Small Talk Japan

Wanna become a supporter? https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episodeWeak yen may actually deter Bank of Japan from hiking rates soonhttps://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/weak-yen-may-actually-deter-bank-japan-hiking-rates-soon-2024-04-11/Japan and NASA plan a historic lunar RV roadtrip togetherhttps://www.popsci.com/science/japan-lunar-rv/Japan's population falls for 13th straight year, pinned below 125 millionhttps://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/a857f5993191-japan-population-falls-below-125-mil-down-for-13th-straight-year.htmlJapan Lower House Panel OKs Joint Custody Billhttps://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024041200116/Mega Japanese Pop Group Arashi Sets Up New Companyhttps://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/mega-japanese-pop-group-arashi-sets-up-new-company-jWu2cr1VXyfj96ru95PxdT?language=en性的暴行…2歳以下の女児、乳児施設で悲劇 元職員の男逮捕、自分の行為を撮影…SNSで写真を公開し発覚 20人以上に乱暴していた可能性、黙秘中の26歳 逮捕は4度目https://www.saitama-np.co.jp/articles/75597/postDetailWidower sues Japan gov't, claiming stricter pension requirements for men unconstitutionalhttps://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240410/p2a/00m/0na/017000c「トー横」周辺で31人を一斉補導、最年少は小学6年生 警視庁「安易な気持ちで来てはいけない」https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/319848Cake shop worker remains dream job for many children starting schoolhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/04/08/japan/society/japan-children-dream-jobs/Imitation crab meat shrine built in Kobehttps://soranews24.com/2024/04/09/imitation-crab-meat-shrine-built-in-kobe/

Wanna show your support? https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan DIRT Japan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrv9dmWpNKA Samurai of Culture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QojixAAtv6M&t=858s Articles from this week's episode Jimmy Kimmel says his trip to Japan last week made him realize that the US is a 'filthy and disgusting country' https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-kimmel-visiting-japan-made-him-realize-us-disgusting-2024-4 Japan bullet train halted after cup of instant noodles thrown at it https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240403/p2a/00m/0bu/005000c Osaka working to help students maintain their cultural roots https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15195744 Man in Kumamoto loses 110 million yen over “romance scam” https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/man-in-kumamoto-loses-110-million-yen-over-romance-scam-fRT1g7bhUt8ExKp6eDi3gs?language=en Everyone in Japan will be Mr. or Mrs. Sato by 2531, according to study https://soranews24.com/2024/04/03/everyone-in-japan-will-be-mr-or-mrs-sato-by-2531-according-to-study/ Pal World developers make timely announcement of adults-only romance simulator with naked pals https://soranews24.com/2024/04/02/pal-world-developers-make-timely-announcement-of-adults-only-romance-simulator-with-naked-pals/

Want to show your support? https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan adds four new industries to skilled foreign worker visa https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-adds-driver-railway-roles-to-skilled-foreign-worker-visa Explainer: Japan hiked interest rates. Why is the yen falling? https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/japan-hiked-interest-rates-why-is-yen-falling-2024-03-25/ Japan imperial family to make Instagram debut in April https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/8ef160fa2f54-japan-imperial-family-to-make-instagram-debut-in-april.html “弁護士が取り調べ立ち会い” 日弁連が4月から支援制度始める https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240323/k10014400421000.html US, Japan plan biggest upgrade to security pact in over 60 years, FT reports https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-japan-plan-biggest-upgrade-to-security-pact-in-over-60-years-ft-reports/ar-BB1ks6zM Thousands call for end to aroma capsules, citing ‘scent pollution’ https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15175024 Timeline of events in Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal https://sports.yahoo.com/timeline-events-shohei-ohtani-gambling-172658250.html?guccounter=1 Nara considering increasing number of deer that can be killed each year, expanding culling zone https://soranews24.com/2024/03/29/nara-considering-expanding-number-of-deer-that-can-be-killed-each-year-expanding-culling-zone/

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Forced head shave for transgender inmate a human rights violation: Osaka lawyers https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240312/p2a/00m/0na/007000c Japan high court rules same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/44aa6f4888ea-japan-court-says-same-sex-marriage-ban-in-unconstitutional-state.html Space One rocket explodes immediately after liftoff in Japan【Videos】 https://soranews24.com/2024/03/14/space-one-rocket-explodes-immediately-after-liftoff-in-japan%E3%80%90videos%E3%80%91/ Opinion: Japan must reform its refugee and immigration system to avoid further tragedies https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240306/p2a/00m/0op/002000c School rules presuming black, straight hair perplex children with foreign roots in Japan https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240311/p2a/00m/0na/018000c Hokkaido's Niseko to introduce lodging tax of up to 2,000 yen a night https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/6007ac6157d0-hokkaidos-niseko-to-introduce-lodging-tax-of-up-to-2000-yen-a-night.html

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode LDP Members Quit as Division Heads after ‘Inappropriate’ Gathering; Dancer Reportedly Performed in Scanty Outfit https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20240309-173549/ ソフト・オン・デマンドの“新作ビデオ”が「あきらかにDJ SODA」と批判噴出→「諸般の事情」で発売中止に https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2cdcb2a69b4e57f88b68c86434a17c9c5f84e3d2 As Japan enters recession, some young workers are leaving Tokyo to earn more in Australia https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-29/japan-cost-of-living-young-people-leaving-for-australia/103520934 Japanese women's working conditions ranked 3rd-worst among 29 OECD nations https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240307_15/ Akira Toriyama, creator of 'Dragon Ball,' dies at 68 https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Obituaries/Akira-Toriyama-creator-of-Dragon-Ball-dies-at-68 Kyoto to ban tourists from Geisha district over ‘out of control’ behaviour https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/geisha-district-kyoto-tourist-ban-b2509208.html Nagoya elementary students caught defrauding classmate for nearly 1 million yen https://soranews24.com/2024/03/07/nagoya-elementary-students-caught-defrauding-classmate-for-nearly-1-million-yen/ Dino monument among projects funded by COVID-19 grants https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15188288 Osaka Pref. eyes collecting fixed fee for inbound tourists from 2025 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/334b9fe5e5e7-osaka-pref-eyes-collecting-fixed-fee-for-inbound-tourists-from-2025.html Japan to revise official romanization rules for 1st time in 70 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/250d39967042-japan-to-revise-official-romanization-rules-for-1st-time-in-70-yrs.html

We talk about Otani, Ghibli, teachers fighting students, and a whole lot more!

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Japan plans to make it possible to revoke the permanent residency status of foreigners who repeatedly fail to pay tax

https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/japan-plans-to-make-it-possible-to-revoke-the-permanent-residency-status-of-foreigners-who-repeatedly-fail-to-pay-tax-1jrLDTGQ7SbeH5praTPWSF?language=en

Japan drops to 26th globally in annual pay for IT workers

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/821ba7cc6076-japan-drops-to-26th-globally-in-annual-pay-for-it-workers.html

Japan government to submit bill to introduce joint custody after divorce

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240215/p2g/00m/0na/044000c

Couple Arrested on Suspicion of Causing 5-Year-Old Daughter’s Death by Exposing Her to Cold Shower for Prolonged Period; Girl Later Died from Acute Circulatory Failure Due to Hypothermia

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/crime-courts/20240215-169047/

Japanese yakuza charged in N.Y. over nuclear material trafficking

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/f820bb5b4ff1-japanese-yakuza-charged-in-ny-over-nuclear-material-trafficking.html

Producer of hit anime film 'Your Name.' arrested on child porn suspicions

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240222/p2a/00m/0na/023000c

Japan’s life-size moving Gundam is closing soon, and the last tickets are about to go on sale

https://soranews24.com/2024/02/23/japans-life-size-moving-gundam-is-closing-soon-and-the-last-tickets-are-about-to-go-on-sale/

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japanese women lift skirts, flash ocean to attract lots of fish at annual ceremony【Video】 https://soranews24.com/2024/02/15/japanese-women-lift-skirts-flash-ocean-to-attract-lots-of-fish-at-annual-ceremony%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/ FOCUS: Japan maglev train project being derailed by Shizuoka stalemate https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/66b45b00ff97-focus-japan-maglev-train-project-being-derailed-by-shizuoka-stalemate.html Japan taxi, bus driver's license tests to go multilingual https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/a09d976976a1-japan-taxi-bus-drivers-license-tests-to-go-multilingual.html Japan SDF to soften hairstyle rules as recruit shortage worsens https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/113e3c9e04bc-japan-sdf-to-soften-hairstyle-rules-as-recruit-shortage-worsens.html Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket a year after failure https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/6a866b0767ac-update1-japans-new-h3-rocket-lifts-off-after-failed-launch-in-2023.html Japan’s National Debt Hits ¥1.3 Quadrillion Due to Soaring Pandemic Prices https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01677/

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japanese court approves nonsterilized trans man's gender change https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/ccc37861b206-update1-japan-court-approves-nonsterilized-trans-mans-gender-change.html Japan's marriage agencies going bankrupt at record rate as matching apps surge https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240207/p2a/00m/0li/022000c 4 Vietnamese arrested for thefts targeting Uniqlo shops in Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/80324a08c1ef-4-vietnamese-arrested-for-thefts-targeting-uniqlo-shops-in-japan.html Around 10 killer whales trapped in drift ice off Hokkaido https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/7cdcae944e36-around-10-killer-whales-trapped-in-drift-ice-off-hokkaido.html Junior high principal in Hyogo fired for stealing seven half cups of coffee https://soranews24.com/2024/02/02/junior-high-principal-in-hyogo-fired-for-stealing-seven-half-cups-of-coffee/ Sex doll purchase for indigo dyeing event in west Japan hit by prefectural audit https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240129/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode ANA planes in minor collision at Osaka airport, no one hurt https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20... Mt. Fuji climbers to face 2,000 yen fees amid overtourism concerns https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20... Japan’s Homo Sausage now comes with cheese https://soranews24.com/2024/02/01/jap... 自転車の女子高校生がトラックに巻き込まれ死亡 約700m引きずられ… 搬送時は意識あり会話もできる状態 https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/... Tokyo police arrest 3 over alleged Las Vegas sex work solicitation https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20... Ex-PM Aso's crude critique exposes Japan's ongoing sexism impasse https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20... 3 foreign-born residents sue over racial profiling by Japan police https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20... Japan's SLIM probe regains power more than a week after moon landing https://www.reuters.com/technology/sp...

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Check out Unpacking Japan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPo0DwrGEINQIJw4-OJGSNQ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan/ twitter: https://twitter.com/unpacking_japan Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/unpacking-japan/id1684639413 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Man believed to be long-time fugitive Satoshi Kirishima detained in Japan: reports - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/01/26/japan/crime-legal/fugitive-radical-caught/Japan's foreign worker population tops 2 million for first time https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/b0b7c9bfcff2-japans-foreign-worker-population-tops-2-million-for-first-time.htmlTokyo 'host club' worker arrested on suspicion of coercing patron into prostitution - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240125/p2a/00m/0na/020000cUkrainian-born model winning Miss Japan re-ignites identity debate - BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061Overseas interest rises for Japan’s abundance of vacant homes | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15112746Japan agency receives data on Moon explorer landing https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/d175d9f7456d-japan-moon-explorer-loses-power-few-hours-after-successful-landing.htmlStarbucks Japan unveils new blood-red Frappuccinos for Valentine’s Day | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2024/01/26/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-blood-red-frappuccinos-for-valentines-day/Japanese government’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry finally stops using floppy disks | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2024/01/25/japanese-governments-ministry-of-economy-trade-and-industry-finally-stops-using-floppy-disks/Top cosplayer Enako dons Year of the Dragon costume to celebrate the new year【Photos】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2024/01/20/top-cosplayer-enako-dons-year-of-the-dragon-costume-to-celebrate-the-new-year%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/ https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/19/style/rie-kudan-akutagawa-prize-chatgpt/index.html Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan’s biggest dating app says young people not interested in romance, creates AI girlfriend app | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2024/01/18/japans-biggest-dating-app-says-young-people-not-interested-in-romance-creates-ai-girlfriend-app/ Japan set to drop to 4th largest economy after Germany | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15114196 Tokyo runway collision: How JAL airliner crashes into Coast Guard plane - Nikkei Asia https://asia.nikkei.com/static/vdata/infographics/haneda-runway-collision/ Just a moment... https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/01/16/korean-air-a330-collides-with-cathay-pacific-777-at-chitose/ Daihatsu suspends production in Japan after safety test scandal | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/daihatsu-suspends-production-in-japan-after-safety-test-scandal Fujitsu responsibility in focus in redress over U.K. postal scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/91fa49f9ba9a-fujitsu-responsibility-in-focus-in-redress-over-uk-postal-scandal.html Over half of married women in Japan dissatisfied with husband's housework: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240110/p2a/00m/0na/017000c Hello Kitty Crocs take kawaii fashion to new heights in Japan | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2024/01/15/hello-kitty-crocs-take-kawaii-fashion-to-new-heights-in-japan Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode ロマンス詐欺で起訴の巡査の女を懲戒免職 カナダ人医師名乗り女性２人に９０万円振り込ませたか 大阪府警西成署に勤務 https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_23295.html Student letters from 1923 Kanto quake preserved by kin of U.S. president https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/a10cf423123b-feature-student-letters-from-1923-kanto-quake-preserved-by-kin-of-us-pres.html Firefighter working at east Japan 'host club' embezzles $40K from squad to falsify sales - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231221/p2a/00m/0na/005000c Police panel proposes up to 12,000 yen fine for cycling violations https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/71377c45075a-police-panel-proposes-up-to-12000-yen-fine-for-cycling-violations.html Japan to partially lift ban on ride-hailing services from April https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/31ce56c44fe3-japan-to-partially-lift-ban-on-ride-hailing-services-from-april.html Japan creates public monument to original doge meme dog in her home prefecture【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/22/japan-creates-public-monument-to-original-doge-meme-dog-in-her-home-prefecture%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/ Burger King releases a “TOP” Burger in Japan | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/19/burger-king-releases-a-top-burger-in-japan/ Godzilla suit actor passes away, carried the series though the Heisei era | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/19/godzilla-suit-actor-passes-away-carried-the-series-though-the-heisei-era/ One Piece anime remake announced from Attack on Titan studio and Netflix【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/18/one-piece-anime-remake-announced-from-attack-on-titan-studio-and-netflix%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 【東中野・西太后（せいたいごう）】中華料理店が炎上中？中国人お断り？ | 住もうよ！東中野 https://higashinakano.jp/seitaigou/ Nearly half of young Japanese men in survey have never had a girlfriend, zero-boyfriend women rise too | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/15/nearly-half-of-young-japanese-men-in-survey-have-never-had-a-girlfriend-zero-boyfriend-women-rise-too/ Baseball: New Dodger Shohei Ohtani flicks the script with unusual dog name https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/db7d61a3aa63-baseball-new-dodger-ohtani-flicks-the-script-with-unusual-dog-name.html 60% of Japanese workers want no part of traditional New Year's office parties: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231213/p2a/00m/0na/010000c Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer's therapy to cost 2.98 million yen per year https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/0bf5503667de-eisai-biogen-alzheimers-therapy-to-cost-298-mil-yen-per-year.html Hundreds of tons of dead fish wash up in Hokkaido; experts puzzled | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15079472 Japan's oldest person dies at 116 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/cbfa8ea68d40-japans-oldest-person-dies-at-116.html Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2023 reveals the worries of Japanese society | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/12/japans-kanji-of-the-year-for-2023-reveals-the-worries-of-japanese-society Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode

Ohtani, Dodgers agree to 10-year, $700M deal | theScore.com

https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2787980

Third victim of UNLV campus shooting identified by coroner

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/third-victim-of-unlv-campus-shooting-identified-by-coroner/

Kishida to Offer Free University Tuition for Families with 3+ children Starting 2025

https://stoppopulationdecline.org/kishida-to-offer-free-university-tuition-for-families-with-3-children-starting-2025/#

Japan survey finds idol otaku 'most active' in spending money, time on hobby - The Mainichi

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231205/p2a/00m/0et/014000c

【独自】奈良市の小学校でいじめ重大事態認定 担任は自殺ほのめかす記載に『花マル』 | MBSニュース

https://www.mbs.jp/news/kansainews/20231206/GE00054068.shtml

Court rules Japan's dual nationality ban constitutional

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/fc5fa79a63d1-court-rejects-claim-japans-dual-nationality-ban-is-unconstitutional.html

    Police Arrest Japan Taxi Driver After Running Over Pigeon | Barron's 

https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/police-arrest-japan-taxi-driver-after-running-over-pigeon-0601e178

Avg. budget for kids' Christmas gifts in Japan declines for 4th year in row - The Mainichi

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231202/p2a/00m/0bu/008000c

Dog owners have 40% less dementia risk, while cats have little impact: Japan study - The Mainichi

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231130/p2a/00m/0sc/012000c

JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included | SoraNews24 Japan News

https://soranews24.com/2023/12/08/jr-east-announces-awesomely-cheap-one-day-all-you-can-ride-pass-shinkansen-included

Tokyo’s Shibuya district bans public drinking on New Year’s Eve, cancels countdown celebration | SoraNews24 Japan News

https://soranews24.com/2023/12/07/tokyos-shibuya-district-bans-public-drinking-on-new-years-eve-cancels-countdown-celebration/

