Looking beneath the surface of Japan. We talk to Japan Times journalists and guests about current events and trends in Japan.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 4 days 4 hours 41 minutes
[Rebroadcast] The sublime boredom of walking in Japan
The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, we thought that we’d revisit this podcast from last year in which we speak with writer Craig Mod about the art of a good stroll.
“Walking is everything.” he says. And if you’ve got the time and the inclination to do it, it is the best way to come to know the country, from beautifully preserved shrines and forests to the messier parts of suburban reality — pachinko parlors and all...
[Rebroadcast] Is it too late to save the Japanese giant salamander?
The team at Deep Dive is taking a needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from December in which we speak with environment journalist Mara Budgen about the trouble facing the Japanese giant salamander.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez...
[Rebroadcast] How making alcohol from trees could give rural Japan a buzz
The team at Deep Dive is taking a much-needed break. In the meantime, check out this podcast from November that explores how some Japanese companies are trying to make alcohol from old trees.
Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez.
On this episode:
Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram
Alex K.T...
episode 155: Local flavors, global impact: Noma returns to Japan
Rene Redzepi’s groundbreaking restaurant Noma is known as one of the world’s best, so it came as a huge shock last year when he announced he would be shutting it down in 2024 — at least in its current form. The Danish chef and a team of over 100 have currently descended on Kyoto to create a culinary experience that has become one of the hottest tickets on the planet...
episode 154: What should you expect when you land a job in Japan?
The number of foreign residents in Japan recently surpassed the 3 million-mark. What does that mean for the Japanese corporations hiring them? Might they get an influx of new ideas and skilled employees? Consultant Rochelle Kopp joins us to discuss the sought-after “agent of change” and Anika Osaki Exum updates us on government plans to boost the number of foreign exchange students.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez...
episode 153: The Japanese parliament expels some GaaSyy
He launched a career on YouTube running his mouth on celebs, but in less than a year Yoshikazu “GaaSyy” Higashitani has gone from that to running successfully for office to running from the law. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins the show this week to discuss what this parliamentary upstart’s rise and fall says about how politics is done in Japan. And, who exactly are the Party Politician Girls who replaced him?
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez...
episode 152: The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming
It’s been three years since people in Japan could welcome spring with traditional picnics under the country’s millions of cherry trees. This week Kathleen Benoza explains how much money is at stake during the season, while Thu-Huong Ha and Alyssa I. Smith discuss the science, symbolism and culture surrounding the cherry blossoms in Japan.
On this episode:
Kathleen Benoza: Articles | Twitter
Alyssa I...
episode 151: Haruki Murakami’s new novel. Plus, allegations resurface in J-pop.
Last month, it was announced that Haruki Murakami would release a new full-length novel. True fans, also known as “Harukists” may note that the title for the upcoming work is the same as one of the author’s past “failures.” Harukist Daniel Morales joins the show to decipher clues as to what is going on. Later, Patrick St. Michel and Shaun McKenna discuss their thoughts on a BBC documentary on controversial J-pop titan Johnny Kitagawa...
episode 150: Moving to Fukushima? You’ll have to kick out the boars first
This week marks the 12th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear meltdowns that took place in its wake. Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss where Fukushima is in terms of its recovery and drive to repopulate. Of course, before they bring people back, they’ll need to deal with the wild animals that have moved in.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.
On this episode:
Alex K.T...
episode 149: Infinity and beyond: Yayoi Kusama’s next evolution
You may know Yayoi Kusama for her polka-dotted pumpkins or Insta-ready exhibitions, but this artist from Matsumoto has a long history of radical forms of expression. This week, culture critic Thu-Huong Ha joins the podcast to explore Kusama’s past and the latest stage in her evolution.
Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez...