Deep Dive from The Japan Times

By The Japan Times

Society & Culture Business

What's Deep Dive from The Japan Times about?

Looking beneath the surface of Japan.

We talk to Japan Times journalists and guests about current events and trends in Japan.

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Deep Dive from The Japan Times episodes:

04.16.2024
Japan is doing better on accessibility than you think
With an increase in tourists heading to these parts, some may be wondering if Japan is a safe destination for those with disabilities. If you’re concerned, Josh Grisdale from the website Accessible Japan is here to help. Check out this...
03.25.2024
190: Sakura stories revisited: Getting in the mood for hanami
We are revisiting some past content on the science, economics and culture of cherry blossom season. Most importantly, we talk about some of the best spots to check them out in the Tokyo and Osaka areas. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and...
03.07.2024
189: A lawsuit puts alleged racial profiling by police on trial in Japan
Three residents with foreign roots have filed a lawsuit claiming Japanese police officers routinely target visible minorities with searches. In this week’s episode, we speak with the lawyer and one plaintiff about what prompted them to bring the case forward...
02.29.2024
[Rebroadcast] Traveling Okinawa with a broken heart
This week on Deep Dive, contributing writer and photographer Lance Henderstein reads us his article on traveling Okinawa during the rainy season. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram Lance Henderstein:...
02.22.2024
188: A young 3/11 survivor and her vow to protect the ocean
At 12, Miku Narisawa experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake. The ensuing and tsunami destroyed her home. Instead of running from the ocean, however, she is now working to try to protect it through her Odyssey Nature Japan initiative. On this...
02.15.2024
187: Hunting in Hokkaido; Taylor Swift comes to Tokyo
You probably don’t think of guns when you think of Japan, but Hokkaido’s hunters do. Hokkaido-based writer Justin Randall says newly proposed gun laws may make their lives more dangerous. Later, Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith discuss something less...
02.08.2024
186: Japan’s take on immortality; problems in Palworld
Who wants to live forever? As scientists and tech billionaires attempt to tackle the problem of aging and death, we discuss Japanese ideas about immortality. Later, our games writers discuss the recent Palworld-Pokemon flare up. On this episode: Elizabeth Beattie: Articles...
02.01.2024
185: Japan’s historic moon landing was right on target
Japan made history last month when it became the fifth nation to soft land on the moon. What’s more, they landed it close to their target, a feat that could be a gamechanger for space travel. This week we discuss...
01.18.2024
184: Japan rings in 2024 with an unwelcome disaster
It was a rough start to 2024 for Japan, with a magnitude 7.6 earthquake and an airplane collision at Haneda airport in the first week of January. On our first episode of the year, we report on the impact of...
12.14.2023
183: Big in Japan 2023: Anime, Murakami and Legend of Zelda
For our last episode of the year, we’re summing up the year in culture with Matt Schley, Alyssa I. Smith, Thu-Huong Ha and Owen Ziegler, who tell us why anime dominated in 2023, which books stood out among a lackluster...
12.07.2023
182: Feeling anxious? Wastewater, heat and Japan’s year in climate
In a year that saw Japan release 24,000 tons of wastewater (so far) from Fukushima No. 1 as the planet smashed heat records, it’s no wonder climate anxiety is on the rise. Mara Budgen joins us to break down the...
11.30.2023
181: A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting
An “Otaku Dictionary” has Japan’s subcultures upset at an attempt to define them. Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue join us to explain the linguistic scandal before discussing whether or not Japan has mastered “sitting.” On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X Thu-Huong...
11.22.2023
180: Things get warmer with Xi; Johnny’s get the cold shoulder
Chinese President Xi Jinping made the rounds at APEC last week, Gabriel Dominguez tells us what it means for Japan. At home, NHK has announced its “Kohaku” lineup — with nary a Johnny’s act to be found. Patrick St. Michel...
11.16.2023
179: Bear goes the neighborhood? Japanese wildlife is on the move
As nature reclaims depopulated villages and climate change wreaks havoc on food sources, Japan’s animal population has been inching closer to the country’s urban areas. This week, Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss why people are encountering bears, boars...
11.09.2023
178: Japan’s ‘four-eyed tax hiker’ and the curse of Colonel Sanders
Baseball writer Jason Coskrey and editor Joel Tansey discuss the Hanshin Tigers’ Japan Series victory; Gabriele Ninivaggi explains how the prime minister hopes to get a home run with his tax plan. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On...
11.02.2023
177: Why single mothers in Japan have been left behind
Single parents in Japan have it tough, but these hardships seem to disproportionately affect single mothers more. This week, filmmaker Rionne McAvoy joins us to discuss the hidden poverty present in one of the world’s richest nations. Hosted by Mara Budgen...
