When Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister on Oct. 21, one of her new cabinet pick's stood out. Kimi Onoda was appointed minister for economic security and the “Cool Japan” strategy — but also given a new title: Minister for Promoting an Orderly Coexistent Society with Foreigners. It’s a phrase that says a lot about how Japan sees outsiders. In this week’s Japan Today Spotlight, we look at how anti-foreigner sentiment is gaining political traction, why “coexistence” has become such a loaded word and what that means for Japan’s future. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-vDNg-hhBZo Chapters 00:00 Intro: Japan’s first female prime minister 01:36 Blame the foreigners 03:48 The coexistence policy 04:33 Kimi Onoda’s appointment 05:51 Anti-foreigner rhetoric in Japan 06:30 Japanese labor needs foreigners 07:57 Fear of foreigners and the facts 09:30 Cultural misunderstandings 11:08 Sanseito’s argument 12:32 Outro: The choice ahead Do you think Japan’s “foreigner problem” is really about policy or fear? Tell us in the comments.

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami — the man who assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — has begun in Japan. But this case is about more than guilt or innocence. It exposed disturbing ties between Japan’s ruling party and a controversial church, triggered public sympathy for the killer and forced the country to confront deeper questions about justice, trauma and political power. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A2hwKzrn7ls Do you think the trial will bring clarity or just more controversy? Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – The assassination of Shinzo Abe 02:10 – Who is Tetsuya Yamagami? 04:30 – Sympathy and the “Yamagami Girls” 06:40 – Unification Church and LDP ties 08:55 – What the trial means for Japan 10:12 – Outro Explore more episodes of Japan Today Spotlight: https://japantoday.com/category/japan-today-spotlight 💬 What do you think about this case and its impact on Japan? Drop your thoughts in the comments on YouTube. 📌 Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@JapanTodaySpotlight

Stalking cases in Japan are becoming harder to ignore. Women are being targeted, threatened and, in too many cases, killed — even after going to the police for help. In this edition of Japan Today Spotlight, we examine why stalking cases so often end in tragedy, what reforms are being proposed and what experts say women can do to stay safe. ▶ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Dnv7M8KS_Y

A rise in obnoxious and aggressive content creators is sparking outrage across Japan — from graveyard stunts and sushi sabotage to harassment on public trains. Japanese media now calls them “nuisance YouTubers.” In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dig into what’s really going on. Why are some influencers acting this way in Japan? Would they pull the same stunts in cities like London or New York? And what’s the impact on foreigners who actually live here and are trying to do things right? 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hah65eM4iw0

Japan’s “lost generation” came of age during the employment ice age of the 1990s and early 2000s. Promised stable jobs after graduation, they instead faced hiring freezes, temporary contracts and decades of low wages. Now in their 50s, many are still struggling with low pensions, limited savings and social isolation. The government has pledged new support through reskilling programs and pension reform, but critics question whether it’s too late. 🎥 Watch the full Spotlight episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UYAyCwzT1F4

Bears are showing up in Japanese towns, supermarkets, even airport runways — and the number of bear attacks is now higher than anywhere else in the world. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the reasons behind the dramatic surge: climate change, depopulated rural areas, rewilded landscapes and a younger generation of fearless bears. We also look at how Japan is responding — from hunting rules and AI patrols to safety advice for hikers — and why conservationists are urging a rethink. 🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r9Wd17Xv7sI

Japan’s missing persons: Who disappears and why Every year, around 90,000 people are reported missing in Japan. Most are found quickly, but many vanish by choice — some turning to resignation agencies and the “fly-by-night” industry to help them disappear. This episode of Japan Today Spotlight looks at who goes missing, why, and what it reveals about Japanese society. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pr6Bh-b19O0

Japan’s justice system has a conviction rate of 99.9%. Critics say that figure isn’t proof of prosecutorial skill but the result of a system known as “hostage justice” — prolonged detention, repeated interrogations and confessions forced under pressure. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at how hostage justice works, the cases of Carlos Ghosn and Iwao Hakamata, and whether recent reforms are changing the system. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro: Japan’s hostage justice exposed 01:17 The arrest: How hostage justice begins 03:03 Japan’s official defense of hostage justice 04:26 Slow reforms: Lawyers and video recording 05:38 Breaking down suspects inside detention 06:45 Iwao Hakamata: 45 years on death row 08:16 Carlos Ghosn: The daring escape 09:57 The fallout from Ghosn’s escape 11:18 Global criticism of Japan’s justice system 12:23 Outro: Guilty until proven innocent 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HZCrnIqDrLw What do you think — is this really justice, or just a system built to secure confessions?

