The Week

The Week

Download on the App Store

The Week episodes

  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #14 Special Episode on the Death of Shinzo Abe

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too.. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our fourteenth episode, we do something a little different. We delve into the special coverage of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 

    We report the rolling events and the reactions of politicians in Japan and abroad in a conversation with Grant Newsham, a retired United States Marine Colonel and former US diplomat with decades of background in Japan. Currently, Newsham is a Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies and a regular contributor to JAPAN Forward.

    Newsham shares with us some insights into the challenges and legacy of the longest-serving prime minister in Japan’s history.

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • [Asia’s Next Page] Indo-Pacific at a Loss: The Abe Memoire
  • What We Know About Shinzo Abe’s Suspected Assassin So Far
  • Statesman and Defender: Shinzo Abe Will Be Missed
  • EDITORIAL | Shinzo Abe’s Assassination is Terrorism, a Tragedy That Japan Should Not See Again
  • A Nation In Shock: The Day After Shinzo Abe’s Assassination, Questions Remain
  • Japan’s Political World Will Never Be the Same Without Shinzo Abe
  • PM Kishida, Japanese Officials Mourn Shinzo Abe: ‘Incredible Loss of a Great Politician’
  • TIMELINE: Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Assassinated
  • ‘Tragic, Devastating’: World Leaders React to Shinzo Abe’s Death
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    10 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #12: Wild Hot Springs, Comfort Women Statues, and Surprises on Ice

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too.. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our eleventh episode we hear about a South Korean activist group traveling to Berlin to seek removal of a Comfort Women statue there.

    Further forward, we look at pets and microchips, and the effort to improve owner responsibility for the happiness of their dogs and cats. Then let us introduce you to several other trending topics, including the wonders of hot springs in the wild, found deep in the Japanese countryside. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • EDITORIAL | To Meaningfully Support Ukraine, G7 Can’t Go Soft on Russia
  • South Korean Group Tackles the Antagonism and Hatred Spread By Comfort Women Statues
  • Well Done, Ms Wong! Australia’s Foreign Minister Alerts the Solomon Islands to China’s Trap
  • Japan To Set Up Its Own CDC: What Changes?
  • EDITORIAL | Protect Your Dogs, Cats with ID Microchips
  • Masking Down? Think Again!
  • [ICE TIME] Kaori Sakamoto Ends Partnership with Choreographer Benoit Richaud 
  • Japan’s Onsen are Famous, But its Notenburo are Even Better!.
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    9 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #11: Japan Goes to NATO, Elon Musk and Depopulation, Bear Paw Cafe

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too.. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our eleventh episode we discuss the implications of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

    Further forward, we look at the debate on Japan’s depopulation, and delve into the innovative Bear Paw Cafe, helping those with mental illness. Then let us introduce you to the thrill of Tower Sliders, pioneering sailors, and more. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 
    • INTERVIEW | Kishida’s Vision: Shift in Defense Policy is ‘Real’ Says Japan-UK Security Expert
  • Kishida’s Shangri-La Speech: What He Means, Why It Matters
  • China Uses Singapore Platform to Challenge the Rules Based Order
  • Japan to Participate in NATO Summit for the First Time
  • Elon Musk Raised Depopulation: Whose Problem Is It ? 
  • Next Generation Planetariums: Specialists Serving Up the Stars
  • The Bear Paw Cafe: A Kawaii Way OF Employ People With Mental Health Issues 
  • Yachtsman’s Solo Sail an Uplifting Message for Aging Society 
  •  [ODDS And EVENS] Sailor Kenichi Horie: Achieving His Dreams And Finding A Beautiful Life
  • Looking for Summer Thrills? This Osaka Landmark Has a New ‘Tower Slider’ 
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    10 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #10: Countryside Babies, Digital Yen, and Monster Inoue Strikes Again

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too.. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our tenth episode we discuss world hunger and how the G7 countries are tackling it following the war blockade that has stopped Europe’s breadbasket from being filled from Ukraine. 

    Further forward, we look at debate over digital yen, and delve into the Japanese treasures unveiled in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee. Then let us introduce you to the historic Japanese country town booming with babies, sake distilled from trees, and more. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have more podcasts available on our page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan, (both in English and Japanese), and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • Tackling World Hunger, G7 Explores New Routes for Exporting Ukrainian Grain
  • A Look at Japan and the Question of Digital Yen
  • By Royal Command: The Queen’s Japanese Treasures
  • Masks And Health Insurance: New Guidelines For Tourists As Japan Opens Its Doors
  • Baby Boom: Why a Small Rural Town is Attracting Young People
  • BOXING | ‘Monster’ Inoue Lives Up to Expectations, Overpowers Nonito Donaire in Rematch.
  • The World’s First ‘Tree Sake’ Will Soon Go On Sale
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    9 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #9: Kishida Polls at 68%, Travel in Asia, Ukrainian Sumo Wrestlers

