Younger people in Japan aren’t avoiding the news — they’re consuming it differently. In this episode, we look at how platforms like TikTok, LINE, and Instagram have replaced the front page and the evening news for many under 30. But does this shift come at the cost of trust, depth, and real journalism?

We speak with journalist and researcher Nithin Coca, whose work focuses on disinformation, platform transparency, and digital rights in Asia. He shares his insights into how new media is shaping public knowledge in Japan — and what’s at risk if credible journalism continues to lose ground.

🎧 Also featuring mentions of nonprofit newsroom Tansa, journalists Nithin Coca and Magdalena Osumi and Japan’s shrinking media industry.

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Z4PI1uliSnE

🗞️ Read more from the Japan Today media series:

• Part 1: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/the-slow-fade-of-japan’s-once-powerful-daily-newspapers

• Part 2: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/japan’s-media-giants-falling-behind-in-the-digital-age

• Part 3 (this episode): https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/scrolling-for-truth-news-for-the-swipe-generation

August 2025 marks 80 years since Japan surrendered in World War II, ending the Pacific War. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at how Japan is commemorating the anniversary — from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki memorials to the emperor’s visits, the comfort women issue, and the controversy around Yasukuni Shrine. We also explore how Japan’s relationships with its neighbors are shaped by wartime history, and the questions that still remain about remembrance and responsibility.

📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/c9DnVw573aM

💬 80 years after the Pacific War ended, how should Japan — and the world — remember that history? Let us know in the comments. 👇

Would you live in a house where someone died?

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the world of jiko bukken — Japan’s so-called “stigmatized properties.” These are homes where someone died by suicide, accident or murder, and they often sell or rent for 30% to 50% below market value. We look at what the law requires real estate agents to disclose, why so many Japanese still avoid these homes, and what it says about cultural views on death, bad luck and the supernatural.

We also check out the eerie website where you can search your own building to see if anything tragic happened nearby.

📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/qpgw6E6XpNU

💬 Ever lived somewhere with a dark history — or would you?

Let us know what you’d do if offered a "jiko bukken" at half the price. 👇

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we examine the rise of Sanseito, a new political party gaining traction with Japan’s disillusioned voters. Is it a grassroots call for reform — or something more dangerous? With echoes of nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigrant sentiment and conspiracy-driven messaging, we look at why this “common sense” party is raising concerns both at home and abroad.

📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/yMTpF6CkQkg

💬 Let us know your take on Sanseito’s rise. Comments open below.

In this episode, we look at rising tensions between President Trump and Japan. From the on again-off again-on again 25% auto tariffs and pressure to buy more U.S. rice, oil and weapons, to a national election just weeks away, Japan’s leadership is under pressure on all fronts. Prime Minister Ishiba is struggling to hold on — but is anyone really steering this alliance?

Just another rough patch, or the start of something deeper?

🎥 Watch the full video version here:

https://youtu.be/nJfSAqFy3Ec

Produced by Japan Today and GPlusMedia.

Hosted by Jeff Richards in Tokyo.

Listen, subscribe and follow for more weekly episodes.

Japan’s newspaper crisis: Losing readers, relevance and the next generation.

Circulation is down, trust is fading and younger readers have moved on to digital platforms like LINE and YouTube. What does that mean for journalism in Japan?

Read the full article at: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/the-slow-fade-of-japans-once-powerful-daily-newspapers-1

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/aBMptXXrm_0

Japan’s Big Heat: June’s Deadly Start to Summer

It’s only June, but heatstroke deaths are already being reported across Japan. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at why the extreme heat is hitting so early, who’s most at risk, and what’s being done — or not done — to help people cope.

🎙️ Hosted byJeff Richards

📍 Produced in Tokyo by Japan Today and GPlusMedia

📺 This episode first appeared on the Japan Today YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NnwCb5qT7yk

Japan’s imperial family: Too old to modernize?

Japan’s imperial family is the world’s oldest monarchy — but is it still relevant in 2025?

With just three heirs, no reigning empress allowed and billions of yen in taxpayer support, the future of the institution is far from secure. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the gender rules, political silence and shrinking lineup facing Japan’s royals. We also examine the powerful role of the Imperial Household Agency and the public’s growing questions about what purpose the monarchy serves today.

🎙️ Hosted by JEFF RICHARDS

📍 Produced in Tokyo by JAPAN TODAY and GPlusMedia

📺 This episode first appeared on the Japan Today YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YgDJ-YMrk3k.

#Japan #ImperialFamily #Monarchy #SuccessionCrisis #JapanesePolitics #JapanTodaySpotlight #GenderEquality #CulturalTradition #RoyalFamily

What really goes on inside Japan’s idol industry?

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the strict no-dating and no-sex rules placed on J-pop idols — especially young women and girls. From public punishments and emotional control to the rise of AI-generated performers, we look deeper at the power dynamics, mental health impact and troubling double standards behind the glossy image of idol culture.

🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1oB8rKR8edU

This originally appeared as part of our Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube.

Japan’s rice crisis isn’t just about food — it’s about identity, politics and a decades-old system that’s now under pressure.

In this extended episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at what’s really driving rice prices through the roof. From delayed stockpiles and 700% tariffs to political fallout and consumer frustration, this deep dive explains how Japan’s most sacred crop became a national flashpoint.

📺 This originally aired as part of our Japan Today Spotlight video series on YouTube.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/InU_JSn7coQ