Universal Studios reveals Nintendo Donkey Kong Country expansion details, opening season【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News

https://soranews24.com/2023/12/06/universal-studios-reveals-nintendo-donkey-kong-country-expansion-details-opening-season%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 'He brainwashed her': Tokyo woman says daughter was lured by 'host,' ran up huge tab - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231122/p2a/00m/0na/022000c FOCUS: Barking deer in Japan causing havoc for human population https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/6618081c4ed9-focus-barking-deer-in-japan-causing-havoc-for-human-population.html 千葉“非常事態” キョン7万頭が爆発的に繁殖 不気味な鳴き声…住民からは悲鳴も【知ってもっと】(2023年11月10日) - YouTube https://youtu.be/KxCxXpLpPQo?si=LrmCiQ5WpSnNkXB7 Yokohama sees surge in foreign ‘ladyboys’ on its backstreets | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15066735 Japan's 330-meter tallest skyscraper Azabudai Hills opens in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/0a7eaddc6891-japans-330-meter-tallest-skyscraper-azabudai-hills-opens-in-tokyo.html 'Shoot without hesitation': Japan experts warn of nonhibernating 'sleepless bears' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231125/p2a/00m/0li/004000c Tokyo shop employee fights off three robbers with man catcher polearm in Ueno【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/28/tokyo-shop-employee-fights-off-three-robbers-with-man-catcher-polearm-in-ueno%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/ Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel adds kotatsu and hot sake service for a warm way to chill in the sky | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/25/japans-tallest-ferris-wheel-adds-kotatsu-and-hot-sake-service-for-a-warm-way-to-chill-in-the-sky/ Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/21/kyotos-ikezu-culture-of-backhanded-compliments-explained-in-hilarious-souvenir-sticker-series Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Car rams into Israeli Embassy barricade in Tokyo, injures officer https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/5cdb465c1670-car-rams-into-israeli-embassy-fence-in-tokyo-injures-police-officer.html No ex-Johnny's singers cast for NHK year-end show after sex scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/8cc5357e48d1-no-ex-johnnys-singers-cast-for-nhk-year-end-show-after-sex-scandal.html Cannabis-derived gummies probed in Tokyo after almost 10 fall ill https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/0f02ea41cc98-illness-inducing-cannabis-traced-gummies-under-probe-in-tokyo.html Over 70% of young adults surveyed in Japan have 'phone phobia' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231113/p2a/00m/0na/009000c “Men-only train car” to run in Tokyo as part of “Weak Men’s” association awareness campaign | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/16/men-only-train-car-to-run-in-tokyo-as-part-of-weak-mens-association-awareness-campaign/ Figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announces divorce https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/91d661dfe55e-urgent-japanese-figure-skating-icon-yuzuru-hanyu-announces-divorce.html No. of Japanese restaurants abroad triples in last decade to 187,000 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/13f7325a1d6f-no-of-japanese-restaurants-abroad-triples-in-last-decade-to-187000.html Mushroom-shaped earbuds based on popular Japanese 'Kinoko no Yama' snacks to go on sale - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231118/p2a/00m/0bu/011000c Kotatsu heated tables for sofas rising in popularity, giving Japan best of both worlds this winter | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/20/kotatsu-heated-tables-for-sofas-rising-in-popularity-giving-japan-best-of-both-worlds-this-winter/ Hilton Japan apologizes for “disrespectful” ad disparaging traditional Japanese inns | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/16/hilton-japan-apologizes-for-disrespectful-ad-disparaging-traditional-japanese-inns Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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Articles from this week's episode

Super Mario and Gap Japan team up for new Nintendo clothing line【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/10/super-mario-and-gap-japan-team-up-for-new-nintendo-clothing-line%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

Fukuoka: 6-Year-Old Boy Injured by Monkey Bite, Total of 11 victims since September - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/fukuoka-6-year-old-boy-injured-by-monkey-bite-total-of-11-victims-since-september-nDMUz5tQc6kLueyaGCugWC?language=en

Japan hospital denies LGBT woman support for IVF pregnancy https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/5e19e0092e8e-japan-hospital-denies-lgbt-woman-support-for-ivf-pregnancy.html

New island emerges after underwater volcano eruption near Japan's Iwoto https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/363ec4143c3a-new-island-emerges-after-underwater-volcano-eruption-south-of-tokyo.html

Nintendo announces development of live-action "Legend of Zelda" film https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/84047c954336-nintendo-announces-development-of-live-action-legend-of-zelda-film.html

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Reddit - Dive into anything https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/s/G6ynFk096W 7-meter spear from hit anime "Evangelion" installed in western Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/509ff1582d88-7-meter-spear-from-hit-anime-evangelion-installed-in-western-japan.html Tokyo's Shibuya sees subdued Halloween as tight security dampens mood https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/618889266a77-tokyos-shibuya-sees-subdued-halloween-as-tight-security-dampens-mood.html Samurai trash collectors clean Tokyo streets after Halloween revels | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samurai-trash-collectors-clean-tokyo-streets-after-halloween-revels-2023-11-01/ 【公式】ゴミ拾い侍（一世一代時代組） (@gomihiroisamurai) | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@gomihiroisamurai?_t=8h4TO4KXMtc&_r=1 Shooting suspect arrested after police raid Saitama post office - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/31/japan/crime-legal/saitama-toda-hospital-shooting/ Man in Japan arrested after sneaking into woman’s apartment and washing her lingerie | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/03/man-in-japan-arrested-after-sneaking-into-womans-apartment-and-washing-her-lingerie/ McDonald’s Japan releases newest heartwarming anime ad in everyday happiness series【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/02/mcdonalds-japan-releases-newest-heartwarming-anime-ad-in-everyday-happiness-series%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan investigates foreign YouTubers accused of dodging train fares and stealing food | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/japan-strange-annoying-youtuber-from-abroad-fidias-accused-dodging-train-fares-stealing-food 25-yr-old Japan 'sugar-baby' served fresh arrest warrant after man defrauded of $346,000 - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231023/p2a/00m/0na/019000c Prefectural high school teacher disciplined for inviting a female student over to his place 35 times - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/prefectural-high-school-teacher-disciplined-for-inviting-a-female-student-over-to-his-place-35-times-ouqEKfmTpmSTSJfrXAgt68?language=en 92-year-old driver ordered to pay 140 million yen over fatal Tokyo crash https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/3c077db5668a-92-year-old-driver-ordered-to-pay-140-mil-yen-over-fatal-tokyo-crash.html Japan sees unprecedented pace of increase in bear attack victims https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/51284467c199-japan-sees-unprecedented-pace-of-increase-in-bear-attack-victims.html Growing number of Japan municipalities ban outing LGBT individuals https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/8cdf804a9012-growing-number-of-japan-municipalities-ban-outing-lgbt-individuals.html Shibuya locks down Hachiko statue for Halloween 2023 while Burger King Center Gai shuts its doors | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/10/28/shibuya-locks-down-hachiko-statue-for-halloween-2023-while-burger-king-center-gai-shuts-its-doors Gigantic horror/murder immersive experience theme park opening in Tokyo | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/10/26/gigantic-horror-murder-immersive-experience-theme-park-opening-in-tokyo Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Articles from this week's episode September foreign entries to Japan at 2.2 mil., 96% of pre-pandemic level https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/2f462cdbbaae-sept-foreign-entries-to-japan-at-22-mil-96-of-pre-pandemic-level.html Japan to OK train fee hikes over holidays amid "overtourism" concerns https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/d3f1c7ac1aad-japan-to-ok-train-fee-hikes-over-holidays-amid-overtourism-concerns.html Lawsuit brought against Elementary School Teacher for Reducing Over Half of Student’s Lunch for “Not Doing Homework” - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/lawsuit-brought-against-elementary-school-teacher-for-reducing-over-half-of-students-lunch-for-not-doing-homework-pdfyZYy8cYgFn52ZEVRX2r?language=en Over 100 vintage vending machines at east Japan tire lot become 'int'l tourist spot' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231013/p2a/00m/0li/014000c Japanese vending machine mecca: Around 100 rare retro machines await you at this unusual location – SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2022/10/05/japanese-vending-machine-mecca-around-100-rare-retro-machines-await-you-at-this-unusual-location/amp/ 5 Bodies Including Father and 4 Elementary School Children Found in Submerged Car at a Beach in Mie Prefecture - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/news/5-bodies-of-father-and-4-elementary-school-children-found-in-submerged-car-at-a-beach-in-mie-prefecture-pkbUa8kyurZcR9NSZMRn79?language=en Nagoya mayor backtracks after saying 'wives' have time to pick up docs on weekdays - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231017/p2a/00m/0na/017000c Shibuya City cracks down on Halloween 2023 with massive “Stay Away!” campaign | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/19/shibuya-city-cracks-down-on-halloween-2023-with-massive-stay-away-campaign/ Japanese tea commercial actress created by AI, has some wondering if it’s the scandal-free future | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/17/japanese-tea-commercial-actress-created-by-ai-has-some-wondering-if-its-the-scandal-free-future Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Mitch on Fish and Rice https://youtu.be/okfepfri7A4?si=BcbNZcfhXan6GUoD Unidentified man found with brain injury, carrying Japanese currency in L.A. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/unidentified-man-found-with-traumatic-brain-injury-in-san-pedro/ Japan lawmaker who made unannounced Russia trip removed from party https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/9a53ba1020fa-japan-innovation-party-removes-lawmaker-over-unannounced-russia-trip.html Toshiba to delist in Japan on Dec. 20 after 74 years of history https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/5e4f364913d7-toshiba-to-delist-in-japan-on-dec-20-after-74-years-of-history.html Men's lace underwear gains popularity in Japan with moves toward genderless fashion - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231011/p2a/00m/0bu/010000c Man convicted over viral video of sauce bottle licking at sushi chain https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/ccb5ee796a98-man-convicted-over-viral-video-of-sauce-bottle-licking-at-sushi-chain.html Few commercial flying taxis likely to be ready for 2025 World Expo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/2875312f216b-few-commercial-flying-taxis-likely-to-be-ready-for-2025-world-expo.html Live-action Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind fan film complete, releases online this month【Vid】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/08/live-action-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind-fan-film-complete-releases-online-this-month%e3%80%90vid%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan government plans to seek court order to dissolve Unification Church https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/a887888a706b-update1-japan-govt-plans-to-seek-court-order-to-dissolve-unification-church.html 80 women arrested in Tokyo's Kabukicho for alleged prostitution https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/76a6a3b25794-80-women-arrested-in-tokyos-kabukicho-for-alleged-prostitution.html Top court upholds ruling in favor of Japan's ban on dual nationality https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/79690722ca9e-top-court-upholds-ruling-in-favor-of-japans-ban-on-dual-nationality.html Japan rice exports up 600% over 8 years amid growing int'l 'onigiri' love - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230929/p2a/00m/0bu/018000c Japan school absenteeism at record high of nearly 300,000 in FY 2022 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/d8cd090637bd-japan-school-absenteeism-at-record-high-of-nearly-300000-in-fy-2022.html Visitor tax starts at popular west Japan island Miyajima in bid to combat overtourism - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231002/p2a/00m/0li/014000c Johnny & Associates renames itself to Smile-Up due to J-pop scandal https://asiabusinessdaily.substack.com/p/johnny-and-associates-renames-itself Luxury lockup: Former Japan prison to open as high-end hotel in 2026 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/a2e188fc6925-luxury-lockup-former-japan-prison-to-open-as-high-end-hotel-in-2026.html Totoro sequel anime, Mei and the Baby Catbus, to screen at Ghibli theme park this fall | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/06/totoro-sequel-anime-mei-and-the-baby-catbus-to-screen-at-ghibli-theme-park-this-fall Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episodeAt 90, oldest female McDonald's Japan staffer shares longevity secrets - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230922/p2a/00m/0bu/007000c【独自】24歳女性死亡「結婚の予定」 「1週間前 SNS既読なし」 20分間暴行を受けたか｜FNNプライムオンライン https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/591758 Japan pharma startup developing world-first drug to grow new teeth https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/d56fb464a52b-japan-pharma-startup-developing-world-first-drug-to-grow-new-teeth.htmlControversial U.S. livestreamer arrested over trespassing in Osaka https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/5eaac6592ff4-controversial-us-livestreamer-arrested-over-trespassing-in-osaka.htmlNHK to suspend new contracts with talent of scandal-hit Johnny's https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/4c311d6807e5-nhk-to-suspend-new-contracts-with-talent-of-scandal-hit-johnnys.htmlSolar oversupply leads southwest Japan utility to offer limited 'free' power - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230929/p2a/00m/0bu/036000cReal-life pilotable anime-style robots now on sale in Japan【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/09/28/real-life-pilotable-anime-style-robots-now-on-sale-in-japan%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/McDonald’s ad in Japan causes controversy overseas | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/09/26/mcdonalds-ad-in-japan-causes-controversy-overseas/ Studio Ghibli set to become subsidiary of Nippon TV - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/09/21/companies/nippon-tv-ghibli-acquisition/ Charges dropped again over death of detained Sri Lankan woman - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/09/29/japan/sri-lanka-detainee-death-no-charges Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 若手医師「100連勤・月200時間超の残業」で自殺...院長は『自己研鑽』と説明 一方で同僚ら語る過酷な環境 悔いる母「全国の医師に関わる問題」（MBSニュース） - Yahoo!ニュース https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/828deb502adf5fd46f8665f9c6c372fa3d79da4a Centenarians in Japan hit record 92,139, women account for 88% https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/1d7120f49c8f-centenarians-in-japan-hit-record-92139-women-account-for-88.html Johnny & Associates considers changing name as criticism mounts - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/09/20/japan/society/johnnys-may-change-company-name/ Nearly half of salarymen in Japan spend less than $3.40 on lunch a day: poll - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230913/p2a/00m/0bu/002000c 400,000 nuisance calls made to Japan embassy in China over Fukushima https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/b80b1d6d66b7-400000-nuisance-calls-made-to-japan-embassy-in-china-over-fukushima.html https://reddit.com/r/japannews/s/1EyVC4R9R5 TSMC prizes Japan's chips skills after U.S. stumbles - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/09/13/companies/tsmc-taiwan-japan-us-chips/ https://youtu.be/96iJsdGkl44?si=xS3OYKJ3Gclpg24w Fantasy RPG-style cosplay weapon shop opening in downtown Tokyo | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/09/21/fantasy-rpg-style-cosplay-weapon-shop-opening-in-downtown-tokyo Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

0:00 Intro / Ricky Is a Human (Mitch forgets to roll intro video) 2:30 The TV Story 7:30 Sakurajima Foot Bath 13:10 Mitch Is Obsessed with the I've Had It Podcast 14:55 Idiot Streamers Invading Japan 28:00 Jonny's Scandal Continues 31:50 Discussing ONE OK ROCK's Concert 35:10 Looms and The Odyssey 36:50 Same-Sex Marriage in Japan 40:51 Don't Come to Shibuya for Halloween 43:10 Mitch Meets His First Japanese Swiftie 44:55 Japanese Woman Stopped at Hawaiian Immigration Suspected of Prostitution 46:25 Irate Man Sets Home On Fire Over Mother's Cooking 47:33 Flush Toilet With Phone 50:33 Egg Pizza and More! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Johnny Kitagawa: J-pop agency's new boss Higashiyama also faces abuse allegations https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66748236 Advertisers cutting ties with Johnny’s over sexual abuse https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15003467 Japan court denies spousal benefits to same-sex couple https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/17d2b63a4976-japan-court-rejects-damages-claim-by-woman-over-same-sex-benefits.html Tokyo's Shibuya mayor says "Don't come" for Halloween https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/0f42225290b0-tokyos-shibuya-mayor-says-dont-come-for-halloween.html 「犯罪者扱い」ハワイで日本人女性“入国拒否” 売春疑われる？若い女性から相談急増 https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_international/articles/000315421.html Irritated because dinner did not taste good, a 50-year-old unemployed man attempted to burn down his parents’ house https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/irritated-because-parents-dinner-did-not-taste-good-50-year-old-unemployed-man-attempted-to-burn-down-parents-house-1RpEipD5JzbLi2iNMQ8WeZ?language=en Flush by phone: Japan toilet maker responds to demand for touch-free facilities https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230908/p2a/00m/0bu/033000c Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Just a moment... https://japanjunky.com/what-is-kanreki/ Japanese YouTuber convicted of copyright violation after uploading Let’s Play videos - The Verge https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/7/23863271/japanese-youtuber-lets-play-copyright-infringement-steins-gate https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/02/asia/japan-speed-dating-parents-low-fertility-intl-hnk/index.html 'Touristship' raises awareness about problems with too many travelers in Kyoto, beyond - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230904/p2a/00m/0li/013000c Defense in Kyoto Animation arson trial says suspect not mentally fit https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/7e60f1092db4-man-admits-carrying-out-fatal-2019-kyoto-animation-arson-attack.html Japan prison with serious inmate abuse record tests addressing inmates politely - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230901/p2a/00m/0na/031000c 67-year-old Woman Arrested for Slapping another Male Customer for “Rudely Cutting In Line” At a 100-yen Store https://goemon-jp.com//vi/news/67-year-old-woman-arrested-for-slapping-another-male-customer-for-rudely-cutting-in-line-at-a-100-yen-store-82NAbzmJFBXhMqsCKHEtZe Johnny's talent agency admits sexual abuse by founder, head resigns https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/4e88a87bf23a-urgent-head-of-johnnys-talent-agency-to-quit-over-abuse-scandal-source.html オーストラリア人の英会話講師（31）逮捕 住宅押し入り「金あるか」70代男性ケガさせ逃走の疑い 東京（FNNプライムオンライン） - Yahoo!ニュース https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/af8b11a751d142f0991ab90c082b98013b28005a Japanese educators want to allow students to use robot substitutes to attend school | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/09/07/japanese-educators-want-to-allow-students-to-use-robot-substitutes-to-attend-school Netflix’s Live-Action One Piece Adaptation: The Kotaku Review https://kotaku.com/one-piece-netflix-live-action-oda-luffy-review-anime-1850788857 Reddit - Dive into anything https://reddit.com/r/japanlife/s/JkjHVVPT5A Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

1:00 Mitch has positive news! 9:38 Kishida eats 'safe and delicious' Fukushima fish https://nypost.com/2023/08/31/the-simpsons-predicted-japanese-prime-minister-eating-radioactive-fukushima-fish-fans-say/ https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/30/japan/kishida-fukushima-fish/ 11:03 Chinese boycotts of Japanese products continue to cancel trips https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/273461 15:12 Rampant “nuisance calls” from China following release of treated water https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/684800 17:34 One man's sex doll museum pushing limits in Japan's subculture scene https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/d4a6b4297902-feature-one-mans-sex-doll-museum-pushing-limits-in-japans-subculture-scene.html 20:31 Internet Jesus explains why Anime characters don't look Western https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mkM_hMvsos 23:55 Mitch goes off on some nerd tangent about Firefly/Serenity 24:32 Fukuoka driving school lets participants try drunk driving to expose dangers https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230825/p2a/00m/0na/033000c 27:33 90-year-old Japanese alpinist summits Mt. Fuji in wheelchair https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/05280e8b165c-90-year-old-japanese-alpinist-summits-mt-fuji-in-wheelchair.html 32:31 McDonald’s wants to remind you that French fries are actually vegetables … to celebrate Vegetable Day https://twitter.com/McDonaldsJapan/status/1697006278537589043?s=20 35:56 First-ever live-action Pokémon-themed TV drama on the way with former idol singer starring https://soranews24.com/2023/08/31/first-ever-live-action-pokemon-themed-tv-drama-on-the-way-with-former-idol-singer-starring/ 44:25 Saitama has Skyline and NSX police cars! https://note.com/car_barn/n/nc60191fa97b7 45:35 Fish and Rice Podcast / Osaka talk 47:23 American ALT posts student abuse video --- for internet clout? 48:40 Mitch mentioned Casually Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJrr3FAtf1U Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 8-yr-old girl dies of suspected heatstroke after PE class at Hokkaido school - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230823/p2a/00m/0na/001000c Japan to require day nurseries, schools to block sex offenders from jobs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/38279cd193b5-japan-to-require-day-nurseries-schools-to-block-sex-offenders-from-jobs.html Japan event organizer to press charges in DJ Soda groping case https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/4a7d910efd64-japan-event-organizer-to-press-charges-in-dj-soda-groping-case.html 2 men tell police they didn't mean to grope DJ Soda at west Japan music event - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230822/p2a/00m/0na/011000c Japan firms reduce teleworking despite workers' strong demand: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/b585c5a304e3-japan-firms-reduce-teleworking-despite-workers-strong-demand-survey.html Real estate agencies concerned about skyscraper construction boom in central Tokyo - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230822/p2a/00m/0bu/016000c LDP lawmaker resigns following backlash over Eiffel Tower snap | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14986723 How do young Japanese women spend their hard-earned money to treat themselves? | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/25/how-do-young-japanese-women-spend-their-hard-earned-money-to-treat-themselves/ Japanese boss’ kind reaction to employee ditching work, playing pachinko, losing company car in fire | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/24/japanese-boss-kind-reaction-to-employee-ditching-work-playing-pachinko-losing-company-car-in-fire/ Japan’s Ninja Bear shot and killed in Hokkaido, eaten as yakiniku in Tokyo, to become stew next | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/24/japans-ninja-bear-shot-and-killed-in-hokkaido-eaten-as-yakiniku-in-tokyo-to-become-stew-next Super Mario voice actor Charles Martinet “stepping away” from voicing Nintendo characters | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/22/super-mario-voice-actor-charles-martinet-stepping-away-from-voicing-nintendo-characters/ Rick and Morty in Japan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_246-G6DnuY Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan economy gets major boost from weak currency - BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66506126 [C/W] DJ Soda addresses the sexual assault she faced during a performance in Japan and the secondary harassment she received online | allkpop https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/08/c-w-dj-soda-addresses-the-sexual-assault-she-faced-during-a-performance-in-japan-and-the-secondary-harassment-she-received-online Over 7,200 Japan firms employing foreign trainees broke law https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/09167237d52f-over-7200-japan-firms-employing-foreign-trainees-broke-law.html Japan to give Hawaii $2 million in aid as wildfire death toll tops 100 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/a7d4588f9d9a-death-toll-in-hawaii-wildfires-reaches-106.html Biden hopes to tighten S. Korean, Japanese bond at Camp David | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-hopes-tighten-s-korean-japanese-bond-camp-david-2023-08-17/ Nara deer shikadamari mystery deepens as tourists return to Nara park | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/08/19/nara-deer-shikadamari-mystery-deepens-as-tourists-return-to-nara-park/ Japanese convenience store pasta called “a monstrosity” by foreigners online | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/08/17/japanese-convenience-store-pasta-called-a-monstrosity-by-foreigners-online/ Human hair from India helps make Japanese buses more efficient | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/08/15/human-hair-from-india-helps-make-japanese-buses-more-efficient/ Studio Ghibli releases new plush toy backpacks for adults and children | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/08/12/studio-ghibli-releases-new-plush-toy-backpacks-for-adults-and-children Giant Pokémon appear in Yokohama sky in awesome drone art show at World Championships【Pics, vids】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/08/14/giant-pokemon-appear-in-yokohama-sky-in-awesome-drone-art-show-at-world-championships%e3%80%90pics-vids%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode More students studying abroad despite having to bear higher costs | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14979372 China lifts ban on group tours to Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230810_05/ China condemns Aso’s ‘resolve to fight’ remarks over Taiwan | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14978555 China breached Japan's classified defense networks, The Washington Post reports | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230808_12/ 18,110 people hospitalized and 18 died due to heat stroke in Japan https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/18110-people-hospitalized-and-18-died-due-to-heat-stroke-in-japan-kH1g7Fv4bffYcE5F62GdvF?language=en Japan's smoking rates continue to decline for men, women in 2022 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/b16142dbe221-japans-smoking-rates-continue-to-decline-for-men-women-in-2022.html Japanese countryside town makes giant corn maze full of oni for summer | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/10/japanese-countryside-town-makes-giant-corn-maze-full-of-oni-for-summer/ The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/11/the-massive-pokemon-card-public-art-display-going-on-in-japan-right-now-is-a-thing-of-beauty%e3%80%90pics%e3%80%91/ Neo Shinjuku Atsushi: New cyberpunk restaurant bar serves post-apocalyptic food in Tokyo | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/12/neo-shinjuku-atsushi-new-cyberpunk-restaurant-bar-serves-post-apocalyptic-food-in-tokyo/ New Legend of Zelda Boss is a canned coffee, gives you a chance at awesome jacket loot【Pics】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/12/new-legend-of-zelda-boss-is-a-canned-coffee-gives-you-a-chance-at-awesome-jacket-loot%e3%80%90pics%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Japan junior high students average 12% correct answers in English oral test https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/9ed466e60cbe-japan-jr-high-kids-average-12-correct-answers-in-english-oral-test.html Over 140 Japan-born foreign minors to get special permission to stay https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/6e5921c78c2a-over-140-japan-born-foreign-minors-to-get-special-permission-to-stay.html Japan sushi chain drops suit against teen over soy sauce bottle prank https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/b34369d0dfd4-japan-sushi-chain-drops-suit-against-teen-over-licking-soy-bottle.html Japan LDP members' photos of study tour in France spark online controversy - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230801/p2a/00m/0na/005000c Decapitated head in Sapporo case was filmed at home: source https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/c443c2a78b03-decapitated-head-in-sapporo-case-was-filmed-at-home-source.html Japanese figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announces marriage https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/5c952ffd6a5a-breaking-news-japanese-figure-skating-icon-yuzuru-hanyu-announces-marriage.html Typhoon over Okinawa kills 1, leaves third of homes without power https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/ebf5d8832d49-powerful-typhoon-approaches-japans-okinawa-leaves-1-dead.html Halloween "Joker" attacker gets 23 years for Tokyo train stabbing, fire https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/5efe99cfc327-halloween-joker-attacker-gets-23-yrs-for-tokyo-train-stabbing-fire.html Locals warn Mt. Fuji-climbing visitors to take challenge seriously https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/b4cd19b75343-locals-warn-mt-fuji-climbing-visitors-to-take-challenge-seriously.html Japan eyes new system to fine cyclists for traffic violations https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/bb87f511e85a-japan-eyes-new-system-to-fine-cyclists-for-traffic-violations.html Japan gov't sticks to plan to scrap health insurance cards in fall 2024 - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230803/p2a/00m/0na/022000c ‘Barbenheimer’ memes trigger anger in atomic-bombed Japan - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2023/08/02/film/barbie-oppenheimer-meme-backlash/ 7-Eleven apologises for cockroaches in onigiri rice balls | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/05/7-eleven-apologises-for-cockroaches-in-onigiri-rice-balls/ Brand-new Pikachu manhole covers coming to Japanese city to celebrate Pokémon World Championships | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/05/brand-new-pikachu-manhole-covers-coming-to-japanese-city-to-celebrate-pokemon-world-championships/ Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/08/02/sales-of-japans-most-convenient-train-ticket-shopping-payment-cards-suspended-indefinitely/ X https://twitter.com/moroyon/status/1685550885278302208 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

This week, Natsuki and Mitch talk about Japan's deadly heat stroke problem, bullying in Japanese schools, Japan's Bigmotor scandal, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode 熱中症疑いで搬送された山形の女子中学生が死亡…部活動後の帰宅途中に路上で倒れる : 読売新聞 https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20230729-OYT1T50294/ 'Foreigners are disgusting': Osaka school rapped over response to student's bullying - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230727/p2a/00m/0na/004000c Foreign residents in Japan near 3m as citizen population takes record drop - Nikkei Asia https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Society/Foreign-residents-in-Japan-near-3m-as-citizen-population-takes-record-drop How the deteriorating Twitter experience affects its prized Japan market - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/16/business/twitter-turbulence-japan-market/ Japan city assemblyman proposes kids be allowed to bring sports drinks to school - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230725/p2a/00m/0na/020000c Table Tennis Star Fukuhara Urged by Ex-Husband to Return Son | Nippon.com https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023072701231/ Man deemed eligible for workplace compensation after outing by boss https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/a606397f45d9-man-deemed-eligible-for-workplace-compensation-after-outing-by-boss.html Reddit - Dive into anything https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/15boq15/a_man_got_dragged_to_police_station_in_kabukich%C5%8D/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 Bigmotor chief to resign in wake of repair fraud scandal - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/25/business/corporate-business/bigmotor-chief-resign-repair-scandal Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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Articles from this week's episode:

Nintendo's Famicom game console marks 40th anniversary | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/15/business/tech/nintendo-nes-famicom-40th-anniversary/

Reveler fatally crushed by 1-ton float at Hakata Gion festival | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14957780

Fukushima Pref. idol group with members aged 17-59 debuts in bid to connect generations - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230713/p2a/00m/0et/023000c

Cesium 180 times limit found in fish at Fukushima nuke plant 12 years after disaster - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230718/p2a/00m/0na/019000c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHAD9rMvr8g

Foreign tourists in a haze as Japan lacks info on smoking areas, fining system - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230718/p2a/00m/0na/016000c

Japan crime rises in first half of 2023 as COVID restrictions ease https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/008fde54a574-japan-crime-rises-in-1st-half-of-2023-as-covid-restrictions-ease.html

Disabled author wins prestigious Japanese literary award in first https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/26a318651087-disabled-author-wins-prestigious-japanese-literary-award-in-1st.html

Haneda airport Terminal 2 reopens to int'l flights after 3-yr hiatus https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3cd92dc4ff4e-haneda-airport-terminal-2-reopens-to-intl-flights-after-3-yr-hiatus.html

"Faces" of Japan's shinkansen still mostly work of skilled craftsmen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/868873a4bbf0-faces-of-japans-shinkansen-still-mostly-work-of-skilled-craftsmen.html

Over 100 Pokemon trading cards stolen from a store in Shizuoka https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/over-100-pokemon-trading-cards-stolen-from-a-store-in-shizuoka-g4rXq3FcxQrLfKaf19PnS7?language=en

Was Ghibli right not to market Hayao Miyazaki’s new anime? Opening box office data is in | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/19/was-ghibli-right-not-to-market-hayao-miyazakis-new-anime-opening-box-office-data-is-in/

Ghibli Park announces opening dates for new areas | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/21/ghibli-park-announces-opening-dates-for-new-areas

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Stolen Pokemon cards mishandled by police, a World Heritage temple vandalized by a foreign teen, a woman whose citizenship was suddenly revoked in Japan, and more! Mitch and Ricky talk about the top news in Japan! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episodeWorld Heritage temple in Nara vandalized by visiting foreign teen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/ee43474563b6-world-heritage-temple-in-nara-vandalized-by-visiting-foreign-teen.html'You're living in Japan illegally': Woman shocked at sudden loss of Japanese nationality - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230706/p2a/00m/0na/044000c(UPDATE 1) Heatstroke Alerts Issued in Tokyo, 8 Other Prefectures in Japan - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230710-121748/Osaka Police Wrongly Arrest Man in Revenge Porn Case - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/crime-courts/20230711-122059/U.N. human rights group to probe Johnny's agency sex abuse scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/8777f484f99c-un-human-rights-group-to-probe-johnnys-agency-sex-abuse-scandal.htmlTeen's scientific passion leads to debunking theory on famed 'black eggs' in Hakone - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230707/p2g/00m/0sc/052000cIn Japan, plenty of inheritances, but no one to claim them | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/10/national/inheritance-abandoned-houses/Japan top court rules against restroom use limit for trans gov't worker https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/bc2fae4a9f44-update1-japan-top-court-rules-against-toilet-use-limit-for-trans-govt-worker.htmlExplosion Occurs During Rocket Combustion Experiment at JAXA Facility in Akita Prefecture - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230714-122670Japanese TV personality Ryuchell found dead | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230713_33/Japanese police face criticism for improper handling of stolen Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards【Video】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/14/japanese-police-face-criticism-for-improper-handling-of-stolen-pokemon-and-yu-gi-oh-cards%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/Japanese convenience store Lawson unveils a new type of egg sandwich | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/13/japanese-convenience-store-lawson-unveils-a-new-type-of-egg-sandwich/Surprise! Terrifying new retro Godzilla movie, Godzilla -1.0, coming to Japan and U.S. this year【Video】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/12/surprise-terrifying-new-retro-godzilla-movie-godzilla-1-0-coming-to-japan-and-u-s-this-year%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91 Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

This week, Mitch and Natsuki talk about a disturbing American TV show following the life of a man who lived through the Hiroshima nuclear bomb, a new One Piece restaurant opening in Japan, why Pokemon cards are the target of theft in Japan, and more! Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Kiyoshi Tanimoto - This is your life https://youtu.be/KPFXa2vTErc Headless body found at Sapporo hotel, person seen with victim sought https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/dc3630ce0720-headless-body-found-at-sapporo-hotel-person-seen-with-victim-sought.html No. of Japan households with kids falls below 10 mil. for 1st time https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/e2ed807c0bf2-no-of-japan-households-with-kids-falls-below-10-mil-for-1st-time.html Tokyo man 'married' to virtual singer Hatsune Miku fights for acceptance of 'fictosexuals' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230701/p2a/00m/0na/018000c No license needed for electric scooters, now same as bicycles | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14946626 IAEA assures safety of water release from Fukushima disaster site https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/e0c0fa7e9fb0-iaea-to-present-report-on-release-of-treated-water-from-fukushima.html Fender opens world-first flagship guitar store in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/903231a8def6-fender-opens-world-first-flagship-guitar-store-in-tokyo.html Pro-Russian hackers target Japan's top port handling Toyota trade https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3ec31b352357-japans-biggest-port-hit-by-suspected-cyberattack-operations-halted.html 2 Nigerian boxers KO'd in 1st round at Sapporo event were amateurs: commission - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230701/p2a/00m/0sp/011000c Italian painting looted by Nazi Germany in 1940 found in Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3e05d6489fed-italian-painting-looted-by-nazi-germany-in-1940-found-in-japan.html Japan's tallest skyscraper, at 330 meters, completed in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/5f32fae082bc-japans-tallest-skyscraper-at-330-meters-completed-in-tokyo.html Here's why Pokemon cards are becoming a target of burglaries in Japan | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/05/national/pokemon-cards-burglaries-target/ One Piece original-story stage show, Sanji and Straw Hat restaurants open at Universal Studios | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/07/one-piece-original-story-stage-show-sanji-and-straw-hat-restaurants-open-at-universal-studios/ River in Japan’s Nara Prefecture suddenly turns fluorescent green【Videos】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/06/river-in-japans-nara-prefecture-suddenly-turns-fluorescent-green%e3%80%90videos%e3%80%91/ Domino’s Japan pushes pickle love to the limit with new Pickles Pizza | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/05/dominos-japan-pushes-pickle-love-to-the-limit-with-new-pickles-pizza Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

This week, Mitch and not Natsuki talk about how Japan sends a man to tell women how to do their job, how Japan's government might be replacing ALTs, a misunderstanding that caused panic in a Tokyo train, an actress who made an AI generated swimsuit book, and more!

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Articles from this week's episode

Chinese public sees Japan, U.S. as least trustworthy: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/0721714d25a5-chinese-public-sees-japan-us-as-least-trustworthy-survey.html

Japan to issue new banknotes in July 2024, 1st renewal in 20 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/aa53792b4377-japan-to-issue-new-banknotes-in-july-2024-1st-renewal-in-20-yrs.html

Dollar hits 7.5-month high above 145 yen, sparks intervention concern https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/1c6bff8c07be-breaking-news-us-dollar-climbs-above-145-yen-highest-level-in-75-months.html

Tokyo begins online English lessons at public high schools | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14943573

Mainichi reporting confirms frequent US military chopper flights around Tokyo Skytree - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230629/p2a/00m/0na/005000c

Central Japan city apologizes for mishandling long-term resident's welfare application - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230623/p2a/00m/0na/034000c

Man reportedly brandishes knife inside Tokyo's busy Yamanote line https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/0dafb218c2c4-man-reportedly-brandishes-knife-inside-tokyos-busy-yamanote-line.html

Japan moving company apologizes after video of worker tied naked goes viral - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230624/p2a/00m/0na/002000c

Japanese swimsuit model/former adult actress releases AI-generated photo album of herself | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/01/japanese-swimsuit-model-former-adult-actress-releases-ai-generated-photo-album-of-herself/

A friendly reminder not to accidentally get squid sperm in your mouth, it hurts | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/24/a-friendly-reminder-not-to-accidentally-get-squid-sperm-in-your-mouth-it-hurts

G7 ministers in Japan call for eliminating economic gender disparity | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/25/national/g7-gender-meet

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This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about a giant crane game, a million dollar lawsuit against sushi terrorist, a billion dollar lawsuit against Nissan for conspiracy, and several times Japan's government has commited questionable acts recently!

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan to regulate smartphone app stores to end Apple-Google duopoly https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/ad0a21933c10-japan-to-regulate-smartphone-app-stores-to-end-apple-google-duopoly.html

Passive smoking on apartment balconies in Japan causing a stink - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230616/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Japan assembly speaker convicted of assault intends to stay on as legislator - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230621/p2a/00m/0na/013000c

Carlos Ghosn is suing Nissan Motor for over $1 billion | Fortune https://fortune.com/2023/06/20/carlos-ghosn-suing-nissan-motor-1-billion-firing-causing-deep-damage-finances-reputation/

Some deceived into having sterilization surgery: Japan parliament report https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/026b21bb812b-some-deceived-into-having-sterilization-surgery-japan-diet-report.html

BLOG BIZ: Thoughts about the future of Debito.org: What’s next? | debito.org https://www.debito.org/?p=17262

Japan likely to see hotter summer than usual due to 'super El Nino' | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/21/national/el-nino-hotter-summer/

Giant 'mega crane' games with huge prizes popular at Japan arcades - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230614/p2a/00m/0et/030000c

Teen sushi terrorist’s Sushiro lawsuit could go up to 160 million yen | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/21/teen-sushi-terrorists-sushiro-lawsuit-could-go-up-to-160-million-yen

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan Articles from this week's episode Vietnamese in Tokyo arrested over illegal haircuts to thousands https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/b05dc4fef6ee-vietnamese-in-tokyo-arrested-over-illegal-haircuts-to-thousands.html Japan allocates US$25 billion to reverse birthrate decline - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/japan-allocates-us25-billion-to-reverse-birthrate-decline/101670 Investors are putting big money into Japan again. Here’s why. | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/15/business/why-big-investment-return-japan/ Speed demons: the 'uriko' beer vendors of Japanese baseball | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/06/13/baseball/japanese-baseball/beer-girls-uriko-tokyo-dome/ Save game history: Japan preserves its cartridge-bound treasures - Nikkei Asia https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Media-Entertainment/Save-game-history-Japan-preserves-its-cartridge-bound-treasures Recruit fatally shoots 2 SDF instructors, hurts 1 at Japan gun range https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/b1d75b753b50-urgent-several-injured-after-gun-fired-at-sdf-range-in-central-japan.html Two planes bump into each other on Haneda Airport runway | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14929720 Japan seeks local tourism shake-up as demand exposes staff shortages https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/e3b4fca41854-japan-seeks-local-tourism-shake-up-as-demand-exposes-staff-shortages.html Check out our sponsors! STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu headphones https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 amp https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

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Articles from this week's episode

2 dead, 35 injured after heavy rain pounds Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/1b20a1bddb73-bullet-train-services-to-resume-between-tokyo-and-osaka-around-noon.html

Japan seeks over 30% of female executives in key firms by 2030 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/2776091373c0-japan-seeks-over-30-of-female-executives-in-key-firms-by-2030.html

Wrong bank account linked to numerous ‘My Number’ cards | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14926142

Tokyo stocks end at 33-yr highs on U.S. share surge, robust jobs data https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/598d1925c062-nikkei-tops-32000-mark-to-new-33-year-high-on-wall-st-surge.html

‘T-Rex races’ becoming a roaring success around Japan | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14914325

Japan to offer permanent residency for 4th-generation descendants https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/968c4bf796d6-japan-to-offer-permanent-residency-for-4th-generation-descendants.html

‘Mud Olympics’ returns to Saga Prefecture after 4-year absence | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14925450

'Frog-ization' top buzzword among Japanese Gen Z: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230607/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

Twitter https://twitter.com/streetfighterja/status/1664451771228381189?s=46&t=OcXh3RO4TmA0E-R71388kg

Urine-soaked loot – Police in Sapporo looking for serial urinal grate thief | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/07/urine-soaked-loot-police-in-sapporo-looking-for-serial-urinal-grate-thief

California’s In-N-Out Burger opening popup restaurant in downtown Tokyo | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/07/californias-in-n-out-burger-opening-popup-restaurant-in-downtown-tokyo/

Japanese schoolgirl talks foreigner out of suicide attempt on her way to class【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News

https://soranews24.com/2023/06/05/japanese-schoolgirl-talks-foreigner-out-of-suicide-attempt-on-her-way-to-class%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://youtu.be/HNMSd77KFNE

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This week, Mitch and Natsuki are joined by special guest from Natsuki's past to talk about life in America vs Japan, as well as talk about the news this week in Japan!

