With an increase in tourists heading to these parts, some may be wondering if Japan is a safe destination for those with disabilities. If you’re concerned, Josh Grisdale from the website Accessible Japan is here to help. Check out this past interview with him on everything from accessibility in Tokyo to dealing with trains and the country’s shifting attitudes.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. Read more:  Accessible Japan Breaking down barriers (Andrew McKirdy, The Japan Times) Tokyo named among the world’s best destinations for disabled travelers (William Lang, The Japan Times) Behind the push to improve universal access in Japan (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) New film honors life and legacy of disability pioneer Mark Bookman  Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X! Photo: From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers. | REUTERS

We are revisiting some past content on the science, economics and culture of cherry blossom season. Most importantly, we talk about some of the best spots to check them out in the Tokyo and Osaka areas.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. Read more:  In Japan, cherry blossom forecasting is a big deal. Warming is making it harder. (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) We invite you to get ready for this year’s cherry blossom parties (Cassandra Lord, The Japan Times) Toshio Katsuki: ‘The cherry blossoms have been my vehicle to find new relationships’ (Himari Semans, The Japan Times) Cherry blossoms are just as beautiful on a plate as a branch (Elizabeth Andoh, The Japan Times) Japan’s economy to bloom as hanami season kicks off (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) Our guide to family hanami hot spots (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!  

Three residents with foreign roots have filed a lawsuit claiming Japanese police officers routinely target visible minorities with searches. In this week’s episode, we speak with the lawyer and one plaintiff about what prompted them to bring the case forward and what they hope to achieve with it.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Read more:  Lawsuit filed in Tokyo over alleged racial profiling by police (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) Making Japanese history by being Black history (Baye McNeil, The Japan Times) Brazilian files discrimination suit (Toshi Maeda, The Japan Times) Racial profiling in Japan is prevalent but unseen, some residents say (Victoria Kim and Hisako Ueno, The New York Times) Lawsuit to end racially discriminatory police questioning (CALL4.jp) Stop racially discriminatory police questioning (change.org) How Shohei Ohtani mastered the media (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) How to be an all-star sports parent (Mai Yoshikawa, The Japan Times) Ohtani is taken. It’s enough to make you cry. (Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Motoki Taniguchi (left) and one of his clients, Maurice Shelton, hope their lawsuit can change alleged police practices involving stop-and-search. | LOUISE CLAIRE WAGNER

This week on Deep Dive, contributing writer and photographer Lance Henderstein reads us his article on traveling Okinawa during the rainy season.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Lance Henderstein: Articles | Instagram | Threads Read/Listen more:  My annual pilgrimage to Okinawa (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Akiko Mizuno: ‘Time moves forward. Photographers stop time.’ (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: Aoi Suzuki’s son runs past a home in Taketomi on Iriomote Island (not to be confused with Taketomi Island, which lies to the east of Iriomote). The Suzukis run the Takemori Inn, one of the few hotels on Iriomote. | LANCE HENDERSTEIN

At 12, Miku Narisawa experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake. The ensuing and tsunami destroyed her home. Instead of running from the ocean, however, she is now working to try to protect it through her Odyssey Nature Japan initiative.  On this episode: Miku Narisawa: Instagram | Odyssey Nature Japan Read more/Listen more:  After 3/11, an environment education rethink takes shape in Japan (Francesco Bassetti, The Japan Times) COP28, didn't the oceans deserve more attention? (Miku Narisawa, The Japan Times) Japan is about to release 1.3 million tons of Fukushima wastewater. Should we be concerned? (Mara Budgen, Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Anger at Fukushima’s wastewater; hope in its renewables (Gabriele Ninivaggi, Anika Osaki Exsum, Francesco Bassetti Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Preparing for the hottest year Japan has ever seen (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: Yasuhiro Otomo and Miku Narisawa during one of Odyssey Nature Japan's educational fishing programs. | ODYSSEY

You probably don’t think of guns when you think of Japan, but Hokkaido’s hunters do. Hokkaido-based writer Justin Randall says newly proposed gun laws may make their lives more dangerous. Later, Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith discuss something less dangerous: Taylor Swift’s sold-out Tokyo shows. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Justin Randall: Articles | Linktree Alyssa I. Smith: Articles  Read more/Listen more:  Hokkaido hunters say more firepower means more humane kills (Justin Randall, The Japan Times) How are firearms regulated in Japan? (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) Bear goes the neighborhood? Japanese wildlife is on the move. (Alex K.T. Martin, Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Most Japanese outside major urban areas say they do not engage with foreign nationals (Kyodo) Taylor Swift slays her Tokyo era (Allan Richarz, The Japan Times) Fans share love for Taylor Swift at sold-out Tokyo shows (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Welcome to Japan, Taylor Swift fans. Please remain seated as you cheer. (Motoko Rich and Kiuko Notoya, The New York Times) Seiji Ozawa’s boundless experiment (Chiho Iuchi, The Japan Times) The story behind my favorite photo of Seiji Ozawa (Dan Szpara, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: Naoko Motooka began hunting 10 years ago. Her hobby is one way Hokkaido hopes to curb a current boom in the deer population. | JUSTIN RANDALL

Who wants to live forever? As scientists and tech billionaires attempt to tackle the problem of aging and death, we discuss Japanese ideas about immortality. Later, our games writers discuss the recent Palworld-Pokemon flare up.   On this episode: Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | X Owen Ziegler: Articles  Ann-Loy Morgan: Articles Read more/Watch more/Play more:  Eternal pursuits: A history of Japanese quests for immortality (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Living until 100, if not forever, in good health (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) The digital beyond: Is an eternal existence within grasp? (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) Reverse aging mogul discusses regimen as he strives for the biological age of an 18-year-old (ABC News) Overnight smash Palworld is much more than ‘Pokemon with guns’ (Ann-Loy Morgan, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Japan made history last month when it became the fifth nation to soft land on the moon. What’s more, they landed it close to their target, a feat that could be a gamechanger for space travel. This week we discuss the science and the politics behind Japan’s lunar landing.  On this episode: Joel Tansey: Articles | X Tomoko Otake: Articles | X Gabriel Dominguez: Articles | X Read more/Watch more/Play more:  Japan makes history as spacecraft lands on the moon (Tomoko Otake and Joel Tansey, The Japan Times) One small step for a JAXA spacecraft, one giant leap for exploration  (Elizabeth Tasker, The Japan Times) Japan’s moonshot may mark breakthrough for future lunar missions (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) Geopolitics in space: Why great powers are scrambling for the moon (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) SLIM Moon Landing Live & Press Conference (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, YouTube) SORA-Q Flagship Model (Takara Tomy) SLIM: The pinpoint moon landing game (JAXA Space Education Center) Artemis Accords (U.S. Dept. of State) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo:  The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is seen on the surface of the moon in an image released Jan. 25. | JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY (JAXA), TAKARA TOMY, SONY GROUP, DOSHINSHA UNIVERSITY/ VIA REUTERS 

It was a rough start to 2024 for Japan, with a magnitude 7.6 earthquake and an airplane collision at Haneda airport in the first week of January. On our first episode of the year, we report on the impact of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and what can be learned from rural disasters. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Jordan Allen: Articles Karin Kaneko: Articles | X Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | X Read more:  “Noto is kind, right down to its soil”: A community’s long road to recovery (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) How Japan’s violent New Year’s quake felt in Toyama (Jordan Allen, The Japan Times) In Ishikawa, shelter for people but not four-legged friends (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) Nationwide donation effort for earthquake-hit Ishikawa gains steam (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) Noto quake: “In times of crisis, all we have is each other” (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) Photo essay; Inside the Ishikawa earthquake disaster zone (Daniel Traylor, The Japan Times) Noto community’s long road to recovery from the New Year’s quake (Dave Cortez, YouTube) “Our minds are blank”: How ‘earthquake resilient’ Japan fails its ageing rural communities (Justin McCurry, The Guardian) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo:  Cars drive past a damaged road, in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. | KIM KYUNG-HOON, REUTERS 

For our last episode of the year, we’re summing up the year in culture with Matt Schley, Alyssa I. Smith, Thu-Huong Ha and Owen Ziegler, who tell us why anime dominated in 2023, which books stood out among a lackluster crowd and why the Zelda franchise is experiencing a renaissance. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Matt Schley: Articles | X  Alyssa I. Smith: Articles Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | X  Owen Ziegler: Articles  Read more:  The year that defined the post-Miyazaki era (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) J-pop's global ambitions came closer to reality in 2023 (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) ‘The Great Reclamation’ details the horrors of the foreign occupation in Singapore (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Saou Ichikawa’s 'Hunchback': A darkly funny portrait of disability (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Understanding the LDP political funding scandal and its implications (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: A still from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | NINTENDO

In a year that saw Japan release 24,000 tons of wastewater (so far) from Fukushima No. 1 as the planet smashed heat records, it’s no wonder climate anxiety is on the rise. Mara Budgen joins us to break down the year in environment news, where we could see hope, and what we should be worried about. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. Excerpt for Audioboom:  On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Mara Budgen: Articles | X  Read more:  How simple steps can help alleviate climate anxiety (Joel Tansey, The Japan Times) Fall is the new summer: Warming threatens Japan’s cultural calendar (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) In Japan, extreme heat and an aging population are a deadly mix (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) The concrete forest: Bears, boars and more head to the cities (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) New solutions tackle Japan’s waste problem at its core (Mariko McTier, The Japan Times) Japan is about to release 1.3 million tons of Fukushima wastewater. Should we be concerned? (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: The Climate Action Network holds an event at the venue of the U.N. climate change conferences in Dubai on Sunday to give its "fossil" award to countries including Japan. | KYODO

An “Otaku Dictionary” has Japan’s subcultures upset at an attempt to define them. Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue join us to explain the linguistic scandal before discussing whether or not Japan has mastered “sitting.”  On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | X  Yukana Inoue: Articles Read more:  How a dictionary came to spark outrage among the web’s otaku (Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times) Test your otaku vocabulary, from 'oshi' to bacon lettuce’ (Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times) Let the gaming begin: A guide to Tokyo’s video game landmarks (W. Tanner Kirk, The Japan Times) Has Japan mastered sitting? (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Bedbugs are spreading in South Korea and China. Is Japan next? (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) Japan to start trial of over-the-counter sales of morning after pill (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Photo: Pages from a new Otaku Dictionary catalog the lexicons of Japan’s various subcultures. | TAIDGH BARRON

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the rounds at APEC last week, Gabriel Dominguez tells us what it means for Japan. At home, NHK has announced its “Kohaku” lineup — with nary a Johnny’s act to be found. Patrick St. Michel discusses the year’s most notable snub.  On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Gabriel  Dominquez: Articles | X  Patrick St. Michel: Articles | X Read more:  Kishida and Xi aim for trade progress despite lingering tensions (Gabriel Dominguez and Gabrielle Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) 'Offensive' and 'defensive' diplomacy: Managing ties with China (Hotaka Machida, The Japan Times) NHK ditches Johnny's acts for year-end musical bonanza (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Takeshi Kitano, comedian, film director, actor, painter, writer, singer (FCCJ, YouTube) Scandal-hit Takarazuka to set up experts panel to improve culture (The Japan Times) With ‘Idol,’ Yoasobi pens a new chapter in J-pop’s story (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!  Photo: An official shot for this year’s lineup for NHK’s annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” | KYODO

As nature reclaims depopulated villages and climate change wreaks havoc on food sources, Japan’s animal population has been inching closer to the country’s urban areas. This week, Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss why people are encountering bears, boars and other wildlife in the most unlikely of places. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | X  Dave Cortez: Articles | X Read more:  The concrete forest: Bears, boars and more head for the cities (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) ​​A saury state of affairs: How the price of ‘autumn’s fish’ skyrocketed (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) In the shadow of the Fukushima disaster, an unusual experiment in rewilding (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Samurai Restaurant Time gives kitschy thrills fit for Kabukicho (Laura Pollacco, The Japan Times) Japan set to scrap rule requiring testing of new drugs on Japanese (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) Japan women prisoners suffer serious abuse: Human Rights Watch (Tomohiro Osaki, AFP-JIJI) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: Bears doing yoga? If you’re in the city, why not? | GETTY IMAGES

Baseball writer Jason Coskrey and editor Joel Tansey discuss the Hanshin Tigers’ Japan Series victory; Gabriele Ninivaggi explains how the prime minister hopes to get a home run with his tax plan. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | X  Dave Cortez: Articles | X Jason Coskrey: Articles | X Joel Tansey:  Articles | X Read/View more:  Hotly debated tax cuts risk backfiring on Kishida administration (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) ​​Kishida unveils ¥17 trillion stimulus package amid pushback (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) G7 top diplomats call for ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Israel-Hamas war (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) Tigers beat Buffaloes in Game 7 to end 38-year Japan Series drought (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) Sheldon Neuse and the catch that ended the Tigers’ 38-year drought (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) Osaka erupts in celebrations as Tigers win Japan Series (Joel Tansey, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A man dressed as Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders jumps into the Dotonbori River in Osaka after the Hanshin Tigers won the Japan Series. | KYODO 

Single parents in Japan have it tough, but these hardships seem to disproportionately affect single mothers more. This week, filmmaker Rionne McAvoy joins us to discuss the hidden poverty present in one of the world’s richest nations. Hosted by Mara Budgen and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Mara Budgen: Articles | X  Rionne McAvoy: Website | X  Read/View more:  Documentary shines a spotlight on Japan’s single mothers (Louise George Kittaka, The Japan Times) Pandemic magnifies household gender roles in Japan (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan” (official website) Heartful Family  Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!   Image Caption (JT): A scene from "The Ones Left Behind," which documents the successes and struggles of single mothers in Japan. | JAPAN MEDIA SERVICES

One year on, Elizabeth Beattie joins us to discuss where Itaewon stands after its Halloween disaster, and what its legacy means for celebrations in Japan. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X  Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | X  Read/View more:  Halloween’s rise in the 2010s provided Shibuya crossing with plenty of tricks and treats (Mike Sunda, The Japan Times) ​​Halloween spooks Shibuya (Matt Alt, Matt Alt’s Pure Invention) Calls grow to abolish Japan’s surgery requirement for gender change (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Germany set to eclipse Japan as No. 3 economy in 2023, IMF says (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) What South Korea’s frequent protests say about its politics (Choe Sang-hun and Chang W. Lee, The New York Times) What went wrong in the South Korean ferry disaster (The New Yorker, YouTube) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: A banner at the entrance to Shibuya’s Center Street makes it clear this is no place for a party. | TAIDGH BARON

This week on Deep Dive, Alex K.T. Martin noticed a dip in the national caloric intake and it turns out that a graying population that is increasingly single has something to do with why Japan is gradually downsizing dinner. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X | Instagram Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | X | Instagram  Read/Listen more:  Downsizing dinner: Aging Japan is eating less (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Inside Japan’s oldest village (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Work forever: Japan’s seniors brace for life without retirement (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Boom in ‘pet guardianship’ amid rise in elderly and singles (Kyodo) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: A woman takes her meal alone in Tokyo's Yanaka neighborhood. | LANCE HENDERSTEIN

This week on Deep Dive, Shaun McKenna and Dave Cortez discuss a few horror movies before “Uncanny Japan” podcast host Thersa Matsuura tells a classic Japanese ghost story.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X | Instagram Dave Cortez: Articles | X  Thersa Matsuura: Website | X | Instagram | YouTube Read/Listen more:  The ghosts that have been haunting cinema-goers in Japan for over a century (Mark Schilling, The Japan Times) 10 days of J-horror: From funny frights to shock and gore (Mark Schilling, The Japan Times) Scary Japanese stories to read in the dark (Haruka Murayama, The Japan Times) Uncanny Japan Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: The classic Japanese ghost story often features a vengeful female ghost. | GETTY IMAGES

The team at Deep Dive is taking a short break. We'll be back in mid-October, but in the meantime, enjoy this rebroadcast of our discussion with consultant Rochelle Kopp in April about how best to navigate your work life in Japan. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Rochelle Kopp: Articles | Twitter Read more: Help wanted: The (sleeper) agent of change (Rochelle Kopp, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A businessman waits to cross a street in Tokyo in April 2011. | REUTERS

This week on Deep Dive we get contributing writer and photographer Lance Henderstein to read us his article on traveling Okinawa during the rainy season.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Lance Henderstein: Articles | Instagram | Threads Read more:  My annual pilgrimage to Okinawa (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Akiko Mizuno: ‘Time moves forward. Photographers stop time.’ (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: Aoi Suzuki's son tries to get a glimpse of the neighborhood barbecue from a nearby roof. | LANCE HENDERSTEIN

A drugs scandal at Japan’s biggest university draws attention to a troubling statistic: Cannabis use among young people is on the rise. Yukana Inoue and Tomoko Otake join us to discuss Japanese attitudes toward marijuana. (This episode includes a segment that was originally broadcast May 17.)  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Yukana Inoue: Articles Tomoko Otake: Articles | Twitter Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter  Read/Listen more:  Illegal stimulants found in Nihon University football player dorm (Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times) Nihon University scandal puts focus on ‘collective responsibility’ (Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times) Navigating Japan’s maze of cannabis-related laws (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Jail in Japan for cannabis in Canada? Possible but unlikely (Colin P.A. Jones, The Japan Times) Cannabis: The fabric of Japan (Jon Mitchell, The Japan Times) CBD — Japan's path to medical marijuana? (Deep Dive from The Japan Times) “Legalize It” by Masataka and Saya Takagi (YouTube) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: Leaves of marijuana plants from which hemp fibers are extracted at Japan's largest legal marijuana farm in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, on July 5, 2016 | REUTERS

The Johnny & Associates sexual abuse scandal is like the Harvey Weinstein and Michael Jackson scandals rolled into one. Karin Kaneko catches us up on how things are unfolding, while Alyssa I. Smith and Patrick St. Michel discuss the effect it may have on the Japanese music industry.    Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | X (Twitter) | Instagram Karin Kaneko: Articles | X (Twitter) Alyssa I. Smith: Articles  Patrick St. Michel: Articles | X (Twitter)  Read/Listen/Watch more:  Johnny’s replaces president as it admits to abuse by late founder  (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) More companies move away from Johnny’s over sex abuse scandal (Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times)  Kauan Okamoto finds some closure after recognition of Kitagawa abuse (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times) What’s in a name? A lot of baggage and trauma, unfortunately. (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) “Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-pop” (Mobeen Azhar and Megumi Inman, BBC) The death of Johnny Kitagawa, J-pop’s puppet master (Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter) at @JapanDeepDive)!

