something, though, I didn’t say on camera: Ishiba has always played the long game, but his moment never quite arrives. Now that it’s arrived, could this finally be his way of forcing relevance?

Check out the video here:

Shigeru Ishiba met with Donald Trump — what’s the real strategy behind this move?

What do you think — smart move or just another round of political chess with no endgame?

A Shocking Tragedy in Saitama

This week, I covered a deeply concerning incident in Japan — something that really shook people here, both literally and emotionally. A massive sinkhole opened up in Saitama, swallowing a car and tragically taking a man’s life. It’s the kind of story that makes you stop and think about the unseen risks beneath our feet.

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, I dive into what happened, the possible causes and why Japan — despite its reputation for strong infrastructure — still faces these kinds of disasters. If you’re curious about life in Japan beyond the usual headlines, I think you’ll find this one eye-opening.

Watch the episode here:

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you know someone interested in Japan, feel free to share!

Stay safe and take care.

My First ‘Japan Today Spotlight’: Trump’s Re-election and Its Impact on Japan

A quick update about something new I’m trying out. We just launched the very first episode of Japan Today Spotlight — a video series where we dive deep into one of the week’s biggest stories in Japan. The first topic? Well, I took a look at how Donald Trump’s re-election might affect Japan. It’s a topic that’s been making waves, so the chief editor thought it would be an interesting one to kick things off.

As with anything new, there are a few growing pains — you know, the usual tech issues, getting the rhythm of the show down, and working out the flow. But I’m excited to keep improving and make these deep dives a regular thing.

I’m hoping to dig into a mix of major headlines and a few of the lesser-known stories that don’t always get the attention they deserve.

If you’ve got a minute, I’d love for you to check out the first episode. The link is right here, and I’d appreciate any feedback you have as I keep tweaking things!

And don’t worry, this isn’t replacing the Japan This Week podcast— we’re just mixing things up a bit with some extra content. This Spotlight series is a new experiment in that direction.

Thanks for your support!

Catch you soon,

~Jeff

April 19, 2019: Micro Racism, Trump Sumo Summit, Toilet Bowl Baby, Train in Vain and Poop Museum

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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 a 7-Eleven restroom and leaving the newborn in the toilet bowl; in punctual Japan, an elderly man in Nagoya who stopped a train from leaving the station by repeatedly preventing the doors from closing goes viral in a video and… that’s it? Plus a poop museum opens in Yokohama.

This weeks stories:

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Visit the Japan Today website.

April 12, 2019: The Defiant One, Foot-in-Mouth Disease, Like a Virgin, Fashion Police and Mango Tango.

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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 and tsunami; a new study released by the ministry of health finds that the number of Japanese adults in their 30s with absolutely no sexual experience is increasing;” police in Fukuoka Prefecture are using fashion shows to recruit college-age women to join the force plus a pair of mangoes has sold for $4,500 in Miyazaki Prefecture.

This weeks stories:

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Visit the Japan Today website.