Podcasts by This Week In Japan
Need a weekly round-up of the top news stories coming out of Japan? Look no further. Tokyo-based, British content-creator Julian and Japanese entrepreneur Yasu, are here to dive into the hot topics of the week. Recorded in Tokyo, 'This Week in Japan' is the perfect blend of current news, cultural insight, and in-depth discussions all woven through a friendly conversation between the two hosts. Stay up-to-date with the flow of stories streaming out of Japan, no matter where you are. You can also find us on our Japan Go! YouTube Channel at: youtube.com/japango. [Japanese Explanation] 毎週、日本で今話題のニュースについて、東京在住のイギリス人クリエイターJulianと日本人起業家Yasuが英語で意見を交わしています。楽しく話題のニュースを振り返りながら、英語のリスニングがしたい方へ！
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Jujutsu Kaisen Goes Big At The Box Office from 2022-01-15T09:00
This week we discuss the huge success of the latest anime movie hit 'Jujutsu Kaisen 0', how a firefighter is in trouble for moonlighting as a Youtuber & the unlikely new toy that&a...
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Japanese Team Invents World's First'Lickable'Screen from 2022-01-07T17:00
This week we discuss the sudden snowfall in Tokyo, the police department that is currently in hot water over a couple of misplaced floppy disks, the world's oldest person Kane Tanaka turnin...
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Another Crazy Year in Japan: Christmas Special 2021 from 2021-12-23T11:00
This week we discuss Yusaku Maezawa's successful return to earth after 12 days on the International Space Station, a mother's incredible bravery in saving her child from a burning buil...
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The First Japanese Civilian Is Now In Space from 2021-12-11T12:00
This week we discuss billionaire Yusaku Maezawa who just became the first Japanese civilian to travel to space, how prolonged exposure to face masks is causing unexpected anxiety and outrage as ...
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Japan’s Fried Chicken Wars Puts Christmas In Jeopardy from 2021-12-03T17:00
This week we discuss Japan's tightened border restrictions worlding the discovery of the new Omicron Covid variant, how Japan's favourite Christmas food (fried chicken) is facing sever...
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Will “Shut the F*ck Up” be Japan's Word of 2021? from 2021-11-27T12:00
This week we discuss the nominations for Japan's 'Word of the Year' 2021 competition (?????), JAXA's search for new astronauts for the first time in 13 years, the seemingly p...
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Tokyo Team Recreates World's Oldest Oil Painting with AI from 2021-11-19T17:00
This week we discuss 19-year old shogi master S?ta Fujii becoming the 'Dragon King', JR East performing the 1st ever test run of its new autonomous bullet train system, a 16-year old g...
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Princess Mako Marries&Leaves The Imperial Family from 2021-10-29T22:00
This week we discuss the conclusion of Princess Mako's long overdue marriage to Kei Komuro and how Tokyo's busiest train line was closed over the weekend for renovations on an impressi...
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Next-gen Vending Machines Take Japan By Storm from 2021-10-22T19:00
This week we discuss the huge volcanic eruption on Mt Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's foray into the world of Youtube, the end of a Japanese gamer's epic...
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Ramen Shops Ban Ramen Critics&YouTubers from 2021-10-16T10:00
This week we discuss the upcoming virtual Shibuya Halloween experience, Japan's 1st ever typhoon research institute, the 2021 results of the most appealing prefecture survey, and how ramen ...
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Japanese Climate Scientist Wins Nobel Prize from 2021-10-09T15:00
This week we discuss Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, a brief update of Princess Mako's wedding, and the Japanese (who is now an American citizen) climate scientist Shukuro Ma...
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Japan to Lower Age Limit in Opposite-sex Onsen from 2021-09-26T16:00
This week we discuss Japan's new rules on age limits for children in opposite-sex onsen & a new app is being developed to help protect the human rights of foreign works in Japan.
Matcha is Gaining Worldwide Popularity from 2021-09-18T15:00
This week we discuss the growing worldwide popularity of Matcha powder and how the industry in Japan is adapting to meet demand.
Word of the Week:
???? (oyagacha)
This epi...
High School Creates First Ever Official Manga Course from 2021-09-11T11:00
This week we discuss Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's decision to step down after only one year on the job and a high school in Kumamoto Prefecture will be opening the first-ever manga cours...
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Sumo Wrestler who Lost 104 Consecutive Matches Retires from 2021-09-04T16:00
This week we discuss the underdog Sumo Wrestler, Shounan-zakura, who finally called it a day after a record breaking losing streak of 104 matches and Bandai's popular Gunpla (Gundam Plastic...
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Golf Is Becoming the New Trendy Sport in Japan from 2021-08-21T14:00
This week we discuss the crazy seasonal weather in Japan and how Golf is becoming the new sporting trend for young Japanese adults.
Word of the Week:
??? (Gin-bura)
This ep...
Tokyo Olympics Special: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly from 2021-08-07T14:00
This week dive into the many stories surround the Tokyo 2020 games, including Japan's impressive medal haul and a Mayor in Nagoya who is under fire for chomping on a gold medal!
Wo...
TeamLab's Digital Art Museum Breaks World Record from 2021-07-24T14:00
In this episode, we discuss multiple scandals involving Olympic contributors, TeamLabs Digital Art Museum becoming the most visited in the world & a Ugandan weightlifter who went on the run,...
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Giant Head Appears in the Sky over Tokyo from 2021-07-17T15:00
In this episode, we discuss "Giant floating head appears in the sky of Tokyo" and "IOC Chairman refers to Japanese as 'Chinese'".
Word of the Week: ?????? ...
Sushi Ninja Busted for Industrial Espionage from 2021-07-10T16:00
In this episode, we discuss a suspected molester who jumped from a bridge at Shibuya Station, Tokyo Olympics is to be held without spectators, and Sushi Ninja busted for industrial espionage.
Government Officials Turned Into Anime Characters from 2021-07-03T13:00
In this episode, we discuss the delayed rainy season in Japan, the Mt. Fuji reopening for the first time in two years, and the Japanese government officials turned into anime characters.
Government Encourages 4-Day Workweek from 2021-06-26T16:00
In this episode, we discuss Emperor Naruhito's unconventional, personal statement regarding the Olympics and the Japanese Government's new guidelines to make 4-day working weeks the n...
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Foreign Residence Card Checker Sparks Controversies from 2021-06-19T15:00
In this episode, we discuss the controversies in Japan over a new app that allows you to check the authenticity of a foreigner's residence card with a smartphone.
Word of the Week...
We're Back! - Japan Gambles on Successful Olympics from 2021-06-12T16:00
Yasu & Julian are back after a short hiatus! We've made a few small changes to the show, but we're still providing the same informative and funny conversations that you've com...
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Japanese Entrepreneur Plans Journey To The Moon from 2021-03-13T15:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: Japanese Entrepreneur Plans Journey To The Moon
Word of the Week: ??? (Coming down from the Heaven)
Importa...
Popular Manga Character Catches COVID-19 from 2021-02-27T16:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: Popular Manga Character Catches COVID-19
Word of the Week: ?? (Be-a)
[Japanese Explanation]
This Week I...
Netflix To Offer Full-scholarships To Anime Creators Open To Foreigners from 2021-02-20T18:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: A Massive Earthquake Rattles Tohoku Region and Eastern Japan
Featured Story of the Week: Netflix to offer full-schol...
Clubhouse App Is Making Big Waves In Japan from 2021-02-13T17:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: Clubhouse App Is Making Big Waves In Japan
Featured Story of the Week: Ramen-Loving Researcher Discovers Tonkotsu Ab...
President of Tokyo Olympics Committee Under Fire for Sexist Comments from 2021-02-06T18:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: President of Tokyo Olympics Committee Under Fire for Comments Towards Women
Featured Story of the Week: News rules a...
