Tokyo Wave

What was the CFO of Florida smoking when he publicly proposed moving the Tokyo 2021 Olympics to the Sunshine State? What did Biden and Suga discuss in their first phone call? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's vaccine roll out plan and a $29 million dollar ruby that was (not) stolen in Ginza.

Content creator Patrick Smith AKA Paper Pat shares how creating videos about his experiences teaching in Japan on TikTok led to his rise as a social media influencer. Aaron and Parker discuss the latest Tokyo 2020 rumors, cops nabbing people trying to cash out stolen crypto, and a local government worker arrested for filling self-serve regular latte cup with a large helping.

What do the new entry restrictions mean for business travel to Japan? How are Japanese automakers coping with a global shortage of chips? What is going to happen to a limited-edition beer that Sapporo produced with a label containing an embarrassing spelling error? Aaron and Parker discuss the outlook for Japanese politics in 2021 as Prime Minister Suga faces an uphill battle with declining approval ratings amid a third wave of virus infections.

What does the second Japan state of emergency mean for its border restrictions? Why did the CEO of Suntory speak out against the state of emergency? How did police nab the "Toilet God" suspected of stealing newly-installed toilets from construction sites in Chiba? Aaron and Parker discuss how Coming of Age Day, a right of passage for 20 year olds in Japan, was affected by the pandemic.

Director, storyteller, and consultant for Japanese film and TV productions Riki Ohkanda shares her experience working inside Tokyo's entertainment industry, the secret to enjoying tea ceremony, and some hilarious anecdotes. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's vaccine rollout schedule and a movement to make it harder to obtain crossbows in Japan.

Asian public policy expert, political science professor, and politics commentator Dr. Stephen Nagy shares his insights on Canada-Japan relations, the rise of China and Indo-Pacific defense policy, and the future of the Suga administration. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's plan for COVID-19 vaccinations, extended tax cuts for home and car buyers, and love-hungry Japanese macaques.

Will Japan ban sales of new gasoline cars? Can NTT Docomo regain lost ground with its new ¥2,980 budget cell phone data plan? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's move to not tax casino winnings of nonresident foreigners, and what it's going to be like spending Christmas in Japan after Santa Claus' flight to Tokyo was cancelled.

TikTok influencer, content creator, YouTube video blog host Mason Dayot aka Maydaysan tells us how he built a 250k+ social media following and some of his exploits living in Japan. Aaron and Parker discuss the billion dollar budget for Tokyo 2020 virus countermeasures, Mitsui Fudosan's $1.1 billion bid to acquire Tokyo Dome, and JETRO's new effort to promote Japanese shochu liquor worldwide.

Former United States senior diplomat and Director of Government and External Affairs for Amway Japan Mark Davidson shares his insights on the US presidential transition, experience working with President-elect Biden, and expectations for US-Japan relations between Biden and Suga. Aaron and Parker discuss the new pandemic guidelines from Tokyo Governor Koike and strict new rules for athletes competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Award-winning CGI artist, animator, and creative director Jesse Franklin shares his experience as a creative in Japan and Hollywood, working on music videos, the Star Wars franchise, and Sonic the Movie. Aaron and Parker discuss the first conversation between President-elect Biden and Prime Minister Suga, and the release of Sony's PlayStation 5.