10.26.2023
176: The specter of Itaewon has Shibuya spooked
One year on, Elizabeth Beattie joins us to discuss where Itaewon stands after its Halloween disaster, and what its legacy means for celebrations in Japan. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | X Elizabeth Beattie:...
10.19.2023
175: Table for one? What depopulation in Japan means for dinner.
This week on Deep Dive, Alex K.T. Martin noticed a dip in the national caloric intake and it turns out that a graying population that is increasingly single has something to do with why Japan is gradually downsizing dinner. Hosted by...
10.12.2023
[Rebroadcast] Japan’s got ghosts
This week on Deep Dive, Shaun McKenna and Dave Cortez discuss a few horror movies before “Uncanny Japan” podcast host Thersa Matsuura tells a classic Japanese ghost story. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna:...
10.05.2023
[Rebroadcast] What should you expect when you land a job in Japan?
The team at Deep Dive is taking a short break. We'll be back in mid-October, but in the meantime, enjoy this rebroadcast of our discussion with consultant Rochelle Kopp in April about how best to navigate your work life in Japan. Hosted...
09.28.2023
174: Traveling Okinawa with a broken heart
This week on Deep Dive we get contributing writer and photographer Lance Henderstein to read us his article on traveling Okinawa during the rainy season. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On this episode: Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter...
09.21.2023
173: Does a university cannabis scandal point to a larger trend?
A drugs scandal at Japan’s biggest university draws attention to a troubling statistic: Cannabis use among young people is on the rise. Yukana Inoue and Tomoko Otake join us to discuss Japanese attitudes toward marijuana. (This episode includes a segment...
09.14.2023
172: Johnny’s talent agency admits to past abuse. What now?
The Johnny & Associates sexual abuse scandal is like the Harvey Weinstein and Michael Jackson scandals rolled into one. Karin Kaneko catches us up on how things are unfolding, while Alyssa I. Smith and Patrick St. Michel discuss the effect...
09.07.2023
171: Anger at Fukushima’s wastewater; hope in its renewables
Good news and bad news out of Fukushima. First, the bad news: Anika Osaki Exum and Gabriele Ninivaggi join us to discuss the reaction to the treated wastewater release plan (China’s not happy). Then, Francesco Bassetti gets us caught up...
08.31.2023
170: The earthquake that turned Tokyo to ash
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 was literally a picture of hell. Fires killed hundreds of thousands of people and sparked a witch hunt of Korean residents who were wrongfully blamed for the infernos. Alex K.T. Martin joins us to...
08.24.2023
169: One night out in Tokyo
As the last trains leave the central hubs of Shinjuku and Shibuya for the suburbs, much of the city heads home. However, Tokyo never sleeps. Economics reporter Elizabeth Beattie comes on the show to discuss a story she wrote about...
08.10.2023
168: Why is modernizing Japan so darn hard?
Japan’s new My Number identification cards were supposed to be a step forward for digitalization. Instead, numerous errors now risk exposing just how backwards we still are. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins us to discuss whether the whole debacle will...
08.02.2023
167: Hayao Miyazaki’s confusing new masterpiece
Cinema buffs in Japan have been treated to a final gift from Hayao Miyazaki — a new film! Japan Times critics Thu-Huong Ha and Matt Schley discuss what they thought of “The Boy and the Heron.” Hosted by Thu-Huong Ha...
07.26.2023
166: A tale of two Fujis: Bullet climbs, crowds and Lizzo
Japan’s borders have opened to overseas tourists. That may be bad news for Mount Fuji, which is completely booked this summer, but it’s good news for Fuji Rock as the music festival pulls in some major international names. Drew Damron...
07.19.2023
165: Why 2023 will be a deciding year for Japan’s iconic summer festivals
As the population gets older do we risk losing the summer festivals that make Japan unique? Alex K.T. Martin joins Deep Dive to discuss this and other demographic-related woes the country faces. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez. On...
07.12.2023
164: Japan is about to release 1.3 million tons of Fukushima wastewater. Should we be concerned?
There’s enough contaminated water at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, but they’re running out of space. This week, environment journalist Mara Budgen joins us to discuss Japan’s plan to get rid of...
07.05.2023
163: Would you spend the night in a coffin … for art?
Want to know what it’s like to spend the night in a coffin? Culture critic Thu-Huong Ha joins us to discuss her night in avant garde artist Marina Abramovic’s Dream House in central Japan and the conversation meanders into dreams...
06.28.2023
[Rebroadcast] Clutter, trash and hoarding disorder in Japan
Deep Dive is off this week, but we will be back at the start of July with fresh episodes. While we're away, we're bringing you a rebroadcast of our episode with Alex K.T. Martin where he looks at what form...
06.21.2023
162: Things just got a bit tougher for asylum-seekers in Japan