Pandemic Boosts Rice Consumption in Japan from 2021-01-30T17:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: Japan Aims to Vaccinate Around 75% of Country by October
Featured Story of the Week: Pandemic Fuels Rice Consumption...
Silent Eating Is Trending In Japan from 2021-01-23T18:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
Main Story of the Week: Japan Rules Against Dual Citizenship
Featured News Story: Silent Eating Is Trending In Japan
...
Big Setbacks for the Japanese Entertainment Industry from 2021-01-16T17:00
Welcome back to This Week In Japan!
Main Story of the Week: 2nd State of Emergency causes Big Setbacks for the Japanese Entertainment Industry
Featured News Story:
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State of Emergency 2.0: Welcome to 2021 from 2021-01-09T17:00
Welcome to Season 2 of This Week In Japan!
News Story of the Week: Prime Minister Suga Declared the Second State of Emergency for Tokyo and Three Other Prefectures
Fe...
This Year In Japan - 2020 Review from 2020-12-19T18:00
This Week In Japan, we have a special episode, as this is the last episode of the year 2020. We first discuss the Three Biggest News Stories in Japan in 2020. Then Julian and Yasu...
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Nintendo Company Brochure Becomes Valued Collector’s Item from 2020-12-12T21:00
This Week In Japan, Nintendo Company Brochure Becomes Valued Collector’s Item, Japan Plans To Phase-out Gasoline Car Sales, and Children are Choosing Demon Slayer Characters Over Their Pa...
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Novelist Sues Square Enix over Game Character's Name from 2020-11-28T17:00
This Week In Japan, Go-To Travel Campaign Revised Due to Rising Corona Numbers, U.N. Council Finds Carlos Ghosn’s Arrests “Illegal”, and Novelist Sues Square Enix over Game Character&apos...
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Suga Pushes Digital Transformation Agency from 2020-11-21T20:00
This Week In Japan, Japan to Launch the Digital Transformation Agency, CAPCOM Repeatedly Threatened by Cyber Terrorist Group, and Princess Mako struggles with marrying her partner.
Random ...
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A Countryside Mayor is the Japanese Joe Biden from 2020-11-14T20:00
This Week In Japan, Crown Prince Akishino Becomes the Official Successor to the Imperial Throne, A Countryside Mayor is the Japanese Joe Biden, and Nintendo’s Sales Are Booming while Sega Falls ...
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Breaking News from Osaka Interrupts Anime Broadcast from 2020-11-07T15:00
This Week In Japan, News Story from Osaka Interrupts Anime Broadcast and Outrages Fans, Instant Noodle Sales are Exploding, and Boxing World Championship Match is Canceled Due to Corona on the D...
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Osaka City Is On The Verge Of Being Abolished from 2020-10-31T20:00
This Week In Japan, Osaka City Faces the Possibility of Being Abolished, The Demon Slayer Movie Shatters Records and Faces Unique Problems, and A New Model Bullet Train is Set to Reach Brand New...
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Journalist Shiori Ito Sues Politician For Liking A Tweet from 2020-10-24T20:00
This Week In Japan, Shiori Ito Sues a Japanese Politician over Liked Tweets, Thomas the Tank Engine Introduces New Bullet Train Character Named Kenji, and Japan Prepares to Intercept Cyber Attac...
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The Demon Slayer Movie Sees Record Screenings In Japan from 2020-10-17T18:00
This Week In Japan, The Demon Slayer Movie Sees Record Screenings in Japan, Major Banks Decide to Bail Out All Nippon Airways, A Nuclear Power Plant to be Reactivated for the First Time Since Th...
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Japan Aims to Accept Tourists from April 2021 from 2020-10-10T22:00
This Week In Japan, Japan to Allow International Tourists to Enter the Country from April 2021, JR Unveils a New Special Rail Pass Targeted for International Residents, Japanese Entrepreneur For...