Articles from this week's episode

Women in Japan say biggest cause of low birth rate is high cost of child care: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230525/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

Baby boomtown: does Nagi hold the secret to repopulating Japan? | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/29/baby-boomtown-does-nagi-hold-the-secret-to-repopulating-japan

Japan court rules disallowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/74a20340d484-breaking-news-court-rules-not-recognizing-same-sex-marriage-as-unconstitutional.html

Japan aims to halve pollen emissions in 30 years to tackle hay fever https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/4bca5537822c-japan-aims-to-halve-pollen-emissions-in-30-years-to-tackle-hay-fever.html

Kishida eyes Japan's child care budget boost of about 3.5 tril. yen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c02f8a20abbd-kishida-eyes-japans-child-care-budget-boost-of-about-35-tril-yen.html

Japan PM Kishida sacks son as executive secretary amid criticism https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/737ffea2ae80-urgent-kishidas-son-to-step-down-as-executive-secretary-to-pm-govt.html

Foreigner hotel stays in Japan top 10 mil. for 1st time in 3 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/9f77ed09dcfd-foreign-hotel-guests-in-japan-top-10-mil-for-1st-time-in-3-yrs.html

Tokyo seeks measures to stop out-of-town billboard trucks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14907752

Photograph : Thrill Ride: Stripper Mobile - https://m.lasvegassun.com/photos/2011/jun/13/120813/

Japanese government promises, for real this time, that expressways will be free by the year 2115 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/02/japanese-government-promises-for-real-this-time-that-expressways-will-be-free-by-the-year-2115/

“Horse Feces Cafe” opens in Tokyo, looks stylish and delicious【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/01/horse-feces-cafe-opens-in-tokyo-looks-stylish-and-delicious%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/30/fans-in-japan-dont-sound-happy-with-netflixs-one-piece-live-action-changes-to-the-going-merry/

Japan to boost child care spending to match Sweden - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230601/p2g/00m/0na/049000c

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This week, Mitch and Alex are joined by two special guests as they talk about the good, the bad, and the strange parts of Japan!

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan's Nikkei powers to 1990 'bubble' era high | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/japans-nikkei-powers-1990-bubble-era-high-2023-05-19/

https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/13qaj3n/human_body_found_in_the_stomach_of_a_brown_bear/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1

City legislator's son detained over 4 deaths in Japan's Nagano https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/bb60dd965e2c-urgent-man-with-hunting-rifle-on-run-in-central-japan-4-injured.html

Older men with no sexual interest in women at risk of earlier death | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14870440

Student obsessed with strange road signs turns corner on hobby | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14894855

Japanese mom’s beautiful Legend of Zelda character bento brings tears (of the Kingdom) to our eyes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/japanese-moms-beautiful-legend-of-zelda-character-bento-brings-tears-of-the-kingdom-to-our-eyes

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Allegations against Japan's biggest boy band producer, the dairy crisis of Japan, weird new gadgets in Japan, and more! That's what Mitch and Ricky talk about on this week's episode of Small Talk Japan!

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Articles from this week's episode

New ex-member of Johnny's talent agency claims teenage sexual abuse https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/34edabd6d1a3-alleged-sex-abuse-victim-lauds-apology-of-johnnys-head-seeks-change.html

Tokyo ranked as world’s second wealthiest city after New York | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14894025

Japan to accept wounded Ukrainian soldiers for treatment https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/43991dab3e0d-japan-to-accept-wounded-ukrainian-soldiers-for-treatment.html

'Dairy crisis' hits Japan as farm bankruptcies see 10-year high - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230511/p2a/00m/0bu/038000c

Bear attack on angler suspected after human head found at Japan lake https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/7629723db555-bear-attack-on-angler-suspected-after-human-head-found-at-japan-lake.html

How a former yakuza criminal went from a jail cell in Japan to fighting the war in Ukraine - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-17/former-japanese-yakuza-criminal-joins-foreign-legion-in-ukraine/102276660

Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke in hospital, suicide attempt suspected https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/836b59e3166f-popular-kabuki-actor-ichikawa-ennosuke-taken-to-hospital.html

Universal Studios Japan lifts ban on hugging, high-fiving mascots | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/universal-studios-japan-lifts-ban-on-hugging-high-fiving-mascots/

Japanese police make first-ever YouTuber arrest for uploading video game gameplay videos | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/japanese-police-make-first-ever-youtuber-arrest-for-uploading-video-game-gameplay-videos/

Super Mario Sunshine-style water splash event coming to Universal Studios Japan this summer | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/18/super-mario-sunshine-style-water-splash-event-coming-to-universal-studios-japan-this-summer

Kobe man arrested after threatening driving school with 1,500 origami cranes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/kobe-man-arrested-after-threatening-driving-school-with-1500-origami-cranes/

Japan’s newest vending machine absorbs CO2 from the environment | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/japans-newest-vending-machine-absorbs-co2-from-the-environment/

Japan’s weirdest gadget maker has a new fan just to dry off your legs (and crotch)【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/17/japans-weirdest-gadget-maker-has-a-new-fan-just-to-dry-off-your-legs-and-crotch%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

What should you do if you get stuck in an elevator in an earthquake? Japan’s NHK offers five tips | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/15/what-should-you-do-if-you-get-stuck-in-an-elevator-in-an-earthquake-japans-nhk-offers-five-tips

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This week, Natsuki is back in studio with Mitch to talk about crime in Japan, parental harassment, convenience stores with beer on tap, the new Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom merch, and more!

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan lowers COVID threat level to same as flu in major policy shift https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/40b13036adf1-japan-lowers-covid-threat-level-to-same-as-flu-in-major-policy-shift.html

Nearly 40% of people surveyed in Japan going without a mask | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14903672

Rolex store in Tokyo robbed, 4 men taken into custody https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/5231b52d7df9-rolex-store-in-tokyo-robbed-4-men-taken-into-custody.html

首相官邸敷地内で拳銃自殺か 警備中の警視庁機動隊員 ｜ 共同通信 https://nordot.app/1027008733696950272

マイナンバーカード コンビニの証明書交付システム 一時停止を要請 | NHK | マイナンバー https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230509/k10014061271000.html

Several injured as predawn M5.2 quake rattles Tokyo Bay area https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c9d9160e99ca-urgent-strong-quake-jolts-chiba-tokyo-other-areas.html

Tokyo teacher sent to prosecutors for alleged murder,likely laden with debt https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/bfca4caabb42-tokyo-teacher-sent-to-prosecutors-for-murder-likely-laden-with-debt.html

Mysterious fireballs seen crossing sky over Okinawa https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/d3c17eb11617-mysterious-fireballs-seen-crossing-sky-over-okinawa.html

Do childless adults in Japan face parental harassment? - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/do-childless-adults-in-japan-face-parental-harassment/101250

The Japanese convenience store where you can drink beer on tap | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/12/the-japanese-convenience-store-where-you-can-drink-beer-on-tap

Japanese Self-Defense Force mulls removing its ban on tattoos | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/11/japanese-self-defense-force-mulls-removing-its-ban-on-tattoos/

Japan has a pizza for dogs, so of course we tried it | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/09/japan-has-a-pizza-for-dogs-so-of-course-we-tried-it/

Light-up Master Sword, Rupee dishes, and heart notebook all part of new Legend of Zelda merch line | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/08/light-up-master-sword-rupee-dishes-and-heart-notebook-all-part-of-new-legend-of-zelda-merch-lin

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This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about the most popular destinations for foreign tourists in Japan, the earthquake that shook Japan, Jack Ma working in Tokyo, and more!

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Articles from this week's episode

Shiga Pref. hoping Austria-shaped Lake Biwa makes tourism splash https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/343aa201fb00-shiga-pref-hoping-austria-shaped-lake-biwa-makes-tourism-splash.html

FOCUS: Japan moves to criminalize exploitative photo voyeurism https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/830036798422-focus-japan-moves-to-criminalize-exploitative-photo-voyeurism.html

Alibaba's Jack Ma joins University of Tokyo as visiting professor https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/7a6bc6de66e8-alibabas-jack-ma-joins-university-of-tokyo-as-visiting-professor.html

Super Mario creator says new movie humanizes popular game character https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/7847fdb84097-super-mario-creator-says-new-movie-humanizes-popular-game-character.html

残業「月80時間」過労死ライン超える中学校教員依然4割近く 17年前に夫を過労で亡くした遺族「今も全く同じことが起こっている」 | TBS NEWS DIG https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/461965

M6.5 quake rocks central Japan amid Golden Week holidays, 1 dies https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/40de734dcd7e-urgent-m63-quake-rocks-central-japan-no-tsunami-threat.html

45% of young people in Japan have suicidal thoughts: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/98d8e885dbde-45-of-young-people-in-japan-have-suicidal-thoughts-survey.html

Forced participation in religious activities to be classified as child abuse in Japan | The Straits Times https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/forced-participation-in-religious-activities-to-be-classified-as-child-abuse-in-japan

FOCUS: LDP resistance imperils passage of Japan LGBT law before G-7 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c193401ef44a-focus-ldp-resistance-imperils-passage-of-japan-lgbt-law-before-g-7.html

The top 10 things foreign tourists visiting Japan want to do during Golden Week | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/04/the-top-10-things-foreign-tourists-visiting-japan-want-to-do-during-golden-week

Eiko Digital Creative High School opens in two cities where students can study e-sports and more | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/02/eiko-digital-creative-high-school-opens-in-two-cities-where-students-can-study-e-sports-and-more/

Cartoon Explaining Mormonism - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgw-C_DTVo8

Fantasmic! Dragon Catches Fire at Disneyland - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQdH0ZrUXQs

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Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/4e4e26d7c472-japan-health-ministry-panel-oks-oral-abortion-pill-for-1st-time.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/47d82b06649b-japan-aims-to-draw-100-tril-yen-foreign-investment-digital-nomads.html

https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/459003

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/9b8ade8708c5-japan-pm-likely-us-presidential-hopeful-say-alliance-key-to-peace.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/37160f7f36b8-harry-potter-theme-park-in-tokyo-unveiled-ahead-of-june-16-opening.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/0b30bc9d9174-yokosuka-becomes-1st-local-govt-in-japan-to-begin-chatgpt-trial-use.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/58040ec0c84e-japan-lawmakers-buckle-down-to-fight-hay-fever-form-bipartisan-group.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/4184207c2c71-japan-public-safety-chief-kept-eating-despite-kishida-attack-news.html

https://youtu.be/enLdoTg9HBI

https://euro.eseuro.com/movies/246858.html

https://soranews24.com/2023/04/28/massive-variation-new-pikachu-plushie-line-lets-you-find-the-perfect-pikachu-just-for-you/

https://soranews24.com/2023/04/25/middle-school-teacher-moonlighting-as-host-bar-host-arrested-in-nagoya/

https://soranews24.com/2023/04/25/aichi-man-arrested-for-failing-to-steal-very-large-donation-box-from-shinto-shrine/

https://soranews24.com/2023/04/24/kfc-adds-hash-brown-burgers-to-its-menu-in-japan/

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This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about train prices going up, the prime minister being attacked, vending machine sushi, and more!

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan, U.S. first ladies plant cherry tree at White House https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/569f718e7674-japan-us-first-ladies-plant-cherry-tree-at-white-house.html

Lack of security for Japanese prime minister surprised many - Global News Bulletin https://globenewsbulletin.com/world/lack-of-security-for-japanese-prime-minister-surprised-many/

安倍氏「国葬」で...“政権批判” 動機は? 選挙出られず不満も 岸田首相襲撃 - YouTube https://youtu.be/FiMflGSumew

Japanese "Danjiri" float topples, injuring 11 men in Osaka Prefecture https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/29007221dbff-japanese-danjiri-float-topples-injuring-11-men-in-osaka-prefecture.html

だんじり横転で11人重軽傷 交差点でバランス崩す 大阪・堺市 - YouTube https://youtu.be/3Zgttkesanc

Fast Retailing unveils energy-saving stand-alone concept Uniqlo store https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/2581b06b5f80-fast-retailing-unveils-energy-saving-stand-alone-concept-uniqlo-store.html

French tourist in Japan arrested for punching woman in the face https://nextshark.com/french-tourist-in-japan-arrested-for-punching-woman-in-the-face/

That’s No Meteor: NASA Satellite’s Elusive Green Lasers Spotted in Use | NASA https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2023/thats-no-meteor-nasa-satellites-elusive-green-lasers-spotted-at-work

How a culture of silence helped Japan’s Jimmy Savile get away with decades of child abuse https://news.yahoo.com/culture-silence-helped-japan-jimmy-142439329.html

Drastic price increase announced for the Japan Rail Pass https://www.japan-guide.com/news/japan-rail-pass-cost-increase.html

Drug dealers in Japan forget their pot stash in rental car, ask agency clerk to not look inside | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/04/14/drug-dealers-in-japan-forget-their-pot-stash-in-rental-car-ask-agency-clerk-to-not-look-inside/

Sushi from a vending machine — would you try it? Mr. Sato did | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/04/17/sushi-from-a-vending-machine-would-you-try-it-mr-sato-did

Junior high pupils take first online English speaking test in nationwide assessment https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/04/19/national/junior-high-english-speaking-test-online/

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This week, Mitch and Alex talk about Japan's first casino, a film with only audio, guidelines for AI chatbots in schools, and more!

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Articles from this week's episode

Sound-only film about foreigners aims to open eyes to their presence https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/9b5f43f94f62-feature-sound-only-film-about-foreigners-aims-to-open-eyes-to-their-presence.html

Japan's crown prince, princess to attend British king's coronation https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/0f4905ae5fff-japans-crown-prince-princess-to-attend-british-kings-coronation.html

Gov't to approve plan for Japan's 1st casino resort in Osaka https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/274d3fbadf39-govt-to-approve-plan-for-japans-1st-casino-resort-in-osaka.html

Japan's population falls under 125 mil., 12th year of decline https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/50abd3568677-japans-population-falls-under-125-mil-12th-year-of-decline.html

‘Abenomask’ giveaway details finally disclosed after court order | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14880931

Japan startup lander may reach Moon on Apr. 26 in world 1st https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/8eac94c5df98-japan-startup-lander-may-reach-moon-on-apr-26-in-world-1st.html

Suzukis across Japan donate $530,000 to restore name's 'birthplace' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230408/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Japan to create guidelines on use of AI chatbots in schools https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/10f37cd547c5-japan-to-create-guidelines-on-use-of-ai-chatbots-in-schools.html

Video game maker Konami employee tries to kill old boss with fire extinguisher | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/04/13/video-game-maker-konami-employee-tries-to-kill-old-boss-with-fire-extinguisher/

82-year-old Japanese man arrested for driving without license, says he had one 60 years ago | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/04/12/82-year-old-japanese-man-arrested-for-driving-without-license-says-he-had-one-60-years-ago/

The strongest peeing boy statue in Japan is a hidden gem of sightseeing in Saitama | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/04/10/the-strongest-peeing-boy-statue-in-japan-is-a-hidden-gem-of-sightseeing-in-saitama/

スゴイ小便小僧～黒山三滝【越生町水の旅】 - YouTube https://youtu.be/w1j-z_oBHRw

AI-generated woman successfully sells nudes on Reddit | The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/ai-nudes-reddit-deepfake-porn-b2318555.html?am

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This week, Mitch is back from China to talk about Japan's birthrate, a potential war, fast food that makes you buff, and more!