Good news and bad news out of Fukushima. First, the bad news: Anika Osaki Exum and Gabriele Ninivaggi join us to discuss the reaction to the treated wastewater release plan (China’s not happy). Then, Francesco Bassetti gets us caught up on the good news: There has been a boom in renewable energies there.    Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Anika Osaki Exum: Articles | Twitter Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter Francesco Bassetto: Articles | Twitter  Read/Listen more:  Japan begins controversial release of treated Fukushima water (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) Fukushima locals worry about the ‘what ifs’ from water release (Anika Osaki Exum, The Japan Times)  Fukushima water plan ‘complete opposite’ of recovery: former mayor (Anika Osaki Exum, The Japan Times) How a nuclear disaster turned Fukushima into a renewables leader (Francesco Bassetti, The Japan Times) After 3/11, an environment education rethink takes shape in Japan (Francesco Bassetti, The Japan Times) Japan is about to release 1.3 million tons of Fukushima wastewater. Should we be concerned? (Mara Budgen, Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: An activist in Seoul protests Japan’s plan to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. | REUTERS

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 was literally a picture of hell. Fires killed hundreds of thousands of people and sparked a witch hunt of Korean residents who were wrongfully blamed for the infernos. Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss the quake and how the scars left by the disaster shaped the course of Japan's future.    Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter  Read more:  The Great Kanto Earthquake: A wall of fire, a picture of hell (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Century since Kanto quake, expert warns of ‘blind faith’ in disaster resilience (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) A documentary on the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 has unearthed Japan’s first ‘disaster footage’ (Kyodo)  A diaspora remembers the disaster that forged it (Chitose Nakagawa, Kyodo) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A child stands in front of the Hibiya Music Hall, which collapsed during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

As the last trains leave the central hubs of Shinjuku and Shibuya for the suburbs, much of the city heads home. However, Tokyo never sleeps. Economics reporter Elizabeth Beattie comes on the show to discuss a story she wrote about the businesses that keep night-time Tokyo buzzing.     Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | Twitter  Johan Brooks: Instagram Read more:  After last train in Tokyo, a second city comes to life (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) Japan Nighttime Economy Association  ‘Stakeout Diary’: A killer on the run, two postwar gumshoes — noir at its finest (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) My annual pilgrimage to Okinawa (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A young man exhales a cigarette in front of a Family Mart in Tokyo’s busy Shibuya Ward after last train. | JOHAN BROOKS

Japan’s new My Number identification cards were supposed to be a step forward for digitalization. Instead, numerous errors now risk exposing just how backwards we still are. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins us to discuss whether the whole debacle will have an impact on the ruling party. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter  Read more:  Kishida confirms plan to merge My Number and health card (Gabriele Ninivaggi and Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) My Number report highlights errors by insurers and local governments (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) My Number woes put digital minister Taro Kono under pressure (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) The My Number card has some real benefits. Is it time you got yours? (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (right) sits next to digital minister Taro Kono while speaking at a government review meeting on the My Number national identification card. | KYODO

Cinema buffs in Japan have been treated to a final gift from Hayao Miyazaki — a new film! Japan Times critics Thu-Huong Ha and Matt Schley discuss what they thought of “The Boy and the Heron.” Hosted by Thu-Huong Ha and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Matt Schley: Articles | Twitter | Instagram  Read/Listen more:  For his last movie, Hayao Miyazaki recycles himself (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) ‘The Boy and the Heron’: It’s so good to be back in Hayao Miyazaki’s world (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) Ahead of a new Studio Ghibli film, critics are asking, ‘How will we live without Hayao Miyazaki?’ (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) “Miyazakiworld: A Life in Art” by Susan Napier Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A woman takes a picture of the poster for the new Hayao Miyazaki film, “The Boy and the Heron.” | REUTERS

Japan’s borders have opened to overseas tourists. That may be bad news for Mount Fuji, which is completely booked this summer, but it’s good news for Fuji Rock as the music festival pulls in some major international names. Drew Damron and Patrick St. Michel join us this week to discuss Japan’s two favorite Fujis.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Drew Damron: Articles | Twitter | Instagram  Patrick St. Michel: Articles | Twitter Read/Listen more:  Five climbs around Tokyo to get your Mount Fuji fix (Drew Damron, The Japan Times) The unending agony of Japan’s Backyard Ultra marathon (Drew Damron, The Japan Times) Sawanobori: The treacherous pursuit of waterfall climbing (Drew Damron, The Japan Times) Rap acts stand out in Fuji Rock’s diverse lineup  (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: Mount Fuji is shot from above so that you can see the trails leading to its summit. | KYODO

As the population gets older do we risk losing the summer festivals that make Japan unique? Alex K.T. Martin joins Deep Dive to discuss this and other demographic-related woes the country faces.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter | Instagram  Read more:  Inside Japan’s oldest village (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) In Japan, plenty of inheritances, but no one to claim them (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Japan was the future but it’s stuck in the past (Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, BBC) Does the pure joy seen at this year’s Sanja Matsuri hint at a summer of celebration? (Johan Brooks, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: A man stands atop a float holding a portable shrine at this year’s Sanja Festival in Tokyo. | JOHAN BROOKS

There’s enough contaminated water at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, but they’re running out of space. This week, environment journalist Mara Budgen joins us to discuss Japan’s plan to get rid of the wastewater — a plan that has made some of our neighbors very unhappy. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Mara Budgen: Articles | Twitter | Instagram | Website Read/Listen more:  Fukushima water release nears after OK from nuclear watchdog (Eric Johnson, The Japan Times) Twelve years after 3/11, dispute grows over Fukushima’s radioactive soil (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Moving to Fukushima? You’ll have to kick out the boars first (Alex Martin, Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: The tanks containing water from the disabled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant are almost full. | REUTERS

Want to know what it’s like to spend the night in a coffin? Culture critic Thu-Huong Ha joins us to discuss her night in avant garde artist Marina Abramovic’s Dream House in central Japan and the conversation meanders into dreams and the Gwangju Biennale before winding up on AI-generated media.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Read/Listen more:  Sixteen hours in Marina Abramovic’s nightmare hotel (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Losing and finding my cool in Gwangju (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: The beds in Marina Abramovic's Dream House in Niigata Prefecture look a lot like coffins. | ANDREA JUNG-AN LIU

Deep Dive is off this week, but we will be back at the start of July with fresh episodes. While we're away, we're bringing you a rebroadcast of our episode with Alex K.T. Martin where he looks at what form compulsive hoarding disorder takes in Japan and how it manifests. You'll learn how keeping spick and span in a country known for its cleanliness can be easier said than done.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  Deal with clutter while the choice to toss is still yours (Louise George Kittaka, The Japan Times) In graying Japan, pet hoarding proving to be a pesky problem (Kyodo) RiskBenefit Trapped in trash: Japan’s hidden hoarders (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: Traumatic experiences, perfectionism, genetics and brain function are often raised as potential reasons for hoarding. | COURTESY OF RISKBENEFIT

Japan has a notoriously bad reputation when it comes to accepting refugees, and some politicians and NGOs believe things just got worse. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins the show to discuss what’s new in a controversial immigration reform law.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter  Read/Listen more:  What you need to know about the revision of Japan’s asylum law (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) Japan’s new immigration law raises concerns over safety of refugee applicants (Kyodo) Her death shook Japan. But it may not shift its refugee policy. (Hisako Ueno and Ben Dooley, The New York Times) Deep Dive #40: An 11-year-long fight for asylum in Japan  Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: People opposing the revision of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law march in Tokyo on May 16, 2021. Many held up photos of Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali, a Sri Lankan woman who died in March while being held at the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau in central Japan. | KYODO

When you think of natural disasters do you think of earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons? How about guerrilla rainstorms, landslides and heatwaves? As we approach the fifth anniversary of a major disaster that hit Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime prefectures, Joel Tansey joins us to discuss what we’ve learned and what we’re in for when it comes to supercharged rainy seasons in Japan.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Joel Tansey: Articles | Twitter  Read/Listen more:  In G7 host Hiroshima, a climate disaster in all but name (Joel Tansey, The Japan Times) Deep Dive is back! And the climate crisis is still a problem. (Shaun McKenna, The Japan Times) Japan braces for a more intense typhoon season this year (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) How can you fight climate change in Japan? Learn how to talk about it. (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) Japan Meteorological Agency hazard maps  Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Cars are seen trapped in the mud following flooding and landslides in Saka, Hiroshima Prefecture, in 2018. | AFP-JIJI

 series of court cases pertaining to same-sex marriage might be helping to shape the debate over whether or not Japan will act on legalization. Anika Osaki Exum speaks to two transgender individuals — one Japanese, the other American — on their experiences in Japan and what allowing same-sex marriage might mean for them.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Anika Osaki Exum: Articles | Twitter  Fumino Sugiyama: Twitter | Blog Elin McCready: Twitter  Read more:  LGBTQ+ ‘familyship’ systems expand in Japan amid absence of national law (Anika Osaki Exum, The Japan Times) The religious right’s hidden sway as Japan trails allies on gay rights  (Motoko Rich and Hikari Hida, The New York Times) Nagoya court rules not recognizing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional (Kyodo, Reuters) Transgender man helps Shibuya make a difference (Naohiko Hatta, Kyodo) We’re coming out: Tokyo Rainbow Pride is back, back, back, back, back again (Kat Joplin, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Another year, another G7 summit done and dusted. How did Prime Minister Fumio Kishida do? Well, he’s thinking of an early election if that’s any indication. Japan Times news chief Kanako Takahara joins us to discuss Kishida’s political position following the event, while Gabriel Dominguez fills us in on what actually went down in Hiroshima.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter  Gabriel Dominguez: Articles | Twitter  Read more:  Can Kishida’s diplomatic success translate to domestic gains? (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) Symbolism rich as G7 leaders visit Hiroshima A-bomb museum  (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) ‘Quad’ urges Indo-Pacific ‘free of coercion’ as it unveils new measures (Gabriel Dominguez and Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) At Hiroshima G7, Zelenskyy rallies support for defense of Ukraine (Gabriel Dominguez and Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) G7 unlikely to sway ‘Global South’ to switch camps, ex-U.N. official says (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Image Caption: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pose for a photo after laying wreaths in front of the Cenotaph for the victims of the Atomic Bomb at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. | POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI

The Japanese government has set out guidelines in an effort to encourage more private sector research and funding in the field of fusion, and it has omitted a key word, “nuclear,” for fear of frightening a nuclear-wary population. Chris Russell joins us to discuss a trip to one of the country’s fusion research facilities.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Chris Russell: Articles | Twitter  Read more:  Amid renewed interest in nuclear fusion, Japan’s research reaches critical stage (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Japan adopts national strategy on nuclear fusion as competition intensifies (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Scientists achieve nuclear fusion breakthrough with blast of 192 lasers (Kenneth Chang, The New York Times) Whales help store carbon. Scientists are trying to figure out just how much. (Chris Russell, The Japan Times) The Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy (in Japanese) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: The vacuum vessel of the Large Helical Device installed at the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu Prefecture | COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FUSION SCIENCE

Last year saw crime rates in Japan swing upward for the first time in 20 years. Writer Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss the new types of crime that are popping up, while news editor Tadasu Takahashi gives us a rundown on the language being used to describe it. Also, reporter Elizabeth Beattie catches up on what happened at the G7 finance meeting in Niigata last weekend.   Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter  Tadasu Takahashi: Articles  Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | Twitter Read more:  Transfer of Russian assets in focus at G7 finance ministers meeting (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) G7 finance chiefs set stage for Hiroshima summit with Ukraine and supply chains (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) Know the shady Japanese vocabulary that will help you avoid ‘dark’ part-time jobs (Tadasu Takahashi, The Japan Times) Are rising crime rates in Japan cause for alarm? (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: A screen grab from a video taken by a witness shows masked robbers inside the watch shop in Tokyo's Ginza district on Monday evening. | KYODO

We went on a break and there was an assassination attempt, COVID-19 got a downgrade, and a pair of festivals shook up Kyoto. Several Japan Times writers join this week’s episode to help us play catch up with the headlines. Hosted by Shaun McKenna, with research from Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Instagram Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter  Tomoko Otake: Articles | Twitter Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter Lance Henderstein: Articles | Twitter Read more:  Kishida incident shows protecting VIPs from lone wolves remains a tall order (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) Japan steps into post-pandemic phase with scrapping of COVID measures (Tomko Otake, The Japan Times) A new music festival shakes up Kyoto’s staid atmosphere (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Amid the parties and schmoozing, socially conscious art is still Kyotographie’s main draw (Lance Henderstein, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Yuriko Takagi’s “Threads of Beauty” was one of the highlights of this year’s Kyotographie. | LANCE HENDERSTEIN

The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, we thought that we’d revisit this podcast from last year in which we speak with writer Craig Mod about the art of a good stroll. “Walking is everything.” he says. And if you’ve got the time and the inclination to do it, it is the best way to come to know the country, from beautifully preserved shrines and forests to the messier parts of suburban reality — pachinko parlors and all. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Craig Mod: Articles | Website Read more: Paying pilgrimage to the last kissaten on the Kumano Kodo (Craig Mod, The Japan Times) I walked 600 miles across Japan for pizza toast (Craig Mod, Eater) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! Photo: The Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Japan's Kii Peninsula. | GETTY IMAGES

The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from December in which we speak with environment journalist Mara Budgen about the trouble facing the Japanese giant salamander. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | InstagramMara Budgen: Articles | Twitter Read more: The race to save the Japanese giant salamander (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: The Japanese giant salamander has been protected as a cultural property under Japanese law since it was declared a “special natural monument” in 1952. | GETTY IMAGES

The team at Deep Dive is taking a much-needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from November that explores how some Japanese companies are trying to make alcohol from old trees. Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Read more: Wood spirits: How Japan made the world’s first liquor from trees (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: The Last brand of gin created by Ethical Spirits uses leftover sake lees. | COURTESY OF ETHICAL SPIRITS

Rene Redzepi’s groundbreaking restaurant Noma is known as one of the world’s best, so it came as a huge shock last year when he announced he would be shutting it down in 2024 — at least in its current form. The Danish chef and a team of over 100 have currently descended on Kyoto to create a culinary experience that has become one of the hottest tickets on the planet. Japan Times food critic Robbie Swinnerton joins us this week to discuss Noma, the Kyoto pop-up and where fine dining goes from here.  Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Robbie Swinnerton: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Read more/Hear more:  At Noma Kyoto, chef Rene Redzepi plants ‘seeds’ for the future (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) Noma sets sights on Kyoto, and diners bite in droves (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) Noma, rated the world’s best restaurant, is closing its doors (Julia Moskin, The New York Times) Redzepi: 'I think the restaurant staff in Japan are some of the best on Earth' (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) Thomas Frebel — a top chef in a city of stars (Oscar Boyd, Deep Dive from The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: A colorful noren (traditional Japanese fabric curtain) hangs above the entrance to Noma Kyoto, separating it from the Ace Hotel. | PHOTO BY KOTARO TANAKA

The number of foreign residents in Japan recently surpassed the 3 million-mark. What does that mean for the Japanese corporations hiring them? Might they get an influx of new ideas and skilled employees? Consultant Rochelle Kopp joins us to discuss the sought-after “agent of change” and Anika Osaki Exum updates us on government plans to boost the number of foreign exchange students.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Anika Osaki Exum: Articles | Twitter  Rochelle Kopp: Articles | Twitter Read more:  Help wanted: The (sleeper) agent of change (Rochelle Kopp, The Japan Times) Japan makes renewed push to internationalize higher education (Anika Osaki Exum, The Japan Times) Foreign residents in Japan hit record 3 million at end of 2022 (Jiji) Ryuichi Sakamoto calls for stop to redevelopment plan for Tokyo’s Jingu area (Kyodo) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Commuters transfer at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, one of the busiest stations in the world. | KYODO

He launched a career on YouTube running his mouth on celebs, but in less than a year Yoshikazu “GaaSyy” Higashitani has gone from that to running successfully for office to running from the law. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins the show this week to discuss what this parliamentary upstart’s rise and fall says about how politics is done in Japan. And, who exactly are the Party Politician Girls who replaced him? Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Instagram Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter  Read more:  YouTuber turned politician GaaSyy likely to be expelled from parliament (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times) Upper House committee votes to expel GaaSyy from Japan’s parliament (Gabriele Ninivaggi and Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) YouTube and Japan’s new political underground: The rise and decline of the Party to Protect People from NHK (Max Guerrera-Sapone, Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Former Upper House member GaaSyy is seen via video from his base of operations in Dubai during a press conference with NHK Party head Takashi Tachibana. | KYODO

It’s been three years since people in Japan could welcome spring with traditional picnics under the country’s millions of cherry trees. This week Kathleen Benoza explains how much money is at stake during the season, while Thu-Huong Ha and Alyssa I. Smith discuss the science, symbolism and culture surrounding the cherry blossoms in Japan. On this episode:  Kathleen Benoza: Articles | Twitter  Alyssa I. Smith: Articles  Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter  Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Read more/Watch more:  Japan's economy to bloom as hanami season kicks off (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times) In Japan, cherry blossom forecasting is big business. Warming is making it harder (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo (Aimee Gardner, Tokyo Cheapo) Our guide to family hanami hot spots (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times) Go west to enjoy a family hanami party (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: People wearing wigs that represent cherry blossoms drink in Tokyo’s Ueno Park in 2017. | JASON JENKINS

Last month, it was announced that Haruki Murakami would release a new full-length novel. True fans, also known as “Harukists” may note that the title for the upcoming work is the same as one of the author’s past “failures.” Harukist Daniel Morales joins the show to decipher clues as to what is going on. Later, Patrick St. Michel and Shaun McKenna discuss their thoughts on a BBC documentary on controversial J-pop titan Johnny Kitagawa.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Instagram Daniel Morales: Articles | Twitter | TikTok Patrick St. Michel: Articles | Twitter | Substack Read more/Hear more:  What to prepare for when you’re expecting one of Murakami’s mammoths (Daniel Morales, The Japan Times) Conquering ‘Commendatore’: Murakami brandishes familiar lexicon in latest novel (Daniel Morales, The Japan Times) The guilt of fatherhood helped shape Kenzaburo Oe’s literary vision (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) How To Japanese podcast (Daniel Morales) Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan’s entertainment industry (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Deep Dive: The Death of Johnny Kitagawa, J-pop’s puppet master (Oscar Boyd, Patrick St. Michel, W. David Marx) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Novelist Haruki Murakami (right) receives an award for artistic contribution at Waseda University in 2021. | KYODO

This week marks the 12th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear meltdowns that took place in its wake. Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss where Fukushima is in terms of its recovery and drive to repopulate. Of course, before they bring people back, they’ll need to deal with the wild animals that have moved in.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Instagram Read more:  Abandoned after 3/11, Fukushima starts attracting new residents (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) In the shadow of the Fukushima disaster, an unusual experiment in rewilding (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) With wildlife pests on the rise, Japan turns to novel countermeasures (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: A wild boar crosses a railway line in Futaba, Fukushima Prefecture. | KYODO

You may know Yayoi Kusama for her polka-dotted pumpkins or Insta-ready exhibitions, but this artist from Matsumoto has a long history of radical forms of expression. This week, culture critic Thu-Huong Ha joins the podcast to explore Kusama’s past and the latest stage in her evolution.  Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode:  Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Read more:  Is this Yayoi Kusama's final evolution? (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: People watch as a lifelike robot of Yayoi Kusama paints polka dots on the window of the luxury retailer Louis Vuitton store in Paris. | REUTERS

On the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Gabriel Dominguez joins the podcast to talk about the effects this war in Europe has had on Japan. We then speak to Japanese photojournalist Saphryn Shikaze, who is on the front lines of the conflict. Then, we ask Ukrainian student Natalia Makohon about her experience as an evacuee here in Tokyo.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Gabriel Dominguez: Articles | Twitter  Saphryn Shikaze: Homepage | Twitter | Instagram Read more/Learn more:  One year on, Ukraine war accelerating changes in Japan’s defense posture (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) “We’re all different”: Russians in Japan reflect on year since Ukraine invasion  (Anika Exum Osaki, The Japan Times) Japan accepted over 2,300 Ukrainians last year. Is its refugee policy finally changing? (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) Sakura to Himawari  Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo: Volunteer forces fighting for Ukraine pose for a picture on an abandoned Russian tank. | SAPHRYN SHIKAZE

After a large earthquake struck Turkey and Syria last week, those of us living in Japan can’t help but worry about something similar happening here. This week, we speak to Prof. Hitoshi Abe, an architect who has some ideas on how to start designing our cities to better deal with such inevitable disasters. Hosted by: Shaun McKenna and Jason Jenkins, and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Hitoshi Abe: Website Read more/Watch more:  How researchers in disaster-prone Japan and the Pacific are rethinking city design (Will Fee, The Japan Times) Battle to stop Kagoshima seawall highlights divide over coastal engineering (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) Ten years on from 3/11, do you think you're ready for the 'Big One'? (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) New Vision for Regenerative Urbanism (Small Table) (UCLA Architecture and Urban Design) From lessons of 3/11, Japan scientists share knowledge of disaster resilience across Pacific (Will Fee, The Japan Times) Donate: Association for Aid and Relief, Japan Tokyo Camii and Diyanet Turkish Culture Center Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo: A man walks along the seawall near Watanoha, Miyagi Prefecture. | OSCAR BOYD

The reviews are in, lab-grown meat is … good? This week, Oscar Boyd gives us a review of his cultured chicken meal and runs down the environmental implications of such an endeavor, while Tomoko Otake gets us caught up on where Japan stands in the great race to replicate beef.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Tomoko Otake: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  Japanese researchers pushes the boundaries of lab-grown “real” meat (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) What you need to know about cultivated meat (Coco Liu, Bloomberg) Japanese scientists work up an appetite for lab-grown wagyu beef (Rikako Murayama, Reuters) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. 30Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  