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Life-size Moving Gundam Is Activated from 2020-10-03T22:00
This Week In Japan, NTT to Buy NTT Docomo for 430 Billion Yen in Largest Take-over Bid in Japan’s History, Japan Plans to Get Rid of Hankos, Paperwork, and Fax Machines, Life-size Moving Gundam ...
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Prime Minister Suga Vows to Cut Mobile Phone Fees from 2020-09-27T00:00
This Week In Japan, Prime Minister Suga Vows to Cut Mobile Phone Fees, An Online Scam is Tricking Buyers with Non-cancelable PS5 Pre-orders, TV Stations are Eager to Buy Anime Copyrights, and Th...
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Naomi Osaka Wins Third Grand Slam Title from 2020-09-19T23:00
This week in Japan, Yoshihide Suga is Named Japan's New Prime Minister, Naomi Osaka Wins the Third Grand Slam Title, Digital Theft on the Rise with Multiple Cases of Hacking, Final Fantasy ...
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Tokyo's Curfew For Bars Is Finally Lifted from 2020-09-12T20:00
This Week In Japan, Tokyo’s Curfew Lifted for Bars, Actor Yusuke Iseya Is Arrested For Possession oF Marijuana, Plane Is Forced To Land As Passenger Refuses To Wear Mask, Japan’s Biggest Year-en...
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Race For The Next Prime Minister Begins from 2020-09-05T23:00
This Week In Japan, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo Announces His Resignation, The Race for the Next Prime Minister Begins, Japan's First Flying Car Test is Successful, Tokyo Exit Number Exceeds ...
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Top Politician Arrested Again In Bribery Case from 2020-08-29T23:00
This Week In Japan, Japan prepares to resume cross-border travel with several countries, Corrupt government official's bribery plot exposed, Homeless in Japan are yet to receive any stipend...
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Japan’s Record Heat Wave Turns Deadly from 2020-08-23T00:00
This Week In Japan, Japan's Record Heat Wave Turns Deadly, Health Concerns as Prime Minister Abe Visits Hospital, People Can't Stop Sleeping on Roads in Okinawa, New High-Speed Maglev ...
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Abe’s Vacant Summer Vacation from 2020-08-16T01:00
This Week In Japan, Abe’s Having a Vacant Summer Vacation, Author of the Shonen Jump Series Act-age Arrested for Child Molestation, Too Much Food Served in Japanese Ryokans, Plastic Bags Are No ...
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Three Prefectures Declare State Of Emergency from 2020-08-09T00:00
This Week In Japan, Okinawa and Two Other Prefectures Enter State of Emergency, Popular Terrace House Star Arrested, The Demon Slayer Movie Is Almost Here, Japan's Population Drops By 500,0...
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Foreign Residents Allowed Re-entry from 2020-08-01T22:00
This Week In Japan, Foreign residents are allowed to re-enter Japan, Publicity YouTubers are becoming a big problem, Abe-No-Mask is set to return in large numbers, and Construction begins on Ghi...
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Abe Set On Tokyo 2021 Olympics from 2020-07-26T00:00
This Week In Japan, Controversies Arise Over the Olympics in Japan Next Year, Saizeriya Readjusts Its Prices to Reduce The Spread of Germs, D'Art Shtajio Animates The Weeknd's 'Sn...
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Youngest Ever Shogi Master Is Born from 2020-07-18T22:00
This Week In Japan, Japan’s “Go To Travel” Campaign to Begin from July 22nd, A New Shogi Master is Born, The Biggest Host Club in Tokyo Is Shutting Down, The Former Emperor of Japan Discovers a ...
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Robot Workers Coming To Convenience Stores from 2020-07-11T23:00
This Week In Japan, At Least 60 Dead as a result of Record Flooding in Kyushu, Former Japanese Idol Gains Over 1 Million Followers in Record Time, Fujitsu to Half It's Office Space, Robotic...
