In this episode we discuss how the impact internet outages can have, then discuss a scheme to incentivise fathers to take paternity leave. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231109/p2a/00m/0na/028000c https://www.instagram.com/p/CzW1A-vBswk/?igshid=Y3RpNGR1ZndydThy

In this episode we discuss the case of an American man in Japan having his partnership visa application denied, potentially due to his partner also being make. We then look at Haruka’s favourite bluey episodes. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231103/p2a/00m/0na/017000c https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPsFEnykgp/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

In this episode we discuss the case of a man encouraging a young girl to go to a club and a kabuki actor assisting his parents to suicide. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231020/p2a/00m/0na/003000c https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/20/japan/crime-legal/kabuki-actor-ennosuke-trial/

In this episode we discuss the Australian referendum and new findings which suggests renting is as bad for your health as smoking. https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/referendum/2023/results?filter=all&sort=az&state=all&party=all https://amp.9news.com.au/article/9830b596-b8e5-4195-960f-19123ce8fd74

In this episode we discuss extinction rebellion activists stopping musicals to save the planet, and a Japanese startup making Sake from trees. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx_tslZIPZt/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230929/p2g/00m/0bu/060000c

In this episode we discuss how a Japanese school is utilising the power of AI to improve English speaking. We also chat about how the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has suddenly quit. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230923/p2a/00m/0na/015000c https://amp.9news.com.au/article/7c1f8e0e-0b83-4376-b3c0-ad36e3e299dd

In this episode we discuss how Airbnb is facing a mandatory tax in Victoria, then look at the case of a special school in Nagoya holding a lottery for who gets to ride the school bus. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230920/p2a/00m/0na/008000c https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102878180

In this episode we try to get our head around gen z slang, and read about the curious case of an escaped 2 meter long Iguana roaming Kyushu. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw_7A3aImes/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230912/p2a/00m/0li/003000c

In this episode we discuss how some airlines are beginning to offer child free flights, and look at how the rumours around Johnny have been confirmed. Links below https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw6gdGvp3ou/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230907/p2g/00m/0na/040000c

In this episode, we look at the rise of online Chinese retailer Temu, then look at how the media is treating a Japanese actor caught with cannabis. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwmqcR3R02J/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230901/p2g/00m/0na/060000c

In this episode we discuss concerning results to national tests and a man who kept an incredible 180 cats as pets. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwUPhp9u22g/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwUPhp9u22g/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

In this episode we discuss a published list of ‘most rude cities in Australia’ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8yEzYP_j0/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== Then we look at the rise of female hikikomori in Japan. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230815/p2a/00m/0na/003000c#cxrecs_s

The title might give it away but this episode deals with potentially sensitive topics. In this episode we discuss the success of the Women’s football World Cup and how 5% of uni students in Japan profess to be porn addicted. https://amp.9news.com.au/article/64a76441-124c-480e-8b65-bcb84119290c https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230808/p2a/00m/0na/025000c?dicbo=v2-XiWAGSk

In this episode we discuss how single use plastics such as balloons used for helium are being banned, while other single use plastics ignored. Then we look at a potentially problematic meme which some in Japan are not happy with. Links are below . https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvdma6uvyXq/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japan-opening-of-'barbie'-marred-by-controversy-ahead-of-nuclear-memorials

In this episode we look at a ban imposed on gas in new buildings in Victoria, and Japan’s unusual relationship with sex workers. Links are below. https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102659636 https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230725/p2a/00m/0na/013000c?dicbo=v2-Oi3YAHD

In this episode we discuss divorce and custody laws in Japan, then talk about the rise of AI generated influencers. Links are below. https://news.yahoo.com/fully-ai-generated-influencers-getting-143239162.html https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102603522

In this episode we discuss the case of a famous surgeon losing his license to practice medicine, and a new luxury train linking Asakusa to Nikko. Links are below. https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/12/neurosurgeon-charlie-teo-found-guilty-of-unsatisfactory-professional-conduct https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14924291

I’m this episode we discuss the release of the new social media platform ‘Threads’ and how McDonald’s in Indonesia offers wedding packages. Links are below. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuV53uPvrqP/?igshid=MjA3NmNkZWY5Yg== https://www.newsweek.com/mcdonalds-wedding-package-jokes-memes-indonesia-1811064

In this episode, we discuss a curious case of a Chinese woman who decided to bring her extended family on a blind date and how the father in Bluey, Bingo, has been fat phobic in a recent episode.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-05/qld-bluey-deleted-fat-shaming-scene-exercise/102309114

https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/man-gets-sued-leaving-blind-164913319.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZGl0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAtMaySubNmRXnFXHj30TyabSoHNTYZfKkA9NE6NTtTV-IzBMafTX42c6mzKOB06BYiEXvBzfWdPf_9Ilv4Qlu-ZH9SBlbc_LnoHxYeb7fJ8gkQ0lP7KTTHiw1Lr9zm0CUP3e1-DR4zadZw8oOLi_cuQ9OB6UOqGpV_K0p4QTTY0

In this episode we discuss the new live action little mermaid movie, which Matt doesn't realise is a kids movie till half way through the chat, then we discuss how the WHO is considering making obesity medication an essential medication. Links below.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-25/the-little-mermaid-live-action-movie-review-disney-halle-bailey/102368246

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14872925