As 2022 wrapped up, the Japanese government let forth a flurry of defense policy announcements. Those were followed by a five-nation tour by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and talk of a tax hike to pay for it all. Gabriel Dominguez joins the podcast this week to try to help us make sense of it all. Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Gabriel Dominguez:  Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more: Kishida and Biden meeting heralds an alliance in lock-step — but challenges remain (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) Crucial role: Defense of Taiwan hinges on Japan support (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) Japan and NATO agree to deepen partnership, saying rules-based order ‘at stake’ (Gabriel Dominquez, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  

From noodle stands to Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan has some of the most amazing food in the world. Food writer Robbie Swinnerton has been covering Tokyo’s culinary scene for decades, so for this week’s episode we asked him to pick out a few standout meals from last year.  Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Robbie Swinnerton: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Read more/Watch more:  Tokyo Food File (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) The Japan Times Destination Restaurant Series (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) When Rene Redzepi brought Noma to Japan (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  

With Marie Kondo and those tidy soccer fans representing Japan overseas, you’d be forgiven for thinking that everything is spick and span at home. This week, Alex K.T. Martin looks at what form compulsive hoarding disorder takes in Japan and how it manifests when combined with other aspects of life here.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  Deal with clutter while the choice to toss is still yours (Louise George Kittaka, The Japan Times) In graying Japan, pet hoarding proving to be a pesky problem (Kyodo) RiskBenefit Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  

For the final Deep Dive of the year, culture editor Alyssa I. Smith talks to culture critic Thu-Huong Ha about the books they read, the festivals they went to and how Japanese stories are currently capturing Hollywood’s attention.  Hosted by Alyssa I. Smith and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  Art came alive in the great outdoors in 2022 (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Junko Takase’s Akutagawa Prize-winning novel is a feminist’s nightmare (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Is the new Ghibli Park worth all the hype? (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Do you have what it takes to become a novelist? Let Haruki Murakami decide. (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times) Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!   Photo:  Looking for some books to read during the year-end holidays? The Japan Times culture section has you covered. | GETTY IMAGES

With the United Nations Biodiversity Conference taking place in Montreal this week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to look at how Japan is handling issues involving biodiversity here. Environmental journalist Mara Budgen comes on the show to talk about the Japanese giant salamander, which has been designated a "special natural monument" under Japanese law but is still vulnerable to extinction.  If you have pitches for our new section Our Planet, feel free to email us at [email protected].  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Mara Budgen: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  Battle to stop Kagoshima seawall highlights divide over coastal engineering (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) Save the Japanese giant salamander campaign (The Japan Channel, YouTube) Sustainable Daisen Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo:  The Japanese giant salamander’s biology has changed little over the past 23 million years, so when you see one it’s like looking at a dinosaur. | TOPOUTIMAGES/ YUKIHIRO FUKUDA

Dec. 11 marked the 25th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark treaty that put the idea of global effort to save the planet on many national radars. To mark the event, The Japan Times has launched a new section, Our Planet, that will look at the climate crisis, Earth science and disaster management from a Japanese perspective. Two of the section’s editors, Joel Tansey and Chris Russell, join me on the show to discuss how the Kyoto Protocol is viewed now and how the city it’s named for has taken to its green mantle.  If you have pitches for Our Planet, feel free to email us at [email protected].  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Chris Russell: Articles | Twitter Joel Tansey: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  From Kyoto Protocol to ‘fossil’ awards: Japan’s climate image stained by inaction (Joel Tansey, Dan Traylor and Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) 25 years after Kyoto Protocol, U.N. climate process stumbles on (Chris Russell, The Japan Times) “Do You Kyoto?” (City of Kyoto, YouTube) Should I stay or should I go, now? (Linda Gould, The Japan Times) Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  Photo:  Fridays for Future leader Takuro Kajiwara heads a march through Tokyo's Omotesando neighborhood. | OSCAR BOYD

When former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot earlier this year, the incident shone a spotlight on the links his fellow Liberal Democratic Party members had with the controversial Unification Church. Kanako Takahara joins this week’s Deep Dive to discuss what’s behind a new bill regulating faith-driven donations, investigations into the church and whether these actions will be enough to save Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s job.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter Read more/Watch more:  In Japan, ties between politics and religion run deep (Will Fee, The Japan Times) Faith or manipulation? Debate grows over regulating Unification Church tactics (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Escaping the clutches of a cult (The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan) Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. Photo:  A former follower of the Unification Church who goes by the pseudonym Sayuri Ogawa speaks to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan. | TOMOKO OTAKE

Could drinking help the environment and rural communities? You might be surprised. Researchers in Japan have figured out how to make drinkable alcohol from wood, and the knock-on effects are much bigger than a hangover. This week, Alex K.T. Martin joins us to talk about the science — and sustainable process — behind the process that may bring cedar, oak and sakura to your next cocktail session.  Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Read more:  Wood spirits: How Japan made the world’s first liquor from trees (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. Photo:  The huge trees that dot the Japanese countryside may be where you get your next cocktail. | JASON JENKINS 

As news about Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter continues to emerge, we’ll talk to Elizabeth Beattie about how the social media platform’s Japan team has been affected. Are you thinking of jumping the Twitter ship? Well, tech reporter Daisuke Kikuchi later joins us to discuss what social media services are doing well in Japan before recapping some of the year’s big tech and tech-related stories.  Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.  On this episode:  Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | Twitter Daisuke Kikuchi: Articles | Twitter Read more:  Following mass Twitter Japan firings, some call for legal action (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times) Elon Musk says Twitter is done with layoffs and ready to hire again (Alex Heath, The Verge) The Zenly implosion: Inside 6 months of tension, culture clash, and conflict (Andrew Deck, Rest of World) AI-generated art sparks furious backlash from Japan’s anime community (Andrew Deck, Rest of World)  Get in touch:  Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. Photo:  Elon Musk’s Twitter profile is seen on a smartphone placed against printed Twitter logos. | REUTERS

The Samurai Blue are headed for Qatar to play in this year’s World Cup. This year also marks 20 years since Japan co-hosted the event with South Korea and a lot has happened in this country’s soccer scene since then.  Sports writer Dan Orlowitz joins the show to catch us up on where Japan stands in the global soccer landscape, the controversies swirling around the host nation of Qatar, and how fandoms here interact with “the beautiful game.” Read More: Hajime Moriyasu announces Japan squad for World Cup (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) All Japan Times 2022 FIFA World Cup coverage On this episode: Dan Orlowitz: Articles | Twitter Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Jason and the show at [email protected]. If you like what you’ve heard, then please support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing this episode with someone you know. Follow us on Twitter! Photo: Japanese fans sing the national anthem before the start of a World Cup soccer match against Ivory Coast in 2014. | REUTERS/STEFANO RELLANDINI

Despite a recent spate of North Korean missile tests, Japan’s larger concerns have mainly focused on activities taking place to the south of the country — specifically, those involving China and Taiwan. This week on Deep Dive from The Japan Times we speak with senior staff writer Jesse Johnson about Japan’s new alliance with Australia, the recent increase in defense spending and, of course, North Korea. Afterward, staff writer Gabriel Dominguez discusses in more detail the recent Communist Party congress and how it is likely to affect Asia as a whole.    Read More: Spate of launches raises prospect of North Korean missile with multiple nuclear warheads (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) Taiwan and looming security crises bring Japan and Australia closer together (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) More ‘red,’ more capable and focused on Taiwan: Xi cements his grip on PLA (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) Concerns over China bringing Japan and Australia’s relations ever closer (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) What would be the signs China is preparing to invade Taiwan? (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times) On this episode:  Jesse Johnson: Articles | Twitter Gabriel Dominguez: Articles | Twitter Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Announcements: Get in touch with Shaun and the show at [email protected]. If you like what you’ve heard, then please support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing this episode with someone you know. Follow us on Twitter! Photo: In his congress address, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned China to be prepared for “strong waters, high waves and dangerous storms.” Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said something similar in an interview this summer. | GETTY IMAGES

If you’ve ever had to endure a Tokyo commute at rush hour, you may not get the sense that the Japanese are very happy. However, Japan Times senior staff writer Alex K.T. Martin has been keeping track of the mood of the nation, and he thinks the country could be a lot happier than we are usually led to believe.  On this week’s Deep Dive he talks about his visit in the summer to Japan’s “happiest town,” and why exercise and a strong sense of community may have them living an extra 10 years healthier.  Read More: Inside Japan’s happiest town (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Is Japan happy? (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Kodoku: The fine line between solitude and loneliness in Japan (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) On this episode:  Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Is Japan happy? Western surveys say not really, but is that because the definition of happiness is different here? | GETTY IMAGES

Despite having played a major role entertaining Chinese citizens following the Cultural Revolution, Japanese musicians are finding it increasingly difficult to grab a toehold in the region thanks to government censors and somewhat militant netizens.  This week, Japan Times contributing writer Patrick St. Michel joins the podcast to discuss notable moments in the two countries’ cultural exchanges, the intricacies of doing business in China and why Japanese music is having as tough of a time in the broader international market. Read more: Big in China, but can the party last for Japan’s artists? (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) China’s box office becomes a giant headache for Hollywood (Shirley Zhao and Christopher Palmeri, Bloomberg) How TikTok resurrected a Japanese pop star’s defining hit (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Articles | Twitter Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with the Deep Dive team at [email protected]. If you like what you’ve heard, then please support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing this episode with someone you know. Follow us on Twitter! Photo: Eclectic Japanese rock band Chai has made some inroads into China's lucrative entertainment industry. | TERAO BUDHA

Not since 1853, when U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry forced Japan to open its borders to trade, has a reopening been so newsworthy. This time, instead of Black Ships, the country faced a trickle of tourists looking to hit up Kyoto and indulge in their pop culture obsessions.  Ahead of the reopening on Oct. 11, the Japanese people asked themselves what to do if the new arrivals didn’t wear masks, would this event precede a new wave of COVID-19, and will long-dormant sectors of the economy finally get a boost? Kanako Takahara joins us on this episode to explain the new guidelines for coming to Japan, and Will Fee talks about what he saw at Haneda Airport on opening day and what the legacy of the closed-border policy might be for foreign residents. Read more: Why Japan has been taking incremental steps to open its borders (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) Confusing mix of policies sours start of domestic travel discount campaign (Kanako Takahara) Even as Japan’s border creaks open, unmarried couples still struggle to reunite (Will Fee and Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) What to expect as Japan opens back up to the world (Will Fee, The Japan Times) Japan’s eagerly anticipated reopening gets off to a slow start (Will Fee, The Japan Times) ‘Undesirable consequences’ may await Japan’s well-meaning tourists (Owen Zeigler, The Japan Times) Japan has reopened. Instagrammers of the world, rejoice! (Spencer Cohen, The Japan Times) On this episode:  Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter  Will Fee: Articles | Twitter Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with the Deep Dive team at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Tokyo's Harajuku neighborhood saw the return of tourists from last week after a significant easing of border controls that had been in place to protect against COVID-19. | Kyodo

Sports writers often dabble in hyperbole when describing athletes at the top of their game, but when it comes to Shohei Ohtani, the player they call “Shotime,” phrases like “once in a generation” and “the best baseball player ever” are written in earnest. Why all the hype? Because almost nobody has come close to achieving what he has since the 1920s. This week on Deep Dive, Jason Coskrey and Dave Cortez speak with host Jason Jenkins about what makes Ohtani both an exceptional athlete and likable person, and they discuss what his success could mean for the game of baseball as a whole. Read/ see more: Jason Coskrey's baseball column for The Japan Times 10 Things Shohei Ohtani Can't Live Without (GQ Sports) On this episode: Jason Coskrey: Articles | Twitter Dave Cortez: Articles | Twitter Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with the Deep Dive team at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium last month. | JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA USA TODAY SPORTS / VIA REUTERS 

Our minds have been largely preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic the past couple of years, but that doesn’t mean the threats caused by the climate crisis have gone away. Still, sometimes it feels like environmental issues don’t loom as large in Japan as they do in other countries.  Two of our guests on this episode of Deep Dive, Hanae Takahashi and Eric Margolis, currently cover climate issues for The Japan Times. They have spoken to Japan-based environmentalists about how the media in this country could do a better job at informing the Japanese public on these issues, so they can make better decisions when voting. First, however, we are joined by former Deep Dive host and climate journalist Oscar Boyd who takes part in a conversation on the larger picture when it comes to the environment and how we can better equip ourselves with knowledge when it comes to this rather overwhelming issue.  Read/ hear more: Bloomberg Green’s “Zero” podcast Yuka Natori: Starting a climate initiative in your own community would be great (Hanae Takahashi, The Japan Times) The true cost of the climate crisis on Japan (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) What can we do to fight the climate crisis from Japan? (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) How can you fight climate change in Japan? Learn how to talk about it. (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) On this episode: Oscar Boyd: Articles | Twitter  Hanae Takahashi: Articles | Twitter Eric Margolis: Articles | Twitter  Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter  Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with the Deep Dive team at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Firefighters rescue people with a raft in a flooded area of Kurume, Fukuoka Pref., following torrential rain last summer. | Kyodo

The podcast is on hiatus for the next few months. For all the latest news from Japan, please subscribe to The Japan Times and help support its journalism. Thank you to all our listeners, guests and supporters of the show. ポッド疲れ様

Over the past few months, Japan has been slowly easing its COVID-19 related border restrictions. In March, after almost two years, it started allowing in students, academics and business people. Then in April, parents and immediate relatives of foreign residents were allowed to enter the country. But the borders are still closed to tourists, a broad category of people that includes everyone from leisure travelers to the unmarried partners of residents of Japan. This week on Deep Dive, Kanako Takahara joins to discuss when Japan might reopen to international tourism, and what form that reopening might take. Read more:  The ¥22 trillion question: When will Japan reopen to foreign tourists? (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times) Japan plans to double entry cap to allow 20,000 daily arrivals starting in June Japan should end cap on overseas visitors, senior LDP lawmaker says On this episode: Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, in fall. | Getty Images

Since 2008, Japan’s population has been falling, and each year the amount it falls by grows larger and larger. In 2008, the country lost around 20,000 people. In 2010, 100,000, and by 2019, the figure stood at over half a million. The most recent data, released earlier this month, shows that in 2021, Japan lost more than 640,000 people.  This week on Deep Dive Japan Times staff writer Alex Martin joins to discuss Japan’s declining population, and why one town in Saitama thinks it’s not all bad news. Read more:  For some shrinking towns in Japan, depopulation isn't all bad news Japan's population plummeted by 640,000 in 2021 for biggest drop on record Japan, in need of more babies, is helping pay for costly IVF What is Golden Week and why does it matter? Archival clip from Tokyo Today 1948 On this episode: Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram  Transcript: We now have transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Nestled along its namesake river and set against lush forests and mountains, the town of Tokigawa, is fighting against its declining population. | COURTESY OF TOKIGAWA TOWN

Since the beginning of March, the value of the yen has plummeted against the dollar, the euro and the British pound. Bloomberg economy reporter Yuko Takeo joins Deep Dive to explain why. Read more: Yen falls to ¥129 against U.S. dollar, refreshing a 20-year low Amid deepening yen weakness, a mixed blessing sours for Japan Japan’s trade shifts mean a weak yen is likely here to stay Bank of Japan poised to predict strongest inflation in 30 years On this episode: Yuko Takeo: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram  Transcript: We now have transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: The yen's value has plummeted against the dollar over the past few weeks. | Getty Images

Demolition of the Nakagin Capsule Tower — an iconic representation of Japan’s metabolist architectural movement — officially kicked off on Tuesday, with fans of the building showing up to take a last glimpse before it is torn down. On this week's Deep Dive, Japan Times editor Chris Russell joins to discuss the story of Nakagin and why he thinks it has captivated so many people over the years. Read more: Demolition of Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower officially begins Nakagin Capsule Tower: Saving an urban dream from the ravages of time Tokyo’s Tearing Down an Iconic Building. That’s a Good Thing. On this episode: Chris Russell: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram  Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Nakagin Capsule Tower on April 12, 2022, the first day of its scheduled demolition. | Oscar Boyd

Two weeks ago, Japan's government issued its first ever electricity supply warning for Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, calling on citizens to conserve power to avoid blackouts. Bloomberg energy reporter Shoko Oda joins Deep Dive to explain why that crisis was a decade in the making. Read more: Japan’s power crisis was a decade in making and won’t go away Japanese turn down heat and lights to avoid power cut after quake The future of energy will require citizens to make sacrifices. Just ask Tokyo residents. Japan’s energy buyers warn that the weak yen threatens their business On this episode: Shoko Oda: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Tokyo Tower turned off its lights on Tuesday, March 22, after the government requested the Tokyo area conserve energy. | BLOOMBERG

During the pandemic, women in Japan have been more likely to lose their jobs, face increased pressure at home and be victims of domestic violence. And data released earlier this month showed that in 2021 suicides increased among women for the second year running, whilst declining for men.  Hanako Montgomery, a reporter for Vice World News in Japan, discusses Japan’s poor record on gender equality, why the pandemic has impacted women in particular, and what the country is trying to do about the rise in suicides among women. Read/see more:  Japan Is Facing an Alarming Spike in Female Suicides (Hanako Montgomery, Vice) Suicides by women rose in Japan for second straight year in 2021 (The Japan Times) COVID scared her. But it was loneliness that nearly killed her. (Hanako Montgomery, Vice) Japanese schools are still banning ponytails because they could ‘sexually excite’ men (Hanako Montgomery, Vice) Bloste counseling app  The Japan Times 125th anniversary discount: To celebrate our 125th anniversary, The Japan Times is offering a lifetime discount to its premium digital plan. You’ll have unlimited access to The Japan Times’ content, no ads on the website, and a digital copy of the printed paper. All for just ¥1,600 a month. This offer expires on March 31. For more details on how to sign up, head to jtimes.jp/jt125dd. Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Hanako Montgomery: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Crisis lines: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 119 in Japan for immediate assistance. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5774-0992. You can also visit them at telljp.com. For those in other countries, visit www.suicide.org for a detailed list of resources and assistance. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: In 2021, Japan placed 120th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum's gender equality list. | Getty Images

March 24th marks one month since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, starting a war that has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their country.  Kanako Takahara explains Japan's efforts to help these refugees, and why the government here isn't calling them by that name. Later in the episode, we hear the story of Maria, a 71-year-old Ukrainian woman who was reunited with her daughter Nataliia last Friday, after a six-day ordeal escaping from Ukraine to Japan. Read more:  Tears, relief and the 'smell of Ukraine': A daughter's reunion with her mother in Japan Japan looks to offer enhanced support to help Ukrainian refugees settle Are Ukrainians who flee 'refugees' or 'evacuees'? For Japan, it's complicated. Ukrainian support groups in Japan: The Japan-Ukraine friendship association Japan Association for Refugees Ukrainians in Japan Facebook group  Facebook group for Ukrainians hoping to bring relatives to Japan Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Ukrainian Maria Dovbash hugs her family in an emotional reunion Friday at Narita Airport after she traveled six days from her home in Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine to Japan. | Oscar Boyd

From India to the U.S., the pandemic has spurred millions of people to leave their jobs in search of more fulfilling, flexible roles, in what has been dubbed the Great Resignation. But so far at least, Japan’s workforce is charting a very different course, with fewer people than ever moving jobs. This week, senior staff writer Alex Martin joins to discuss the changing face of work in Japan, and why so few people seem inclined to switch roles.  Read more: Is Japan on the brink of its own ‘Great Resignation’? (Alex Martin) Japan to review top obstacle to telework — the personal seal Even after pandemic, Japan's labor market faces shortages and mismatches (Kazuaki Nagata) Tokyo loses population for first time in 26 years amid pandemic Yahoo tells Japan employees they can work anywhere and commute by plane when necessary Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript: We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: There may not yet be a 'Great Resignation' in Japan, but the pandemic has transformed work culture in many other ways. | Getty Images

As Vladimir Putin's grim war in Ukraine escalates, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, Noah Sneider, joins to discuss the reasons for the conflict, the lengths to which Japan is supporting Ukraine, and how the war will redefine relationships between Japan and its northern neighbor, Russia. Read more:  Noah's War in Translation project Japan resists pressure to follow Big Oil’s exit from Russia Japan accepts eight people displaced by Russian invasion of Ukraine Top Japanese and U.S. officials to meet this week to discuss Ukraine war The Japan Times' full coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Noah Sneider: Website | Twitter | War in Translation Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A march through to protest the Russia-Ukraine war on March 5, 2022 | Reuters

Craig has spent large chunks of the past several years walking across Japan, completing months-long journeys along the country's historical walking routes, like the Tokaido, the Nakasendo and the Kumano Kodo. As he goes, he documents his experiences, sharing essays and photographs through his member-supported newsletters, and his books, Koya Bound and Kissa by Kissa.  "Walking is everything." he says. And if you've got the time and the inclination to do it, it is the best way to come to know the country, from beautifully preserved shrines and forests to the messier parts of suburban reality — pachinko parlors and all. Read more:  Paying pilgrimage to the last kissaten on the Kumano Kodo (Craig Mod, The Japan Times) Craig's website, where you can sign up to his walking newsletters I walked 600 miles across Japan for pizza toast (Craig Mod, Eater) Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Craig Mod: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Craig Mod has spent the past several years completing monthslong walks along some of Japan's historical walking routes. | Craig Mod

Kanako Takahara, head of The Japan Times' domestic news team, joins Deep Dive to give us the details. Read more:  It's official: Japan eases entry restrictions for foreign students, business travelers and other nontourists What you need to know about Japan's upcoming eased border restrictions  Japan to shorten or drop quarantine requirements for most arrivals from March  Japan’s entry ban leaves students and universities counting the cost Survey on how the travel ban has affected students Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A passenger walks the arrival hall at Tokyo's Haneda Airport | AFP

Winifred Bird is the author of "Eating Wild Japan," a book that goes deep into the foraging culture of Japan and contains essays on foraging, a selection of recipes and a guide to forageable plants. In her essays, Winifred touches on rural culture and decline, the state of Japan's forests and coastal areas, and the food of the indigenous Ainu people. Winifred joins Deep Dive to discuss Japan's foraging culture, and the role wild foods play in modern society. Read more: Winifred's book, Eating Wild Japan (Winifred Bird, Stone Bridge Press) Kris Kosaka's review, Foraging in Japan: What to eat and where to find it J.J. O Donoghue's article, "Is farming in Japan on its last legs?" Japan's farming population falls below 2 million for first time: survey Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Winifred Bird: Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Japan's rural populations are in decline, threatening the future of foraging culture. | iStock

Over the past 20 years, Japan has become known around the world as a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders. Yet the country has had an on-and-off love affair with snow sports.  As domestic interest in skiing and snowboarding has waned, resorts have become increasingly reliant on international visitors. So when the pandemic hit, and Japan's borders were shut, many of them were plunged into crisis.  Japan Times contributor Francesco Basetti joins Deep Dive to discuss the rise and fall of the Japanese ski industry, and how resorts are faring with so few people able to enjoy them. Read more:  With international tourists still absent, Japan’s ski resorts dig deep (Francesco Bassetti and Oscar Boyd) Wipe out: Japan's ski slopes suffering worst winter in decades The Japan Times' full coverage of the Winter Olympics Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Francesco Bassetti: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Hakuba Valley received fewer than half its usual number of visitors in the 2020-21 season. | Courtesy of Evergreen Outdoor Center

With omicron surging around the world, Japan Times sports reporter Dan Orlowitz tells us about the stringent measures put in place to allow these Games to take place, and how Japan is responding to the U.S. call for a diplomatic boycott of these Olympics. Later in the show, Dr. Madeleine Orr joins us to talk about how climate change is threatening the Winter Olympics, and why Beijing is so uniquely reliant on artificial snow. Read more:  Absence of Yuzuru Hanyu fans at Beijing 2022 a relief for Xi’s Pooh-paranoid censors (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) Slippery Slopes: How climate change is threatening the Winter Olympics (The Sport Ecology Group) China’s fake snow frenzy for Beijing Olympics strains water supplies China reports 34 new COVID-19 cases among personnel connected to Olympics Ahead of Olympics, Lower House issues toned-down resolution on 'rights situation' in China The Japan Times' full coverage of the Winter Olympics Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. Livestream Dan will join Oscar for a livestream about his experiences in Beijing on Twitter on Monday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. Japan time. Follow @japantimes to join the conversation when they go live. On this episode: Dan Orlowitz: Articles | Twitter Madeleine Orr: Twitter | The Sport Ecology Group Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Transcript We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know. Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A volunteer wearing a face mask and shield is seen at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing on Sunday. | REUTERS

At the start of the year, AMC Networks — the U.S. company behind shows like “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad” — acquired anime distributor Sentai, and with it the anime-streaming service Hidive. In August 2021, Sony bought the anime-streaming service Crunchyroll for almost $1.2 billion. And streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney have been pouring money into original anime programming over the past few years. Interest in anime around the world has never been higher.   Behind the scenes, though, animators struggle to make a living and many insiders are calling the industry unsustainable as studios struggle to keep up with demand and the pandemic slows production.  The Japan Times' culture editor Alyssa I. Smith talks with contributor Matt Schley about why Japan’s anime industry is booming and the challenges it faces in 2022.  Read more:  The push to go digital opens new doors for anime (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) Streaming heavyweights made big moves into the world of anime in 2021 (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) Younger animators still struggling amid anime boom (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) ‘Akira’: Looking back at the future (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) Kyoto Animation: A unique force in Japan's anime industry (Matt Schley, The Japan Times) Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Matt Schley: Articles | Twitter Alyssa I. Smith: Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A still from 'Spirited Away,' which remains the only Japanese anime to win an Academy Award. © 2001 Studio Ghibli

The New York Times' Ben Dooley joins Deep Dive to discuss his recent reporting trip to Ishigaki, and why the island is currently building a missile base. Read more: The island paradise near the front line of tensions over Taiwan (Ben Dooley, The New York Times) To China's chagrin, Japan-Taiwan talks could pave the way for closer ties (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) What's behind surging tensions in the Taiwan Strait? (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) What can Japan do in a Taiwan-China clash? (Michael MacArthur Bosack, The Japan Times) Invasion of Taiwan by China would be ‘economic suicide,’ former PM Abe warns Japan brings back COVID-19 restrictions over omicron surge Tsunami caused by Tonga volcano eruption stumps Japan weather experts Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit www.rgf-professional.jp, to register your resume and unleash your potential today. On this episode: Ben Dooley: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Ishigaki, best known for sun, sand and pineapples, is at the frontline of regional tensions between Taiwan, China and Japan. | Oscar Boyd

Gearoid Reidy, senior editor at Bloomberg's Tokyo bureau, joins to discuss what the rapid spread of omicron means for Japan. Read more:  Japan's daily COVID-19 cases top 10,000 for first time in four months Why you should still try to avoid catching omicron Japan eyes relaxed rules on COVID close contacts and hospitalization 90% of omicron cases in Okinawa show mild to no symptoms Japan seeks restrictions on U.S. troop movements as Okinawa reports record cases Japan to maintain strict border restrictions until end of February On this episode: Gearoid Reidy: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Cases of COVID-19 have surged across the nation since the start of 2022. | Kyodo

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who submitted their stories for this episode, it was lovely hearing from you all. Regular episodes of Deep Dive will return in January. Until then, podtsukaresama! More bits and bobs:  On breaking my arms and climbing the Matterhorn  'How Do You Live?' — Alyssa's book recommendation The Japan Times' tribute to the lifework of actor Sonny Chiba 'Bullet Train' — Shaun's Sonny Chiba recommendation 'Jojo Rabbit' — Oscar's film recommendation Penguin Cafe — Shaun's recommendation in Matsumoto Zoria's interview with Kengo Kuma for Tokyo Weekender 'I Need To Be In Love' by The Carpenters — Yukiko's singing debut Peter's suggestion for bicycle rental for cycle excursions around Shikoku Rina's podcast On this episode: Deep Dive listeners: Thank you! Alyssa I. Smith: Articles Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: The Japan Times is currently hiring news reports and a features editor. Find out more at bit.ly/JTworkwithus.  Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Atop the Matterhorn, September 2021 | Oscar Boyd

Chris Broad has been making videos for YouTube for almost 10 years now, publishing them on his channel Abroad in Japan. The last time he joined us on Deep Dive was back in 2019, after his channel crossed the 1 million subscriber mark. But over the course of the pandemic, that number has swelled, and now stands at over 2.5 million. Earlier this month, Chris invited us up to visit his new Blade Runner-inspired studio in Sendai, where we recorded this episode of Deep Dive, in which Chris talks about the evolution of his channel, his new studio setup, and what’s left for him to explore in Japan. Read more:  Inside his new studio, YouTuber Chris Broad finally has space to create (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Abroad in Japan (YouTube) Episode 28: Chris Broad and Sharla — living the YouTube life in Japan (Deep Dive) So long, 2021: We want to hear stories from our listeners, wherever you are! Send us your stories about your favorite experiences this year, and what got you through the challenges of 2021. It could be a new hobby you started, a trip you took after getting vaccinated, anything that helped make 2021 a memorable year.   Record a voice memo on your phone — the inbuilt app is totally fine — and tell us your story along with your name and where you're recording from. Try and keep the recording to a minute or two. Once you're done, email your recording to [email protected] with the subject line “So long, 2021.” Please send your entries in by Monday, December 27, to be played around the New Year. Listen to last year's episode, here. On this episode: Chris Broad: Twitter | Website | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: The Japan Times is currently hiring news reports and a features editor. Find out more at bit.ly/JTworkwithus.  Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Chris Broad in his studio in Sendai | Oscar Boyd

On this week’s show, Japan Times contributor Mara Budgen takes a look at the history of onsen in Japan and asks whether Japan's iconic hot-spring resources are sustainable. Read more:  Unlocking Japan's geothermal energy potential Kurokawa Onsen: Eat, sleep, bathe, repeat Private equity sees hot opportunity in Japan's traditional onsen inns So long, 2021: We want to hear stories from our listeners, wherever you are! Send us your stories about your favorite experiences this year, and what got you through the challenges of 2021. It could be a new hobby you started, a trip you took after getting vaccinated, anything that helped make 2021 a memorable year.   Record a voice memo on your phone — the inbuilt app is totally fine — and tell us your story along with your name and where you're recording from. Try and keep the recording to a minute or two. Once you're done, email your recording to [email protected] with the subject line “So long, 2021.” Please send your entries in by Friday, December 24, to be played around the New Year. Listen to last year's episode, here. On this episode: Mara Budgen:  Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: The Japan Times is currently hiring news reports and a features editor. Find out more at bit.ly/JTworkwithus.  Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: An onsen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture | Getty Images 

Gearoid Reidy, senior editor at Bloomberg Japan, joins to discuss Japan's low COVID-19 case count, and if the country can expect another wave. Read more:  Japan’s COVID-19 deaths lowest in 16 months as cases plummet First case of Japanese national infected with omicron variant confirmed What's behind the rapid disappearance of the delta variant in Japan? It could be self-extinction.  Japan boosts medical system to admit 37,000 COVID patients South Korea's new COVID-19 cases top 7,000 for first time Japan's COVID-19 booster shot drive kicks off with health care workers Poll finds 89% in Japan back Kishida’s ban on new foreign arrivals  Japan Times Covid Tracker On this episode: Gearoid Reidy: Articles | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: The Japan Times is currently hiring news reports and a features editor. Find out more at bit.ly/JTworkwithus. Get in touch with Oscar and the show at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Though cases are low and almost all emergency measures have been lifted in Japan, the public is still taking a cautious approach to the pandemic, and mask wearing is ubiquitous. | REUTERS

Japan Times contributor and cross-cultural communications consultant Rochelle Kopp joins to discuss the changes at Japan's border and how they are affecting the people who hope to call Japan home. Read more:  Japan to bar all new foreign visitors as omicron fears grow (Ryusei Takahashi) Scores hoping to enter Japan in limbo — again — after latest entry ban (Jesse Johnson and Ryusei Takahashi) Omicron is the price we pay for vaccine inequality (Brad Glosserman) Japan confirms first case of omicron coronavirus variant (Ryusei Takahashi) Japan to ban all foreign travelers from 10 African countries amid omicron outbreak (Ryusei Takahashi) Japan tells airlines to halt inbound flight bookings over omicron fears (Ryusei Takahashi) On this episode: Rochelle Kopp: Website | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified when new episodes comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A notice about COVID-19 safety measures pictured next to closed doors at a departure hall of Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture on Tuesday. | REUTERS

On Nov. 12, COP26 wrapped up in Glasgow, Scotland, after two weeks of tense negotiations attended by heads of state from across the world.  The outcome? The Glasgow Climate Pact, an agreement that aims to hold the world to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius of global heating above pre-industrial levels.  Masako Konishi, Expert Director for Conservation and Energy at WWF Japan, was in Glasgow for the two-week conference and joins Deep Dive to give her insights into what was agreed at COP26, and the role Japan played at this crucial climate summit. Subscribe to The Japan Times One of the best ways that you can support Deep Dive is by subscribing to The Japan Times, and we are currently offering a 30% discount on the first six months of a digital premium subscription. Head to jtimes.jp/deepdive30 and enter the promo code "DEEPDIVE30" to claim the discount, and get unlimited access to The Japan Times' journalism. Thank you as always for your support. Read more:  COP26 seals breakthrough climate deal after major compromises (The Japan Times) Japan, once a leader on climate, under fire at COP26 over coal use (The Japan Times) Kishida places Japan’s business interests at the forefront of climate policy (The Japan Times) Japan gets Fossil of the Day Award at COP26 after Kishida speech (The Japan Times) Toyota defends skipping COP26 emissions pledge (The Japan Times) On this episode: Masako Konishi: Twitter | WWF Japan Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified when new episodes comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: People dressed as Pikachu protest against the funding of coal by Japan, near the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP26) venue in Glasgow, Scotland, on Nov. 4. | REUTERS

In February this year the government created a new cabinet position to try to address the problem of loneliness, the so-called "minister for loneliness." But loneliness did not begin with COVID-19, and has been a growing problem in Japan for decades. Alex K.T. Martin, a senior writer at the Japan Times, recently wrote an article on kodoku, and the fine line between solitude and loneliness that many of us have experienced throughout the pandemic. Subscribe to The Japan Times One of the best ways that you can support Deep Dive is by subscribing to The Japan Times, and we are currently offering a 30% discount on the first six months of a digital premium subscription. Head to jtimes.jp/deepdive30 and enter the promo code "DEEPDIVE30" to claim the discount, and get unlimited access to The Japan Times' journalism. Thank you as always for your support. TELL Japan If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 119 in Japan for immediate assistance. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5774-0992. You can also visit them at telljp.com. For those outside of Japan, visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a detailed list of resources and assistance. Read more:  Kodoku: The fine line between solitude and loneliness in Japan (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) As suicides rise amid the pandemic, Japan takes steps to tackle loneliness (Tomohiro Osaki, The Japan Times) Escaping COVID-19: When you can’t see the virus for the trees (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) On this episode: Alex K.T. Martin: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified when new episodes comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Japan is facing a problem of chronic loneliness | GETTY IMAGES

This week, world leaders are gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, for COP26, a meeting of nations that has been billed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the world's last chance to avert catastrophic climate change. At this point, the science behind climate change could not be clearer. In August, the IPCC released its most comprehensive report to date on the state of the global climate, and concluded it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.  Japan is an important part of this in two ways. First, it is a significant emitter of CO2, the fifth largest globally by total annual emissions. And second, it is a country that is exceptionally vulnerable to climate change. The climate crisis is here and it is affecting everything from the strength of typhoons and flooding, to the timing of the annual cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.  Read more:  The true cost of the climate crisis on Japan (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) A crucial U.N. climate summit kicks off Oct. 31. Here's what you need to know. (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) As Japan looks to expand renewable energy, nuclear power's role remains unclear (The Japan Times) On this episode: Eric Margolis: Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Rescue workers search a flooded area in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis, which caused severe floods at the Chikuma River in Nagano Prefecture in October 2019. | REUTERS

A royal wedding usually involves celebration and pageantry, a ceremony steeped in tradition at an ancient and palatial building, and flag-waving in the streets by a public eager to see the newlywed couple. But for Princess Mako, who married Kei Komuro on Tuesday this week, there was none of that. There was only the perfunctory stamping of documents, followed by a muted press conference. Read more:  What you need to know about the not-so-fairy tale of Princess Mako (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Imperial Household Agency criticized for media strategy — or lack thereof (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Princess Mako's marriage a 'warning sign' for Japan's imperial system (Ami Takahashi via The Japan Times) The world’s oldest monarchy is running out of royals (Marika Katanuma via The Japan Times ) On this episode: Natsuko Fukue: Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Princess Mako (right) and her sister Princess Kako attend the enthronement ceremony for Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in October 2019. | POOL / AFP-JIJI

Over the past few years a combination of overspending and lack of tax revenue has put the city of Kyoto in a precarious financial situation, made worse by the lack of domestic and international tourism to the city during the pandemic. The Japan Times' senior national correspondent, Eric Johnston, joins us from Osaka to explain Kyoto's problems, and what the city needs to do to get itself out its predicament.  Read more:  Kyoto is facing bankruptcy. What happens now? (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Kyoto's reconstruction plan calls for big spending cuts (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Kyoto without tourists: How the ancient capital looks without its crowds (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) On this episode: Eric Johnston: Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and usually attracts over 5 million visitors per year. During the pandemic it has received a fraction of that number. | Oscar Boyd

Fumio Kishida replaces Yoshihide Suga as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and as Prime Minister of Japan, and will face a general election at the end of this month where he will hope to cement his position in power. But who is Kishida and how did he rise to become the country’s newest Prime Minister? The Japan Times’ political correspondent Satoshi Sugiyama joins from his desk at the prime minister's office to answer those very questions. Read more:  Challenges await as Kishida takes reins as Japan's prime minister (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) What Kishida's Cabinet picks tell us (Michael MacArthur Bosack, The Japan Times) Kishida off to rocky start in approval polls (The Japan Times) Japan's general election to be held Oct. 31, new PM Kishida says (The Japan Times) On this episode: Satoshi Sugiyama: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a news conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Monday. | Bloomberg

At every Olympics there is one cycling event that stands out above all the rest: keirin. It’s been in the Olympics since Sydney 2000, but it’s actually based on a form of track cycling that originated in post-war Japan.  Keirin is a gambling sport in Japan, and though it’s nowhere near as popular as the national pastime baseball, or held in the same regard as sumo, it is still a multi-billion dollar industry, with races taking place up and down the country on an almost daily basis. The War on Wheels Justin's book "The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture" is out now via all major book retailers. Get your hands on a copy here, or read The Japan Times' review. Find out more about keirin and where to watch it at keirin.jp On this episode: Justin McCurry: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Keirin riders race around the Omiya velodrome in the outskirts of Tokyo. | Oscar Boyd

If you were in Japan back in February, when the Pfizer vaccine was first approved, you’ll remember the frustratingly slow pace of the vaccine rollout, as many other countries around the world ramped up their vaccine programs at speed.  The slow pace continued through to the start of summer, but in August Japan distributed its 100 millionth dose of vaccine, and almost 50% of the country is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Later this month, Japan is set to pass the U.S. when it comes to the percentage of its citizens fully vaccinated.  Of course there are still many people who have yet to receive a vaccine and it is vital that they do, but with around 1 million shots being given each day, Japan will soon be in the position where everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one. Read more: Youth clobbered, elderly spared in Japan’s worst-ever COVID-19 wave (Lisa Du, The Japan Times) Japan reaches 100 million vaccine doses as focus shifts to youth (Sophie Jackman and Lisa Du, The Japan Times) With new leader to take reins, Japan eyes extending COVID-19 emergency in hot spots (The Japan Times) Moderna to recall COVID-19 doses in Japan over stainless steel contaminants (The Japan Times) Third man in Japan died after receiving recalled Moderna vaccine (The Japan Times) Canada, France and Singapore begin to recognize Japan’s vaccine passports (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan to issue digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates in December, report says (The Japan Times) On this episode: Lisa Du: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A health care worker administers a dose of the Moderna Inc. Covid-19 vaccine in the city of Saitama last month. | BLOOMBERG

