Japan This Week

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.

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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

Nissan is planning to cut 20,000 jobs and may shut down factories in Japan. What’s behind the crisis at Japan’s No. 3 automaker — and can a new CEO turn things around?

This episode explores the failed merger with Honda, ongoing financial trouble and how U.S. auto tariffs are adding to the pressure.

Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel.

🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/AKTlU_QHeVA

🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.

Japan’s tourism boom is fueling more than just hotels and souvenir shops. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the rise in sex work targeting foreign visitors — a shift driven by demand, a weak yen, and disappearing restrictions.

Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel.

🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/NlNIf-yAevc

🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.