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our ninth episode we discuss the most recent Sankei Shimbun and FNN Poll. We look at the future of strategic ambiguity with Taiwan. We also delve into the travel landscape in Asia, Star Wars Day, and even a rehabilitation center for racehorses in Fukushima. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have more podcasts available on our page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan, (both in English and Japanese), and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • POLL ー 64% See Enemy Base Strike Capability as ‘Necessary’
  • Deterring China: The Vanishing Kissinger Magic
  • EDITORIAL | WHO Bends to China Again, Blocks Taiwan
  • Japan Finally Opens To Visitors As Infection Rates Drop
  •  [Gamer’s World] Making the Most of the Calm Before June
  • Whales in the Japanese Landscape: The Power of the Warrior Spirit
  • [ODDS and EVENS] Ukrainian Sumo Wrestlers Proudly Prepare to Compete for Their Country
  • [Hidden Wonders of Japan] Beautiful Racehorses Take a Therapeutic Dip at JRA’s New Facility 
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    9 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #8: Biden and Taiwan, Tour Groups, Women in War and Judo

    You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our eighth episode we discuss Joe Biden’s first trip to Asia as US President and what came out of the Quad summit meeting in Tokyo. Rain? You’re covered if you read about snapping pictures even in wet weather. We also delve into the reopening of Japan to tour groups, and the attraction of All Japan Judo Championships. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have more podcasts available on our page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan, (both in English and Japanese), and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • EDITORIAL | Regional Strategy Centered on Japan-US Alliance Key to Deterring China
  •  Biden to Families of Japanese Abducted by North Korea: ‘I Know How You Feel’
  • Quad Leaders: Condemn Unilateral Use of Force in the Indo-Pacific
  • Japan Wants to See More Filipino Workers — Ambassador
  • Japan Opens To Tour Groups, Expects to Further Relax Borders
  • Women Of War: Japan’s Rising Attention To Women on the Front Lines
  • Kosei Inoue: The Challenge and Charm of the All Japan Championships
  • [A Photographer’s Notes] Rain Rain Go Away… No Wait! 
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    10 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #7: Biden in Asia, Masks, Mieko Kawakami, and Loch Ness Adventures

    There is a lot going on in the world and we know you want to stay informed. You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our seventh episode we discuss Joe Biden’s first trip to Asia as US President. We also talk about Japan’s COVID response, travel rules going forward, golf veteran Shugo Imahira and authors changing the face of Japanese contemporary literature. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have more podcasts available on our page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan, (both in English and Japanese), and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • US and Japan: Bringing the Transatlantic and Indo-Pacific Together
  •  US Envoy Introduces Proposed New Indo-Pacific Economic Order and
  • Refusing to Condemn Russia’s War, Does India Really Share Japan’s Values?
  • Coronavirus Pandemic: The World Could Learn from Japan – If It Only Wanted
  • Changing Trends for Japanese Women in the World of International Literature
  • [ODDS and EVENS] Shugo Imahira Earns a Trip to the British Open After Weekend Triumph
  • Shintaro Ishihara, the Adventurer
  • Shintaro Ishihara, The Provocateur
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    10 min
  • ‘The Week’ Podcast #6: Philippines Election, Japan’s Energy Race, A Chat With Haruki Murakami

     There is a lot going on in the world and we know you want to stay informed. You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week – a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds. Hosted by Arielle Busetto.

    In our sixth episode we discuss recent developments in Asia, including the elections in the Philippines, and the president’s inauguration in South Korea. We also talk about an interview with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda, Japan’s Golden Week, and Haruki Murakami’s latest work. Find the related articles list below. 

    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto.

    New podcasts will come out every Friday evening, JST, and will remain available for listeners on your own schedule. 

    We have more podcasts available on our page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan, (both in English and Japanese), and Sports Talk. 

    RELATED: 

    • ‘Son of Dictator Marcos Poised to Win Landslide Victory in Philippines Presidential Election
  • EDITORIAL | President Yoon Show You Really Want Improved Ties With Japan
  • INTERVIEW | METI Minister Koichi Hagiuda: ‘It’s Time for Japan to Step Forward’
  • Life Returns as Japan Takes Off for Golden Week
  • INTERVIEW | Haruki Murakami on Love, War and F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Shohei Ohtani Belts First Career Grand Slam In Rout Of Rays
  • TENNIS | Injured Naomi Osaka to Skip Italian Open
  •  Live Streaming Brings Revival of Popular ‘Fuun! Takeshi’s Castle’
  • Author: Arielle Busetto

    9 min

About The Week

From the publisher's feed

Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan Podcast by JAPAN Forward editorial team.