157: Yes, crime is on the rise in Japan. No, you don’t have to panic.

Last year saw crime rates in Japan swing upward for the first time in 20 years. Writer Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss the new types of crime that are popping up, while news editor Tadasu Takahashi gives us a rundown on the language being used to describe it. Also, reporter Elizabeth Beattie catches up on what happened at the G7 finance meeting in Niigata last weekend.  

Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode: 

Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram

Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter 

Tadasu Takahashi: Articles 

Elizabeth Beattie: Articles | Twitter

Read more: 

Transfer of Russian assets in focus at G7 finance ministers meeting (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times)

G7 finance chiefs set stage for Hiroshima summit with Ukraine and supply chains (Elizabeth Beattie, The Japan Times)

Know the shady Japanese vocabulary that will help you avoid ‘dark’ part-time jobs (Tadasu Takahashi, The Japan Times)

Are rising crime rates in Japan cause for alarm? (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)

Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!  

Photo: A screen grab from a video taken by a witness shows masked robbers inside the watch shop in Tokyo's Ginza district on Monday evening. | KYODO