Japan has a notoriously bad reputation when it comes to accepting refugees, and some politicians and NGOs believe things just got worse. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins the show to discuss what’s new in a controversial immigration reform law. Hosted...
06.14.2023
161: How the climate crisis is supercharging Japan’s rainy season
When you think of natural disasters do you think of earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons? How about guerrilla rainstorms, landslides and heatwaves? As we approach the fifth anniversary of a major disaster that hit Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime prefectures, Joel Tansey...
06.07.2023
160: Is Japan going to legalize same-sex marriage?
A series of court cases pertaining to same-sex marriage might be helping to shape the debate over whether or not Japan will act on legalization. Anika Osaki Exum speaks to two transgender individuals — one Japanese, the other American —...
05.31.2023
159: G7 ’23: Kishida’s pumped from a Zelenskyy bump
Another year, another G7 summit done and dusted. How did Prime Minister Fumio Kishida do? Well, he’s thinking of an early election if that’s any indication. Japan Times news chief Kanako Takahara joins us to discuss Kishida’s political position following...
05.24.2023
158: Japan’s up for fusion — just don’t call it ‘nuclear’
The Japanese government has set out guidelines in an effort to encourage more private sector research and funding in the field of fusion, and it has omitted a key word, “nuclear,” for fear of frightening a nuclear-wary population. Chris Russell...
05.17.2023
157: Yes, crime is on the rise in Japan. No, you don’t have to panic.
Last year saw crime rates in Japan swing upward for the first time in 20 years. Writer Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss the new types of crime that are popping up, while news editor Tadasu Takahashi gives us...
05.10.2023
156: Kishida’s close call, Kyoto’s dual festivals and the now not-so-novel coronavirus
We went on a break and there was an assassination attempt, COVID-19 got a downgrade, and a pair of festivals shook up Kyoto. Several Japan Times writers join this week’s episode to help us play catch up with the headlines. Hosted...
05.03.2023
[Rebroadcast] The sublime boredom of walking in Japan
The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, we thought that we’d revisit this podcast from last year in which we speak with writer Craig Mod about the art of a good stroll. “Walking is everything.”...
04.26.2023
[Rebroadcast] Is it too late to save the Japanese giant salamander?
The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from December in which we speak with environment journalist Mara Budgen about the trouble facing the Japanese giant salamander. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and...
04.19.2023
[Rebroadcast] How making alcohol from trees could give rural Japan a buzz
The team at Deep Dive is taking a much-needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from November that explores how some Japanese companies are trying to make alcohol from old trees. Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave...
04.13.2023
155: Local flavors, global impact: Noma returns to Japan
Rene Redzepi’s groundbreaking restaurant Noma is known as one of the world’s best, so it came as a huge shock last year when he announced he would be shutting it down in 2024 — at least in its current form....
04.05.2023
154: What should you expect when you land a job in Japan?
The number of foreign residents in Japan recently surpassed the 3 million-mark. What does that mean for the Japanese corporations hiring them? Might they get an influx of new ideas and skilled employees? Consultant Rochelle Kopp joins us to discuss...
03.29.2023
153: The Japanese parliament expels some GaaSyy
He launched a career on YouTube running his mouth on celebs, but in less than a year Yoshikazu “GaaSyy” Higashitani has gone from that to running successfully for office to running from the law. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins the...
03.23.2023
152: The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming
It’s been three years since people in Japan could welcome spring with traditional picnics under the country’s millions of cherry trees. This week Kathleen Benoza explains how much money is at stake during the season, while Thu-Huong Ha and Alyssa...
03.15.2023
151: Haruki Murakami’s new novel. Plus, allegations resurface in J-pop.
Last month, it was announced that Haruki Murakami would release a new full-length novel. True fans, also known as “Harukists” may note that the title for the upcoming work is the same as one of the author’s past “failures.” Harukist...
03.08.2023
150: Moving to Fukushima? You’ll have to kick out the boars first
This week marks the 12th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear meltdowns that took place in its wake. Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss where Fukushima is in terms of its recovery and drive to...
03.02.2023
149: Infinity and beyond: Yayoi Kusama’s next evolution
You may know Yayoi Kusama for her polka-dotted pumpkins or Insta-ready exhibitions, but this artist from Matsumoto has a long history of radical forms of expression. This week, culture critic Thu-Huong Ha joins the podcast to explore Kusama’s past and...

