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Japan Today Spotlight

by Japan Today
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Latest episodes

  • Why are foreign business owners leaving Japan?

    October 9, 2026 · 10 min

    Japan says it wants more foreign investment and entrepreneurs. But changes to its Business Manager visa rules are making it harder for some foreign business owners to stay. With the minimum capital requirement rising from ¥5 million to ¥30…

  • Are you prepared for a disaster in Japan?

    September 3, 2026 · 12 min

    Earthquakes, typhoons, floods and other natural disasters are a fact of life in Japan. But being aware of the risks isn’t the same as being prepared for them. This episode looks at what residents should have ready before disaster strikes…

  • Putin’s message to Japan: The disputed islands visit

    August 20, 2026 · 12 min

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited one of the disputed islands claimed by both Russia and Japan, adding new tension to an already strained relationship. The territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a…

  • Why Japan has only 2 'baby hatches'

    August 14, 2026 · 11 min

    Japan has just two baby hatches, where parents can safely surrender infants they are unable to care for. Supporters say they can save newborn lives and offer a last resort for desperate families. Critics worry about anonymous births…

  • Why Japan’s ‘izakaya’ are disappearing

    August 7, 2026 · 13 min

    Japan’s izakaya have long been a fixture of after-work life, but a growing number are closing their doors. Aging owners, changing drinking habits, rising costs and a younger generation less interested in traditional work drinking culture…

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  • Japan wants AI. Many people aren’t convinced.

    July 31, 2026 · 10 min

    Japan is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, hoping it can help solve labor shortages, boost productivity and strengthen the economy. But public enthusiasm hasn’t kept pace. Many people remain skeptical about AI’s impact on jobs…

  • Mosque under fire: Japan’s Muslims — welcome or wanted?

    July 23, 2026 · 17 min

    Japan’s Muslim population is growing alongside the country’s need for foreign workers, but so is resistance to mosques, burial grounds and religious accommodation. Arson attacks, online misinformation and local opposition have raised…

  • Why Japanese fans clean up stadiums — and why it sparked debate

    July 17, 2026 · 8 min

    Japanese football fans have earned international praise for cleaning stadiums after matches. But the tradition has also sparked criticism in Japan, particularly from women who question why the same enthusiasm for cleaning is not always…

  • Why Japan struggles with mental health

    July 9, 2026 · 12 min

    Japan has universal healthcare and one of the world’s longest life expectancies, yet many people experiencing mental health problems never receive treatment. Stigma, limited access to psychotherapy and a system that often relies on…

  • Mount Fuji has a people problem

    July 3, 2026 · 10 min

    Mount Fuji remains one of Japan’s most iconic destinations, but record visitor numbers have brought overcrowding, litter, dangerous climbing practices and more rescues. In response, authorities have introduced new restrictions and higher…

  • Japan’s new criminal underworld

    June 26, 2026 · 10 min

    Japan’s traditional organized crime groups are shrinking, but a new type of criminal network is taking their place. Known as tokuryū, these loosely organized groups recruit members through social media and encrypted messaging apps, making…

  • Japan’s ‘hikikomori’ shut-ins are getting older — and the clock is ticking

    June 19, 2026 · 15 min

    Japan’s hikikomori — people who withdraw from society for months or even years at a time — have long been viewed as a youth problem. Increasingly, however, many are reaching middle age while still living in isolation. As parents grow…

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About the show

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