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Tokyo Sees Unusual Election Candidates from 2020-07-05T00:00
This Week In Japan, A Shooting Star Explodes above Kanto, Tokyo Sees Unusual Election Candidates, Smell Harassment at Japanese Companies, You Can Now Ride in the Hand of an EVA, and Effective St...
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Prime Minister Abe Finally Gets A Rest from 2020-06-27T23:00
This Week In Japan, Prime Minister Abe Finally Takes A Day Off, Face Mask Causing Troubles, An Ordinance Will Ban Walking While on Your Smartphone, You Can Design a Brand New Kanji, and Japan&ap...
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Economy Reopens and PlayStation 5 Revealed from 2020-06-21T01:00
This Week In Japan, Tokyo to Completely Reopen, Man Arrested for SARS Misunderstanding, The PlayStation 5 is Revealed, but Something's Missing, Several Big Series for Shonen Jump Come to an...
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Tokyo Lifts The Alert and BLM Protest Held in Osaka from 2020-06-13T23:00
This Week In Japan, Tokyo has Lifted the Alert, Black Lives Matter Protest Held in Osaka, A large Number of Monkeys Escape from Chiba Zoo, Teen Murders Family with a Crossbow, and Ken Watabe’s ...
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Blue Impulse Jets Fly Over Tokyo from 2020-06-07T01:00
This Week In Japan, Corona Numbers are on the Rise Again as Tokyo goes on Alert, Blue Impulse Fly Over Tokyo to Thank Medical Staff, Ufotable Tax Evasion Scandal, A First Look at the Final Seaso...
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Japan Lifts the State of Emergency from 2020-05-30T23:00
This Week In Japan, The State of Emergency has been lifted in Tokyo and remaining prefectures, Pro wrestler and a cast of Terrace House, Hana Kimura tragically passes away at 22, Kagawa ordinanc...
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Demon Slayer Manga Ends from 2020-05-24T00:00
This Week In Japan, Top Prosecutor in Japan plans to retire after Mahjong gambling scandal is exposed, Demon Slayer continues to rise in popularity as the manga finishes up, Softbank Group'...
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Olympian Switches to Uber Eats from 2020-05-16T19:00
This week in Japan, Japan’s State of Emergency is lifted in 39 prefectures, large numbers of people crowd together as aid package applications roll out, an Olympic athlete is working as an Uber ...
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Japan Extends State of Emergency from 2020-05-09T23:00
This week in Japan, Japan Extends State of Emergency, Osaka Implements Concrete Rules for Economic Reopen, Teenager Combats Corona with App, FaceTime with Shy Eels to Keep Them Company, and Eart...
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Ghost in the Shell Revives from 2020-05-02T23:00
This week in Japan, the classic series Ghost in the Shell makes a comeback in the form of a new Netflix series. Companies and comedians face criticism for their mistreatment of people. Lastly, c...
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Social Distancing Games Developed from 2020-04-25T20:00
This week in Japan, following the national declaration of a state of emergency, persistent pachinko players and imaginative creators are responding differently to the news.
- Play as Gover...
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Final Fantasy and Animal Crossing Sales Explode from 2020-04-18T23:00
This week, the gaming industry sees two games open to massive success, and once again, corona affects both politics and businesses.
1. FFVII Finally Released
2. Animal Crossing Break...
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Final Fantasy and Animal Crossing Sales Explode from 2020-04-18T23:00
This week, the gaming industry sees two games open to massive success, and once again, corona affects both politics and businesses.
1. FFVII Finally Released
2. Animal Crossing Break...
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Final Fantasy and Animal Crossing Sales Explode from 2020-04-18T23:00
This week, the gaming industry sees two games open to massive success, and once again, corona affects both politics and businesses.
1. FFVII Finally Released
2. Animal Crossing Break...
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Japan Declares State Of Emergency from 2020-04-17T13:00
The Japanese government shows signs of more serious action by declaring a state of emergency in seven prefectures, as the further spread of the coronavirus is concerned.
1. Abe&a...