The Japan Times’ political correspondent, Satoshi Sugiyama, discusses Suga’s sudden resignation and who might replace him as prime minister. Read more:  A behind-the-scenes look at Suga’s shocking decision to quit the LDP race (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Suga's abrupt exit throws LDP race wide open (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Vaccine czar Taro Kono tops opinion poll to be Japan's next leader (The Japan Times) Could Japan soon have a female leader? Sanae Takaichi emerges as a contender (Tomohiro Osaki, The Japan Times) For Suga, the pandemic proved to be his undoing (Osamu Tsukimori, The Japan Times) On this episode: Satoshi Sugiyama: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives to meet with Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, in Tokyo on Friday. | POOL / VIA REUTERS

Today we're joined by Josh Grisdale, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair in his daily life. He moved to Japan in 2007 and became a Japanese citizen in 2016.  Josh has used his intimate knowledge of getting around Japan in a wheelchair to set up and run the website Accessible Japan, which provides the latest accessible travel information for people coming to, staying and living in Japan.  Josh argues that creating a more accessible Japan is better for society as a whole, and that despite Japan being a world leader in physical mobility infrastructure, there's still plenty to improve across the country when it comes to inclusivity.  Read more:  Accessible Japan Behind the push to improve universal access in Japan (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times) What will be the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? (Deep Dive) Tokyo robot cafe offers new spin on disability inclusion (The Japan Times) The Japan Times coverage of the Paralympics On this episode: Josh Grisdale: Twitter | Accessible Japan Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when new episodes come out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Accessible Japan founder Josh Grisdale visits Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of the country's most popular tourist sites. | Josh Grisdale/Accessible Japan

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and with no fans to watch them, will the Paralympics lead to a more inclusive society in Japan or will they fail to make a lasting impression? Anoma van der Veere and Oscar Boyd discuss. Read more:  A study of the Tokyo 2020 ‘Game Changer Project’ between the Netherlands and Japan: leveraging disability sports in local communities in Japan (Anoma van der Veere) The Tokyo Paralympic Superhero: Manga and Narratives of Disability in Japan (Anoma van der Veere) Disability in Japan (Carolyn Stevens) 'Most important' Paralympics arrive at starting line in Tokyo (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) The Japan Times coverage of the Paralympics On this episode: Anoma van der Veere: Twitter | Papers Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Japan's Katsuya Hashimoto fights off Britain's Aaron Phipps during the fourth period of the wheelchair rugby semifinals on Saturday. | KYODO

Ten years in the making, the Tokyo Olympics ended with a grand closing ceremony at the National Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 8. Patrick and Oscar look back at the closing moments of the Games, the last few sporting achievements, the handover to Paris, and what to make of these tumultuous Olympics now that they're all over. Read more:  The Japan Times' coverage of the Olympic Games Curtain falls on a tumultuous Tokyo Games (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) Japan ends Tokyo 2020 with record medal haul (The Japan Times) How we saw it: The Athletes’ Olympics (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) How we saw it: The Mental Health Olympics (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) How we saw it: The Japanese Women's Olympics (Kaz Nagatsuka, The Japan Times)  How we saw it: The Silent Olympics (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Tokyo Paralympics likely to be held with no spectators (The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Fireworks light up the sky over National Stadium during the closing ceremony. | AFP-JIJI

Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim share a gold medal in the high jump, skateboarding is dominated by more incredible Japanese teenagers, and it continues to be incredibly hot at these Olympic Games. Read more:  The Japan Times' coverage of the Olympic Games Japan's summer heat an Olympic challenge for competing athletes (The Japan Times) The man behind the Olympic 'anti-sex' beds speaks out (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) Japan wins two more medals in skateboarding as Sakura Yosozumi takes gold (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Shot-putter’s gesture renews controversy over podium protests at Tokyo Games (The Japan Times) Belarusian Olympic sprinter receives humanitarian visa from Poland (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Daniil Medvedev takes a medical timeout for heat fatigue during an Olympic tennis match on July 28. | KYODO

From the opening ceremony to Naomi Osaka and Simon Biles' shock exits, it's been a busy week at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Read more:  Biracial representation, game soundtracks and shiny pecs: bright moments at a somber Olympic opening (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) The Japan Times' coverage of the Olympic Games Osaka exits Games as Tokyo hits record coronavirus cases (The Japan Times) U.S. gymnast Simone Biles out of next Tokyo event, sharpening focus on mental health at Games (The Japan Times)  Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi earns silver as Amuro Tsuzuki takes bronze on stormy day in Chiba (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

In Part 2 of this two-part look at the long and tumultuous road to the Olympics, we discuss heat, corruption and the endless run of scandals that followed when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a one-year postponement of the Games. Read/see more:  Twists and turns: Retracing Tokyo’s tumultuous path to the Olympics (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Heat risks add to challenges for Tokyo's pandemic-hit Olympics (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) The Olympic opening ceremony that wasn’t (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) The sexism scandal engulfing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Deep Dive) Keigo Oyamada quits Olympic opening ceremony role over past bullying (The Japan Times) Director of Olympics opening ceremony ousted over past comments on Holocaust (The Japan Times) More companies pull out of Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony (The Japan Times) The Japan Times' coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: People protest against the Tokyo Olympic Games outside the Akasaka State Guest House, where International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach attended a welcome ceremony on Sunday. | REUTERS

This week, the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics will begin, with the opening ceremony planned for Friday, July 23. It will be a Games like none before it, with its host city, Tokyo, under a state of emergency and COVID-19 still very much a threat to the public. In Part 1 of a two-part look at the long and tumultuous road to the Olympics, we look at Tokyo's initial bid for the Olympics in 2011, how the city won that bid in 2013, and the ups and downs that accompanied the Games until the famous handover ceremony at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Part 2 will follow on Friday, ahead of the opening ceremony. Read/see more:  Twists and turns: Retracing Tokyo’s tumultuous path to the Olympics (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Tokyo wins bid to host 2020 Olympics (The Japan Times) Tokyo awarded 2020 Summer Games (The Telegraph via YouTube) The Complete Tokyo 1964 Olympics Film (Olympics via YouTube) The handover ceremony at the Rio 2016 Closing Ceremony (Olympics via YouTube) The troubled history of Zaha Hadid's Tokyo Olympic stadium project (Oliver Wainwright, The Guardian) Contested Tokyo 2020 Olympic logo scrapped amid plagiarism claim (Shusuke Murai, The Japan Times) The Japan Times' coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (The Japan Times) On this episode: Patrick St. Michel: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: The Olympic rings in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba | Oscar Boyd

Host Oscar Boyd is heading to language school for three months and so Deep Dive will be on hiatus. Make sure you subscribe on whichever podcasting platform you use to be notified when we return.  For all the latest news from Japan, please subscribe to The Japan Times and help support our journalism: the latest on the pandemic, vaccinations, the Olympics, and sports, culture and lifestyle features. Thank you to all our listeners, guests and supporters of the show. Until next time, stay well, and a three-month-long podsukaresama.  Oscar's favorite Japan pods: Japan By River Cruise - A comedy podcast by Bobby Judo and Ollie Horn Uncanny Japan - Tales from the spooky side of Japan by Thersa Matsuura Japan Eats - A podcast all about Japanese food and the people behind it by Akiko Katayama Even more podcasts from Japan

With medical experts worried that the Olympics will turn into a superspreader event, polls show that the Japanese public is overwhelmingly not on board with the Games. Yet things are going full steam ahead, with test events taking place, athletes arriving and the torch relay beginning last week.  Joining Deep Dive is the New York Times Tokyo bureau chief Motoko Rich, here to discuss why the government seems so intent on holding the Games this summer, and the risks associated with them going ahead as planned. Read more:  Why ‘cursed’ Olympics are pressing ahead amid a pandemic (Motoko Rich and Hikari Hida, The New York Times) Experts fear the Olympics could trigger a global superspreader event (The Japan Times) Tokyo Olympic torch relay begins amid COVID-19 fears (The Japan Times) Japanese stars have no burning desire to be involved in torch relay (The Japan Times) 'Unavoidable': Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus (The Japan Times) On this episode: Motoko Rich: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Deep Dive will be going on hiatus for three months until July 2021. Subscribe to the show and sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list to be notified when we return. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: The Olympic rings are reinstalled at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2020. | REUTERS

Japan is a country that is good at many things, but accepting refugees is not one of them. In 2019, just 44 refugees were accepted here. Now, the government has proposed a series of amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act that will make it even harder for asylum seekers in Japan. Freelance journalist Jesse Chase-Lubitz joins Deep Dive to discuss. Read more:  Japan mulls closing another door to refugees (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, Foreign Policy) Immigration reform fails to resolve asylum contradictions (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times) Government approves bill to bail asylum-seekers from long-term detention (The Japan Times) Japanese society warms to asylum-seekers despite the government's cold shoulder (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) Deep Dive Episode 40: An 11-year-long fight for asylum in Japan (Deep Dive podcast) On this episode:  Jesse Chase-Lubitz: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Detainees are seen through a hatch at the Tokyo Detention House in December 2015. | REUTERS

Bloomberg reporter Lisa Du joins Deep Dive to discuss how Japan's vaccine rollout has gone so far, and the challenges the program may face going forward. Read more:  65% see Japan's vaccine rollout as slow, poll finds (The Japan Times) 62.1% of Japanese willing to have COVID-19 vaccination, survey says (The Japan Times) Japan may approve second COVID-19 vaccine in May, health minister says (The Japan Times) Trials and transparency stand in way of Japan's acquisition of non-Western shots (Osamu Tsukimori, The Japan Times) 'Vaccine passports' could help global travel resume. But is Japan on board? (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) EU set to tighten vaccine export rules amid U.K. tensions (Bloomberg) Astra’s pain grows as U.S. questions beleaguered vaccine (Bloomberg) Episode 77: When will Japan get a vaccine for COVID-19? (Deep Dive podcast) On this episode:  Lisa Du: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A medical worker gets a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a Tokyo hospital on March 10. | KYODO

Pokemon is thought to be the most valuable media franchise in the world, with an empire that straddles video games, television, cinema, trading cards, Pokemon Go and much, much more. This week on Deep Dive, journalist Tom Bateman takes us through the 25 year history of Pokemon, and how it has become one of Japan’s most successful and recognizable exports. Read more: Monsters, mania and the unstoppable march of Pokemon (Tom Bateman, BBC) Beware of the Pokemania (Time Magazine, 1999) Pokemon still catching hearts as game franchise celebrates 25th anniversary (The Japan Times) On this episode: Tom Bateman: Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: The Pokemon Company

On this week's episode, The Japan Times' Alex Martin visits Ishinomaki, 10 years after he first went there, to reconnect with residents he spoke with in the aftermath of the earthquake and to find out how the city is recovering from the tsunami. Also, Reuters' Mari Saito tells us about the "phone of the wind," where tsunami survivors can grieve for the people they lost. Read more: A decade on, real challenges lie ahead for communities devastated by March 2011 disaster (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times) Photo essay: Tsunami survivors call lost loves on the ‘phone of the wind’ (Mari Saito via The Japan Times) Photo essay: The seawalls of Tohoku (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) The Japan Times' coverage of the 10th anniversary of 3/11 On this episode: Alex K.T. Martin: Twitter | Articles Mari Saito: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A man surveys the damage in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a few days after the city was struck by a deadly tsunami in March 2011. | KYODO

Richard Lloyd Parry is the author of "Ghosts of the Tsunami," which focuses on the story of a small elementary school in the town of Okawa, around 200 miles north of Tokyo. 74 pupils and 10 teachers at the school that day lost their lives to the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake.  "Ghosts of the Tsunami" is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the disaster: a beautifully written, harrowing account of what happened on 3/11 and the events that unfolded afterward, as it became clear to survivors that the deaths of those children were entirely avoidable. Read more:  Ghosts of the Tsunami book (Richard Lloyd Parry, Macmillan) Ghosts of the Tsunami essay (Richard Lloyd Parry, London Review of Books) The school beneath the wave: the unimaginable tragedy of Japan’s tsunami (Richard Lloyd Parry, The Guardian) Tsunami-hit Miyagi school building to reopen as memorial in April (The Japan Times) Japan's top court finalizes ¥1.44 billion in damages for 84 deaths at school in 3/11 tsunami (The Japan Times) On this episode: Richard Lloyd Parry: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A mural at the Okawa Elementary School, where 74 children died on March 11, 2011. | Oscar Boyd

On this week's episode we look at why Clubhouse, an invite-only social media platform, has become all the rage in Japan. Here to discuss is Yuzuha Oka, a tech journalist at NewsPicks Japan, and also Austin Freeman, a Japan Times contributor and founder of the 13,000 member strong clubhouse group Tokyo Unearthed. Read more:  Why is Japan so intrigued by the audio app Clubhouse? (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Clubhouse tops Japan chart as CEOs and celebrities embrace chat app (Bloomberg via The Japan Times) Clubhouse app offers Chinese rare glimpse of censor-free debate (The Japan Times) Facebook said to be building a product to compete with Clubhouse (The Japan Times) You’ve been invited to Clubhouse. Your privacy hasn’t (Sara Morrison, Vox) On this episode: Yuzuha Oka (Clubhouse: @yuzu): Twitter | Website  Austin Freeman (Clubhouse: @anxiety): Articles Oscar Boyd (Clubhouse: @omhboyd): Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Clubhouse as it appears on the App Store. 

With just five months and six days to go until the Olympic opening ceremony, large parts of Japan are still under a state of emergency, and the first vaccine has only just been approved for use here. As if those weren’t big enough challenges to overcome, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee was plunged into scandal earlier this month after its president, Yoshiro Mori, suggested that women talk too much in board meetings, leading to his eventual resignation. Read more: Tokyo Olympics Chief Apologizes for Remarks Demeaning Women  (Motoko Rich, The New York Times) Tokyo Olympics Chief Resigns Over Sexist Comments (Motoko Rich, The New York Times) Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto eyed as next Tokyo Games chief (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Activists demand reform after Tokyo Olympic sexism furor (AFP-Jiji via The Japan Times) How 'indispensable' Mori came to enjoy huge influence in politics and sport (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) On this episode: Motoko Rich: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Motoko at the Gender Symposium Japan 2021 Motoko Rich will be joining panelists from the Asahi Shimbun and New York Times on March 3, 2021, at 3 p.m  to discuss gender inequality in Japan and around the world, sharing stories to highlight challenges and progress. For more information and to register visit bit.ly/gender2021. Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A protester takes part in a rally against Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori outside the Olympic museum in Tokyo on Thursday. | AFP-JIJI

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Jeana Cadby, PhD in specialty cacao and craft chocolate, takes us on a tour through the history of chocolate in Japan. We also look at the the recent growth of the country’s craft chocolate scene, as well as the pioneering chocolatiers who have managed to grow cacao on Tokyo’s Ogasawara Islands for the first time. Read more: Tokyo Cacao: Japan’s first 'soil-to-bar' chocolate (Jeana Cadby, The Japan Times Akihiro Kakimoto: The man behind Japan's most elaborate chocolate desserts (J.J. O'Donoghue, The Japan Times) Little Chocolate’s Big Moment (Deena Shanker, Bloomberg) Inside Japan’s Craft Chocolate Craze (Craft Sense) Craft Chocolate Experience Tokyo (Annual Event) On this episode: Jeana Cadby: LinkedIn | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Chocolate by Tokyo Cacao, who grow cacao trees on the Ogasawara Islands. | COURTESY OF TOKYO CACAO

Japan Times staff writer Ryusei Takahashi joins Deep Dive to discuss Prime Minister Suga's pledge to make Japan carbon neutral by 2050. Also, contributor Eric Margolis tells us how Japan is already being affected by climate change. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more:  Suga aims for greener Japan with carbon pledge, but details lacking (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) The true cost of the climate crisis on Japan (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times) Japan's climate plan: Big on ambition but small in scope (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Japan lays out plan to steer economy away from carbon by 2050 (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) On this episode: Ryusei Takahashi: Twitter | Articles Eric Margolis: Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Damaged areas of Nagano Prefecture following Typhoon Hagibis in October 2019. | KYODO

On Jan. 6, the U.S. Capitol came under siege from a mob of Trump supporters, incited by the former president. The attack was condemned around the world and shone a spotlight onto the dangerous misinformation and conspiracies that fueled the riots. One that has come under particular scrutiny is QAnon, a conspiracy that dates to 2017 and that has picked up a significant following in the U.S. But, says Bloomberg’s Max Zimmerman, the U.S. is not the only country to have supporters of the QAnon conspiracy, and a fringe group of followers has also developed here in Japan. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Oizumi Kojo, Japan's first commercial brewer of kombucha. They’ve just launched their new online store, where you can buy KOMBUCHA_SHIP, bottled kombucha that's delivered straight to your door. KOMBUCHA_SHIP comes in four flavors: Original, Yuzu, Shiso and Kuwa. Visit www.kombuchaship.shop for more information. Read/see more:  QAnon’s Rise in Japan Shows Conspiracy Theory’s Global Spread (Max Zimmerman, Bloomberg) What drives ‘J-Anon,’ QAnon's Japanese counterpart? (Nevin Thompson, Global Voices) Pro-Trump rallies in Tokyo (Jeffrey J. Hall via Twitter) Trump supporters rally in Tokyo against Biden's inauguration (Reuters via The Japan Times) QAnon's 'Great Awakening' failed to materialize. What's next could be worse (Julia Carrie Wong, The Guardian) On this episode: Max Zimmerman: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump hold a rally in Tokyo ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden in Washington. | REUTERS

Since the end of December, worries about new strains of COVID-19 have prompted Japan to reimpose border restrictions, including stopping the issuance of new visas to people hoping to move to Japan. We look at how these new border restrictions are affecting foreign residents. Also, Sam Seghers recounts her experience being left in limbo by the new restrictions, and Aska Ross walks us through his three-day quarantine in a government-run facility after returning to Japan from the U.K. Read more:  Japan bars entry for new arrivals and business travelers due to new COVID-19 strains (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan to tighten border measures with new rules for returning citizens (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Travelers from Japan face more restrictions amid new virus strain fears (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Tokyo’s pandemic border policy highlights insecure status of foreign residents (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) On this episode:  Magdalena Osumi: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: A quarantine official looks at a saliva sample from a passenger who arrived from overseas at Tokyo's Narita Airport on Dec. 27.

