Japan’s stigmatized properties — known as jiko bukken — can sell for a fraction of their normal price if a death, crime or disturbing incident took place inside. This episode explains why some homes become so cheap, how disclosure rules work and why buyers are both fascinated and cautious about them.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan is seeing a surge in far-right activism driven by SANSEITO and a growing wave of “Japan First” nationalism. This episode explains how these groups gained momentum, why their message resonates with some voters and what their rise means for Japan’s political landscape in 2025.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight has raised fresh fears in Tokyo about security guarantees, trade tensions and the future of the Japan–U.S. alliance. This episode explains why Japanese officials are nervous, what’s at stake for the region and how Trump’s statements could reshape Asian security.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan’s once-dominant newspaper industry is shrinking fast as young readers move online, circulation plummets and trust in traditional media continues to erode. This episode looks at why newspapers are struggling, how digital habits have changed the market and what it means for the future of journalism in Japan.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan began summer with dangerous early-season heat, record hospitalizations and rising concern over how climate change is amplifying June’s temperatures. This episode looks at why the heat arrived so quickly, how authorities responded and what experts say about the risks Japan faces this summer.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan’s imperial family faces a shrinking number of heirs, strict succession rules and growing public debate about whether the world’s oldest monarchy can survive in its current form. This episode explains why the crisis is accelerating, what reforms are being discussed and why Japan is struggling to modernize its imperial system.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan’s idol industry enforces strict no-dating and no-romance rules that shape the lives of young performers and fuel a multibillion-yen business model built on fan fantasy. This episode explains why these rules exist, how agencies enforce them and what controversies reveal about power, control and fan culture in Japan.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Rice prices in Japan have surged as bad weather, supply shortages and changing consumer habits squeeze one of the country’s most important staples. This episode breaks down why prices are rising, how farmers are affected and what this means for shoppers and Japan’s food security.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Nissan is struggling with falling sales, aging models and years of leadership turmoil that still haunt the company. This episode looks at why the automaker is losing momentum, what mistakes led to the current crisis and whether Nissan can recover as global competition intensifies.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH

Japan’s weakened yen and explosive tourism boom are reshaping the country’s sex industry, drawing in more foreign customers and creating new concerns for police, workers and local communities. This episode explains why the industry is expanding, who is driving the demand and what risks Japan now faces.

Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH