Small Talk Japan

By Small Talk JapanSociety & Culture Places & Travel

Small Talk Japan episodes

December 18, 2023 Japanese People Have Given Up On Dating? | STJ 227
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Articles from this week's episode
【東中野・西太后（せいたいごう）】中華料理店が炎上中？中国人お断り？ | 住もうよ！東中野 https://higashinakano.jp/seitaigou/
Nearly half of young Japanese men in survey have never had a girlfriend, zero-boyfriend women rise too | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/15/nearly-half-of-young-japanese-men-in-survey-have-never-had-a-girlfriend-zero-boyfriend-women-rise-too/
Baseball: New Dodger Shohei Ohtani flicks the script with unusual dog name https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/db7d61a3aa63-baseball-new-dodger-ohtani-flicks-the-script-with-unusual-dog-name.html
60% of Japanese workers want no part of traditional New Year's office parties: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231213/p2a/00m/0na/010000c
Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer's therapy to cost 2.98 million yen per year https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/0bf5503667de-eisai-biogen-alzheimers-therapy-to-cost-298-mil-yen-per-year.html
Hundreds of tons of dead fish wash up in Hokkaido; experts puzzled | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15079472
Japan's oldest person dies at 116 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/cbfa8ea68d40-japans-oldest-person-dies-at-116.html
Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2023 reveals the worries of Japanese society | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/12/12/japans-kanji-of-the-year-for-2023-reveals-the-worries-of-japanese-society
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53 min
December 11, 2023 Baseball GOAT Shohei Ohtani Changes Teams | STJ 226
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Articles from this week's episode
Ohtani,
Dodgers agree to 10-year, $700M deal | theScore.com
https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2787980
Third victim
of UNLV campus shooting identified by coroner
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/third-victim-of-unlv-campus-shooting-identified-by-coroner/
Kishida to
Offer Free University Tuition for Families with 3+ children Starting 2025
https://stoppopulationdecline.org/kishida-to-offer-free-university-tuition-for-families-with-3-children-starting-2025/#
Japan survey
finds idol otaku 'most active' in spending money, time on hobby - The
Mainichi
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231205/p2a/00m/0et/014000c
【独自】奈良市の小学校でいじめ重大事態認定　担任は自殺ほのめかす記載に『花マル』 | MBSニュース
https://www.mbs.jp/news/kansainews/20231206/GE00054068.shtml
Court rules
Japan's dual nationality ban constitutional
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/fc5fa79a63d1-court-rejects-claim-japans-dual-nationality-ban-is-unconstitutional.html
Police Arrest Japan Taxi Driver After
Running Over Pigeon | Barron's
https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/police-arrest-japan-taxi-driver-after-running-over-pigeon-0601e178
Avg. budget
for kids' Christmas gifts in Japan declines for 4th year in row - The
Mainichi
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231202/p2a/00m/0bu/008000c
Dog owners
have 40% less dementia risk, while cats have little impact: Japan study - The
Mainichi
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231130/p2a/00m/0sc/012000c
JR East
announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included
| SoraNews24 Japan News
https://soranews24.com/2023/12/08/jr-east-announces-awesomely-cheap-one-day-all-you-can-ride-pass-shinkansen-included
Tokyo’s
Shibuya district bans public drinking on New Year’s Eve, cancels countdown
celebration | SoraNews24 Japan News
https://soranews24.com/2023/12/07/tokyos-shibuya-district-bans-public-drinking-on-new-years-eve-cancels-countdown-celebration/
Universal
Studios reveals Nintendo Donkey Kong Country expansion details, opening
season【Video】 |
SoraNews24 Japan News
https://soranews24.com/2023/12/06/universal-studios-reveals-nintendo-donkey-kong-country-expansion-details-opening-season%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91