Articles from this week's episode

Tokyo ramen shop bans customers from watching YouTube videos while eating | CNN https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tokyo-debu-chan-smartphone-ban-intl-hnk/index.html

Japan probed China Communist Party member over leaking farm tech data https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/7267209f526b-japan-probed-china-communist-party-member-over-leaking-farm-tech-data.html

China ships stay in Japan waters near Senkakus for record time https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/ecc5a67d4804-china-ships-stay-in-japan-waters-near-senkakus-for-record-time.html

Japan sounds alarm bells as it moves to tackle falling birthrate | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14875661

Video of Sri Lankan who died in detention in Japan shown to public https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/a5d6e9c74832-video-of-sri-lankan-who-died-in-detention-in-japan-shown-to-public.html

FOCUS: Calls grow for drastic steps to address Japan's sliding birthrate https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/fe18073dcd91-focus-calls-grow-for-drastic-steps-to-address-japans-sliding-birthrate.html

Spending by foreign visitors to Japan jumps sevenfold in 2022 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/fafcf217fda5-spending-by-foreign-visitors-to-japan-jumps-sevenfold-in-2022.html

FEATURE: Mentally disabled couple overcome social stigma, marry at 62 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/095f8639cf8e-feature-mentally-disabled-couple-overcome-social-stigma-get-married-aged-62.html

2 diners arrested over prank video at Yoshinoya beef bowl restaurant https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/f4437031c605-2-arrested-over-video-of-unhygienic-acts-at-osaka-restaurant.html

"My Neighbor Totoro" play on London stage bags 6 Olivier awards https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/bf2956c48753-my-neighbor-totoro-play-on-london-stage-bags-6-olivier-awards.html

Japanese moving company scam? The time we almost called police on a removal rep | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/04/06/japanese-moving-company-scam-the-time-we-almost-called-police-on-a-removal-rep/

Does Mos Burger’s new Muscle Burger give you muscles? | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/04/01/does-mos-burgers-new-muscle-burger-give-you-muscles

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan egg prices soar amid record 16 million bird flu cullings https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/f8b84f25644e-japan-egg-prices-soar-amid-record-16-mil-bird-flu-cullings.html

Baseball: Shohei Ohtani fans Mike Trout, closes out Japan's 3rd WBC title https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/dc14f6a4c8ca-urgent-japan-beats-us-for-3rd-world-baseball-classic-championship.html

No. of yakuza, associates probed by Japan police falls below 10,000 in 2022 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/fc5eb8b75f82-no-of-yakuza-associates-probed-by-police-falls-below-10000-in-2022.html

Japan PM vows continued support for Ukraine in unannounced visit https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/4f4f3320ec79-bulletin-japan-pm-kishida-to-visit-ukraine-on-tues-govt-source.html

Teenage girl arrested after saying she strangled man in central Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/ef4743363cc0-teenage-girl-arrested-after-saying-she-strangled-man-in-central-japan.html

Scandal-plagued Japan tech giant Toshiba gets tender offer | AP News https://apnews.com/article/toshiba-buyout-japan-westinghouse-electronics-124bc5f5f10a7a12a4b717ba95e3adba

One Up On China! Japan Commissions Stealthy Kawasaki Submarine To Defend Chokepoints & Ambush PLA Navy https://eurasiantimes.com/one-up-on-china-japan-commissions-stealthy-kawasaki-submarine/

Mask rules in Japan have changed…so are people still wearing them? | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/03/15/mask-rules-in-japan-have-changed-so-are-people-still-wearing-them/

Pizza Hut adds a “too much coriander” pizza to its lineup in Japan | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/03/21/pizza-hut-adds-a-too-much-coriander-pizza-to-its-lineup-in-japan

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This week, Mitch and Natsuki debate about Japan's useage of Chinese medicine, a big win for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, a problem Japanese flight attendants often encounter, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

YouTuber-turned-lawmaker expelled from parliament for never showing up https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/71e6aaaf637a-urgent-youtuber-turned-lawmaker-loses-seat-for-missing-diet-sessions.html

Japan grants long-term visa to gay U.S. man wed to Japanese https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/9bcf8a9b5feb-japan-grants-long-term-visa-to-gay-us-man-wed-to-japanese.html

Japanese remain largely masked up on 1st day of eased COVID rules https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/e57c6e77ff25-covid-mask-rules-eased-in-japan-wearing-left-up-to-individual.html

Ghibli Park visitors caught in lewd acts with anime character figures | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/03/10/ghibli-park-visitors-caught-in-lewd-acts-with-anime-character-figures/

Diamond Princess returns to Yokohama 3 yrs after mass COVID outbreak https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/1cfb29f256fa-diamond-princess-returns-to-yokohama-3-yrs-after-mass-covid-outbreak.html

70% of Japan flight attendants report photos taken of them secretly https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/006e9ebb7fc5-70-of-japan-flight-attendants-report-photos-taken-of-them-secretly.html

'Sushi terrorist' and 2 accomplices arrested in Japan after viral prank : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/03/09/1162147829/conveyor-belt-sushi-terrorist-japan-arrested-prank

Gender inequality driving wave of female Japanese immigrants to Canada | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/japan-women-immigration-canada-gender-inequality-1.6769111

Hiroshima group makes int'l dishes to tempt G-7 leaders https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/4e10e2556c45-hiroshima-group-makes-intl-okonomiyaki-dishes-to-tempt-g-7-leaders.html

Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Tokyo, earliest start to sakura season for third year | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/03/14/cherry-blossoms-begin-blooming-in-tokyo-earliest-start-to-sakura-season-for-third-year/

Japanese security polearm maker’s takedown videos are crazy, products look crazy effective【Vids】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/03/13/japanese-security-polearm-makers-takedown-videos-are-crazy-products-look-crazy-effective%e3%80%90vids%e3%80%91/

Coca-Cola Japan releasing canned Jack Daniel’s cocktails | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/03/10/coca-cola-releasing-canned-jack-daniels-cocktails-in-japan

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Articles from this week's episode

Knife-wielding teen attacks teacher in school near Tokyo, arrested https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/ab399377a5e7-man-arrested-after-knife-attack-on-teacher-in-school-near-tokyo.html

South Korea's Yoon says Japan changed from aggressor to partner https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/3d039138feed-s-koreas-yoon-says-japan-changed-from-aggressor-to-partner.html

Japan sees 1st foreign cruise ship arrival in 3 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/2dd3f82be4bc-japan-sees-1st-foreign-cruise-ship-arrival-in-3-years-amid-pandemic.html

iSpace On Track For First Lunar Landing, Preparing For Next Missions - TLP News https://tlpnetwork.com/news/2023/02/ispace-on-track-for-first-lunar-landing-preparing-for-next-missions

Man found guilty of fraud over 46 mil. yen town sent by mistake https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/839cb46c28e2-man-found-guilty-of-fraud-over-46-mil-yen-town-sent-by-mistake.html

Japan births hit all-time low in 2022, below 800,000 for 1st time https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/b245b97764b8-japan-births-hit-all-time-low-in-2022-below-800000-for-1st-time.html

Man gets 3.5-year prison term for acid attack at Tokyo subway station https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/ec166a900f87-man-gets-35-year-prison-term-for-acid-attack-at-tokyo-subway-station.html

Japan, U.S., South Korea, Taiwan launch 'Chip 4' talks for supply chain https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/fb77092264b1-japan-us-s-korea-taiwan-launch-chip-4-talks-for-supply-chain.html

Japan researchers working to reduce climate impact of cow burps https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/0edab03f8bb3-japan-researchers-working-to-reduce-climate-impact-of-cow-burps.html

All-you-can-eat cheeseburgers offered by Burger King Japan for its 1,590-calorie King Yeti burger | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/03/02/all-you-can-eat-cheeseburgers-offered-by-burger-king-japan-for-its-1590-calorie-king-yeti-burger

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan inn in hot water for bathwater bacteria 3,700 times the limit https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/8bb2c1b6f92a-japan-inn-in-hot-water-for-bathwater-bacteria-3700-times-the-limit.html

Japan to signal illegality of nonconsensual sex in crime rename https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/83ec79355f3c-japan-to-signal-illegality-of-nonconsensual-sex-in-crime-rename.html

Japan's manga sales hit record but growth slows as more people go out https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/3b801c41feb5-japans-manga-sales-hit-record-but-growth-slows-as-more-people-go-out.html

Japan vows to keep supporting Ukraine 1 year on from Russian invasion https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/352fff1a6cf4-update1-japan-vows-to-keep-supporting-ukraine-1-year-on-from-russian-invasion.html

FEATURE: Film shines spotlight on tragic death of disabled man https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/f959b13f320e-feature-film-shines-spotlight-on-tragic-death-of-disabled-man.html

Japan Airlines Serves A Banana As Vegan Meal https://simpleflying.com/japan-airlines-single-banana-vegan-meal/

Man arrested for allegedly pulling down coworker's pants at Japan company party - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230221/p2a/00m/0na/006000c

Why Japan has so many 'never travelers' | CNN https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/japan-never-traveler-culture-cmb/index.html

YouTuber-turned-lawmaker ordered to apologize for not attending Diet https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/b5126cefea6e-youtuber-turned-lawmaker-ordered-to-apologize-for-not-attending-diet.html

Japan recommends nurseries stop take-home practice for used diapers https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/9997f43090d1-japan-recommends-nurseries-stop-take-home-practice-for-used-diapers.html

New Pikachu character coming to Pokémon anime series after Ash’s retirement | SoraNews24  Japan News  https://soranews24.com/2023/02/25/new-pikachu-character-coming-to-pokemon-anime-series-after-ashs-retirement/

Critically acclaimed A-bomb manga Barefoot Gen excerpts removed from Hiroshima school curriculum | SoraNews24  Japan News  https://soranews24.com/2023/02/20/critically-acclaimed-a-bomb-manga-barefoot-gen-excerpts-removed-from-hiroshima-school-curriculum

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Weird food in Japan, weird school rules, internet celebirities who support Sushiro, and more! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

Gov't revises PM's pledge to double Japan's budget for children https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/dfcc8700600c-govt-revises-pms-pledge-to-double-japans-budget-for-children.html

 Japan's ruling bloc OKs easing weapon use against flying objects https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/3c0bb1cf7830-japans-ruling-party-oks-easing-weapon-use-against-flying-objects.html

FEATURE: Japan's rural post offices host unmanned shops to help seniors https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/0c91068981b7-feature-japans-rural-post-offices-host-unmanned-shops-to-help-seniors.html

Video of Sri Lankan woman who died in Japan detention to be shown in court https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/29106150e417-video-of-sri-lankan-who-died-in-japan-detention-to-be-shown-in-court.html

U.S. envoy to Japan hopes for "clear, unambiguous" LGBT legislation https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/eef8df8fc0a6-us-envoy-to-japan-hopes-for-clear-unambiguous-lgbt-legislation.html

Central Japan slashing shows abuse risk remains in remote relationships - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230210/p2a/00m/0na/015000c

64% favor recognizing same-sex marriage in Japan: Kyodo poll https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/d95968c3f7d5-urgent-64-favor-recognizing-same-sex-marriage-in-japan-kyodo-poll.html

またもスシローで迷惑行為…別の調味料混入に「これはヤバい」と批判殺到 運営元「警察へ相談済み」 ｜ ENCOUNT https://nordot.app/995233798819414016

Twitter https://twitter.com/itaitiktok/status/1622126198473232385?s=46&t=L7yPT2rbfojOkhk9ycw01Q

Japanese celebs go on “patrol” to help revolving sushi chain Sushiro | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/10/japanese-celebs-go-on-patrol-to-help-revolving-sushi-chain-sushiro

Domino’s Japan changes medium pizzas to small, without changing size, in confusing clarification | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/10/dominos-japan-changes-medium-pizzas-to-small-without-changing-size-in-confusing-clarification/

Korakuen’s Chocolate Ramen returns to restaurants, wins over our most cynical taste tester | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/17/korakuens-chocolate-ramen-returns-to-restaurants-wins-over-our-most-cynical-taste-tester/

Is it OK to split the bill on a date in Japan? Survey asks what women and men of different ages think | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/17/is-it-ok-to-split-the-bill-on-a-date-in-japan-survey-asks-what-women-and-men-of-different-ages-think/

Student in Japan misses week of class after school won’t let him wear sweatshirt on snowy day | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/12/student-in-japan-misses-week-of-class-after-school-wont-let-him-wear-sweatshirt-on-snowy-day

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Japanese women during Valentine's Day, more foreigners expected to come to Japan, the school that bans jackets in the winter, and more! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan with Mitch and Natsuki!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

Japan aiming for record number of foreign visitors in 2025 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/f9f34e464698-japan-aiming-for-record-number-of-foreign-visitors-in-2025.html

Draft bill proposal seeks to curtail unconventional 'kirakira' kanji name readings - Japan Today https://japantoday.com/category/national/draft-bill-proposal-seeks-to-curtail-unconventional-%27kirakira%27-kanji-name-readings

Students forbidden from wearing coats in winter due to meaningless rules at Japanese schools - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230203/p2a/00m/0na/003000c

Aide to Japan's prime minister says he 'hates' to see LGBT couples -                        Nikkei Asia                         https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Aide-to-Japan-s-prime-minister-says-he-hates-to-see-LGBT-couples

City officials learn easy Japanese as number of foreign residents increases https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/040c0794d3a2-city-officials-learn-easy-japanese-as-number-of-foreign-residents-increases.html

Sushi chain limits conveyor belt use to orders after licking scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/dff310aa378a-sushi-chain-limits-conveyor-belt-use-to-orders-after-licking-scandal.html

Mitsubishi Heavy gives up 1st Japan-made passenger jet project https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/02/0aa9f96d1f08-urgent-mitsubishi-heavy-set-to-terminate-passenger-jet-project.html

'Be lazy anywhere': Pop-up store in Tokyo to let customers try on wearable beanbags - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230204/p2a/00m/0bu/013000c

Not in the mood for small talk? Japanese taxis add Silent Mode service, activated with finger tap | SoraNews24  Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/09/not-in-the-mood-for-small-talk-japanese-taxis-add-silent-mode-service-activated-with-finger-tap/

UK-style 'ground floor' to be abolished at Japan's Takarazuka city hall after complaints  - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230208/p2a/00m/0na/015000c

Burger King Japan’s Cheeseburger Gelände — exceptional in taste, size and… paper napkins? | SoraNews24  Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/03/burger-king-japans-cheeseburger-gelande-exceptional-in-taste-size-and-paper-napkins/

Sakurajima volcano in southwestern Japan erupts - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230208/p2g/00m/0na/046000c

83% of women in Japan don't want to give 'obligatory' chocolates on Valentine's Day: poll - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230208/p2a/00m/0na/009000c

Japan bureaucrat turns into YouTube 'mutant' turtle to tell of new rules on alien species - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230209/p2a/00m/0sc/011000c

今こそアカミミガメを語ろう！カメトーク！【WoWキツネザル×環境省】 - YouTube https://youtu.be/OT7CdGIpbUA

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan's ‘Sushi Terrorism’ is the Latest Viral Video Prank | Time https://time.com/6252073/japan-sushi-viral-video/

'Entirely different world': Backcountry of Japan's alpine areas continues to claim lives - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230131/p2a/00m/0na/013000c

Japan court nixes univ.'s dismissal of English teacher before unfixed contract eligibility - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230131/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

'I was suddenly fired': Central Japan groups aid foreign workers laid off amid pandemic - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230130/p2a/00m/0li/025000c

Net population influx into Tokyo accelerates for 1st time in 3 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/9d8281d420a8-net-population-influx-into-tokyo-accelerates-for-1st-time-in-3-yrs.html

Woman who served in SDF sues state, assailants over sexual harassment https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/6c1909db6ae3-woman-who-served-in-sdf-sues-state-assailants-over-sexual-harassment.html

Groper arrested in Japan insists he did not grab both breasts, but just one | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/30/groper-arrested-in-japan-insists-he-did-not-grab-both-breasts-but-just-one/

PM Kishida's remark on encouraging 'reskilling' during child care leave sparks criticism - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230130/p2a/00m/0na/011000c

Death row inmates' lawyers call for discussion, less secrecy on executions in Japan - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230130/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Japan-developed 'AI suitcase' tested as replacement for guide dogs - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230128/p2a/00m/0li/018000c

Over 500 women in Japan used overseas sperm bank as demand grows https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/e77c3bb47fe4-over-500-women-in-japan-used-overseas-sperm-bank-as-demand-grows.html

Never oversleep again under the stern supervision of Japan’s Threatening Red Panda Nap Cushion | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/03/never-oversleep-again-under-the-stern-supervision-of-japans-threatening-red-panda-nap-cushion/

Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/02/02/manga-artist-wants-japanese-teachers-to-feel-for-two-seconds-how-dumb-their-girls-dress-code-is/

World’s largest type of daikon radish can now be ordered online in Japan | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/31/worlds-largest-type-of-daikon-radish-can-now-be-ordered-online-in-japan/

Japanese police file charges against illegal anime girl huggy pillow cover seller | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/28/japanese-police-file-charges-against-illegal-anime-girl-huggy-pillow-cover-seller

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan's foreign worker population hits record 1.82 million https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/633b961497c0-japans-foreign-worker-population-hits-record-182-million.html

8 arrested in case linked to "Luffy" group robberies across Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/d84bdcfad1dd-8-arrested-in-case-linked-to-luffy-group-robberies-across-japan.html

Japan to downgrade COVID-19 category on May 8: gov't sources https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/1f005239f010-urgent-japan-to-downgrade-covid-19-category-on-may-8-govt-sources.html

Japanese junior high school principal arrested for soliciting child https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/578f3dd800cd-japanese-junior-high-school-principal-arrested-for-soliciting-child.html

Japan PM Kishida cautious about same-sex marriage https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/b1fae898120e-japan-pm-kishida-cautious-about-same-sex-marriage.html

Japan's ex-PM Mori casts doubt on excessive support for Ukraine https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/3def4e19e4dc-japans-ex-pm-mori-casts-doubt-on-excessive-support-for-ukraine.html

Japan’s Birth Rate is Falling: Japan ‘on the Verge’ of Societal Collapse Due to Birth Rate, Prime Minister Says | National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/news/japan-on-the-verge-of-societal-collapse-due-to-plummeting-birth-rate-prime-minister-says/

Paying people to have babies backfires in Japan - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/paying-people-to-have-babies-backfires-in-japan/100104

China to partially resume overseas group tours, Japan not included https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/7cdb3dc66eaf-china-to-partially-resume-overseas-group-tours-japan-not-included.html

Nitori furniture store guard arrested for shoplifting from Nitori furniture store | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/27/nitori-furniture-store-guard-arrested-for-shoplifting-from-nitori-furniture-store/

Woman decides to go for a walk on the busiest train tracks at Shibuya Station【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/27/woman-decides-to-go-for-a-walk-on-the-busiest-train-tracks-at-shibuya-station%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

Millennium-old Japanese temple offering funeral service for broken record player needles | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/26/millennium-old-japanese-temple-offering-funeral-service-for-broken-record-player-needles/

What does a kanji with 12 “kuchi” radicals mean? A look at weird, forgotten Japanese characters | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/26/what-does-a-kanji-with-12-kuchi-radicals-mean-a-look-at-weird-forgotten-japanese-characters/

Hyatt Regency Osaka will soon offer cat-friendly hotel rooms for you and your feline friend | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/25/hyatt-regency-osaka-will-soon-offer-cat-friendly-hotel-rooms-for-you-and-your-feline-friend/

72 percent of foreigners in survey say they’ve been disappointed by bad breath in Japan | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/24/72-percent-of-foreigners-in-survey-say-theyve-been-disappointed-by-bad-breath-in-japan/

Pet dog, cat involvement suspected in 2 fires in Japan in 2022 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/02ed2452ae30-pet-dog-cat-involvement-suspected-in-2-fires-in-japan-in-2022.html