What's Deep Dive from The Japan Times about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Deep Dive from The Japan Times episodes:

Japan is doing better on accessibility than you think

190: Sakura stories revisited: Getting in the mood for hanami

189: A lawsuit puts alleged racial profiling by police on trial in Japan

[Rebroadcast] Traveling Okinawa with a broken heart

188: A young 3/11 survivor and her vow to protect the ocean

187: Hunting in Hokkaido; Taylor Swift comes to Tokyo

186: Japan’s take on immortality; problems in Palworld

185: Japan’s historic moon landing was right on target

184: Japan rings in 2024 with an unwelcome disaster

183: Big in Japan 2023: Anime, Murakami and Legend of Zelda

182: Feeling anxious? Wastewater, heat and Japan’s year in climate

181: A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting

180: Things get warmer with Xi; Johnny’s get the cold shoulder

179: Bear goes the neighborhood? Japanese wildlife is on the move

178: Japan’s ‘four-eyed tax hiker’ and the curse of Colonel Sanders

177: Why single mothers in Japan have been left behind

176: The specter of Itaewon has Shibuya spooked

175: Table for one? What depopulation in Japan means for dinner.

[Rebroadcast] Japan’s got ghosts

[Rebroadcast] What should you expect when you land a job in Japan?

174: Traveling Okinawa with a broken heart

173: Does a university cannabis scandal point to a larger trend?

172: Johnny’s talent agency admits to past abuse. What now?

171: Anger at Fukushima’s wastewater; hope in its renewables

170: The earthquake that turned Tokyo to ash

169: One night out in Tokyo

168: Why is modernizing Japan so darn hard?

167: Hayao Miyazaki’s confusing new masterpiece

166: A tale of two Fujis: Bullet climbs, crowds and Lizzo

165: Why 2023 will be a deciding year for Japan’s iconic summer festivals

164: Japan is about to release 1.3 million tons of Fukushima wastewater. Should we be concerned?

163: Would you spend the night in a coffin … for art?

[Rebroadcast] Clutter, trash and hoarding disorder in Japan

162: Things just got a bit tougher for asylum-seekers in Japan

161: How the climate crisis is supercharging Japan’s rainy season

160: Is Japan going to legalize same-sex marriage?

159: G7 ’23: Kishida’s pumped from a Zelenskyy bump

158: Japan’s up for fusion — just don’t call it ‘nuclear’

157: Yes, crime is on the rise in Japan. No, you don’t have to panic.

156: Kishida’s close call, Kyoto’s dual festivals and the now not-so-novel coronavirus

[Rebroadcast] The sublime boredom of walking in Japan

[Rebroadcast] Is it too late to save the Japanese giant salamander?

[Rebroadcast] How making alcohol from trees could give rural Japan a buzz

155: Local flavors, global impact: Noma returns to Japan

154: What should you expect when you land a job in Japan?

153: The Japanese parliament expels some GaaSyy

152: The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming

151: Haruki Murakami’s new novel. Plus, allegations resurface in J-pop.

150: Moving to Fukushima? You’ll have to kick out the boars first

149: Infinity and beyond: Yayoi Kusama’s next evolution