In our second episode, we discuss the current state of COVID-19 in Tokyo, consider how Japan has managed to avoid a critical outbreak despite its proximity to China, look at the actual effect that’s been had on daily life amid the government’s response, and explore the role of the 2020 Olympics in inhibiting that response. Enjoy!

Welcome back to another episode of Brokyos, now with a newer and cooler intro! For this episode, we hosted our very first guest—and a very special one at that. That guest is Jaime N. Smith, one of the main organizers of the BLM Tokyo Peace March that occurred on June 14, 2020. In her work for the Peace March, Jaime wore many hats as the second-in-command to main organizer Sierra Todd and, more specifically, served as head director of the design team. We had the pleasure of hearing how Jaime found herself at the center of this budding movement, as well as about the nature of the group’s overarching goals. Topics covered include race and gender in Japan, Japanese law enforcement’s treatment of protest groups, and the significance of LGBTQ+ identity politics within the larger BLM movement, as well as within Japanese society.

Jaime's IG: @jaime.in.japan

Sierra's IG: @frokyo

BLM Tokyo IG: @blmtokyojp

Brokyos IG: @brokyos

Please keep an eye out for our next episode. Brokyos out!

Welcome to Brokyos! In this first episode, we share our individual introductions to Japan and how we came to find ourselves as residents of the sprawling metropolis that is Tokyo. Be sure to keep an eye out for future episodes—but for now, please allow us to introduce ourselves.