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Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/91e936c38d2b-japan-mulls-lifting-anti-covid-recommendation-to-wear-masks-indoors.html

https://shueisha.online/newstopics/95147

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ac73810d2f43-japan-us-leaders-to-confirm-importance-of-taiwan-peace.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/817303cbb5b5-dead-whale-in-osaka-to-be-sunk-offshore-this-week.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/2a8f217d34c8-japan-to-allow-unlicensed-electric-scooter-riding-from-july.html

https://soranews24.com/2023/01/21/new-york-times-makes-a-surprising-pick-for-the-best-city-to-visit-in-japan/

https://soranews24.com/2023/01/20/japans-real-world-one-piece-fitness-gym-is-open-lets-you-pump-giant-manga-meat/

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Articles from this week's episode

Tuna fetches 36 mil. yen at New Year auction in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/fcde8c3a189b-tuna-fetches-36-mil-yen-at-new-year-auction-in-tokyo.html

Scientists leave Japan for China, wooed by better teamwork, jobs | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14800258

China suspends issuing visas in Japan and South Korea | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/china/covid-wave-past-its-peak-many-parts-china-state-media-2023-01-10/

Japan marks first Coming of Age Day with adulthood lowered to 18 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/3adef2f33092-japan-marks-first-coming-of-age-day-with-adulthood-lowered-to-18.html

Japan, U.S. to cooperate over next-generation nuclear reactors https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/c3ef22513bfe-japan-us-to-cooperate-over-next-generation-nuclear-reactors.html

Japan culls record 10 mil. birds as avian flu spreads https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/44b003988a23-japan-culls-record-10-mil-birds-as-avian-flu-spreads.html

Tokyo core consumer prices up 4.0% in Dec., biggest rise since 1982 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/927c4e4f3d34-urgent-tokyo-core-consumer-prices-up-40-in-dec-biggest-rise-since-1982.html

Kishida's plan to combat Japan's low birthrate stirs talk of sales tax hike | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/08/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-birthrate-policy-tax-hike/

Japan's real wages fall in Nov. at sharpest pace in 8 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ca30d42bc7ae-japans-real-wages-fall-in-nov-at-sharpest-pace-in-8-yrs.html

Tokyo families to get 5,000 yen a month per child amid falling birthrates https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/4a8a3ad64d27-families-in-tokyo-to-get-5000-yen-per-child-amid-falling-birthrates.html

Japan's new car sales fall 5.6% in 2022 to lowest level in 45 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/1194cb08d87c-japans-new-car-sales-fall-56-in-2022-to-lowest-level-in-45-years.html

Sony-Honda venture unveils prototype of new Afeela EV https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/5ad335201ffa-sony-honda-venture-unveils-prototype-of-new-afeela-ev.html

2,610 killed in Japan traffic accidents in 2022, new record low https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ecb6e1164c34-2610-killed-in-japan-traffic-accidents-in-2022-new-record-low.html

Japan’s Business Owners Can’t Find Successors. This Man Is Giving His Away. - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/business/japan-businesses-succession.html

Converse teaming up with Cup Noodle for three pairs of shoes inspired by iconic packaging | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/10/converse-teaming-up-with-cup-noodle-for-three-pairs-of-shoes-inspired-by-iconic-packaging/

Kicking off the new year with a gathering of the most famous dekotora in Japan | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/09/kicking-off-the-new-year-with-a-gathering-of-the-most-famous-dekotora-in-japan

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The end of Ash's story, the new biggest robot in the world, Japan's kanji of the year, and more! 

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Articles from this week's episode

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221217/p2a/00m/0na/002000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221216/p2a/00m/0na/005000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/567fa510932a-focus-contentious-major-defense-policy-shift-shows-japan-wariness-of-china.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/14/japan-chooses-war-as-kanji-of-the-year-amid-ukraine-conflict-and-abe-assassination

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/7e4e182cf649-japan-new-year-domestic-trips-forecast-at-72-of-pre-pandemic-levels.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-turns-back-nuclear-power-tackle-energy-crisis-2022-12-16/

https://www.ucanews.com/news/japans-teachers-battle-for-change/99752

https://soranews24.com/2022/12/18/theres-a-new-worlds-largest-anime-robot-statue-and-its-not-in-japan%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

https://www.reddit.com/r/nextfuckinglevel/comments/whbliy/amazing_saint_seiya_mural_in_mexico_not_my_vid/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

https://soranews24.com/2022/12/16/ash-and-pikachu-are-stepping-down-as-the-main-characters-of-the-pokemon-anime%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

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Japan losing the World Cup, Japanese billionaire going to space with K-pop star, Japan lifting ban on automated drone flights, a new law targeting yakuza activity and more! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan with Mitch and Alex!

Articles from this week's episode

Fans thank Japan football players for good games after World Cup exit https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/041f1a4486b5-fans-thank-japan-soccer-players-for-good-games-after-world-cup-exit.html

Japan billionaire Maezawa says K-pop star, 7 others to join Moon trip https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/ec9e2cf55dc2-japan-billionaire-maezawa-says-k-pop-star-7-others-to-join-moon-trip.html

Nagasaki hospital suspends oral surgery after dentists pull wrong teeth 3 years in row - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221208/p2a/00m/0na/002000c

Man gets suspended term for damaging Korean int'l school in Osaka https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/8f5139ad4b4c-man-gets-suspended-term-for-damaging-korean-intl-school-in-osaka.html

Football: Japan's World Cup stars return home to heroes' welcome https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/a042f2e21216-soccer-japans-world-cup-team-gets-heros-welcome-back-home.html

Japan astronaut delayed reporting 2018 research error https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/9ecb731c410b-japan-astronaut-delayed-reporting-2018-research-error.html

Japan lifts ban on automated drone flights over residential areas https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/d892aee54998-japan-lifts-ban-on-automated-drone-flights-over-residential-areas.html

In Japan, Winnie the Pooh joins China's lockdown protests : NPR https://www.npr.org/2022/12/04/1140641522/pooh-china-lockdown-protests

Yakuza may be blocked from using all expressways in Japan within the decade | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/12/09/yakuza-may-be-blocked-from-using-all-expressways-in-japan-within-the-decade/

With entrance exams looming, “ads that only students can see” appear in Tokyo train stations | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/12/08/with-entrance-exams-looming-ads-that-only-students-can-see-appear-in-tokyo-train-stations

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Japan winning against Spain, a lawsuit over dating in high school, Tokyo Disneyland's new feature, why Japanese students are constipated, and more! That's what Mitch and Natsuki talk about on this week's episode of STJ!

Articles from this week's episode

Japan rise from dead again to beat Spain and reach last 16 at World Cup : japannews https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/za15lh/japan_rise_from_dead_again_to_beat_spain_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

FEATURE:Life goes on with HIV in Japan,but health care shortcomings persist https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/79da502940a9-feature-life-goes-on-with-hiv-in-japan-but-health-care-shortcomings-persist.html

Japanese folk dances approved as UNESCO intangible heritage https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/205972ff7059-japanese-folk-dances-approved-as-unesco-intangible-heritage.html

Japan education ministry gives OK for students to talk while eating lunch at schools - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221130/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

Ex-high schooler told to drop out for dating classmate wins damages in Tokyo lawsuit - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221130/p2a/00m/0na/017000c

Vice-minister Sugita says 'life-threatening' female discrimination nonexistent in Japan - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221130/p2a/00m/0na/014000c

Tokyo students take oral English test in high school entry exam amid doubts https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/b81d47e8c6d8-tokyo-students-take-oral-english-test-in-high-school-entrance-exam.html

Daiso value retailer aims to increase U.S. stores 10-fold https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/530ee1003048-daiso-value-retailer-aims-to-increase-us-stores-10-fold.html

Saitama man arrested for calling police 2,060 times in 9 days to yell at them | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/12/02/saitama-man-arrested-for-calling-police-2060-times-in-9-days-to-yell-at-them/

It’s pretty amazing buses in this Japanese town don’t crash into this mountain every day【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/28/its-pretty-amazing-buses-in-this-japanese-town-dont-crash-into-this-mountain-every-day%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91

Tokyo Disneyland is giving the Haunted Mansion an anime-style re-theme | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/27/tokyo-disneyland-is-giving-the-haunted-mansion-an-anime-style-re-theme/

Over 1/4 of primary school kids avoid Japanese squat toilets, causing constipation: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221125/p2a/00m/0li/023000c

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Japan at the World Cup, wild boarsterrorizing Japan, a train that runs on ramen, and more! That's what Alex and Josh talk about on this week's episode of Small Talk Japan.

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

The Amaterasu Railway Now Runs on Leftover Tonkotsu Ramen Broth | Spoon & Tamago https://www.spoon-tamago.com/2022/11/...

Italian dies in apparent suicide at Tokyo immigration facility | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ne...

Japan to extend nationwide travel discount program | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202...

'I'll shoot!': Nagoya police officer draws gun, defends people from charging wild boar - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/...

City employee in Japan kills wild boar with spear on elementary school grounds | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/26/cit...

Asia on the march as Japan come from behind to stun Germany 2-1 | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/spo...

World Cup 2022: Japan's fans clean up stadium after win over Germany - BBC Sport https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63...

Japanese World Cup team’s manners awesome as usual, locker room pics after unexpected win show | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/25/jap...

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Articles from this week's episode

Japanese filmmaker detained in Myanmar released under amnesty https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/489b992be5bb-urgent-japanese-filmmaker-detained-in-myanmar-to-be-released.html

Young Japanese seek greener pastures abroad - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/young-japanese-seek-greener-pastures-abroad/99442

Japan court orders 2 to pay 500 mil. yen over "fast movie" uploads https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/f34e9173fb2a-urgent-japan-court-orders-2-to-pay-500-mil-yen-over-fast-movie-uploads.html

Communication with Japan's moon lander unstable: JAXA https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/4e5fd45a4cf9-communication-with-japans-moon-lander-unstable-jaxa.html

Ex-Olympian continues fight against lewd photos of athletes https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/b7afd703efcf-ex-olympian-continues-fight-against-lewd-photos-of-athletes.html

4 arrested after Aichi man found in concrete-filled drum in Aomori https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/c68b5516176b-4-arrested-after-aichi-man-found-in-concrete-filled-drum-in-aomori.html

Toyota unveils new Prius in bid to push hybrids amid rise of EVs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/04951edc5924-toyota-unveils-new-prius-says-hybrids-vital-in-carbon-reduction.html

Japan to accept int'l cruises after 2-yr ban due to pandemic https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/14ba38d5d932-japan-to-accept-intl-cruises-after-2-yr-ban-due-to-pandemic.html

FOCUS: Trial of English-speaking test for Tokyo high schools raises eyebrows https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/5d1a098e5418-focus-trial-of-english-speaking-test-for-tokyo-high-schools-raises-eyebrows.html

Nintendo praised for new rules against customers who harass staff https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/662e85309d21-nintendo-praised-for-new-rules-against-customers-who-harass-staff.html

Live-action Spirited Away stage play is finally available for on-demand streaming | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/17/live-action-spirited-away-stage-play-is-finally-available-for-on-demand-streaming/

Don’t uninstall that Covid-tracking app yet, warns Japanese government | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/15/dont-uninstall-that-covid-tracking-app-yet-warns-japanese-government/

Japanese town livestreams elected politicians faces to make sure they aren’t sleeping in meetings | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/14/japanese-town-livestreams-elected-politicians-faces-to-make-sure-they-arent-sleeping-in-meetings/

Mysterious mountain village is home to Christ’s grave and an ancient pyramid | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/13/mysterious-mountain-village-is-home-to-christs-grave-and-an-ancient-pyramid

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Articles from this week's episode

Japan's justice minister dismissed over gaffes about death penalty https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Foreign tourists in Japan in Oct. up 15-fold from Sept. to 288,900 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Japan police to launch unified online system for lost and found items https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Bank of Japan chief rejects idea of remaining at helm for another term https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Japan given infamous "fossil" award at climate change conference https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Nintendo unveils 2nd official store in Osaka before Nov. 11 opening https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Ex-nursery head, staffer found guilty over boy's death in school bus https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Japan aims to revive inbound tourism to pre-pandemic levels by 2025 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Japan gov't urged to end free rollout of COVID-19 vaccines https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...  

Japan has stopped printing its current yen bills, Mt. Fuji only element to be retained in new set | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/12/jap...  

Tom and Jerry have been given an ultra kawaii redesign in Japan for a new animated series | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/11/tom...  

Candy from Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies disappearing as manufacturer goes out of business | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/09/can...  

Studio Ghibli is partnering with Star Wars’ Lucasfilm, it looks like | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/11/stu...  

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Articles from this week's episode

Ferry service between Japan, South Korea resumes after halt due to COVID https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/761cf52b7b9a-ferry-service-between-japan-s-korea-resumes-after-halt-due-to-covid.html

FEATURE: Nursing provider doing heavy lifting with muscle-bound carers https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/24b8b866b4f4-feature-nursing-provider-doing-heavy-lifting-with-muscle-bound-carers.html

FOCUS: Tokyo police get strict on dangerous cycling as accidents soar https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/b64eb3cd1f8c-focus-tokyo-police-get-strict-on-dangerous-cycling-as-accidents-soar.html

Nearly half of LGBTQ teens in Japan have considered suicide: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/5d2097903f2b-nearly-half-of-lgbtq-teens-in-japan-have-considered-suicide-survey.html

Tokyo gov't begins recognizing same-sex partnerships https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/71548a19928e-tokyo-govt-begins-recognizing-same-sex-partnerships.html

Halloween revelers fill Shibuya with security tight after Seoul crush https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/9ecd054d09ad-halloween-revelers-fill-shibuya-with-security-tight-after-seoul-crush.html

Much-awaited Ghibli Park opens to fanfare in central Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/9125eafb608b-much-awaited-ghibli-park-opens-to-fanfare-in-central-japan.html

Tanuki in  https://twitter.com/ambafrancejp_jp/status/1586259277840551936

Japan police give out pointers on how to foil Google Street View criminals - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221028/p2a/00m/0na/018000c

Hirokazu Tanakas set world record for meeting of people with same name https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/908a71a81865-hirokazu-tanakas-set-world-record-for-meeting-of-people-with-same-name.html

Woman in Japan arrested for allegedly sending 413 texts to man in 3 days, stabbing threat - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221029/p2a/00m/0na/012000c

Reminder: Japan has awesome all-you-can-eat cookies cafes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/04/reminder-japan-has-awesome-all-you-can-eat-cookies-cafes/

Real-life Spirited Away train line found in Japan? | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2022/11/03/real-life-spirited-away-train-line-found-in-japan

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIwHWiBkXnw

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObDeGGRH-PY

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Articles from this week's episode

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221029/p2a/00m/0et/003000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221021/p2a/00m/0na/018000c

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/28/tourists-return-to-japan-and-mario-karts-return-to-tokyo-roads-with-them/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/28/please-refrain-from-wearing-halloween-costumes-that-may-scare-people-tokyo-trains-wisely-ask/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/soranews24.com/2014/10/27/frozens-olaf-spotted-out-and-about-on-the-tokyo-subway/amp/ )

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/60422443cac1-japan-to-approve-new-economic-package-as-inflation-weak-yen-bite.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/b94abd14233e-children-taste-insects-in-kyoto-as-consumption-promoted.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/1bc8189b582a-yakuza-man-to-be-arrested-for-2013-murder-of-gyoza-no-ohsho-head.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/b7fc6dbc9e60-urgent-japan-considering-buying-us-cruise-missiles-to-counter-n-korea.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/dc95f1c9d535-record-245000-students-absent-from-schools-in-japan-in-fy-2021.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/e13a91368caf-over-200-ukrainian-evacuees-find-work-in-japan-labor-ministry.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14752673

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/26/japanese-government-proposes-raising-age-of-consent-from-its-current-13-years-old/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/a6c9b1f8ca36-tokyos-shibuya-on-high-alert-for-return-of-halloween-crowds.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221028/p2a/00m/0na/034000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221020/p2a/00m/0na/015000c

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/29/gundam-anime-offers-official-explanation-for-whats-going-on-with-chuchus-hair/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/29/dominos-serves-up-pokemon-halloween-pizza-for-a-limited-time/

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Articles from this week's episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgcLvTyVEs4

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/bc6f29c9505d-breaking-news-excess-forex-volatility-absolutely-intolerable-japan-finance-chief-says.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/18e6e5faee57-damages-awarded-to-japans-metoo-symbol-over-defamatory-tweet-likes.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/7dae177ec140-japan-foreign-arrivals-in-sept-up-117-fold-from-last-year-to-206500.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/19/foreign-tourists-react-to-mask-wearing-in-japan-and-japanese-people-react-to-foreign-non-maskers/

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221018/p2a/00m/0na/013000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/ae17dd1009e9-japan-eyes-shake-up-of-system-for-recognizing-paternity-after-divorces.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221018/p2a/00m/0sc/015000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/9c72a271dea3-30-tril-yen-new-stimulus-eyed-as-japan-fights-inflation-weak-yen.html

https://akihabaranews.com/a-future-for-cyborg-insects/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/1c02e90968e4-group-of-100-in-fistfight-at-tokyo-skyscraper-restaurant.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/27a62fd1e77a-kagoshima-miyazaki-named-winners-of-japans-wagyu-olympics.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/d5307e8e9da1-breaking-news-japan-space-agency-sends-self-destruction-command-to-epsilon-6-rocket.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/21/one-of-japans-biggest-convenience-store-chains-testing-walk-through-cashless-payment-system/

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Articles from this week's episode

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/10/15/business/financial-markets/japan-yen-dollar-concerns/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/14/japan-develops-special-sushi-for-pregnant-women/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/11/shiga-woman-defrauded-4-4m-yen-by-man-asking-for-money-to-fly-down-from-the-iss-and-marry-her/

https://japantoday.com/category/politics/update1-japan-ex-pm-abe's-state-funeral-cost-1.2-bil.-yen-below-estimate

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221014_20/

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Articles from this week's episode

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221004/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221004/p2a/00m/0na/009000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/575a9c3de378-japan-govt-asks-firms-to-raise-wages-to-match-inflation.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/1ed0fc668f02-japan-documentary-filmmaker-gets-multiyear-prison-sentence-in-myanmar.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221007/p2a/00m/0na/002000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221003/p2a/00m/0na/021000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/be512e506a9b-ldp-member-draws-backlash-from-tweet-over-abe-funeral-posts.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/f3d709696661-basketball-curry-sparks-warriors-to-win-over-wizards-in-japan.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/263347a1ffd8-baseball-ohtani-signs-1-year-30-million-deal-with-angels.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221006/p2a/00m/0na/016000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/f3867553c5f1-japan-most-googled-travel-destination-for-aussies.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221003/p2a/00m/0na/017000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/10/dd5c8abb9579-feature-japans-farmers-struggle-with-mass-generation-of-stink-bugs.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/08/10-best-studio-ghibli-anime-as-picked-by-japanese-fans-different-ages-have-different-answers/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/07/the-trailer-for-the-super-mario-bros-cg-animated-movie-is-finally-here%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/06/bomb-squad-in-japan-summoned-to-take-care-of-abandoned-briefcase-full-of-adult-toys/