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42 min
December 04, 2023 Japan's Depressing Practice of Throwing Away Grandma | STJ 225
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Articles from this week's episode
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34 min
November 28, 2023 Understanding Kyoto's Unspoken Language | STJ 224
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Articles from this week's episode
'He brainwashed her': Tokyo woman says daughter was lured by 'host,' ran up huge tab - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231122/p2a/00m/0na/022000c
FOCUS: Barking deer in Japan causing havoc for human population https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/6618081c4ed9-focus-barking-deer-in-japan-causing-havoc-for-human-population.html
千葉“非常事態”　キョン7万頭が爆発的に繁殖　不気味な鳴き声…住民からは悲鳴も【知ってもっと】(2023年11月10日) - YouTube https://youtu.be/KxCxXpLpPQo?si=LrmCiQ5WpSnNkXB7
Yokohama sees surge in foreign ‘ladyboys’ on its backstreets | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15066735
Japan's 330-meter tallest skyscraper Azabudai Hills opens in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/0a7eaddc6891-japans-330-meter-tallest-skyscraper-azabudai-hills-opens-in-tokyo.html
'Shoot without hesitation': Japan experts warn of nonhibernating 'sleepless bears' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231125/p2a/00m/0li/004000c
Tokyo shop employee fights off three robbers with man catcher polearm in Ueno【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/28/tokyo-shop-employee-fights-off-three-robbers-with-man-catcher-polearm-in-ueno%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/
Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel adds kotatsu and hot sake service for a warm way to chill in the sky | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/25/japans-tallest-ferris-wheel-adds-kotatsu-and-hot-sake-service-for-a-warm-way-to-chill-in-the-sky/
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/21/kyotos-ikezu-culture-of-backhanded-compliments-explained-in-hilarious-souvenir-sticker-series
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33 min
November 21, 2023 'Men-Only Train Car' Initiative Sparks Debate in Tokyo | STJ 223
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Articles from this week's episode
Car rams into Israeli Embassy barricade in Tokyo, injures officer https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/5cdb465c1670-car-rams-into-israeli-embassy-fence-in-tokyo-injures-police-officer.html
No ex-Johnny's singers cast for NHK year-end show after sex scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/8cc5357e48d1-no-ex-johnnys-singers-cast-for-nhk-year-end-show-after-sex-scandal.html
Cannabis-derived gummies probed in Tokyo after almost 10 fall ill https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/0f02ea41cc98-illness-inducing-cannabis-traced-gummies-under-probe-in-tokyo.html
Over 70% of young adults surveyed in Japan have 'phone phobia' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231113/p2a/00m/0na/009000c
“Men-only train car” to run in Tokyo as part of “Weak Men’s” association awareness campaign | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/16/men-only-train-car-to-run-in-tokyo-as-part-of-weak-mens-association-awareness-campaign/
Figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announces divorce https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/91d661dfe55e-urgent-japanese-figure-skating-icon-yuzuru-hanyu-announces-divorce.html
No. of Japanese restaurants abroad triples in last decade to 187,000 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/13f7325a1d6f-no-of-japanese-restaurants-abroad-triples-in-last-decade-to-187000.html
Mushroom-shaped earbuds based on popular Japanese 'Kinoko no Yama' snacks to go on sale - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231118/p2a/00m/0bu/011000c
Kotatsu heated tables for sofas rising in popularity, giving Japan best of both worlds this winter | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/20/kotatsu-heated-tables-for-sofas-rising-in-popularity-giving-japan-best-of-both-worlds-this-winter/
Hilton Japan apologizes for “disrespectful” ad disparaging traditional Japanese inns | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/16/hilton-japan-apologizes-for-disrespectful-ad-disparaging-traditional-japanese-inns
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41 min
November 13, 2023 Attack of the Japanese Monkies | STJ 222
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Articles from this week's episode
Super Mario and Gap Japan team up for new Nintendo clothing line【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/10/super-mario-and-gap-japan-team-up-for-new-nintendo-clothing-line%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/
Fukuoka: 6-Year-Old Boy Injured by Monkey Bite, Total of 11 victims since September - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/fukuoka-6-year-old-boy-injured-by-monkey-bite-total-of-11-victims-since-september-nDMUz5tQc6kLueyaGCugWC?language=en
Japan hospital denies LGBT woman support for IVF pregnancy https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/5e19e0092e8e-japan-hospital-denies-lgbt-woman-support-for-ivf-pregnancy.html
New island emerges after underwater volcano eruption near Japan's Iwoto https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/363ec4143c3a-new-island-emerges-after-underwater-volcano-eruption-south-of-tokyo.html
Nintendo announces development of live-action "Legend of Zelda" film https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/84047c954336-nintendo-announces-development-of-live-action-legend-of-zelda-film.html

