Japan This Week

End of the Yakuza? Inside Japan’s Vanishing Underworld

The yakuza once ruled Japan’s streets — now their numbers are at a record low. But what’s replacing them might be harder to see… and harder to stop.

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the fall of Japan’s traditional crime syndicates, the rise of encrypted “tokuryu” groups and the lasting social impact of tattoo stigma, front companies and prosthetic fingers for ex-gangsters.

🎙️ Originally produced as a video for Japan Today Spotlight on YouTube.

📺 Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/LvUPkE42cuA

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

🎙️ Japan Today Spotlight: Is Japan’s media stuck in the past?

Legacy broadcasters like NHK, Fuji TV and TBS once defined Japan’s national conversation. But in the digital age, they’re struggling to adapt — weighed down by rigid hierarchies, aging audiences and slow innovation.

This episode explores why Japan’s biggest media outlets are falling behind, what’s keeping them from modernizing, and what it means for journalism’s future.

📰 Based on a Japan Today article by Jeff W. Richards: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/japanese-media-giants-falling-behind-in-digital-age

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:https://youtu.be/j0a2XB1E3bU

Why does "chikan" behavior — public groping on Japan’s trains — continue, even after decades of awareness campaigns?

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore how offenders operate, what train companies and police are doing, and what victims — and the falsely accused — need to know. We also take a closer look at how Japan’s objectification of women plays into the larger issue.

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

📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Xq2K6XRN70Q

🎙️ Produced by Japan Today and GPlusMedia.

Japan’s Expo 2025 has opened in Osaka — but not without controversy.

Ballooning costs, delayed pavilions, confusing ticketing, and a sweltering summer ahead have raised questions about whether the ¥235 billion (approx. $2.1 billion CAD) price tag is really worth it.

And when it’s all over? Yumeshima Island becomes the site of Japan’s first casino resort — projected to cost ¥1.27 trillion (approx. $12.3 billion CAD).

*This segment originally aired as part of Japan Today Spotlight on YouTube.

🎥 Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/lIAc50ABgF8

📍 More Japan news at japantoday.com

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

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dive into the bizarre and uniquely Japanese phenomenon of taishokudaiko—resignation agencies that handle the quitting process for employees. What does this say about Japan’s evolving work culture? Is it a sign of progress, or a deeper reflection of the country’s reluctance to confront uncomfortable situations?

📢 Japan’s Biggest Stories in January 2025 | BOJ Rate Hike, Kyoto Tourist Tax, Record Heat, Osaka Smoking Ban & $1.4M Tuna Auction

🔥 This week, we’re doing things differently! We’re recapping the biggest news stories from January 2025—from the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike to Kyoto's crackdown on over-tourism, record-breaking heat, a smoking ban ahead of the Osaka Expo, and a jaw-dropping tuna auction bid. Plus, some important updates about the future of Japan This Week—so stick around!

⏰ Timestamps:

(0:00) Welcome to Japan This Week! 📢

(1:27 - 3:17) BOJ raises interest rates to a 17-year high 📈

(3:20 - 5:13) Kyoto increases hotel taxes to curb over-tourism 🏨

(5:16 - 6:57) Japan logs its hottest year on record—again! 🔥

(7:00 - 9:00) Osaka expands public smoking bans ahead of Expo 2025 🚭

(9:03 - 10:56) A massive tuna auction bid kicks off the new year 🐟💰

(10:59 - 11:48) Podcast update: What's next for Japan This Week? 🎙️

(11:48 - 13-06) New shows coming soon: Japan Today Spotlight & Japan Yesterday 🔍🎧

🔔 Don’t miss our latest deep dive!

Check out our Japan Today Spotlight video covering the Fuji TV-Masahiro Nakai scandal and the fallout shaking Japan’s entertainment industry. Watch here:

https://youtu.be/WKGGoNXl74k

💬 What do you think about Kyoto's new tourist tax? Is it fair? Let us know in the comments!

👉 SUBSCRIBE for more insights on Japan’s top stories!

🔗 Read more at Japan Today:

https://japantoday.com

🎯 #JapanNews #JapanToday #BOJ #Overtourism #KyotoTravel #OsakaExpo2025 #ClimateChange #TunaAuction #Tokyo #JapanBusiness #JapanCulture

In this episode of Japan This Week, we dive into some of the hottest stories making headlines in Japan. From scandals shaking up the entertainment industry to icy New Year rituals at Shinto shrines across the country, we've got it all covered.

Timestamps:

(0:00 - 1:00) INTRO

(1:04 - 3:53) ENTERTAINMENT: Dozens more firms pull ads from Fuji TV over Masahiro Nakai sex scandal

https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/dozens-of-firms-pull-ads-from-japanese-network-over-sex-scandal-linked-to-its-staff-and-celebrity

One of Japan's most famous TV networks, Fuji TV, is facing major backlash after allegations emerged of a cover-up involving a 90-million-yen ($575,000) sexual assault settlement with entertainer Masahiro Nakai. Sponsors are pulling out, and the entertainment industry is under fire once again.

(3:33 - 6:24) POLITICS: 'Japan First' mindset key for Ishiba in dealing with to Trump

https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-first-mindset-key-for-ishiba-in-dealing-with-trump-ex-aide

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba navigates the complexities of U.S.-Japan relations under Donald Trump’s renewed leadership. With high stakes on defense spending, trade, and investments, can Ishiba strike the right balance?

(6:28 - 9:25) CRIME: 7-Eleven to enhance security amid rise of solo workers at night

https://japantoday.com/category/crime/7-eleven-to-enhance-security-amid-rise-of-solo-workers-at-night

Japan’s convenience store giant 7-Eleven introduces stricter security measures for overnight shifts amid labor shortages and rising crime. Learn how these changes will impact workers and customers.

(9:29 - 12:26) NATIONAL: PM Ishiba visits Osaka Expo venue to inspect process of preparations

https://japantoday.com/category/national/pm-ishiba-visits-osaka-expo-venue-to-inspect-progress-of-preparations

The Osaka World Expo faces lukewarm local interest, complicated ticketing systems, and countries pulling out. Is the event set to flop before it even begins?

(12:30 - 14:26) NATIONAL: Japanese bathe in icy water at Tokyo shrine to purify soul

https://japantoday.com/category/national/ap-photos-japanese-bathe-in-icy-water-at-a-tokyo-shrine-to-purify-their-souls

Take a look at Japan’s centuries-old New Year tradition of ice-cold purification rituals at Shinto shrines. Discover the meaning behind this chilling practice.

(14:29 - 15:48) OUTRO

Catch the current Japan Today Spotlight episode, where we explore how Donald Trump’s re-election could impact Japan. And stay tuned for our next Spotlight episode, which takes a deep dive into the Fuji TV and Masahiro Nakai scandal.

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Welcome to a brand-new season of Japan This Week!

Join host Jeff Richards for your weekly Friday roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for the week of Jan. 17, 2025.

This episode focuses on the rise in closings of beloved ramen shops to Coming-of-Age Day celebrations across the country. Plus, an increasing number of suicides that injure or kill innocent bystanders, a former Green Beret speaks out about Japan's penal system and opens up about helping Carlos Ghosn escape and the growing misuse of Japan's emergency number "110" — this episode covers the biggest headlines you need to know.

Timestamps:

(1:17 - 4:57) BUSINESS: Record number of Japan ramen eateries went bankrupt in 2024

--> A record number of ramen shops have shut down in 2024 due to soaring costs for ingredients and utilities. What’s next for Japan's favorite comfort food?

(5:00 - 9:03) NATIONAL: Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies held across Japan

--> Young adults across Japan don colorful kimono and celebrate a milestone with traditional and fun events.

