Tokyo on Fire!

Japan's a "greying" country, with few children being born and a shrinking young workforce. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's daring economics plan, dubbed Abenomics, has not been able to affect much of a change in this regard, and has run across hard times. In an attempt to resuscitate the country's economy he has introduced a set of 3 new "arrows" to replace the original 3. What does he plan to do, and how will it affect the workforce? Watch this episode to find out!

Japan Post recently had an initial public offering valued at $11.9 billion. The government's been looking for opportunities to support upcoming business, and with so much newly generated cash it looks like they're about to put their money where their mouth is - fully 75% of those funds have been set aside for small investors. Sit down with Timothy Langley and Langley Esquire Advisor Michael Cucek to hear more about the background of Japan's Post Office and the implications of this massive windfall.

Takata, one of Japan's leading airbag produces, announced in April of 2013 that there was a defect in one of their leading product. Initially a "minor" issue, it has ballooned into a spotlight issue with a mass recall following Takata's own admission that they didn't know which cars had the defective air bags installed. Where does the issue go from here?

Shibuya Setagaya Wards in Tokyo have made steps towards allowing same-sex unions within their jurisdiction. While not a legal measure, the development makes it easier for homosexual couples to receive the same benefits as heterosexual ones. This is one of the first developments of this kind in Japan - how might it continue developing?

Opened in 1962, the Okura Hotel in Tokyo's Minato Ward has ever since been one of the most iconic hotels not just in Japan but across Asia. Now, with the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind, the Main Wing is being demolished for reconstruction.

As UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) archives documents concerning the Nanking Massacre of World War II, Japan is raising its voice against the action.

Dig deeper into this issue with Timothy Michael on this episode of Tokyo on Fire!

Timothy Langley Michael Cucek discuss the nitty-gritty of the upcoming double election in Osaka prefecture. Vanity much?

Japan's train's are famous world-wide for their speed, efficiency, and timeliness, but there's another aspect of them that is far less pristine - groping. Whatever the reason behind it, there is a frequent issue in Japan with unwanted physical attention, and the trains tend to be a place where these incidents occur.

Welcome to the new format of Tokyo on Fire! Come hear host Timothy Langley alongside advisors Michael Cucek, and Dr. Nancy Snow discuss the biggest issues in Japan today: The Asahi Kasei Scandal, the JSDF's New(-ish) Powers, and More!

Oddly enough, Japan's consumption tax is one of the hottest issues around Japan today. Debates on a reduced tax rate have cost an LDP politician his chairmanship, ministers to resign, and public outrage at the Ministry of Finance. Find out from Host Timothy Langley and Advisor Michael Cucek why this issue is still in the limelight.