Younger people in Japan aren’t avoiding the news — they’re consuming it differently. In this episode, we look at how platforms like TikTok, LINE, and Instagram have replaced the front page and the evening news for many under 30. But does this shift come at the cost of trust, depth, and real journalism? We speak with journalist and researcher Nithin Coca, whose work focuses on disinformation, platform transparency, and digital rights in Asia. He shares his insights into how new media is shaping public knowledge in Japan — and what’s at risk if credible journalism continues to lose ground. 🎧 Also featuring mentions of nonprofit newsroom Tansa, journalists Nithin Coca and Magdalena Osumi and Japan’s shrinking media industry. 🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z4PI1uliSnE 🗞️ Read more from the Japan Today media series: • Part 1: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/the-slow-fade-of-japan’s-once-powerful-daily-newspapers • Part 2: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/japan’s-media-giants-falling-behind-in-the-digital-age • Part 3 (this episode): https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/scrolling-for-truth-news-for-the-swipe-generation

August 2025 marks 80 years since Japan surrendered in World War II, ending the Pacific War. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at how Japan is commemorating the anniversary — from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki memorials to the emperor’s visits, the comfort women issue, and the controversy around Yasukuni Shrine. We also explore how Japan’s relationships with its neighbors are shaped by wartime history, and the questions that still remain about remembrance and responsibility. 📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c9DnVw573aM 💬 80 years after the Pacific War ended, how should Japan — and the world — remember that history? Let us know in the comments. 👇

Would you live in a house where someone died? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the world of jiko bukken — Japan’s so-called “stigmatized properties.” These are homes where someone died by suicide, accident or murder, and they often sell or rent for 30% to 50% below market value. We look at what the law requires real estate agents to disclose, why so many Japanese still avoid these homes, and what it says about cultural views on death, bad luck and the supernatural. We also check out the eerie website where you can search your own building to see if anything tragic happened nearby. 📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpgw6E6XpNU 💬 Ever lived somewhere with a dark history — or would you? Let us know what you’d do if offered a "jiko bukken" at half the price. 👇

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we examine the rise of Sanseito, a new political party gaining traction with Japan’s disillusioned voters. Is it a grassroots call for reform — or something more dangerous? With echoes of nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigrant sentiment and conspiracy-driven messaging, we look at why this “common sense” party is raising concerns both at home and abroad. 📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yMTpF6CkQkg 💬 Let us know your take on Sanseito’s rise. Comments open below.

In this episode, we look at rising tensions between President Trump and Japan. From the on again-off again-on again 25% auto tariffs and pressure to buy more U.S. rice, oil and weapons, to a national election just weeks away, Japan’s leadership is under pressure on all fronts. Prime Minister Ishiba is struggling to hold on — but is anyone really steering this alliance? Just another rough patch, or the start of something deeper? 🎥 Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/nJfSAqFy3Ec Produced by Japan Today and GPlusMedia. Hosted by Jeff Richards in Tokyo. Listen, subscribe and follow for more weekly episodes.

Japan’s newspaper crisis: Losing readers, relevance and the next generation. Circulation is down, trust is fading and younger readers have moved on to digital platforms like LINE and YouTube. What does that mean for journalism in Japan? Read the full article at: https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/the-slow-fade-of-japans-once-powerful-daily-newspapers-1 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/aBMptXXrm_0

Japan’s Big Heat: June’s Deadly Start to Summer It’s only June, but heatstroke deaths are already being reported across Japan. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at why the extreme heat is hitting so early, who’s most at risk, and what’s being done — or not done — to help people cope. 🎙️ Hosted byJeff Richards 📍 Produced in Tokyo by Japan Today and GPlusMedia 📺 This episode first appeared on the Japan Today YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NnwCb5qT7yk

Japan’s imperial family: Too old to modernize? Japan’s imperial family is the world’s oldest monarchy — but is it still relevant in 2025? With just three heirs, no reigning empress allowed and billions of yen in taxpayer support, the future of the institution is far from secure. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the gender rules, political silence and shrinking lineup facing Japan’s royals. We also examine the powerful role of the Imperial Household Agency and the public’s growing questions about what purpose the monarchy serves today. 🎙️ Hosted by JEFF RICHARDS 📍 Produced in Tokyo by JAPAN TODAY and GPlusMedia 📺 This episode first appeared on the Japan Today YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YgDJ-YMrk3k. #Japan #ImperialFamily #Monarchy #SuccessionCrisis #JapanesePolitics #JapanTodaySpotlight #GenderEquality #CulturalTradition #RoyalFamily

What really goes on inside Japan’s idol industry? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the strict no-dating and no-sex rules placed on J-pop idols — especially young women and girls. From public punishments and emotional control to the rise of AI-generated performers, we look deeper at the power dynamics, mental health impact and troubling double standards behind the glossy image of idol culture. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1oB8rKR8edU This originally appeared as part of our Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube.

Japan’s rice crisis isn’t just about food — it’s about identity, politics and a decades-old system that’s now under pressure. In this extended episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at what’s really driving rice prices through the roof. From delayed stockpiles and 700% tariffs to political fallout and consumer frustration, this deep dive explains how Japan’s most sacred crop became a national flashpoint. 📺 This originally aired as part of our Japan Today Spotlight video series on YouTube. Watch here: https://youtu.be/InU_JSn7coQ

Nissan is planning to cut 20,000 jobs and may shut down factories in Japan. What’s behind the crisis at Japan’s No. 3 automaker — and can a new CEO turn things around? This episode explores the failed merger with Honda, ongoing financial trouble and how U.S. auto tariffs are adding to the pressure. Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel. 🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/AKTlU_QHeVA 🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.

Japan’s tourism boom is fueling more than just hotels and souvenir shops. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the rise in sex work targeting foreign visitors — a shift driven by demand, a weak yen, and disappearing restrictions. Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel. 🎥 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/NlNIf-yAevc 🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Richards, from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.