Bloomberg reporter Lisa Du joins Deep Dive to discuss when Japan will start to distribute a vaccine for COVID-19, and why it has fallen so far behind other countries. Also, Oscar's Grandma Elizabeth recounts her experience being vaccinated in the U.K. Read more:  Japan's bitter vaccine history creates hurdle in COVID-19 fight (Lisa Du via The Japan Times) Japanese approval of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine unlikely before May (Reuters, The Japan Times) Why Japan is largely a spectator in the coronavirus vaccine race (Osamu Tsukimori, The Japan Times) Japan OKs free COVID-19 vaccines for nation (The Japan Times) Study: Japan among countries with lowest trust levels in vaccines (The Asahi Shimbun)  Japan's COVID-19 vaccine plan prioritizes health care workers and older residents (Jiji, The Japan Times) On this episode:  Lisa Du: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Getty Images

Thank you to everyone who submitted their stories, it was lovely hearing from you all. We received stories from around the world, from as far away as India, Australia and Brazil, to name but a few places. A very Happy New Year to all of our listeners, take care in 2021. Regular episodes of Deep Dive will return in January. Until then, podtsukaresama! On this episode: Deep Dive listeners: Thank you! Shaun McKenna: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Sunrise above Yamanashi Prefecture, Jan. 1, 2020. | Oscar Boyd

In Episode 1 of Recultured, we look at how 2020 ground to a halt through the lens of "Terrace House," and hear from stars of the show about its dramatic ending amid the arrival of COVID-19. Guests on this episode: Aya Nogami, international music consultant Eric Margolis, Japan Times contributor Farrah Hasnain, Japan Times contributor Kai Kobayashi, Terrace House member Lauren Rose Kocher, co-founder Zaiko PTE Patrick St. Michel, Japan Times contributor Tom Hanaway, Japan Times social editor Violetta “Vivi” Polt, Terrace House member Sponsor: Recultured is brought to you by Food-e, Tokyo's first gourmet restaurant delivery service. Food-e delivers from some of Tokyo's finest restaurants, such as Nobu Tokyo and The Oak Door Steakhouse, to homes, offices and parties. Premium dining — now at your fingertips and available exclusively at www.food-e.jp.  TELL: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency in Japan, please call 119 for immediate assistance. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5774-0992. For those outside Japan, visit https://bit.ly/Suicide-Hotlines for a detailed list of resources and assistance. Credits: This episode was hosted by Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith. It was written by Patrick St. Michel and Oscar Boyd, with extra help from our intern Tadasu Takahashi. It was produced by Oscar Boyd. Our theme music was by LLLL, the sound of Tokyo, and this episode was recorded at the Temple University Japan Campus in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. Illustrations by Ming Ong. Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

In Episode 2 of Recultured, we look at what happened when the world was made to stay at home, and how one game from Nintendo provided us an escape into a fantasy land full of fishing, decorating and bug collecting.  Guests on this episode: Chris Broad, YouTuber and podcaster, Abroad in Japan  Claire Williamson, Japan Times food and lifestyle editor Farrah Hasnain, Japan Times contributor Imad Khan, New York Times contributing writer  Jay Kogami, writer for All Digital Music and Music Ally Japan Ronald Taylor, writer for Arama Japan and Japan Times contributor Tom Hanaway, Japan Times social editor Tomohiro Osaki, Japan Times features writer Sponsors: Recultured is brought to you by Food-e, Tokyo's first gourmet restaurant delivery service. Food-e delivers from some of Tokyo's finest restaurants, such as Nobu Tokyo and The Oak Door Steakhouse, to homes, offices and parties. Premium dining — now at your fingertips and available exclusively at www.food-e.jp.  This episode is sponsored by Kokoro Care Packages, delivering curated care packages from Japan, filled with locally made, premium-quality, artisanal Japanese foods. For Deep Dive listeners, use the code "DEEPDIVE" to get a 10% discount off your first order of a subscription purchase at kokorocares.com.  Credits: This episode was hosted by Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith. It was written by Patrick St. Michel and Oscar Boyd, with extra help from our intern Tadasu Takahashi. It was produced by Oscar Boyd. Our theme music was by LLLL, and this episode was recorded at the Temple University Japan Campus in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. Illustrations by Ming Ong. Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

In Episode 3 of Recultured, we discuss what happens when the government lifts Japan's state of emergency, and the country attempts to adjust to a "new normal." Pop group NiziU’s song “Make You Happy” provides an upbeat soundtrack for the summer, and hints at bigger changes underway. Guests on this episode: Aya Nogami, international music consultant Chris Broad, YouTuber and podcaster, Abroad in Japan  Hannah Lee, writer for Arama Japan James Hadfield, Japan Times culture writer Jay Kogami, writer for All Digital Music and Music Ally Japan Seimei Kawai, co-founder of Trekkie Trax Ronald Taylor, writer for Arama Japan and Japan Times contributor Music discussed in this episode: "Make You Happy" by NiziU — Japan's summer anthem "Racing into the Night" by Yoasobi — Japan's stay-at-home song "I'm Good" by Hilltop Hoods — Shaun's pick of the pandemic  "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion — Alyssa's pent-up energy release Sponsor: Recultured is brought to you by Food-e, Tokyo's first gourmet restaurant delivery service. Food-e delivers from some of Tokyo's finest restaurants, such as Nobu Tokyo and The Oak Door Steakhouse, to homes, offices and parties. Premium dining — now at your fingertips and available exclusively at www.food-e.jp. Credits: This episode was hosted by Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith. It was written by Patrick St. Michel and Oscar Boyd, with extra help from our intern Tadasu Takahashi. It was produced by Oscar Boyd. Our theme music was by LLLL, and this episode was recorded at the Temple University Japan Campus in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. Illustrations by Ming Ong. Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

In Episode 4 of Recultured, we look to the movie releases of Ufotable's "Demon Slayer" and Kyoto Animation's "Violet Evergarden" for hope, as we wait out the long winter for a vaccine and brighter days in 2021. Guests on this episode: Hannah Lee, writer for Arama Japan Kim Morrissy, Anime News Network Tokyo correspondent Lauren Rose Kocher, co-founder Zaiko PTE Matt Schley, Japan Times anime writer Sponsor: Recultured is brought to you by Food-e, Tokyo's first gourmet restaurant delivery service. Food-e delivers from some of Tokyo's finest restaurants, such as Nobu Tokyo and The Oak Door Steakhouse, to homes, offices and parties. Premium dining — now at your fingertips and available exclusively at www.food-e.jp.  Credits: This episode was hosted by Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith. It was written by Patrick St. Michel and Oscar Boyd, with extra help from our intern Tadasu Takahashi. It was produced by Oscar Boyd. Our theme music was by LLLL, the sound of Tokyo, and this episode was recorded at the Temple University Japan Campus in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. Illustrations by Ming Ong. Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

Send us your stories about what got you through the challenges of 2020. It could be new hobbies you started, different things you discovered online, unexpected moments that brought you happiness, or things you did for other people. Record a voice memo on your phone — the inbuilt app is totally fine — and tell us your story along with your name and where you're recording from.  Once you're done, just email your recording to [email protected] with the subject line “So long, 2020.”  We’d love to get those by Wednesday, December 23 to play around the New Year.

Our guest is Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Japan studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and the author of books including “Japan Rearmed: The Politics of Military Power” and “Japan's New Politics and the U.S.-Japan Alliance.” Sheila joined us from Washington earlier this week to give her take on what a Biden presidency might mean for Japan going forward, where the U.S. and Japan might find new areas for cooperation, and the growing pressure on the alliance from an increasingly demanding China. Read more: After sending congratulatory note, Suga ponders his approach to Biden (Satoshi Sugiyama and Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times) Suga says he got Biden's backing on Senkakus in first phone talks (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Blunt claim on Senkakus overshadows progress in China-Japan meeting (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Japan’s ‘misunderstanding’ about a Biden administration (Shin Kawashima, The Japan Times) Japan looks to past ties with Trump and Biden for glimpses of the future (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) After unpredictable Trump, Biden may keep Japan in trade quagmire (Kyodo via The Japan Times) On this episode:  Sheila A. Smith: Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden delivers a speech in front of people affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, at Sendai Airport on Aug. 23, 2011. | KYODO

Our guest today is Alex Kerr, best known for his books “Lost Japan” and “Dogs and Demons.” Through his work in Shikoku’s Iya Valley and Kyoto’s teahouse districts, Alex has become one of the country’s pioneers of new models of heritage-based and sustainable tourism.  On this episode we’ll be discussing what a sustainable future for Japan’s tourism could look like, and whether Covid-19 offers a space to reflect and reimagine the industry, or whether the country will regress to old habits and unsustainable practices as soon as it’s over.  Read more:  Foreign visitors drop 99% from year earlier for sixth straight month (The Japan Times) Getting the wheels back on Japan's travel industry (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) Tourism's effect on historic cities and sites in focus as global conference kicks off in Kyoto (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Japan is struggling to deal with the foreign tourism boom (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times) Photo Essay: Tokyo without tourists (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Pandemic derails Abe's strategy to revive regional Japan with tourism (Reuters) On this episode:  Alex Kerr: Chiiori Trust | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Finding the Heart Sutra Alex Kerr's new book "Finding the Heart Sutra" will be published Nov. 26, 2020, by Penguin. This book brings together Buddhist teaching, talks with friends and mentors, and acute cultural insights to probe the universe of thought contained within the "Heart Sutra." Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Pre-pandemic, tourists walk along Matsubara-dori street approaching Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. | BLOOMBERG

Gearoid Reidy, a senior editor at Bloomberg, joins us to discuss whether we might see a new state of emergency and the hope provided by the recent news about vaccines. Read more: Tokyo reports record-breaking daily cases as capital prepares for highest alert level (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) COVID-19 updates (The Japan Times) Hokkaido raises alert level for Sapporo as virus surge continues (The Japan Times) 84% concerned about record coronavirus cases in Japan, poll finds (The Japan Times)  How the Moderna and Pfizer coronavirus vaccines stack up (The Japan Times) Japan approves bill to offer all residents free COVID-19 vaccines (The Japan Times) Japan was expecting a coronavirus explosion. Where is it? (Gearoid Reidy) On this episode: Gearoid Reidy: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Mask-wearing pedestrians are reflected in a board in Tokyo. | AFP-JIJI

The Ainu are Japan's indigenous population and Japan Times contributor Mara Budgen has been meeting with them to better understand their remaining culture, the difficulties they face, and to learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve their language. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kokoro Care Packages, delivering curated care packages from Japan, filled with locally made, premium-quality, artisanal Japanese foods. It's the perfect thing to give for Christmas, to treat yourself if you're missing Japan, or to discover something new if you’re living here. For Deep Dive listeners, use the code "DEEPDIVE" to get a 10% discount off your first order of a subscription purchase at kokorocares.com. Read more:  The Ainu language and the global movement for indigenous rights (Mara Budgen and Francesco Bassetti, The Japan Times) Japan's Ainu recognition bill: What does it mean for Hokkaido's indigenous people? (Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times) Japan enacts law recognizing Ainu as indigenous, but activists say it falls short of U.N. declaration (The Japan Times) Kaneto Kawamura Ainu Museum (Lonely Planet)  New Ainu culture complex generating little buzz outside Hokkaido (The Japan Times) On this episode: Mara Budgen:  Twitter | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Hisae Kawamura sings an Ainu folktale at the Kaneto Kawamura Ainu Museum in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. | Oscar Boyd

In his research, Dan discovers the long history of cannabis in Japan, talks to groups campaigning for the legalization of medical marijuana and the people selling CBD as a relaxation agent during these ever so slightly stressful times. Read/hear more: Is Japan ready to embrace CBD? (Dan Buyanovsky, The Japan Times) Cannabis — The fabric of Japan (Jon Mitchell, The Japan Times) Japan’s First Lady Touts Revival of Hemp Culture (The Wall Street Journal) Green Zone Japan Japanese Magenese — "Real Stoner" (YouTube) Mega-G and Dogma — "High Brand" (YouTube) Man in battle against cancer leads Japanese fight for medical use of marijuana (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times) Japan sees record 4,300 cannabis offenders in 2019 (The Japan Times) Five U.S. states pass legal marijuana measures (Bloomberg via The Japan Times) On this episode: Dan Buyanovsky: Website | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: CBD is added to coffee at Tokyo's CBD Coffee | Dan Buyanovsky

As Halloween approaches, author, Bram Stoker Award nominee and host of the podcast "Uncanny Japan," Thersa Matsuura joins us to share her fascination with the Japanese supernatural, and reads us her version of one of Japan's most famous ghost stories, "Okiku and the Nine Plates." Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization that helps Americans overseas register to vote. If you're a U.S. voter living abroad and haven't received your absentee ballot, or are afraid the one you've sent won't arrive in time, you're still in luck. An emergency backup ballot is your second chance! Head to VoteFromAbroad.org/fwab to learn how you can fill out and send in your backup ballot per your state's guidelines. Read/hear more: Yuurei: Japanese Ghosts from Protective to Wrathful (Uncanny Japan) 10 days of J-horror: Films to get your fill of screams and scares (Mark Schilling, The Japan Times) 'Japanese Ghost Stories': The ghostly ascent of Lafcadio Hearn's tales of the supernatural (Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times) Unsolved mysteries: Japanese fans of the occult are engaged in a never-ending search for the truth (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) The story of Yotsuya Kaidan — The Ghost of Oiwa (Uncanny Japan) On this episode: Thersa Matsuura: Twitter | Podcast & Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Utagawa Kuniyoshi's "Haunted Old Palace at Soma" (ca. 1845-46), in which a sorceress draws forth a giant skeleton to attack a warrior. | Private Collection

Japan has an uncomfortable relationship with tattoos, which are associated with the yakuza and the criminal underworld of Japan. We’re joined by Japan Times contributor and former columnist Alice Gordenker, who hopes to challenge that stereotype, through a new documentary she’s produced called “Horimono: Japan’s Tattoo Pilgrimage,” which follows the annual pilgrimage of the Choyukai, a group united by their full-body tattoos. We discuss Alice’s film, misconceptions about tattoos in Japan, and how tattoos turned from celebrated body art of the Edo Period to something thought of as a criminal accessory. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization that helps Americans overseas register to vote. If you're a U.S. voter living abroad and haven't received your absentee ballot, or are afraid the one you've sent won't arrive in time, you're still in luck. An emergency backup ballot is your second chance! Head to VoteFromAbroad.org/fwab to learn how you can fill out and send in your backup ballot per your state's guidelines. Watch the film: “Horimono: Japan’s Tattoo Pilgrimage,” can be watched on Vice News' YouTube Channel. Read more:  Japan's top court rules tattoo artists don't need medical license (The Japan Times) Find tattoo friendly establishments in Japan (Tattoo Friendly) Tokyo man fired by sushi restaurant over tattoo rumor seeks damages (The Japan Times) Loved abroad, hated at home: The art of Japanese tattooing (Jon Mitchell, The Japan Times) Jomon revival: Interest in Japan’s indigenous hunter-gatherers grows (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) On this episode: Alice Gordenker: Twitter | Articles | Website Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: “Praying for Hits in the Waterfall of Answered Prayers” (1863) Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III). Courtesy of Isehara

News editor Joel Tansey discusses the impact of Naomi Osaka’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement both in the U.S. and Japan, and what a new wave of activism in sports might mean for next summer's Tokyo Olympics. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization that helps Americans overseas register to vote. VoteFromAbroad.org makes the ballot request process simple and easy, so if you need to vote from overseas, visit VoteFromAbroad.org. Many states have their deadlines on Saturday Oct. 17, so request your ballot now. Read/see/hear more:  Outstanding Osaka: Japanese star captures second U.S. Open title (Joel Tansey, The Japan Times) Naomi Osaka is the role model that Japan needs right now (Baye McNeil, The Japan Times) Black Lives Matter prompts important conversations in Japanese sports (Kaz Nagatsuka, The Japan Times) Naomi Osaka's Japanese sponsors hesitant to comment on activism (AP via The Japan Times) Naomi Osaka gives voice to victims of racial injustice at U.S. Open (Kyodo) Episode 6: What a week for Naomi Osaka (Deep Dive) U.S. Open 2020 Winner's Speech (U.S. Open via YouTube) Naomi Osaka on leading tennis to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake (ESPN via YouTube) Sebastian Coe says athletes should be allowed to protest at Tokyo Olympics (AP via The Japan Times) I used the podium to protest. The Olympic Committee punished me. (NYT via The Japan Times) On this episode: Joel Tansey: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Naomi Osaka adjusts her mask after defeating Jennifer Brady in their U.S. Open semifinal in New York. | AP

Ginny Tapley Takemori is probably best known for her 2018 translation of "Convenience Store Woman," the bestselling novel by Sayaka Murata, which won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize when it was first published in Japanese in 2016. Like the original, the English translation was a bestseller, and the author and translator have collaborated again to translate Murata’s 11th novel, "Earthlings," which was published at the beginning of October. We hear from Ginny about the art of translation and why she thinks we should all be reading more books from other cultures. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Elite Havens. This ski season, enjoy a 15% discount on Elite Havens' Niseko accommodations for bookings confirmed from now until Nov. 30, 2020, for stays between Dec. 24 and March 31, 2021. Enjoy an additional 5% off your next booking when you book now. Just mention the promo code JAPANTIMES to your reservation specialist. Terms and conditions apply. Read more: Reviews of new and classic books in The Japan Times Books section In "Convenience Store Woman," Sayaka Murata questions normality in modern Japan (Nicolas Gating, The Japan Times) Sayaka Murata's 'Earthlings': Alienated misfits fight against the ties that bind (Kris Kosaka, The Japan Times) Strong woman, soft power (David Jacobson, GLLI) Order a copy of 'Earthlings' (Granta) On this episode: Ginny Tapley Takemori: Author profile Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Photo: Sayaka Murata's "Convenience Store Women"

Japan Times food editor Claire Williamson joins Deep Dive to discuss her new found passion for Aspergillus oryzae, the mold better known in Japan as kōji. Jeremy Umansky and Rich Shih, authors of "Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-based Fermentation," also give us the lowdown on what makes the mold so exciting for them. Hosted by Oscar Boyd Read more:  ‘Koji Alchemy’: Fermentation enthusiasts are making mold magic (Claire Williamson, The Japan Times) Recipe: Kōji — Japan's vital hidden ingredient (Makiko Itoh, The Japan Times) The fermentation power of kōji, Japanese food's secret ingredient (Momoko Nakamura, The Japan Times) Claire's favorite brand of shio kōji (Uminosei) Order some kōji spores (Higuchi Moyashi) On this episode: Claire Williamson: Articles | Instagram Special Guests: Jeremy Umansky, Rich Shih and Thomas Frebel Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Koji Alchemy: Get your hands on a copy of Jeremy Umansky and Rich Shih's book "Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-based Fermentation" now. Order online via Wordery or Amazon. Announcements: This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. Photo: A bowl of kōji-infused rice, Getty Images

This episode is based around an extract from the audiobook of "Pure Invention." We join in the middle of chapter 5, which is all about the invention of the Walkman. We hear from Matt as he describes a conversation between the two co-founders of Sony, Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka — a conversation that would lead to the creation of the iconic portable music player that completely redefined how we listen to music today. Read more: Episode 57 — Has Japan's pop culture conquered the world? 'Pure Invention': How Japan's pop culture became the 'lingua franca' of the internet On this episode: Matt Alt: Website | Twitter Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. Credit: Audiobook excerpt courtesy Penguin Random House Audio from "Pure Invention: How Japan’s pop culture conquered the world" by Matt Alt, read by the author. Photo: Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka, Sony Press Centre. 

Staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the idea, opportunities and difficulties of a green recovery in Japan. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization that helps Americans overseas register to vote. VoteFromAbroad.org makes the ballot request process simple and easy, so if you need to vote from overseas, visit VoteFromAbroad.org. Ballots for the U.S. election will be sent out Sept. 19, so request yours now! Read more: 'Green recovery' offers Japan a chance to slash carbon emissions (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Separating environmental issues from business matters in Japan (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times) Japan urged to boost green power to achieve Paris climate goals (Bloomberg via The Japan Times) Japan's climate change efforts hindered by Keidanren bias, study says (Reuters via The Japan Times) Think 2020's disasters are wild? 'It’s going to get a lot worse' (AP via The Japan Times) On this episode: Ryusei Takahashi: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. Photo: A satellite image shows Typhoon Haishen barreling toward Kyushu in September 2020. NASA VIA AP

We’re joined by Tobias Harris, author of “The Iconoclast,” a biography of Shinzo Abe. Harris gives his take on Abe’s legacy, examining everything from his foreign policy to the missed opportunities. Also on the show is Wakako Fukuda, one of the cofounders of the activist group SEALDs, who led some of Japan's biggest protests since the 1960s against Abe’s proposed changes to security laws in 2015. She’ll be talking about why so many people joined SEALDs and what she hopes a future PM will do to support women. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization that helps Americans overseas register to vote. VoteFromAbroad.org makes the ballot request process simple and easy, so if you need to vote from overseas, find out more at VoteFromAbroad.org. Ballots for the U.S. election will be sent out Sept. 19, so request yours now! Read more:  Episode 63: The end of Shinzo Abe: What happened and who's next? (Deep Dive) What will be Abe's legacy as the longest-serving prime minister? (Editorial, The Japan Times) For Abe, latest milestone is a moment of trepidation (Tobias Harris, The Japan Times) What Abe leaves behind for Japan and the world (Brad Glosserman, The Japan Times)  Abenomics here to stay despite Japan PM's looming departure (Kazuaki Nagata, The Japan Times) Suga, favored to succeed Abe, says won't lead 'interim' government (Kyodo) On this episode: Tobias Harris: Twitter | Articles | Book Wakako Fukuda: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram The Iconoclast: Tobias Harris' biography of Shinzo Abe, "The Iconoclast" is out now. Deep Dive listeners can get a 25 percent discount by using the promo code ICONOCLAST25 if you order the book through the Hurst website. Announcements: This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. Photo by Reuters

We're joined by Tobias Harris, author of "The Iconoclast," a  biography of Shinzo Abe that was published the day before Abe resigned. Harris talks about Abe's last few months in office, and who might be the next prime minister of Japan. Also, Japan Times politics reporter Satoshi Sugiyama describes his day reporting on Abe's historic resignation announcement. Read more:  Suga, Abe’s right-hand man, declares candidacy for LDP leadership vote (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Abe right-hand man Yoshihide Suga emerges as a top pick to replace him (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Former Japan defense chief Shigeru Ishiba to run in LDP leadership race, report says (Reuters, The Japan Times) How possible successors stack up if Abe resigns (Reuters, The Japan Times) Ruling LDP to skip rank-and-file votes in party election for Abe's  successor (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Abe to resign over health, ending era of political stability (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Abe's resignation catches even Japan's political insiders off guard (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) On this episode: Tobias Harris: Twitter | Articles | Book Satoshi Sugiyama: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram The Iconoclast Tobias Harris' biography of Shinzo Abe, "The Iconoclast" is out now. Deep Dive listeners can get a 25 percent discount by using the promo code ICONOCLAST25 if you order the book through the Hurst website. Announcements This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. Photo via Reuters

In next week’s episode we’ll be looking at the latest news in much more depth, but for now we’re bringing you an episode from the archives, episode 32, somewhat ironically titled "What’s the secret to Shinzo Abe’s longevity?" This episode was originally recorded in December 2019, in a world that had not yet gone through the trials of the coronavirus, and when Japan was looking ahead to hosting the Olympics this summer. Much has changed since we recorded the episode, but it still paints a really good picture of who Abe is, and how he rose to become Japan’s prime minister, not once, but twice.  Read more: Abe to resign as prime minister due to health condition (Satoshi Sugiyama, Eric Johnston The Japan Times) The Japan Times' latest reporting on Shinzo Abe On this episode: Sakura Murakami: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback.  Photo by Getty Images

On this episode we’re taking a look at how Japan’s international students and academics have been affected by the entry bans. Though the government is expected to change its policy imminently, to date the border closures have had an overwhelmingly negative impact on Japan’s universities, even as the country tries to position itself on the international stage as a more attractive place to study.  We hear from regular Japan Times contributor and consultant Rochelle Kopp about how the border closures have impacted international students in Japan, and also from masters student Angus Watson about his experiences coming back to Japan after being stuck outside for six months. Read more:  Japan may allow in all stranded foreign residents from September (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan's re-entry ban threatens scholarships, admission and graduation for foreign students (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Travel bans throttle Japanese universities’ global ambitions (Rochelle Kopp, The Japan Times) I'm happy to be in Japan, but it shouldn't have taken this long to get back (Angus Watson, The Japan Times)    Episode 60: Japan's foreign residents are trapped — Part 2 (Deep Dive) Episode 51: Japan's foreign residents are trapped - Part 1 (Deep Dive) On this episode: Rochelle Kopp: Twitter | Articles | Consultancy Angus Watson: Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Support the show! Rate us, review us and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback. 

This episode, our guests are Robbie Swinnerton and Melinda Joe. Robbie has been writing Tokyo Food File, his restaurant review column for The Japan Times, since 1998 and Melinda has been writing her column Kanpai Culture, all about Japan’s drinking culture, since 2011. With well over 30 years experience of eating, drinking and writing about the capital's food scene between them, we hear from Robbie and Melinda about what makes Tokyo the gastronomic phenomenon it is, how coronavirus has impacted upon the restaurant business and where Japan's hospitality industry goes from here. Read/hear more: Tokyo Food File (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times) Kanpai Culture (Melinda Joe, The Japan Times) How COVID-19 has reshaped Japan's drinking culture (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) Tokyo’s restaurants stare down COVID-19: ‘We have to stay open’ (Dan Buyanovsky, The Japan Times) Tokyo's restaurants again boast world's most Michelin stars in 2020 guide (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japanese Kitchen (Makiko Itoh, The Japan Times) Welcome aboard SG Airways, Shingo Gokan’s cocktail-pairing pop-up (Melinda Joe, The Japan Times) Episode 11: Thomas Frebel — a top chef in a city of stars (Deep Dive) Still eating, still writing: Robbie Swinnerton reflects on 20 years of Tokyo Food File (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) On this episode: Melinda Joe:  Twitter | Articles | Instagram Robbie Swinnerton:  Twitter | Articles | Instagram Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram Announcements: Want to learn Japanese cooking? Follow Makiko Itoh's monthly Japanese Kitchen column for easy to make, seasonal recipes. Free for all readers of The Japan Times Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Dan Buyanovsky

In May, we talked to The Japan Times' Magdalena Osumi about Japan’s entry-ban list, which is stopping foreign residents from leaving or returning to Japan. Today, we hear an update from Magda, as some residents start to be allowed to return but many are left trapped. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more: Japan to allow back foreign residents who left before entry ban (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Re-entry ban horror stories pile up in Japan's Indian community (Megha Wadhwa, The Japan Times) Japan's foreign residents are trapped — Part 1 (Deep Dive) Japan's re-entry ban list (The Japan Times) ACCJ calls for equal treatment of non-Japanese residents hit by travel ban (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan to impose stricter re-entry procedures for travelers from four countries (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Stranded foreign nationals in limbo as speculation over easing Japan re-entry requirements mounts (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Magda Osumi: Twitter | Articles Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles Deep Dive: Twitter | [email protected] Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Bloomberg

The people alive today who survived the bombing of Hiroshima, and the subsequent destruction of Nagasaki, are known in Japanese as hibakusha. But 75 years on from the bombing, the number of survivors able to tell their stories is dwindling as they grow old and die. Japan Times contributor and Hiroshima resident Peter Chordas joins to discuss the effects of the bomb on the city, and how those survivors' legacies are being preserved. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more:  Is time running out to preserve Japan’s A-bomb legacy? (Peter Chordas, The Japan Times) Sharing Hiroshima's legacy in the age of COVID-19 (Peter Chordas, The Japan Times) Shinzo Hamai's Peace Declaration for the City of Hiroshima (City of Hiroshima) Hiroshima marks 75th atomic bomb anniversary, calls for unity amid pandemic (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Nearly 80% of A-bomb survivors struggle to pass on experiences (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Peter Chordas

This episode was made possible by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at bit.ly/hikingfuji.

The Japan Times' Alex Martin discusses the history of mask wearing and how it's changed from the Edo Period to the Spanish Flu to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more:  The history behind Japan’s love of face masks (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) Masks helped keep Japan's COVID-19 death toll low, says expert panel (Bloomberg, The Japan Times) Face masks in a pandemic: From 'useless' to 'indispensable' (AFP-Jiji, The Japan Times) Japanese shoppers queue and crash website for Uniqlo's washable masks (The Japan Times) Thick, small, bulky: 'Abenomasks' arrive in Tokyo mailboxes (The Japan Times) 'It may save your life': Facing coronavirus surge, more U.S. states mandate masks (The Japan Times) Seven in 10 back mandatory use of masks in shops in England, poll finds (The Guardian) Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo Getty Images

That's the theory put forward by our guest on Deep Dive this week, Matt Alt, the author of the recently published book, "Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World." Taking its title from a quote by Oscar Wilde, "Pure Invention" is a cultural history of postwar Japan, told through the lens of the country's superstar inventions and how they spread across the globe. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.  Read/hear more:  More from Matt Alt Pac-Man: How a faceless character based on eating changed video game history (Russell Thomas, The Japan Times) Founder of Hello Kitty creator Sanrio steps down after 60-year stint (The Japan Times) On Walkman's 40th anniversary, Sony opens retro exhibition in Ginza (Hinano Kobayashi, The Japan Times) Episode 50: How the 'murder hornet' got its name (Deep Dive) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Ryusei Takahashi gives us a run down on Yuriko Koike’s victory, as well as the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in the capital. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read/hear more:  Episode 54: Yuriko Koike and the race for Tokyo governor (Deep Dive) Koike cruises to win in Tokyo governor race, vowing to continue fight against virus  (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Koike's Tokyo win may be springboard back into national politics (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Opposition laments failure to unite after Koike wins big in Tokyo election (Kyodo) Koike urged to take lead in raising women's representation in politics (Toma Mochizuki, Kyodo)  Japan to ease coronavirus rules and allow events up to 5,000 people (Kyodo) Emergency warnings issued for Gifu and Nagano as torrential rain lashes central Japan (Kyodo) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected].

Alexander Dmitrenko, head of Asia sanctions at law firm Freshfields and co-representative director of the Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network (LLAN), joins to discuss the case for same-sex marriage being made by his organization and the many others fighting for equality on the issue. Read/see more:  LLAN's viewpoint on marriage equality Fighting for the right to recognize same-sex marriage in Japan (Andrew McKirdy, The Japan Times) In a first, LGBT couples sue Japan over constitutionality of not recognizing same-sex marriage (Magda Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan's top bar association urges Diet to legalize same-sex marriage (The Japan Times) 900 LGBT couples have been certified in Japan since 2015, survey finds (The Japan Times) LGBT people in Japan worry that getting COVID-19 may result in outing (The Japan Times) Only 10% of firms in Japan have addressed LGBT issues, survey finds (The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Getty Images

This week, staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi and domestic news head Kanako Takahara discuss the field of candidates,  incumbent Yuriko Koike's chances for reelection and the effects of COVID-19 on the campaign. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Read more:  As race to govern Tokyo kicks off, Olympics and coronavirus top agenda (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Koike’s first term as Tokyo governor: Eventful, but little to show for it (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Tokyo gubernatorial candidates face off in first joint news conference (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Great expectations: Has Koike delivered on parenting, gender and climate? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) More on the 2020 Tokyo election (The Japan Times) Photo by Ryusei Takahashi

We hear from staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi about last weekend’s demonstrations in Tokyo, Black Lives Matter Kansai organizer Ayana Wyse about the Osaka marches and from Japan Times contributor Austin Freeman, who recounts his experiences of police harassment here in Tokyo. Read more:  Black Lives Matter Tokyo (Facebook) Black Lives Matter Osaka (Linktree) Protesters hit Tokyo and Osaka streets with rallies against racism and police brutality (Ryusei Takahashi & Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Why we're marching for black lives in Japan (Ayana Wyse, The Japan Times) Once upon a time ... in Azabu Juban (Austin Freeman, The Japan Times) 'No justice, no peace': The sentiment that resonates in America, Japan and all over the world (Baye McNeil, The Japan Times) Naomi Osaka in no mood to back down on support for Black Lives Matter (Reuters, The Japan Times) Kurdish case becomes rallying cry for Japan protest against police (Mari Saito, Reuters) Video footage of the Kurdish man's encounter with the police (Twitter) Kurly in Kansai on Twitter Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Ryusei Takahashi

The Japan Times' Alyssa Smith and Tom Hanaway have been writing recaps of Terrace House and join Deep Dive to discuss Kimura's death, and what it might mean for the show going forward. Later, TELL Ambassador BJ Fox joins to talk about the mental health services offered by TELL Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more:  TELL Japan Pro wrestler and ‘Terrace House’ star Hana Kimura dies at 22 (The Japan Times) 'Terrace House' season canceled following death of Hana Kimura (Tom Hanaway, The Japan Times) Alyssa and Tom's 'Terrace House' recaps (The Japan Times) Deep Dive Episode 14: What's the deal with Terrace House? (The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 119 in Japan for immediate help. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5772-0992. You can also visit them at telljp.com. For those in other countries, visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a detailed list of resources and assistance. Photo by Getty Images via Kyodo

Japan is the only G7 member denying entry to long-term and permanent residents and has set no clear criteria for their return. Japan Times staff writer Magdalena Osumi joins to discuss. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more:  Foreign residents stranded abroad by Japan's coronavirus controls (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan's re-entry ban list (The Japan Times) Japan to expand entry ban to visitors from India and 10 other nations (Kyodo) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected].

In the U.S., the Asian giant hornet recently made its way into the headlines after it was recorded as an invasive species in the Pacific northwest region. Just this month, the New York Times dubbed them “murder” hornets. Matt Alt joins to discuss how a simple translation error might have given the hornet its new macabre nickname. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Matt Alt is a Tokyo-based writer, translator and NHK presenter and author of the soon to be published book "Pure Invention: How Japan’s Pop Culture Conquered the World." Read/see more:  Do "murder hornets" really exist? (Matt Alt, The New Yorker) "Murder Hornets" in the U.S.: The rush to stop the Asian giant hornet (Mike Baker, The New York Times) In Japan, the "murder hornet" is both a lethal threat and a tasty treat (Ben Dooley, The New York Times) Stung by a giant hornet (Brave Wilderness, YouTube) Bug experts dismiss worry about U.S. "murder hornets" as hype (AP, The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Picture via Wikimedia Commons

The Japan Times' Ryusei Takahashi tells us how recovering COVID-19 patients' lives have changed after those patients have been discharged. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more:  Loss, stigma, guilt: Life after recovering from COVID-19 in Japan (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Japan to lift coronavirus state of emergency in 39 prefectures (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Japanese government, criticized for low testing rates, eases guidelines for seeking virus tests (The Japan Times) Are Tokyo's hospitals and health care system ready for a COVID-19 storm? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) A dispatch from the heart of Japan’s coronavirus epidemic (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Japan and its policymakers search for light at end of COVID-19 tunnel (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Virus exacerbates challenges for people in Japan with disabilities (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan approves coronavirus testing kits that provide faster results (The Japan Times) Japan to OK coronavirus PCR tests using saliva as early as this month (The Japan Times) More news coverage of COVID-19 in Japan Photo by Kyodo

Newspick's Yuzuha Oka and The Japan Times' Chris Russell, Joel Tansey and Oscar Boyd discuss all things convenience store. Special theme music by composer Ben Wong, follow him on Soundcloud. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. With everyone spending more time indoors than ever before, we've just made all of The Japan Times' delicious, seasonal recipes free to read to. Find them all at jtimes.jp/kitchen. Read more:   The lessons you can learn from a convenience store side job (Megha Wadhwa, The Japan Times) Foreign-born clerks are becoming a familiar sight at convenience stores nationwide, but is Japan ready to welcome them? (Andrew McKirdy, The Japan Times) Vegan Store: Japan's first vegan convenience store (Jane Kitagawa, The Japan Times) 2010s: The decade Japanese food took over the world (Patrick St. Michel The Japan Times) Konbini Watch (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Japan's convenience store owners face tough choices in pandemic (The Japan Times) Lawson shows off experimental automated convenience store (The Japan Times)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a monthlong state of emergency on April 7, giving his government and prefectural governments more powers to tackle the spread of COVID-19. Japan Times politics reporter Satoshi Sugiyama joins to discuss. Also, Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki on what she learned about isolation from her time aboard the International Space Station. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more:  Abe administration faces flak over hesitance to compensate virus-hit businesses Japan virus deaths could top 420,000 without social distancing, panel says Untraceable cases in Japan raise fear outbreak spiraling out of control Japan coronavirus-related deaths hit single-day record as total infections top 8,000 Hokkaido declares new state of emergency amid 'second wave' of coronavirus infections Japan's retailers facing crisis amid coronavirus scare Abe criticized as tone deaf after lounge-at-home Twitter video Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19. Deep Dive on Twitter. Photo by Oscar Boyd

In this episode Joe recounts his experience of being tested in Tokyo's SDF military hospital in Setagaya, including the notorious PCR test that goes up your nose. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub.  Read more: Running out of beds and gear, Tokyo medical staff say Japan's 'state of emergency' already here (Reuters) Japan state of emergency to cover Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures (Satoshi Sugiyama & Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) What changes under Japan's state of emergency declaration? (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times)  Tokyo governor asks residents to self-isolate until May 6 as virus spreads (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Mild virus patients moved to hotel as Tokyo prepares for emergency (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)

Japan Times entertainment writer Patrick St. Michel discusses Shimura's life and death, and whether it will change the discussion around coronavirus in Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: • Ken Shimura’s entertainment legacy spans generations (Patrick St. Michel) • Popular comedian Ken Shimura first Japanese celebrity to die from COVID-19 (Kyodo, The Japan Times) • Comedian Ken Shimura tests positive for COVID-19 (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Photo by Kyodo

Staff writer Ryusei Takahashi on what we know about the postponement of the Olympics so far. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub.  More:  Japan makes history by putting Tokyo 2020 on hold in favor of 'recovery Olympics' next summer (Ryusei Takahashi and Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) Tokyo begins Olympic task of reorganizing 2020 Games (The Japan Times) In Japan, disappointment but understanding over postponed Olympics (The Japan Times) Photo: BeerTengoku via r/Japan

To see how difficult it is to live a life without it, JT staff writer Andrew McKirdy spent a week trying to avoid single-use plastic. Also on this episode, Mona Neuhauss of No Plastic Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub.  This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles: • Redefining Japan's energy needs (Alex Martin) • Tackling climate issues is key to the next decade (Masami Ito) • Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd) • Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy) Read/see more:  • Stores in Japan Environment Ministry building to stop handing out plastic bags (Tomohiro Osaka, The Japan Times) • Minimum ¥1 fee for plastic bags to kick in weeks before Tokyo Olympics (The Japan Times/JiJi) • 77% in Japan support fees for plastic shopping bags (The Japan Times/Jiji)

The Japan Times' Ryusei Takahashi, Jason Coskrey and Dan Orlowitz discuss. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub.  Read more: • Tokyo Olympics will most likely go ahead as planned, but coronavirus could still damage attendance (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • In Tokyo, a growing sense of angst over possible virus-hit Olympics (Reuters/The Japan Times) • Delay of 1-2 years realistic if virus rules out 2020 Games, says Tokyo Olympic exec (Reuters, Bloomberg/The Japan Times) • J. League fans make best of virus-induced sabbatical (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) • Organizers manage to hold sport climbing test event without athletes (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) • Spring Basho to be held behind closed doors for first time ever due to coronavirus (The Japan Times) Photo by AP

Brad Glosserman talks about where the country could and should be doing better. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. The ad at the top of the episode was paid for and sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization to help Americans overseas register to vote. They are having their primary right now and you can cast a remote ballot until March 10, 2020 at democratsabroad.org/primary Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more:  COVID-19 crisis could get much worse (Brad Glosserman, The Japan Times) Abe to hasten legal preparations for declaring state of emergency over COVID-19 (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) 'What should I do?': Japanese mothers struggle to cope after virus shut schools (Mari Yamaguchi, AP) With the coronavirus canceling classes, what are English teachers to do? (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Abe uses news conference to battle criticism — and coronavirus (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) 'Just Cancel it!' trending hard as coronavirus gets Olympic push from '88 anime 'Akira' (Bloomberg) How far can Japan go to curb the coronavirus outbreak? Not as far as you may think (Tomohiro Osaki, The Japan Times) Photo by AP/Jae C. Hong

Today we speak with  Hilmneh Tegegn Tesfaw, who for the last 11 years has battled Japan’s immigration system as he’s tried to claim asylum and earn refugee status. We hear about his love for the country, his troubles with immigration officials, where he thinks Japan's asylum system is heading and his longing to be reunited with his family. Interview by Jesse Chase-Lubitz, hosted by Oscar Boyd. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read/see more:  Japanese society warms to asylum-seekers despite the government's cold shoulder (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) Asylum-seekers in Japan are stuck in bureaucratic limbo (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times) Japan's refugee-screening system sets high bar (Chisato Tanaka, The Japan Times) Swe Myanmar: Sharing the flavors of home in Tokyo's 'Little Yangon' (The Japan Times)  Refugee Assistance Headquarters Japan (RHQ) Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) Photo by Jesse Chase-Lubitz

As the J. League season kicks off, Japan Times soccer (*cough* football) correspondent Dan Orlowitz tells us what makes the Japanese game so exciting to watch and what we can expect from the upcoming season. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more: • Dan Orlowitz' season preview: Squads, not stars, could define J. League's 2020 season • The Japan Times' reporting on the J. League • Articles by Dan Orlowitz • Andres Iniesta says he hopes to finish playing career in Japan • Yokohama FC's Kazuyoshi Miura receives contract extension Photo by Dan Orlowitz

Japan Times staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi has talked to passengers about their experiences on the ship. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Correction: At 13:15 we discuss a story by the New York Post about two passengers who had wine delivered by done. It turned out to be a hoax. Read/hear more: • Coronavirus Outbreak Updates live blog (The Japan Times) • 44 more on Diamond Princess cruise ship test positive for COVID-19 (The Japan Times) • Cabin fever on the Diamond Princess: Inside the virus-hit cruise ship off Japan (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • Japan faces COVID-19 test kit shortage as infections on ship rise (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) • Questions raised over protective gear as Japan quarantine officer gets COVID-19 (The Japan Times) • Episode 37: Japan and the new coronavirus — what we know so far (Deep Dive) Photo by AFP-JIJI

We pulled Japan Times reporter Satoshi Sugiyama out of the Prime Minister's office where he's covering the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus to give us an update on the situation in Japan so far. Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times. Read more: • Japan to step up coronavirus action as Abe takes flak for response (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) • Virus poses stark challenges to Abe's tourism goals as Tokyo Olympics loom (Reiji Yoshida, The Japan Times) • Novel coronavirus advice for the the public (World Health Organization) • Japan succeeds in isolating Wuhan coronavirus in step toward vaccine and test kit (The Japan Times) • Three Japanese returnees from Wuhan test positive for new coronavirus (The Japan Times) • Chinese tourists finding they are no longer welcome as fear over coronavirus takes hold (The Japan Times) Photo by AP

Staff writer Alex Martin explains how this shift is playing out in the small town of Otama. Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times. We are looking to hear your audio from all around Japan to include in future episodes of Deep Dive, be it local festivals, waves lapping against rugged beaches or interesting happenings around your neighborhood. Send 1 to 2 minutes of audio to [email protected] with a short description of who you are, and where, when and why you recorded the clip. This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles: • Redefining Japan's energy needs (Alex Martin) • Tackling climate issues is key to the next decade (Masami Ito) • Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd) • Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy) Read/see/hear more: •  Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • Living in Japan during a time of climate crisis (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) • Ambitious Zero Emission Tokyo plan wins praise, but begs for action (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • 'Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy' spells out capital's plan to take on global climate crisis (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) • Episode 35: Japan's first climate emergency • Episode 31: The youth climate movement in Japan is doing better than you think (Deep Dive) • Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? (Deep Dive)

This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles: Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd) Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy) Read/see/hear more: Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Living in Japan during a time of climate crisis (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) 'Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy' spells out capital's plan to take on global climate crisis (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Episode 31: The youth climate movement in Japan is doing better than you think (Deep Dive) Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? (Deep Dive) Thank you to Trevor West for acting as our guide around Iki.