(9:06 - 11:21) NATIONAL: Teenager falls from building in Tokyo, killing himself, injuring passerby

--> A tragic suicide leap in Shibuya results in the death of a teenager and injuries to a pedestrian.

(11:24 - 14:18) CRIME: Ghosn accomplice calls for inmates to be treated humanely in Japan

--> Former U.S. Green Beret Michael Taylor speaks out about the harsh conditions he endured in Japanese prison after helping Carlos Ghosn escape.

(14:21 - 17:18) NATIONAL: Over 9.63 mil calls made to 110 from Jan-Nov in 2024

--> Over 9 million non-emergency calls were made to Japan’s 110 emergency number in 2024, highlighting a growing misuse of the system.

📰 Visit Japan Today for daily news updates from Japan.

🎙️ Stay Connected:

Subscribe for weekly episodes of Japan This Week to stay updated on Japan’s biggest—and smallest—stories. Don’t forget to like, comment, and hit the notification bell!

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#JapanThisWeek #RamenShops #ComingOfAgeDay #MichaelTaylor #CarlosGhosn #JapanNews #Tokyo #JapaneseCulture

Join Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong for a special year-end episode of Japan This Week as they recap the biggest news stories that shaped Japan in 2024.

From the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake to Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking year, the impact of rising prices, a surge in tourism and even the Kanji of the Year selection, we’re wrapping up the year in a jam-packed episode.

🎙️ Main Stories Covered

(0:09 - 1:19) Introduction

(1:21 - 5:36) Noto Peninsula earthquake

(5:40 - 9:01) Rising prices & economic challenges

(9:04 - 15:14) Record-breaking tourism boom & overtourism issues

(15:17 - 17:38) "Yamibaito" crime trend

(17:41 - 22:12) Shohei Ohtani’s golden year & interpreter scandal

(22:14 - 25:33) Kanji of the Year: "Kin" (Gold)

What are your thoughts on the top stories of 2024? Share your views in the comments!

➡️ What are your thoughts on the top stories of 2024? Share your views in the comments!

✨ Thanks for tuning in all year long! We’ll be back in 2025 with more weekly recaps and exciting updates to the Japan This Week podcast and the Japan Today YouTube channel.

#Japan2024 #JapanNews #ShoheiOhtani #KanjiOfTheYear #JapanToday #Overtourism #RisingPrices #NotoEarthquake #JapanCrime #Yamibaito #DarkPartTimeWork #EarthquakeJapan #JapanThisWeek

Welcome to Japan This Week for Dec. 13, 2024! This week we cover:

🎖️ (0:57 - 3-48) NATIONAL: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese atomic bomb survivors

https://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-survivor-of-atomic-bomb-recalls-its-horrors-in-nobel-peace-prize-acceptance-speech

⚖️ (3:51 - 6:59) CRIME: Forced suicide case involving workplace bullying shocks Japan

https://japantoday.com/category/crime/4-men-arrested-for-coercing-co-worker-to-walk-into-path-of-train-making-it-look-like-suicide

🎭 (7:01 - 9:35) ENTERTAINMENT: Beloved actress Miho Nakayama found dead at 54

https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japanese-actress-nakayama's-death-ruled-accident-while-bathing

🍻 (9:37 - 14-01) BUSINESS: Record bankruptcies for Japan’s iconic izakaya pubs

https://japantoday.com/category/business/tough-times-for-japanese-pubs-as-izakaya-bankruptcies-come-at-highest-rate-in-more-than-a-decade

✈️ (14:04 - 16-28) NATIONAL: JAL pilots fail alcohol test delaying a Melbourne-Tokyo flight

https://japantoday.com/category/national/2-jal-pilots-consume-alcohol-before-flight-cause-3-hour-delay

Get the latest headlines, hear reader reactions and stay updated on Japan’s top stories.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!

🎧 Listen now and join us next week for our year-end recap of Japan’s biggest stories in 2024!