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47 min
November 06, 2023 Japanese Man Breaks into House to Do Woman's Laundry | STJ 221
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Articles from this week's episode
Reddit - Dive into anything https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/s/G6ynFk096W
7-meter spear from hit anime "Evangelion" installed in western Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/509ff1582d88-7-meter-spear-from-hit-anime-evangelion-installed-in-western-japan.html
Tokyo's Shibuya sees subdued Halloween as tight security dampens mood https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/618889266a77-tokyos-shibuya-sees-subdued-halloween-as-tight-security-dampens-mood.html
Samurai trash collectors clean Tokyo streets after Halloween revels | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samurai-trash-collectors-clean-tokyo-streets-after-halloween-revels-2023-11-01/
【公式】ゴミ拾い侍（一世一代時代組） (@gomihiroisamurai) | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@gomihiroisamurai?_t=8h4TO4KXMtc&_r=1
Shooting suspect arrested after police raid Saitama post office - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/31/japan/crime-legal/saitama-toda-hospital-shooting/
Man in Japan arrested after sneaking into woman’s apartment and washing her lingerie | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/03/man-in-japan-arrested-after-sneaking-into-womans-apartment-and-washing-her-lingerie/
McDonald’s Japan releases newest heartwarming anime ad in everyday happiness series【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/11/02/mcdonalds-japan-releases-newest-heartwarming-anime-ad-in-everyday-happiness-series%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91
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34 min
October 30, 2023 Stupid Foreign Streamers are Ruining Japan | STJ 220
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Articles from this week's episode
Japan investigates foreign YouTubers accused of dodging train fares and stealing food | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/japan-strange-annoying-youtuber-from-abroad-fidias-accused-dodging-train-fares-stealing-food
25-yr-old Japan 'sugar-baby' served fresh arrest warrant after man defrauded of $346,000 - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231023/p2a/00m/0na/019000c
Prefectural high school teacher disciplined for inviting a female student over to his place 35 times - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/prefectural-high-school-teacher-disciplined-for-inviting-a-female-student-over-to-his-place-35-times-ouqEKfmTpmSTSJfrXAgt68?language=en
92-year-old driver ordered to pay 140 million yen over fatal Tokyo crash https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/3c077db5668a-92-year-old-driver-ordered-to-pay-140-mil-yen-over-fatal-tokyo-crash.html
Japan sees unprecedented pace of increase in bear attack victims https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/51284467c199-japan-sees-unprecedented-pace-of-increase-in-bear-attack-victims.html
Growing number of Japan municipalities ban outing LGBT individuals https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/8cdf804a9012-growing-number-of-japan-municipalities-ban-outing-lgbt-individuals.html
Shibuya locks down Hachiko statue for Halloween 2023 while Burger King Center Gai shuts its doors | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/10/28/shibuya-locks-down-hachiko-statue-for-halloween-2023-while-burger-king-center-gai-shuts-its-doors
Gigantic horror/murder immersive experience theme park opening in Tokyo | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/10/26/gigantic-horror-murder-immersive-experience-theme-park-opening-in-tokyo
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27 min
October 26, 2023 Halloween BANNED in Shibuya | STJ 219
Articles from this week's episode
September foreign entries to Japan at 2.2 mil., 96% of pre-pandemic level https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/2f462cdbbaae-sept-foreign-entries-to-japan-at-22-mil-96-of-pre-pandemic-level.html
Japan to OK train fee hikes over holidays amid "overtourism" concerns https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/d3f1c7ac1aad-japan-to-ok-train-fee-hikes-over-holidays-amid-overtourism-concerns.html
Lawsuit brought against Elementary School Teacher for Reducing Over Half of Student’s Lunch for “Not Doing Homework” - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/lawsuit-brought-against-elementary-school-teacher-for-reducing-over-half-of-students-lunch-for-not-doing-homework-pdfyZYy8cYgFn52ZEVRX2r?language=en
Over 100 vintage vending machines at east Japan tire lot become 'int'l tourist spot' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231013/p2a/00m/0li/014000c
Japanese vending machine mecca: Around 100 rare retro machines await you at this unusual location – SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2022/10/05/japanese-vending-machine-mecca-around-100-rare-retro-machines-await-you-at-this-unusual-location/amp/
5 Bodies Including Father and 4 Elementary School Children Found in Submerged Car at a Beach in Mie Prefecture - GoEMON https://goemon-jp.com/news/5-bodies-of-father-and-4-elementary-school-children-found-in-submerged-car-at-a-beach-in-mie-prefecture-pkbUa8kyurZcR9NSZMRn79?language=en
Nagoya mayor backtracks after saying 'wives' have time to pick up docs on weekdays - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231017/p2a/00m/0na/017000c
Shibuya City cracks down on Halloween 2023 with massive “Stay Away!” campaign | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/19/shibuya-city-cracks-down-on-halloween-2023-with-massive-stay-away-campaign/
Japanese tea commercial actress created by AI, has some wondering if it’s the scandal-free future | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/17/japanese-tea-commercial-actress-created-by-ai-has-some-wondering-if-its-the-scandal-free-future
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41 min
October 20, 2023 Amazing Fan-made Live Action Nausicaä | STJ 218
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Articles from this week's episode
Mitch on Fish and Rice https://youtu.be/okfepfri7A4?si=BcbNZcfhXan6GUoD
Unidentified man found with brain injury, carrying Japanese currency in L.A. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/unidentified-man-found-with-traumatic-brain-injury-in-san-pedro/
Japan lawmaker who made unannounced Russia trip removed from party https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/9a53ba1020fa-japan-innovation-party-removes-lawmaker-over-unannounced-russia-trip.html
Toshiba to delist in Japan on Dec. 20 after 74 years of history https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/5e4f364913d7-toshiba-to-delist-in-japan-on-dec-20-after-74-years-of-history.html
Men's lace underwear gains popularity in Japan with moves toward genderless fashion - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231011/p2a/00m/0bu/010000c
Man convicted over viral video of sauce bottle licking at sushi chain https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/ccb5ee796a98-man-convicted-over-viral-video-of-sauce-bottle-licking-at-sushi-chain.html
Few commercial flying taxis likely to be ready for 2025 World Expo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/2875312f216b-few-commercial-flying-taxis-likely-to-be-ready-for-2025-world-expo.html
Live-action Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind fan film complete, releases online this month【Vid】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/10/08/live-action-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind-fan-film-complete-releases-online-this-month%e3%80%90vid%e3%80%91
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36 min

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This is a weekly English podcast about all things Japan! If you want to learn English or about Japanese culture, news life, and other fun things, give us a listen.