JT staff writer Satoshi Sugiyama discusses how Ghosn managed that escape as well as his first public press conference since he was first arrested in November 2018. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Since recording this podcast, Lebanon has announced that Carlos Ghosn has been banned from leaving the country. Read/see/hear more: • Our previous podcast on Carlos Ghosn: The extraordinary fall of Carlos Ghosn • The Japan Times' reporting on Carlos Ghosn • Satoshi Sugiyama's reporting for The Japan Times • Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn holds a news conference after escape to Lebanon (CNBC, YouTube) Photo by AP

Japan Times contributor Julia Bergin (@juliabergin1) and editor Shaun McKenna (@jt_sloosh) join Oscar Boyd (@omhboyd) for a holiday special full of KFC, mulled wine and Christmas cheer. Read/see/hear more: • Japan's first Christmas (Joji Sakurai, The Japan Times) • Julia Bergin on Deep Dive episode 30: #StandwiththePooh — The Hong Kong protesters in Japan • Shaun McKenna on Deep Dive episode 20: Fear and loathing on Mount Fuji • The little-known legend of Jesus in Japan (Smithsonian Magazine) • Why Japan celebrates Christmas with KFC (BBC)

What has allowed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stay in office for such a long time? Shinzo Abe is now Japan's longest serving prime minister, and is approaching his 3,000th day in office. The Japan Times politics reporter Sakura Murakami discusses this remarkable run and what it is about Abe that's kept him in power. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read/see/hear more: Abe becomes Japan's longest-serving prime minister (Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times) Diet deliberations slow as opposition hounds government over cherry blossom-viewing scandal (Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times Sakura Murakami's reporting on Japanese politics In diplomatic debut, new environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi pledges to make action on climate change 'sexy' (The Japan Times) The legacy of The Tokyo Riots (Deep Dive podcast) British Pathe's film archive of Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi Follow Deep Dive on Twitter: twitter.com/japandeepdive Photo by AFP-JIJI

Ahead of the global climate strikes on Nov. 29, Fridays for Future leader Takuro Kajiwara and 350.org field organizer Hinako Arao tell of their experiences as two of Japan’s most prominent climate activists, and why Japan’s climate movement is doing better than you might think. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. See more: Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan?  Extinction Rebellion climate protest arrives in Tokyo with 'die-in' at Yoyogi Park  Deep Dive Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? As IPCC report warns of growing climate change risks, Japan seeks to adapt  Fridays for Future Tokyo 350.org Japan  Nov. 29 Global Climate Strikes Tokyo event

The Hong Kong protests have been escalating recently, but what of the pro-democracy Hong Kongers living in Japan? Julia Bergin tells Oscar Boyd about the protestors she's been following in Tokyo, and why Japan should care about them and Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Julia Bergin is a researcher for The Little Red Podcast, find them here or on all major podcasting providers. More on this topic: • Demonstrators in Tokyo show support for Hong Kong protests over extradition bill (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • The Japan Times' coverage of The Hong Kong protests • Inside China's audacious global propaganda campaign (Louisa Lim and Julia Bergin, The Guardian) Photo by Kendrea Liew

Daniel Hurst joins Oscar Boyd to discuss how ready Japan's capital city is. Also, today is Deep Dive's first birthday. Shaun McKenna turns the tables on Oscar to look back at the last year of the podcast. Read more:  Tokyo braces for the earthquake of a century (Daniel Hurst, The Guardian) The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's disaster preparedness handbook Eight apps that could save your life in Japan (Disaster expert Robin Lewis, Medium)  What to do before, during and after an earthquake (Kris Kosaka, The Japan Times)  The Japan Times' Disaster Portal The Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park Housekeeping: Fill out the Deep Dive survey Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Photo by Kyodo

Chris Broad of Abroad in Japan and Sharla of Sharmander discuss their careers as two of the most successful YouTubers in Japan. Based in northern Japan's Tohoku region, Chris and Sharla have over 2 million subscribers across their YouTube channels. Hosted by Oscar Boyd See more from Chris and Sharla: Abroad in Japan on YouTube Sharmander on YouTube Chris Broad's Abroad in Japan podcast Sharla on Twitter Chris Broad on Twitter More coverage of Japan's foreign YouTuber community: Turning YouTube into yen: Can vloggers become the new foreign correspondents? Breaker helps pave a new path to stardom via YouTube (2016) An interview with Sharla (2015) Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Thanks to Michael Estifa and Patrick St. Michel for their help with this podcast. Photos by Ryusei Takahashi

Emperor Naruhito became Japan's 126th emperor at an enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22, 2019. Japan Times politics reporter Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to dicuss. Read/see more: Deep Dive podcast on the abdication of Emperor-Emeritus Akihito Sakura Murakami's article on Emperor Naruhito's enthronement Sakura Murakami's background explainer on the enthronement ceremony Masumi Koizumi's article on Emperor Akihito's enthronement ceremony in 1990 Official video of the enthronement ceremony Sakura Murakami on Twitter Oscar Boyd on Twitter Deep Dive on Twitter Help out the show! Rate, review and subscribe to Deep Dive on whichever platform you use. Fill out Deep Dive's listener survey at jtimes.jp/dd. Podtsukaresama

Typhoon Hagibis hit Japan on Oct. 12, causing widespread damage to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures. This week, storm chaser James Reynolds, evacuee Andrew McKirdy and reporter Chisato Tanaka share their experiences of the typhoon. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Take The Japan Times' podcast survey and help make Deep Dive better: http://jtimes.jp/dd Read/see more: The Japan Times' coverage of Typhoon Hagibis The Japan Times' disaster portal and emergency advice Chisato Tanaka's tweet thread of post-typhoon flooding in Nagano  James Reynolds on YouTube at Earth Uncut TV Dan Traylor's article on storm chasing Photo by Chisato Tanaka.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set the tone for this year’s extraordinary Diet session with a pledge to overhaul the nation’s social welfare system to create one beneficial for all generations. But, covering everything from South Korea-Japan relations to revision of Japan's constitution, the speech was not without controversy. JT politics reporter Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss. Help the show, take our survey: http://jtimes.jp/dd Read more by Sakura Murakami Photo by Kyodo

The UK's Brexit deadline to leave the European Union is on October 31. Assuming it goes ahead, what does it mean for Japan if the UK leaves the EU? Chris Russell and Oscar Boyd discuss in this week's episode of Deep Dive. Also, Dan Orlowitz reports on Japan's epic victory over Ireland at the Rugby World Cup. Take our survey and help Deep Dive to improve! More reading: • Articles by Chris Russell • Articles by Dan Orlowitz • Articles by Oscar Boyd Photo by AFP-JIJI

In this week's episode, we talk to Alan Gilpin, Head of Rugby World Cup, about his expectations for the tournament (01:30), to The Japan Times' rugby experts Elliott Samuels and Andrew McKirdy about what to look out for in this year's tournament (09:42), and to triple-cancer survivor Patrick McIntosh, who has cycled from Twickenham Stadium in the U.K. to Japan to watch the games and raise awareness about cancer prevention (31:50). Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times. Read more: The Japan Times' Rugby World Cup 2019 coverage The Japan Times guide to the host cities of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Patrick McIntosh's website Help Deep Dive by filling out our survey

While the world stews over the trade war between the USA and China, and the potential of a no deal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, here in Japan a separate storm has been brewing: a growing trade dispute between Japan and its geographical neighbor — South Korea. Satoshi Sugiyama and Oscar Boyd discuss. Help Deep Dive out by taking our survey: http://jtimes.jp/dd More on the story:  Japan removes South Korea from list of trusted trade partners as row between neighbors deepens South Korea to report Japan's tightening of export controls to WTO Articles by Satoshi Sugiyama Articles by Oscar Boyd Photo via Bloomberg

On this week’s episode we discuss the life and recent death of Johnny Kitagawa, the secretive mega mogul behind some of Japan's biggest music acts, including SMAP, Arashi and Hey! Say! Jump. Despite his success, Kitagawa's career was not without controversy, and allegations of sexual abuse of underage employees have followed him for the past 30 years. Joining Oscar Boyd to discuss are Japan Times entertainment columnist Patrick St. Michel and W. David Marx, author of "Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style." Background reading: Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan's entertainment industry (The Japan Times) Johnny Kitagawa, founder of agency that launched numerous boy bands, dead at 87 (The Japan Times) In Japan, Tarnishing a Star Maker (The New York Times)

This episode is sponsored by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at https://www.cicerone.co.uk/japan?refer=deep With thanks to Hannah Stevenson, Shaun McKenna and Dr. David Fedman.

On July 1, Japan announced it would leave the International Whaling Commission to resume commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone. Hours after ships left ports across Japan, two minke whales were caught by whalers and brought ashore. Whalers are delighted by the policy shift, but many around the world have been left outraged and confused as to why Japan is so keen to continue its hunts. Staff writer Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss. This episode is brought to you by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/japan?refer=deep See more: • Deep Dive on Twitter • Sakura Murakami on Twitter • Oscar Boyd on Twitter • The Japan Times' reporting on whaling Photo by Kyodo

The last confirmed sighting of the Japanese wolf was in 1905, but is it really extinct? The Japan Times' Alex Martin has been chasing the story and joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the topic on this week's episode of Deep Dive. More on this:  Read Alex's full article here Deep Dive on Twitter Alex Martin on Twitter Oscar Boyd on Twitter

Over 1 million people are thought to be hikikomori in Japan, meaning they've remained isolated at home for at least six consecutive months without going to school or work, and rarely interact with people from outside their own immediate family. Earlier this year, Andrew McKirdy interviewed several recovering hikikomori, and now joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the issue. Read more: • Andrew McKirdy's full article • The Japan Times' reporting on hikikomori Artwork by Julia Nascimento

On April 20, 2019, Hiro Iwamoto became the first blind man to sail the Pacific nonstop, completing a 55-day journey across the world’s largest ocean. In this episode, Hiro and his crew mate, Doug Smith, join Oscar Boyd to talk about their voyage. See more: Hiro and Doug's Voyage of Inspiration website Ariadne GPS — the app Hiro used to navigate across the Pacific Photo by Kyodo

With the G20 summit being hosted in Osaka at the end of June, and Prime Minister Abe pledging at Davos to put climate change at the top of the agenda, Deep Dive host Oscar Boyd is joined by Pelin Zorlu of climate change think tank E3G to discuss opportunities for Japan to lead on the issue, where it is lagging behind its counterparts, and to look at the country's continued relationship with coal.  See more: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the World Economic Forum in Davos Taro Kano on climate change Photo by Anders Hellberg under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ahead of the new season of Terrace House — "Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020," released on Netflix on May 14 — Tom Hanaway and Patrick St. Michel join Oscar Boyd to discuss why the show has proved such a hit both here in Japan and internationally, and what we might be able to expect from the upcoming season.  * Read more by [Tom Hanaway](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/tom-hanaway/) * Read more by [Patrick St. Michel](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/patrick-st-michel/) * Follow Deep Dive on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive?lang=en) Photo credit: Fuji Television Network / East Entertainment Terrace House theme song: "Dear Life" by Beck

This week we unpack one of the biggest stories of the past few months: the arrest and detainment of Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of car manufacturers Nissan and Renault. Joining Deep Dive this week to discuss the case is staff writer Satoshi Sugiyama (@SatoshiJournal). Hosted by Oscar Boyd (@omhboyd) for The Japan Times. Links:  * Follow Deep Dive on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive?lang=en). * Read Satoshi Sugiyama's [reporting](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/satoshi-sugiyama/).

In 2016, Emperor Akihito announced he intended to step down from the throne because of his age and declining health.  Now, with just two weeks until Akihito’s son Naruhito becomes the country’s 126th emperor and with the name of the new Reiwa Era announced, Deep Dive asks: What does it mean to be Emperor of Japan, and what can we expect from the next person to sit atop the Chrysanthemum Throne?  Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss. We had a lot of fun finding early Showa Era songs that run in the breaks in this episode. In order they were: * "Southern Bride" by Meiko Takamine * "Koiwa Umibe De" by Mitsuko Watanabe * "Sendo Kawaiya" by Kikutaro Takahashi Thanks to Dr. Kenneth Ruoff, author of several books on Japan's Imperial Family, for contributing to this podcast.

When it was announced that Thomas Frebel, former head of recipe development at Copenhagen's Noma (four time winner of the World's Best Restaurant Award), would open his new restaurant, Inua, in Tokyo in the summer of 2018, the city's food lovers clamored for tables.  Now, eight months after opening, how is the chef faring in a city with more Michelin stars than any other on Earth?  Recorded at Inua in Tokyo. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Photo courtesy of Jason Loucas

What can we expect from Japan’s upcoming baseball season and how are some of the country’s star players faring across the Pacific in the Major Leagues? And crucially, how long will baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki last?  The Japan Times’ baseball correspondent Jason Coskrey joins Deep Dive to discuss. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read more by [Jason Coskrey](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-jason_coskrey/) and follow him on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JCoskrey). Let us know your thoughts on the episode on Twitter [@JapanDeepDive](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive).

On the eighth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, staff writer Ryusei Takahashi shares his experience of a recent visit to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and Magda Osumi discusses the Tohoku region's recovery. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. **Related links** * [Ryusei Takahashi's report on Fukushima](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/07/national/eight-years-triple-meltdown-fukushima-no-1s-water-woes-slow-recede/). * [Magdalena Osumi's report on the 'Recovery Olympics.'](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/10/national/recovery-olympics-moniker-2020-games-rubs-3-11-evacuees-wrong-way/) Join us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive). Photo Credit: Greg Webb / IAEA

Andrew McKirdy finds out the secrets of Japanese comedy with a little bit of help from professional manzai comedian Patrick Harlan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.  Read Andrew McKirdy's full article.  See Patrick in action. Join us on Twitter.

On this week's episode, Jesse Johnson discusses what the next meeting of the U.S. and North Korea might mean for Japan, and Shaun McKenna talks us through some of Japan's biggest summer music festivals. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Join us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive) Read more by [Jesse Johnson](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-jesse_johnson/)

On Monday, Naomi Osaka became the world's No. 1 women’s singles player after her victory against Petra Kvitova in Saturday’s Australian Open final. But her rise to the top also came with a dose of controversy. This week on Deep Dive, Oscar Boyd is joined by Baye McNeil and Joel Tansey to discuss Osaka's rise to the top and a recent case of whitewashing. **Related links** * [Baye McNeil's Black Eye column on the Nissin ad](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/01/19/our-lives/someone-lost-noodle-making-new-nissin-ad-featuring-naomi-osaka/#.XFGDyrYzZE4) * [Joel Tansey on Naomi Osaka's victory at the Australian Open](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/27/more-sports/tennis/last-naomi-osaka-moment-spotlight/#.XFGDzbYzZE4) * [Clip of Naomi Osaka talking at the Australian Open from Guardian Sport](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3hRXm54Dcs) * [Naomi Osaka's victory proves to be a boon for her sponsors](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/29/business/naomi-osakas-victory-proves-boon-sponsors/#.XFGD0bYzZE6) * [Naomi Osaka becomes world No. 1 in women's singles tennis rankings](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/28/more-sports/tennis/naomi-osaka-becomes-world-no-1-womens-singles-tennis-rankings/#.XFGD1LYzZE4) **[Join us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive) **

50 years on from the riots at the University of Tokyo, where does activism in Japan stand now? Oscar Boyd is joined by JT staff writer Alex Martin who reported on the recent anniversary of the riots. Join us on Twitter [here](https://twitter.com/japandeepdive). For more on the story and Hiromi Watanabe's photographs of the riots, read Alex Martin's feature [here](https://features.japantimes.co.jp/student-riots/).

Their trials and tribulations offer insight into how Japan will cope with an expected influx of young, foreign workers in a graying country with limited experience in hosting blue-collar workers. Staff reporter Sakura Murakami joins Cory Baird and Oscar Boyd to discuss the issue. Read the full article here. Join us on Twitter.

Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki dropped by the Deep Dive studios for a brief chat with Oscar Boyd about her journey into space and beyond.

Happy holidays to all our listeners! There's no episode this week, we're on holiday, too! Thanks for all the support so far., join us again in the New Year for more from Deep Dive.

What happens when a journalist comes forward with allegations of sexual harassment against one of Japan's top government officials? And how does the incident relate to the global MeToo movement? Sayuri Daimon, managing editor of The Japan Times, joins Oscar Boyd and Cory Baird to explain Japan's MeToo movement and how it fits into broader gender issues in the country. * [Read the full article on The Japan Times' website](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/04/22/national/social-issues/sexual-harassment-scandal-highlights-a-larger-problem-in-japans-media) * [Join us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/JapanDeepDive)

In the 1980s and '90s, Japan experienced one of history’s greatest economic bubbles. Fast cars, designer clothes, expensive nights out … Japan had money and lots of it. Then the bubble burst, leading to a hangover that the country has been unable to shake to this day. Japan Times staff writer Alex Martin joins Oscar Boyd and Cory Baird to discuss the end of the bubble era and what it means for Japan. Read the full article

Japan's Nationality Act forces young adults with multiple citizenships to choose their nationality by their 22nd birthday. The choice is so tough that many flout the law and instead choose to live in a legal gray zone. Oscar Boyd is joined by Japan Times staff writers Sakura Murakami and Cory Baird to discuss the issue.

Welcome to Deep Dive, a podcast looking beneath the surface of Japan. Episode 1 will debut on Nov. 14, 2018. Deep Dive is a production from The Japan Times, the most widely read English news source in Japan.