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/06/japanese-restaurant-chain-now-serving-perfect-recreations-of-studio-ghibli-food%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

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Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/c29fb1ce17fd-japanese-ex-pm-abes-state-funeral-to-begin-despite-public-opposition.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220924/p2a/00m/0sc/020000c

https://shingetsunewsagency.com/2022/09/27/no-progress-for-japans-working-poor/

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220924/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220929/p2a/00m/0na/008000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220927/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/31607c098903-court-rejects-long-stay-visa-for-gay-us-man-married-to-japanese.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/0b7a24d6715c-japan-to-run-new-domestic-travel-subsidy-program-to-late-dec-govt.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/9b5defd4e7e0-breaking-news-japan-spent-record-284-tril-yen-in-intervention-to-stop-yen-fall.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/21c24eac7bfa-feature-japanese-ski-resorts-luring-crowd-averse-glampers.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/10/01/japanese-moms-dont-touch-my-baby-stroller-sign-stirs-up-debate%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/30/the-cool-secret-hidden-in-tokyo-metro-pillars-at-ginza-station/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/30/tokyo-metro-adds-platform-display-showing-where-least-crowded-parts-of-the-next-train-will-be/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/29/play-this-nintendo-game-with-your-partner-before-you-decide-to-marry-them-japanese-twitter-says/

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Articles from this week's episode

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-09-20/Typhoon-Nanmadol-left-rural-residents-without-power-in-Kagoshima-1dug75DjU0E/index.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/5b835b7138dc-japan-asks-foreign-guests-to-wear-face-masks-at-abes-state-funeral.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/9f423736ca8f-urgent-japan-to-remove-daily-50000-entry-cap-on-oct-11-pm-kishida.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220919/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220920/p2a/00m/0bu/023000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/452adaf50fc7-japan-man-sets-self-on-fire-in-apparent-protest-at-abe-state-funeral.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/f8e42f3d70a3-boj-likely-to-keep-policy-despite-weaker-yen-as-peers-raise-rates.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/31813ea16df1-japan-saw-fewer-than-400000-births-in-jan-june-1st-time-in-22-yrs.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/24/now-you-can-set-up-your-very-own-secret-base-with-new-pokemon-camping-supplies/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/23/reminder-to-fox-news-exploding-milk-is-not-a-japanese-adult-video-genre/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/23/two-sega-fans-get-married-in-japan-win-at-weddings-with-awesome-mega-drive-wedding-cake%e3%80%90pics%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/22/tinder-just-opened-a-convenience-store-in-japan-aimed-at-adults-only/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/22/survey-shows-that-japans-biggest-k-pop-fans-might-just-be-senior-citizens/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/22/is-it-ok-to-order-pizza-delivery-during-a-typhoon-we-ask-japans-big-three-pizza-chains/

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220914/p2a/00m/0na/031000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220910/p2a/00m/0na/011000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220910/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/a177e3012ac7-japan-to-remove-entry-cap-in-not-so-distant-future-official-says.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/boj-is-nowhere-near-shifting-monetary-policy-support-yen-2022-09-12/

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220913/p2a/00m/0na/021000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220914/p2a/00m/0na/005000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220914/p2a/00m/0li/015000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220913/p2a/00m/0na/015000c

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220916/p2a/00m/0na/021000c

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/16/japans-got-talent-is-coming-to-screens-in-2023-with-legendary-japanese-comedian-as-judge/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/14/giant-ninja-bear-has-been-attacking-dairy-farms-in-hokkaido-for-three-years/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/13/japanese-government-is-shutting-down-its-covid-contract-tracing-app/

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202...

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/...

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-a...

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/...

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/...

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/20...

https://mainichi.jp/english/graphs/20...

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/...

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Articles from this week's episode

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/01/japan-digital-minister-declares-war-on-floppy-discs

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/aabb1a1b7575-breaking-news-yen-hits-fresh-24-year-low-against-us-dollar.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/2876f3f71a35-breaking-news-kishida-to-answer-questions-on-abe-state-funeral-in-parliament.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/76b646ebd83b-japan-taiwan-to-begin-talks-on-evacuation-plans-amid-chinas-threats.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/5a31216c1d52-japanese-s-koreans-see-each-other-more-favorably-poll-shows.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/a5c0ee23e4e5-japan-looks-to-simplify-covid-survey-deal-with-it-like-seasonal-flu.html

https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/peach-airlines-launches-international-flights-from-tokyo-haneda-airport/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/31/national/tourism-measures-kishida-covid/

https://www.ft.com/content/19e6d153-799e-4099-ac9f-ff182dde5583

https://twitter.com/rrdejtunfaqsewd/status/1563137154674737153?s=21&t=0zhl07Vox8HlQqCQ0x0-hg

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/7b760497a3a1-focus-japans-exports-of-sanctions-exempt-used-vehicles-to-russia-surge.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/03/japanese-high-schools-chime-rings-in-middle-of-the-night-freaks-out-countryside-town%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/02/when-a-japanese-convenience-store-opens-in-the-countryside/

https://soranews24.com/2022/09/01/mcdonalds-releases-new-sukiyaki-tsukimi-burger-in-japan-for-moon-viewing-season-2022/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/31/japanese-town-that-spent-25-million-yen-in-covid-money-on-giant-squid-statue-says-it-paid-off-big/

https://twitter.com/pokeyugami/status/1563140217686482944?s=21&t=hxQtBH04he38G-msvjxpng

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Articles from this week's episode

https://www.theregister.com/2022/08/24/japan_reverses_course_on_postfukushima/

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220824/p2g/00m/0na/025000c

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62463974

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/168e1c085f54-japan-eyes-stockpiling-1000-long-range-missiles-amid-china-tensions.html

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220824_01/?fbclid=IwAR2LZi3thnd--q74pZqpQ78IZoHEFQLbf3Q1wUnfDZdn6lQzFzuI9hbu5pI

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/27/the-almost-immediate-problems-on-our-almost-no-plan-trip-to-yakushima/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/27/its-good-to-have-problems-hayao-miyazaki-tells-studio-ghibli-staff/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/26/tokyos-giant-ferris-wheel-is-closing-for-good-so-its-time-for-one-last-ride%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/25/japanese-scientists-succeed-at-causing-depression-in-monkeys-using-magnetic-stimulation/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/24/eggslut-adds-a-whole-ass-eel-to-a-new-sandwich-in-japan/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/23/brad-pitt-hops-on-the-bullet-train-to-kyoto-gets-teary-at-a-temple-and-receives-a-pasmo-card-in-japan/

https://www.yakumonkey.com/

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This week, Natsuki and a hungover Mitch talk about a drunk Japanese police officer losing case documents, how sex scenes in Japan are getting safer, why the Japanese government wants people to drink, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/ca93a0068666-japan-posts-fresh-record-of-over-260000-daily-covid-19-cases.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/9ea2f66e33c2-drunk-japan-police-officer-fell-asleep-on-street-lost-case-docs.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/8b5f007a2cf7-feature-japanese-intimacy-coordinator-making-sex-scenes-sexy-and-safe.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/3bd9383cb767-no-of-suicides-in-japan-increased-8000-due-to-pandemic-study.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/b80bce3ef90b-3500-unification-church-followers-protest-japanese-media-reports.html

https://news.sky.com/story/japan-encourages-its-sober-young-people-to-drink-more-and-boost-economy-12675577

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/19/nike-releases-izakaya-sneakers-in-japan%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/18/rice-pizza-pizza-hut-creates-a-new-base-for-customers-in-japan/

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Marriages taking major blows, record hot summers changing Japanese vocabulary, and robots taking over jobs in convenience stores! Those are the topics for this week's episode of Small Talk Japan with Mitch and Alex!

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/e05251057991-japan-population-falls-at-record-pace-to-12593-mil-with-births-low.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/34e34c946290-japan-to-offer-omicron-covid-shot-to-at-least-twice-vaccinated-people.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/204718187dee-pandemic-delivers-major-blow-to-no-of-new-marriages-in-japan-study.html

https://www.thedailybeast.com/shinzo-abes-assassin-tetsuya-yamagami-succeeds-in-plot-to-expose-japans-deep-ties-with-unification-church

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/10/very-limited-sale-of-glasses-that-can-halt-or-reverse-nearsightedness-begin-in-japan/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/06/japan-weather-association-creates-new-words-to-describe-merciless-summer-heat/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/10/national/crime-legal/homemade-gunpowder-embassy-man/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/10/business/corporate-business/familymart-telexistence-robot-shelf-stocker/?cx_testId=23&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EX6QPK02ECGS&cxTrackingId=%7Bkpdx%7DAAAAq26pSa3zbAoKYldPV1NkaFhwahIQbDZuNnJoeXQ1bjVtajdoehoMRVg2UVBLMDJFQ0dTIiUxODdpM2tvMGQ4LTAwMDAzMGs2OHVyZ3JlMzRqZ2dwOHZ1NW5rKiJzaG93UmVjb21tZW5kYXRpb25zVE8xNk4zMVFHQlY5S1laUhJ2LW0A8Bp1bnltOXN1MXZaDzExNC4xODguMjEzLjIwMmIDbWljaI-u0pcGcAF4GA#cxrecs_s

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/a901e23a7695-urgent-chinese-fired-ballistic-missiles-fall-into-japans-eez-govt.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/4084ce3aee4d-urgent-china-skips-foreign-ministers-talks-with-japan-in-cambodia.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/c0aee4cfe9ae-japan-mulls-change-covid-19-measures-amid-hospital-strain.html

https://www.ucanews.com/news/the-sad-saga-of-japans-foreign-trainee-program/98250

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/909f24978ec2-sumo-jsa-targets-overseas-audience-with-english-youtube-channel.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/b756d874b1e9-feature-hair-donations-booming-in-japan-but-know-how-still-lacking.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/06/my-employees-were-killed-japanese-pond-owner-breaks-into-tears-after-3000-fish-die-in-robbery/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/05/jal-system-makes-air-travel-easier-and-lets-you-keep-laptops-liquids-in-bag-for-security-check/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/04/man-who-took-entire-towns-covid-19-money-now-out-of-jail-and-turning-life-around/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/02/want-to-become-a-swordsmith-apprenticeship-opens-in-japan-but-the-fine-print-might-shock-you/

https://soranews24.com/2022/08/02/rock-a-baby-goat-to-sleep-admission-is-free-cute-challenge-goes-viral-online-%e3%80%90pics-videos%e3%80%91/

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This week, Tokyo Lens' Norm joins Mitch for a behind the scenes talk about the recent video Mitch starred in, as well as future projects!

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This week, Mitch and Alex talk about schools in Japan, Japan's "upright nap box" being introduced to the workforce, Yuzuru Hanyu retiring, and more!

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/66a4924882c4-no-of-primary-middle-school-students-in-japan-down-1-mil-in-decade.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/d8b43523e03f-breaking-news-tokyos-daily-coronavirus-tally-tops-20000-1st-time-since-feb.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/02fd43134207-athletics-sani-brown-1st-japanese-to-reach-100m-final-at-worlds.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220715/p2a/00m/0na/024000c

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-15/a-solution-to-japan-s-overwork-sleep-in-an-upright-nap-box

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/e58a3cb2e28f-civic-group-asks-court-to-halt-state-funeral-for-ex-pm-abe.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/88875291328e-female-writers-win-top-japan-book-awards-dominate-shortlists.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/248b8ba77701-breaking-news-japanese-figure-skating-icon-yuzuru-hanyu-to-retire.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/21/studio-ghibli-theme-park-announces-very-low-daily-attendance-caps-start-date-for-ticket-sales/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/21/rent-an-entire-folk-house-in-japan-complete-with-rotenburo-outdoor-bath/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/20/over-half-a-million-yen-in-cash-comes-floating-down-river-in-toyama%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/19/japans-random-destination-roll-the-die-train-tickets-an-amazingly-cheap-way-to-go-somewhere/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/18/petition-started-to-stop-forcing-students-to-cheer-for-their-high-school-baseball-teams/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/18/japanese-junior-high-school-girl-removed-for-class-from-three-days-for-grooming-her-eyebrows/

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Mitch In Tokyo Lens: Put this link in Small Talk 

https://youtu.be/AO0FeR-t10A

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/b7916059bac5-urgent-abe-shooters-mother-donated-100-mil-yen-to-unification-church.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/30895ee97e2a-record-35-women-elected-to-japan-upper-house.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/5d258295996e-urgent-unification-church-says-abe-shooters-mother-is-follower.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/36042f6c4686-japan-ranks-116th-in-2022-gender-gap-report-worst-among-g-7.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/cb691f510ec1-breaking-news-ex-tepco-execs-found-liable-for-damages-over-fukushima-crisis.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/a3044c40a966-panasonic-to-invest-up-to-4-bil-on-new-ev-battery-factory-in-us.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/4899fd09ad51-shooter-knew-of-abes-video-message-to-religious-group-linked-event.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/16/kyoto-university-finds-alpacas-may-hold-the-key-to-preventing-all-covid-19-variants/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/15/nintendo-japan-officially-provides-spousal-benefits-to-same-sex-partnerships/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/14/burger-king-japans-all-you-can-eat-challenge-knocks-us-out-of-the-ring/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/13/this-japanese-manga-about-the-joker-raising-a-baby-batman-is-so-good-and-approved-by-dc/

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-07-07/yu-gi-oh-manga-creator-kazuki-takahashi-passes-away-at-60/.187468

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/1590b983e681-japan-to-introduce-jail-time-tougher-penalties-for-online-insults.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/f295e520aac8-feature-cbd-takes-root-in-japan-as-govt-mulls-easing-laws-for-cannabis-meds.html?phrase=CBD%20take&words=CBD,takes

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/cc3cac694cc5-kddi-data-services-restored-to-70-of-customers-in-parts-of-japan.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/bcb7ac57eed5-tokyos-daily-covid-cases-top-5000-1st-time-in-more-than-2-months.html

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/japan-hakone-aquarium-penguins-fish-intl-hnk/index.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/6ae8ff2a8f05-canadian-rocker-reunited-with-stolen-guitar-in-tokyo-after-45-yrs.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/72f7e65dbce1-police-struggle-with-mystery-of-abe-shooters-motive.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/08/pringles-japanese-egg-sandwich-flavor-potato-chips-on-sale-now-said-to-taste-and-smell-the-part/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/08/japanese-company-uses-video-game-style-hit-point-badges-to-help-employees-know-who-needs-a-hand/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/06/survey-reveals-the-average-monthly-allowance-of-japanese-high-school-students/

https://soranews24.com/2022/07/05/worlds-blackest-porsche-painted-with-japans-musou-black/

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14663443

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/1afab21e49ae-japan-to-join-nato-summit-for-1st-time-as-china-challenge-looms.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/cdd1d2ce1e47-evacuation-order-lifted-in-fukushima-nuclear-plant-town-after-11-yrs.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/eb28b530d32d-japan-in-energy-saving-period-for-1st-time-in-7-yrs-amid-heat-wave.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/cb93affaefe0-breaking-news-tokyo-registers-364-c-highest-for-june-in-records-dating-back-to-1875.html

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20220630-41898/?fbclid=IwAR3EjrY_lDB9KFu_GkjJ1fgbLmPFs2sdjq3R05uYyfL7BvLj26QjAwE8jqI&fs=e&s=cl

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/25f2dc18e3b3-rainy-season-ends-in-tokyo-neighboring-areas-earliest-since-1951.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/9fe808e0f263-russia-to-install-new-operator-for-sakhalin-2-energy-project.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/ec121535f048-focus-ukraine-war-puts-spotlight-on-defense-budget-hike-in-japan-election.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/ec121535f048-focus-ukraine-war-puts-spotlight-on-defense-budget-hike-in-japan-election.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/d24b8e3173ac-high-grain-prices-prompt-japan-farmers-to-grow-wheat-rather-than-rice.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/30527c3550e4-ana-resumes-a380-superjumbo-flights-on-narita-honolulu-route.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/5b463037ba83-relaxed-new-mask-usage-guidelines-barely-spread-among-japan-public.html

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220625/p2a/00m/0li/019000c

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/e318d902d05b-households-becoming-less-tolerant-of-surging-food-prices-study.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14652919

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14643843

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/07/02/national/festivals-fireworks-japan-coronavirus/

https://japantoday.com/category/national/court-nixes-sex-business-firm's-damages-claim-over-virus-handout-snub

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20220702-42236/

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/original/perspectives/20220702-42250/

Check out our sponsors! 

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This week, Mitch is back from America to tell us about what it's like traveling into and out of Japan during the pandemic, along with a number of interesting current news articles about Japan. 

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

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headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Internet-Explorer-shutdown-to-cause-Japan-headaches-for-months

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220617-the-power-of-cannabis-japan-embraces-cbd-despite-drug-taboo

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220615/p2a/00m/0na/005000c

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2018/

https://japantoday.com/category/national/operator-of-major-japan-restaurant-review-site-ordered-to-pay-damages

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3181848/ukraine-war-japanese-man-arrested-over-vladimir-putin-straw

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/af8280e5a0a05d28afbaf1b488e40cfe272eabf0

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL 

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/e5b004c4591c-urgent-kishida-eyes-attending-nato-summit-in-late-june-1st-time-for-japan.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/85ca91bb46d6-chinese-men-arrested-over-alleged-plot-to-cheat-on-japan-univ-exam.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/58ef183745ba-man-gets-18-year-prison-term-for-2017-japan-highway-road-rage-deaths.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/5470ec6ce543-ukrainian-evacuee-hired-as-english-teacher-at-kyoto-high-school.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/625dc51fd3d0-japan-to-ask-foreign-tourists-to-wear-masks-take-out-insurance.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/2f58bfad2a46-japans-welfare-ministry-to-conduct-survey-on-male-sexual-trauma.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/163e6ddacd7f-ruling-lawmaker-in-hot-seat-over-alleged-drinking-with-teenage-girl.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/9a7dbced6c3a-amino-acids-found-in-asteroid-samples-collected-by-hayabusa2-probe.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/b0afbae1b4f1-update2-yen-tumbles-to-new-20-yr-low-around-132-line-vs-us-dollar.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/a79c7b2814b7-ana-to-resume-regular-domestic-flights-at-tokyo-airport-from-july.html

https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2022060801043&g=eco

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/47492a0aba4a-japan-drugmaker-tests-medicine-vending-machine-in-train-station.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/27e2c5787f8a-focus-japans-outdoor-mask-relaxation-yet-to-filter-through.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/7fc91e55d5b6-japan-eyes-reform-of-outdated-labor-systems-based-on-gender-roles.html

https://www.sciencealert.com/japan-s-dropping-a-kaiju-sized-turbine-into-the-ocean-to-fish-for-limitless-energy

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/07/survey-suggests-about-half-of-japanese-companies-has-an-old-guy-who-does-nothing/

https://japantoday.com/category/national/3-Japanese-schools-to-introduce-genderless-swimsuits-with-unisex-two-piece-design

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220609/p2g/00m/0na/029000c

https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/v8yx3u/victims_speak_up_as_japan_moves_to_protect_young/ibu0z6d/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3 

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220610-we-must-change-japan-s-morning-after-pill-debate

https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/v7h7z4/the_most_japanese_complaint_youve_ever_gotten/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/11/part-maid-cafe-part-dentists-office-akiba-dental-clinic-opens-in-tokyo%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/10/tokyo-prison-restaurant-the-lockup-closes-its-doors-for-good/

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/08/yakuza-bosses-struggling-to-upgrade-phones-from-3g/

Check out our sponsors! 

