Japan Today Spotlight

Japan is tightening and reshaping its rules for foreign residents, from visa renewals to compliance checks and enforcement. This episode breaks down what’s changing, who is affected and what the new r...

19 Tammi 16min

Japan is racing to expand AI and data center capacity, but power shortages, grid limits and climate targets pose major challenges. This episode examines whether Japan’s energy system can support an AI...

13 Tammi 12min

From politics and the economy to social change and major scandals, 2025 was a turbulent year for Japan. This special year-in-review episode looks back at the biggest stories covered on Japan Today Spo...

2 Tammi 11min

After decades of relative price stability, daily life in Japan is getting more expensive. From food and energy to rent and services, this episode looks at why costs are rising, why wages are lagging b...

27 Joulu 20258min

Once seen as a symbol of rural decline, Japan’s "akiya" — vacant homes — are now drawing investors, renovators and foreign buyers. This episode explains why interest is surging, what buyers often over...

19 Joulu 20257min

Japan remains one of the safest countries in the world, yet online scams, phone fraud and impersonation schemes are increasingly catching residents off guard. This episode explains how scammers operat...

11 Joulu 202510min

A diplomatic storm erupted after comments from Japan’s defense minister angered China and set off a tense exchange over Taiwan. This episode breaks down what was said, why Beijing reacted so sharply a...

5 Joulu 20259min

Japan continues to struggle with long working hours, service overtime and rising cases of karoshi and work-related suicide. This episode examines why overwork remains so deeply rooted, how reforms hav...

27 Marras 202512min