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DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

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camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/d25c7dd60667-japan-born-american-files-suit-against-japans-dual-nationality-ban.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/e450761baecb-japan-to-cover-999-of-households-by-fiber-optic-networks-in-2028.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/519cb0b9800b-tokyo-to-allow-foreigners-to-work-as-beauticians-1st-in-japan.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/ece497a584f2-worker-at-japanese-fast-food-chain-sukiya-dies-while-working-alone.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/5dc757be3c5b-japan-logs-record-low-811000-newborns-in-2021.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/674e6bff7cb2-urgent-more-regional-japan-airports-to-accept-entrants-from-abroad-pm.html

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000080657.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/538b48207e8b-over-10000-food-items-in-japan-to-see-price-hike-in-2022-survey.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/126b3e70f1f8-uniqlo-chief-regains-spot-as-japans-richest-but-wealth-down-sharply.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14628709

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14635828

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14634982

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/03/how-long-should-you-date-someone-in-japan-before-going-on-a-trip-with-them/

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/02/miss-school-field-trips-now-adults-can-go-on-a-school-trip-too-with-new-plan-at-nara-hotel/

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/02/this-futon-blanket-with-built-in-fans-will-save-your-life-this-japanese-summer/

https://soranews24.com/2022/06/01/doughnuts-and-fried-chicken-come-together-in-new-mister-donut-burger/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

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This week, Mitch and Josh talk about their real reasons for leaving America and going to Japan. They also talk about Japan's borders opening up, the conclusion to the story about the man who accidentally received 35 million yen, Japan potentially banning adult videos, and more!

Weird dog commercial Josh was talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pqGNSXC9to

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/52269cd778c9-japan-eases-travel-advisory-for-36-nations-allows-nonessential-trip.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/f127ba755ec7-pair-of-hokkaido-melons-fetch-3-mil-yen-at-years-1st-auction.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/319e72619a1c-7-from-us-land-in-japan-for-1st-test-tours-before-tourism-reopening.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/b477f466da40-kishida-says-foreign-tourists-should-follow-japan-face-mask-rules.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/a51ff4ef039b-japan-tops-world-tourism-ranking-despite-covid-restrictions.html

https://apnews.com/article/travel-japan-japanese-yen-46cdf6ecc41177ff78539ce40843c599

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/b941fc7bfb9e-feature-life-in-the-shopping-slow-lane-helping-aging-japan-stay-independent.html

https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/entertainment/%E7%AB%8B%E6%86%B2%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E5%85%9A-%E6%80%A7%E8%A1%8C%E7%82%BA%E4%BC%B4%E3%81%86%EF%BD%81%EF%BD%96%E8%87%AA%E4%BD%93%E7%A6%81%E6%AD%A2-%E6%89%93%E3%81%A1%E5%87%BA%E3%81%99-%E8%A1%86%E9%99%A2%E5%86%85%E9%96%A3%E5%A7%94-%E3%83%8D%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E9%A8%92%E7%84%B6-%EF%BD%81%EF%BD%96%E7%A6%81%E6%AD%A2-%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89/ar-AAXHg5L

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14625928

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/fadc522db69f-2-japanese-die-in-shanghai-during-covid-lockdown-causes-unknown.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/ec547020609c-japan-town-recovers-35-mil-yen-in-mistakenly-sent-covid-funds.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/65439f039503-sunken-hokkaido-tour-boat-drops-deeper-in-sea-while-being-towed.html

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01324/not-a-good-match-almost-one-in-three-japanese-graduates-quit-first-job-within-three-years.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/28/train-conductor-left-behind-by-own-train-in-japanese-countryside-proves-he-didnt-really-need-it/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/134272a63d28-2nd-attempt-to-salvage-sunken-hokkaido-tourist-boat-advances.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/0657eb71df59-up-to-6100-in-tokyo-predicted-to-die-in-worst-case-quake-scenario.html

https://news.yahoo.com/japanese-man-spends-15-700-010428674.html?guccounter=1

https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20220527-12922/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/27/japanese-etiquette-lesson-should-you-fold-up-your-own-futon-when-leaving-a-ryokan-inn/

Check out our sponsors!

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This week, Alex and Mitch talk about tourists coming to Japan, a man who received 46 million yen from the government because of a mistake, a Tokyo medical school caught favoring male students, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/urgvx3/japan_to_accept_small_group_tours_from_us/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-waives-COVID-entry-tests-in-step-toward-welcoming-tourists

https://japantoday.com/category/national/man-who-mistakenly-received-entire-town%E2%80%99s-covid-19-relief-money-vanishes

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a2e75f8ce869ba5b72805998d6ae041d091fda76

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/fab702e4b6a3-japan-us-to-cooperate-on-moon-landing-by-japanese-astronaut.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/a02c61abe946-13-women-awarded-damages-for-tokyo-medical-schools-exam-rigging.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/c88a4a26d1cc-breaking-news-japan-to-join-us-led-indo-pacific-economic-initiative-source.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/65144e592fe5-bill-to-enhance-support-for-vulnerable-women-passed-in-japan.html

https://japaninsider.com/new-instant-ramen-snack-so-successful-it-had-to-be-suspended/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/edddd0feb2ff-japan-inks-13-bil-yen-loan-deal-to-rescue-ukraine-economy.html

https://japaninsider.com/inside-the-otaku-world-of-itasha-anime-cars-in-japan/

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/Satellite-photos-suggest-China-training-to-attack-Japan-s-aircraft

https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/utkdig/anybody_in_kanto_area_hearing_a_distant_booming/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220514/p2a/00m/0na/031000c

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/20/1600-empty-seats-at-major-japanese-gymnastics-competition-reserved-by-single-unpaying-person/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/18/ghibli-found-out-about-the-unofficial-ghibli-cafe-in-nagoya-then-something-very-sweet-happened/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL 

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

amp  https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

This week, Natsuki is back! And she talks with Mitch about PewDiePie moving to Japan, Elon Musk's tweet about Japan, refugees coming to Japan, same sex partenership. a man who recreated the last supper out of McDonald's wrappers, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://youtu.be/N2N5ZwX6U20

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/09/elon-musk-tweet-sparks-debate-in-japan-on-falling-birthrate

(Japanese version https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a617148da4e0f9d99fdb4c6debd4a1656c9fcf25 )

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/b3bd7f651613-japan-police-urge-officers-to-avoid-impression-of-racial-profiling.html

https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-accepted-74-refugees-in-2021-highest-on-record

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/833829bf8dfa-tokyos-yamanote-line-to-test-automated-trains-with-riders-from-oct.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/ffadb90a9a78-tokyo-govt-plans-to-start-same-sex-partnership-system-in-nov.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/39238a466964-focus-50-years-after-return-okinawas-strategic-importance-grows-for-us.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/1251d17cbc66-japan-to-boost-tourism-at-ainu-culture-complex-govt-spokesman.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14619291

https://animehunch.com/japanese-government-releases-controversial-document-encouraging-people-to-practice-manga-inspired-kabedon/

https://japaninsider.com/japanese-man-recreates-the-last-supper-out-of-mcdonalds-wrappers/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/13/this-simple-picture-of-a-stairway-is-worth-a-thousand-words-about-japanese-culture/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/12/burger-king-japan-is-offering-dried-ramen-instead-of-french-fries-in-its-combo-meals/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/09/should-you-watch-the-credits-at-the-movies-japanese-celebritys-comments-spark-fierce-debate/

Check out our sponsors! 

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Japan's borders are finally opening!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/5a853b6e28f1-yoshinoya-refused-to-let-foreign-student-attend-recruitment-event.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/c56cad852703-urgent-japan-looking-to-accept-foreign-tourists-again-in-june-source.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/1fc5cc65389b-japans-child-population-falls-for-41st-yr-record-low-amid-pandemic.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/d02cbe03a030-focus-debate-on-relaxing-mask-requirement-starting-in-japan.html

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/05/03/national/when-will-japan-open-to-tourists/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/8df73b091d7f-51-of-japan-kids-get-1st-smartphone-at-elementary-school-age-poll.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/a8faf66fd209-japan-still-divided-on-revising-war-renouncing-constitution-survey.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-05-05/why-is-no-one-worried-about-re-arming-of-japan-and-germany

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/07e9d4920307-focus-japan-to-require-listed-firms-to-disclose-female-manager-ratio.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/04/no-more-neckties-japanese-prefecture-abolishes-necktie-dress-code-for-government-employees/

https://soranews24.com/2022/05/03/studio-ghibli-reveals-real-reason-why-jiji-stops-talking-at-the-end-of-kikis-delivery-service/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Firework show location: https://goo.gl/maps/wCDY9MZpbB9YCQCt6

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/298ae8c397bf-travelers-crowd-trains-airports-as-golden-week-holiday-begins.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/a8dbac4b1441-feature-florida-farmers-battle-blight-to-keep-their-fruit-on-japans-tables.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/d5181bfcbad4-japans-kitano-gets-lifetime-achievement-award-at-italy-film-festival.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/1d1e2549caff-japan-firm-develops-ai-system-to-catch-shrine-box-donations-thieves.html

https://japaninsider.com/4-things-to-consider-when-looking-for-an-apartment-in-japan/

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14610552

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/a022321c26e7-operator-of-missing-hokkaido-boat-continued-tours-in-bad-weather.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/e3b8ac8836c2-feature-1st-film-written-by-japanese-ai-bot-takes-movie-making-to-next-phase.html

https://japaninsider.com/manga-sales-skyrocket-for-second-year-in-a-row/

https://apnews.com/article/japan-5c26942dabe49132ac7c4f6295ab2b2e

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/30/we-eat-a-canned-omelette-from-a-vending-machine-and-hope-for-the-best/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/27/japan-reality-edges-closer-to-anime-with-japan-railways-vr-style-humanoid-robot/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/25/new-wet-potato-chips-revolutionise-the-snack-industry-in-japan/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

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camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

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Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/9788d2b9a6c5-japan-mulls-4th-vaccine-shots-for-elderly-chronically-ill-patients.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/8a900bd0039a-breaking-news-man-arrested-for-obstructing-covid-vaccinations-in-tokyo.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14600121

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/46e8fcfc2b77-japan-upgrades-key-economic-assessment-for-1st-time-in-4-months.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/35420c4a1cd3-urgent-yen-falls-to-20-year-low-in-129-level-vs-us-dollar.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/6e3f487a8a2b-suzuki-yellen-hold-talks-amid-yens-tumble-against-us-dollar.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/ee8ec81fd3ab-japans-ruling-party-to-propose-more-defense-spending-eyes-2-of-gdp.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/7b2c37e0660f-s-korea-president-elect-to-send-team-to-japan-for-policy-talks.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/22/jacinda-ardern-greeted-by-giant-sad-dancing-kiwis-during-visit-to-japan

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/ec6a12f6bf03-japan-readopts-hard-line-stance-on-territorial-dispute-with-russia.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/4f10c1591763-feature-japanese-hospitals-glass-half-full-approach-helping-alcoholics-quit.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/bf52cd6f2c54-western-japan-prefecture-pulls-out-of-bid-to-host-casino-resort.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/3abc65ca45b1-japan-govt-weighs-cash-handouts-for-low-income-families-children.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/bafc8f4259dd-update1-yoshinoya-beef-bowl-executive-dismissed-over-sexist-remarks.html

https://japaninsider.com/pro-westler-saves-10-year-old-girl-from-train-station-drunk/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/cad4dc86b74c-average-condo-price-in-tokyo-area-sets-new-high-in-fiscal-2021.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/06c40ab4d14b-focus-japan-firms-tasked-with-encouraging-paternity-leave-under-new-law.html

2022/04/22/photos-of-complete-strangers-japans-newt-strange-and-strangely-compelling-capsule-toys%e3%80%90pics%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/21/yoshi-transformation-hoodie-gives-you-the-stylish-look-of-super-marios-dino-pal%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/20/godzilla-turns-your-signature-into-king-of-the-signatures-with-kaiju-personal-seals-in-japan%e3%80%90pics%e3%80%91/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/19/milla-jovovichs-daughter-charms-japan-with-video-of-her-speaking-excellent-japanese%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/

https://news.yahoo.com/deceased-train-driver-japan-awarded-000813746.html

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camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

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On this episode, Mitch and Josh talk about Japan opening to select foreigners, foreigners that are more likely to get stopped by police, the debate that sparked from Japan's Netflix series 'Old Enough!" and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/04/13/national/japan-reopening-parents-foreign-residents/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/ca1c481fc4e8-30000-foreign-students-entered-japan-since-covid-border-curbs-eased.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/81e04ff42d1b-japans-greenhouse-gas-emissions-decrease-7th-straight-year.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/220b759e6e81-japan-tilts-toward-hiroshima-as-g-7-summit-location-for-2023-sources.html

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14597216

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/a64274dd863e-no-need-to-stop-social-activities-with-omicron-japan-covid-adviser.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/5e1bfd28ffe3-russian-wayfinding-sign-at-station-in-tokyo-uncovered-after-criticism.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/57976ec8c3cc-japan-judo-head-yamashita-says-putin-actions-not-in-spirit-of-sport.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/ac0fc4660c73-west-japan-city-says-tourism-princess-can-now-be-of-any-gender.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/2682851af82b-breaking-news-tokyos-population-shrinks-for-1st-time-in-26-yrs-govt-data.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/213d74066b53-chinese-man-gets-japans-1st-skilled-worker-visa-with-no-time-limit.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/1391d90ada3a-sumo-24-yr-old-set-to-become-1st-wrestler-from-elite-univ-of-tokyo.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/e647fe63d86b-urgent-yen-tumbles-to-nearly-20-yr-low-against-us-dollar.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/c3def6cb040f-urgent-japan-oks-asset-freezes-on-398-russians-incl-putins-daughters.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/581b7c9f1191-demolition-begins-at-iconic-nakagin-capsule-tower.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/f4dd6c990fe0-63-of-people-with-foreign-roots-in-japan-questioned-by-police.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/u0wguy/63_of_people_with_foreign_roots_in_japan/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/16/old-enough-netflix-show-sparks-global-debate-on-parenting-and-child-safety/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/15/fill-your-belly-at-the-starbucks-all-you-can-eat-buffet/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/15/japans-new-takoyaki-burger-reimagines-takoyaki-for-the-fast-food-world/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/15/electric-chopsticks-that-make-low-salt-food-taste-salty-developed-by-meiji-university/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/14/japanese-sightseeing-train-offers-amazing-luxury-for-prices-starting-at-1-3-million-yen-per-room/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/13/tokyo-police-post-tweet-to-put-peoples-minds-at-ease-but-creep-them-out-with-weird-illustration/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/11/japanese-teacher-suspended-for-selling-a-lot-of-cows-without-telling-the-school/

Check out our sponsors!

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes!

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below!

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL

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This week, Mitch and Hayato talk about feeling lonely during the pandemic, Doraemon's beloved creator passing away, a woman who tried to scam a foreigner in Japan, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/4ddcf1bfd8c8-urgent-japan-eyes-resolute-action-against-russias-war-crimes-kishida.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/917565ad45ef-defense-experts-back-japan-acquiring-enemy-base-strike-capability.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/fc4bf7636562-japan-to-lift-covid-nonresident-foreigner-entry-ban-for-106-nations.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/b52fb8e1620f-urgent-japan-so-far-has-no-plan-to-resume-entry-of-foreign-tourists-kishida.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/46191486a5d1-lgbtq-safe-space-opens-in-osaka.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/033866bdf014-urgent-japan-to-ban-imports-of-vodka-freeze-assets-by-russian-lenders-pm.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/4abb60576a26-over-35-in-japan-feel-lonely-amid-pandemic-young-people-hit-harder.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/c126ff69e9b6-boj-chief-kuroda-says-yens-depreciation-somewhat-rapid.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/08/bowl-or-chopsticks-which-one-should-you-pick-up-first/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/08/pikachus-tail-and-snorlaxs-tummy-join-the-menu-at-the-pokemon-cafe/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/07/fujiko-a-fujio-creator-of-doraemon-ninja-hattori-kun-and-kaibutsu-kun-passes-away-aged-88/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/06/osaka-woman-gives-foreigner-uber-eats-worker-fake-money-thought-he-wouldnt-know-difference/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/04/do-tokyo-natives-get-lost-in-shinjuku-and-shibuya-too-we-ask-our-in-office-tokyo-ites/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL 

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

amp  https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

People of Kagoshima: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZvcOG0nP-4

Articles from this week's episode

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/f55b242b7b26-breaking-news-japan-to-allow-in-up-to-10000-visitors-daily-from-april-10.html

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01285/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/eb372bebf50b-japan-to-help-african-countries-escape-chinas-debt-trap.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/67021bc62568-japan-had-fewer-foreign-residents-in-2021-amid-covid-border-controls.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/2f1164a820ff-hondas-asimo-robot-to-retire-after-20-year-career-wowing-public.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/418c8ecf3b17-group-of-nagasaki-a-bomb-survivors-wraps-up-due-to-aging.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/d48ddb7b6797-law-enacted-to-create-cybercrime-bureau-at-police-agency.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/00e664f4377b-update1-dollar-above-123-yen-line-for-1st-time-in-6-yrs-tokyo-stocks-fall.html

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/23d26c4d92d6-tokyu-railway-to-be-1st-in-japan-to-run-all-lines-on-green-energy.html

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/02/japanese-lingerie-brand-now-selling-underwear-embroidered-with-a-famous-renaissance-painting/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/02/japanese-company-develops-a-door-within-a-door-and-its-a-great-idea/

https://soranews24.com/2022/04/01/burger-king-roasts-mcdonalds-with-cryptic-message-on-poster-jabbing-huge-new-store-in-akihabara/

https://soranews24.com/2022/03/30/six-members-of-japans-self-defense-forces-face-punishment-for-unauthorized-curry-eating/

https://soranews24.com/2022/03/28/no-more-plastic-cups-starbucks-japan-aims-to-get-rid-of-plastic-in-stores-with-new-initiatives/

https://soranews24.com/2022/03/26/high-school-girls-in-japan-create-and-sell-butt-shaped-soap-praised-as-way-too-high-quality/

Check out our sponsors! 

STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 

DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 

mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 

mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL 

camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 

headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 

amp  https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM