Deep Dive from The Japan Times

In May, we talked to The Japan Times' Magdalena Osumi about Japan’s entry-ban list, which is stopping foreign residents from leaving or returning to Japan. Today, we hear an update from Magda, as some residents start to be allowed to return but many are left trapped. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: Japan to allow back foreign residents who left before entry ban (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Re-entry ban horror stories pile up in Japan's Indian community (Megha Wadhwa, The Japan Times) Japan's foreign residents are trapped — Part 1 (Deep Dive) Japan's re-entry ban list (The Japan Times) ACCJ calls for equal treatment of non-Japanese residents hit by travel ban (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan to impose stricter re-entry procedures for travelers from four countries (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Stranded foreign nationals in limbo as speculation over easing Japan re-entry requirements mounts (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Magda Osumi: Twitter | ArticlesOscar Boyd: Twitter | ArticlesDeep Dive: Twitter | [email protected] up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Bloomberg

The people alive today who survived the bombing of Hiroshima, and the subsequent destruction of Nagasaki, are known in Japanese as hibakusha. But 75 years on from the bombing, the number of survivors able to tell their stories is dwindling as they grow old and die. Japan Times contributor and Hiroshima resident Peter Chordas joins to discuss the effects of the bomb on the city, and how those survivors' legacies are being preserved. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: Is time running out to preserve Japan’s A-bomb legacy? (Peter Chordas, The Japan Times) Sharing Hiroshima's legacy in the age of COVID-19 (Peter Chordas, The Japan Times) Shinzo Hamai's Peace Declaration for the City of Hiroshima (City of Hiroshima) Hiroshima marks 75th atomic bomb anniversary, calls for unity amid pandemic (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Nearly 80% of A-bomb survivors struggle to pass on experiences (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Peter Chordas

This episode was made possible by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at bit.ly/hikingfuji.

The Japan Times' Alex Martin discusses the history of mask wearing and how it's changed from the Edo Period to the Spanish Flu to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: The history behind Japan’s love of face masks (Alex Martin, The Japan Times) Masks helped keep Japan's COVID-19 death toll low, says expert panel (Bloomberg, The Japan Times) Face masks in a pandemic: From 'useless' to 'indispensable' (AFP-Jiji, The Japan Times) Japanese shoppers queue and crash website for Uniqlo's washable masks (The Japan Times) Thick, small, bulky: 'Abenomasks' arrive in Tokyo mailboxes (The Japan Times) 'It may save your life': Facing coronavirus surge, more U.S. states mandate masks (The Japan Times) Seven in 10 back mandatory use of masks in shops in England, poll finds (The Guardian) Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected] Getty Images

That's the theory put forward by our guest on Deep Dive this week, Matt Alt, the author of the recently published book, "Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World." Taking its title from a quote by Oscar Wilde, "Pure Invention" is a cultural history of postwar Japan, told through the lens of the country's superstar inventions and how they spread across the globe. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read/hear more: More from Matt Alt Pac-Man: How a faceless character based on eating changed video game history (Russell Thomas, The Japan Times) Founder of Hello Kitty creator Sanrio steps down after 60-year stint (The Japan Times) On Walkman's 40th anniversary, Sony opens retro exhibition in Ginza (Hinano Kobayashi, The Japan Times) Episode 50: How the 'murder hornet' got its name (Deep Dive) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected] via Wikimedia Commons

Ryusei Takahashi gives us a run down on Yuriko Koike’s victory, as well as the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in the capital. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Read/hear more: Episode 54: Yuriko Koike and the race for Tokyo governor (Deep Dive) Koike cruises to win in Tokyo governor race, vowing to continue fight against virus (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Koike's Tokyo win may be springboard back into national politics (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Opposition laments failure to unite after Koike wins big in Tokyo election (Kyodo) Koike urged to take lead in raising women's representation in politics (Toma Mochizuki, Kyodo) Japan to ease coronavirus rules and allow events up to 5,000 people (Kyodo) Emergency warnings issued for Gifu and Nagano as torrential rain lashes central Japan (Kyodo) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out. Get in touch with us at [email protected].

Alexander Dmitrenko, head of Asia sanctions at law firm Freshfields and co-representative director of the Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network (LLAN), joins to discuss the case for same-sex marriage being made by his organization and the many others fighting for equality on the issue. Read/see more: LLAN's viewpoint on marriage equality Fighting for the right to recognize same-sex marriage in Japan (Andrew McKirdy, The Japan Times) In a first, LGBT couples sue Japan over constitutionality of not recognizing same-sex marriage (Magda Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan's top bar association urges Diet to legalize same-sex marriage (The Japan Times) 900 LGBT couples have been certified in Japan since 2015, survey finds (The Japan Times) LGBT people in Japan worry that getting COVID-19 may result in outing (The Japan Times) Only 10% of firms in Japan have addressed LGBT issues, survey finds (The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. Photo by Getty Images

This week, staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi and domestic news head Kanako Takahara discuss the field of candidates, incumbent Yuriko Koike's chances for reelection and the effects of COVID-19 on the campaign. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected] more: As race to govern Tokyo kicks off, Olympics and coronavirus top agenda (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Koike’s first term as Tokyo governor: Eventful, but little to show for it (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Tokyo gubernatorial candidates face off in first joint news conference (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Great expectations: Has Koike delivered on parenting, gender and climate? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) More on the 2020 Tokyo election (The Japan Times) Photo by Ryusei Takahashi

We hear from staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi about last weekend’s demonstrations in Tokyo, Black Lives Matter Kansai organizer Ayana Wyse about the Osaka marches and from Japan Times contributor Austin Freeman, who recounts his experiences of police harassment here in Tokyo. Read more: Black Lives Matter Tokyo (Facebook) Black Lives Matter Osaka (Linktree) Protesters hit Tokyo and Osaka streets with rallies against racism and police brutality (Ryusei Takahashi & Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Why we're marching for black lives in Japan (Ayana Wyse, The Japan Times) Once upon a time ... in Azabu Juban (Austin Freeman, The Japan Times) 'No justice, no peace': The sentiment that resonates in America, Japan and all over the world (Baye McNeil, The Japan Times) Naomi Osaka in no mood to back down on support for Black Lives Matter (Reuters, The Japan Times) Kurdish case becomes rallying cry for Japan protest against police (Mari Saito, Reuters) Video footage of the Kurdish man's encounter with the police (Twitter) Kurly in Kansai on Twitter Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected] by Ryusei Takahashi

The Japan Times' Alyssa Smith and Tom Hanaway have been writing recaps of Terrace House and join Deep Dive to discuss Kimura's death, and what it might mean for the show going forward. Later, TELL Ambassador BJ Fox joins to talk about the mental health services offered by TELL Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: TELL Japan Pro wrestler and ‘Terrace House’ star Hana Kimura dies at 22 (The Japan Times) 'Terrace House' season canceled following death of Hana Kimura (Tom Hanaway, The Japan Times) Alyssa and Tom's 'Terrace House' recaps (The Japan Times) Deep Dive Episode 14: What's the deal with Terrace House? (The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 119 in Japan for immediate help. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5772-0992. You can also visit them at telljp.com. For those in other countries, visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a detailed list of resources and assistance.Photo by Getty Images via Kyodo

Japan is the only G7 member denying entry to long-term and permanent residents and has set no clear criteria for their return. Japan Times staff writer Magdalena Osumi joins to discuss. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: Foreign residents stranded abroad by Japan's coronavirus controls (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan's re-entry ban list (The Japan Times) Japan to expand entry ban to visitors from India and 10 other nations (Kyodo) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Get in touch with us at [email protected].

In the U.S., the Asian giant hornet recently made its way into the headlines after it was recorded as an invasive species in the Pacific northwest region. Just this month, the New York Times dubbed them “murder” hornets. Matt Alt joins to discuss how a simple translation error might have given the hornet its new macabre nickname. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Matt Alt is a Tokyo-based writer, translator and NHK presenter and author of the soon to be published book "Pure Invention: How Japan’s Pop Culture Conquered the World."Read/see more: Do "murder hornets" really exist? (Matt Alt, The New Yorker) "Murder Hornets" in the U.S.: The rush to stop the Asian giant hornet (Mike Baker, The New York Times) In Japan, the "murder hornet" is both a lethal threat and a tasty treat (Ben Dooley, The New York Times) Stung by a giant hornet (Brave Wilderness, YouTube) Bug experts dismiss worry about U.S. "murder hornets" as hype (AP, The Japan Times) Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Picture via Wikimedia Commons

The Japan Times' Ryusei Takahashi tells us how recovering COVID-19 patients' lives have changed after those patients have been discharged. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: Loss, stigma, guilt: Life after recovering from COVID-19 in Japan (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Japan to lift coronavirus state of emergency in 39 prefectures (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) Japanese government, criticized for low testing rates, eases guidelines for seeking virus tests (The Japan Times) Are Tokyo's hospitals and health care system ready for a COVID-19 storm? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) A dispatch from the heart of Japan’s coronavirus epidemic (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Japan and its policymakers search for light at end of COVID-19 tunnel (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Virus exacerbates challenges for people in Japan with disabilities (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times) Japan approves coronavirus testing kits that provide faster results (The Japan Times) Japan to OK coronavirus PCR tests using saliva as early as this month (The Japan Times) More news coverage of COVID-19 in Japan Photo by Kyodo

Newspick's Yuzuha Oka and The Japan Times' Chris Russell, Joel Tansey and Oscar Boyd discuss all things convenience store.Special theme music by composer Ben Wong, follow him on Soundcloud.Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. With everyone spending more time indoors than ever before, we've just made all of The Japan Times' delicious, seasonal recipes free to read to. Find them all at jtimes.jp/kitchen.Read more: The lessons you can learn from a convenience store side job (Megha Wadhwa, The Japan Times) Foreign-born clerks are becoming a familiar sight at convenience stores nationwide, but is Japan ready to welcome them? (Andrew McKirdy, The Japan Times) Vegan Store: Japan's first vegan convenience store (Jane Kitagawa, The Japan Times) 2010s: The decade Japanese food took over the world (Patrick St. Michel The Japan Times) Konbini Watch (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Japan's convenience store owners face tough choices in pandemic (The Japan Times) Lawson shows off experimental automated convenience store (The Japan Times)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a monthlong state of emergency on April 7, giving his government and prefectural governments more powers to tackle the spread of COVID-19. Japan Times politics reporter Satoshi Sugiyama joins to discuss.Also, Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki on what she learned about isolation from her time aboard the International Space Station. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: Abe administration faces flak over hesitance to compensate virus-hit businesses Japan virus deaths could top 420,000 without social distancing, panel says Untraceable cases in Japan raise fear outbreak spiraling out of control Japan coronavirus-related deaths hit single-day record as total infections top 8,000 Hokkaido declares new state of emergency amid 'second wave' of coronavirus infections Japan's retailers facing crisis amid coronavirus scare Abe criticized as tone deaf after lounge-at-home Twitter video Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19. Deep Dive on Twitter. Photo by Oscar Boyd

In this episode Joe recounts his experience of being tested in Tokyo's SDF military hospital in Setagaya, including the notorious PCR test that goes up your nose. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: Running out of beds and gear, Tokyo medical staff say Japan's 'state of emergency' already here (Reuters) Japan state of emergency to cover Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures (Satoshi Sugiyama & Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) What changes under Japan's state of emergency declaration? (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times) Tokyo governor asks residents to self-isolate until May 6 as virus spreads (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Mild virus patients moved to hotel as Tokyo prepares for emergency (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)

Japan Times entertainment writer Patrick St. Michel discusses Shimura's life and death, and whether it will change the discussion around coronavirus in Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: • Ken Shimura’s entertainment legacy spans generations (Patrick St. Michel) • Popular comedian Ken Shimura first Japanese celebrity to die from COVID-19 (Kyodo, The Japan Times)• Comedian Ken Shimura tests positive for COVID-19 (Kyodo, The Japan Times) Photo by Kyodo

Staff writer Ryusei Takahashi on what we know about the postponement of the Olympics so far. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. More: Japan makes history by putting Tokyo 2020 on hold in favor of 'recovery Olympics' next summer (Ryusei Takahashi and Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) Tokyo begins Olympic task of reorganizing 2020 Games (The Japan Times) In Japan, disappointment but understanding over postponed Olympics (The Japan Times) Photo: BeerTengoku via r/Japan

To see how difficult it is to live a life without it, JT staff writer Andrew McKirdy spent a week trying to avoid single-use plastic. Also on this episode, Mona Neuhauss of No Plastic Japan. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles:• Redefining Japan's energy needs (Alex Martin)• Tackling climate issues is key to the next decade (Masami Ito)• Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd)• Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy)Read/see more: • Stores in Japan Environment Ministry building to stop handing out plastic bags (Tomohiro Osaka, The Japan Times)• Minimum ¥1 fee for plastic bags to kick in weeks before Tokyo Olympics (The Japan Times/JiJi)• 77% in Japan support fees for plastic shopping bags (The Japan Times/Jiji)

The Japan Times' Ryusei Takahashi, Jason Coskrey and Dan Orlowitz discuss. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Visit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: • Tokyo Olympics will most likely go ahead as planned, but coronavirus could still damage attendance (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) • In Tokyo, a growing sense of angst over possible virus-hit Olympics (Reuters/The Japan Times) • Delay of 1-2 years realistic if virus rules out 2020 Games, says Tokyo Olympic exec (Reuters, Bloomberg/The Japan Times) • J. League fans make best of virus-induced sabbatical (Dan Orlowitz, The Japan Times) • Organizers manage to hold sport climbing test event without athletes (Jason Coskrey, The Japan Times) • Spring Basho to be held behind closed doors for first time ever due to coronavirus (The Japan Times) Photo by AP

Brad Glosserman talks about where the country could and should be doing better. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. The ad at the top of the episode was paid for and sponsored by Democrats Abroad Japan, a volunteer organization to help Americans overseas register to vote. They are having their primary right now and you can cast a remote ballot until March 10, 2020 at democratsabroad.org/primaryVisit The JT's dedicated COVID-19 site for all the latest updates on the coronavirus situation from around Japan: http://jtimes.jp/covid19 Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read more: COVID-19 crisis could get much worse (Brad Glosserman, The Japan Times) Abe to hasten legal preparations for declaring state of emergency over COVID-19 (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) 'What should I do?': Japanese mothers struggle to cope after virus shut schools (Mari Yamaguchi, AP) With the coronavirus canceling classes, what are English teachers to do? (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times) Abe uses news conference to battle criticism — and coronavirus (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times) 'Just Cancel it!' trending hard as coronavirus gets Olympic push from '88 anime 'Akira' (Bloomberg) How far can Japan go to curb the coronavirus outbreak? Not as far as you may think (Tomohiro Osaki, The Japan Times) Photo by AP/Jae C. Hong

Today we speak with Hilmneh Tegegn Tesfaw, who for the last 11 years has battled Japan’s immigration system as he’s tried to claim asylum and earn refugee status. We hear about his love for the country, his troubles with immigration officials, where he thinks Japan's asylum system is heading and his longing to be reunited with his family. Interview by Jesse Chase-Lubitz, hosted by Oscar Boyd.Sign up to the Deep Dive mailing list and be notified every time a new episode comes out: jtimes.jp/deepdivesub. Read/see more: Japanese society warms to asylum-seekers despite the government's cold shoulder (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) Asylum-seekers in Japan are stuck in bureaucratic limbo (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times) Japan's refugee-screening system sets high bar (Chisato Tanaka, The Japan Times) Swe Myanmar: Sharing the flavors of home in Tokyo's 'Little Yangon' (The Japan Times) Refugee Assistance Headquarters Japan (RHQ) Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) Photo by Jesse Chase-Lubitz

As the J. League season kicks off, Japan Times soccer (*cough* football) correspondent Dan Orlowitz tells us what makes the Japanese game so exciting to watch and what we can expect from the upcoming season. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read more: • Dan Orlowitz' season preview: Squads, not stars, could define J. League's 2020 season • The Japan Times' reporting on the J. League• Articles by Dan Orlowitz• Andres Iniesta says he hopes to finish playing career in Japan• Yokohama FC's Kazuyoshi Miura receives contract extensionPhoto by Dan Orlowitz

Japan Times staff reporter Ryusei Takahashi has talked to passengers about their experiences on the ship. Hosted by Oscar Boyd. Correction: At 13:15 we discuss a story by the New York Post about two passengers who had wine delivered by done. It turned out to be a hoax.Read/hear more: • Coronavirus Outbreak Updates live blog (The Japan Times)• 44 more on Diamond Princess cruise ship test positive for COVID-19 (The Japan Times)• Cabin fever on the Diamond Princess: Inside the virus-hit cruise ship off Japan (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)• Japan faces COVID-19 test kit shortage as infections on ship rise (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times)• Questions raised over protective gear as Japan quarantine officer gets COVID-19 (The Japan Times)• Episode 37: Japan and the new coronavirus — what we know so far (Deep Dive) Photo by AFP-JIJI

We pulled Japan Times reporter Satoshi Sugiyama out of the Prime Minister's office where he's covering the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus to give us an update on the situation in Japan so far. Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times.Read more:• Japan to step up coronavirus action as Abe takes flak for response (Satoshi Sugiyama, The Japan Times)• Virus poses stark challenges to Abe's tourism goals as Tokyo Olympics loom (Reiji Yoshida, The Japan Times)• Novel coronavirus advice for the the public (World Health Organization)• Japan succeeds in isolating Wuhan coronavirus in step toward vaccine and test kit (The Japan Times)• Three Japanese returnees from Wuhan test positive for new coronavirus (The Japan Times)• Chinese tourists finding they are no longer welcome as fear over coronavirus takes hold (The Japan Times) Photo by AP

Staff writer Alex Martin explains how this shift is playing out in the small town of Otama. Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times. We are looking to hear your audio from all around Japan to include in future episodes of Deep Dive, be it local festivals, waves lapping against rugged beaches or interesting happenings around your neighborhood. Send 1 to 2 minutes of audio to [email protected] with a short description of who you are, and where, when and why you recorded the clip. This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles:• Redefining Japan's energy needs (Alex Martin)• Tackling climate issues is key to the next decade (Masami Ito)• Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd)• Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy) Read/see/hear more:• Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)• Living in Japan during a time of climate crisis (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times)• Ambitious Zero Emission Tokyo plan wins praise, but begs for action (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)• 'Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy' spells out capital's plan to take on global climate crisis (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times)• Episode 35: Japan's first climate emergency• Episode 31: The youth climate movement in Japan is doing better than you think (Deep Dive)• Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? (Deep Dive)

This podcast is part of The Japan Times' series on the climate crisis. Read the full articles: Emergency on Japan's lucky island (Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Oscar Boyd) Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic (Andrew McKirdy) Read/see/hear more: Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan? (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times) Living in Japan during a time of climate crisis (Jesse Chase-Lubitz, The Japan Times) 'Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy' spells out capital's plan to take on global climate crisis (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times) Episode 31: The youth climate movement in Japan is doing better than you think (Deep Dive) Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? (Deep Dive) Thank you to Trevor West for acting as our guide around Iki.

JT staff writer Satoshi Sugiyama discusses how Ghosn managed that escape as well as his first public press conference since he was first arrested in November 2018. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Since recording this podcast, Lebanon has announced that Carlos Ghosn has been banned from leaving the country. Read/see/hear more:• Our previous podcast on Carlos Ghosn: The extraordinary fall of Carlos Ghosn• The Japan Times' reporting on Carlos Ghosn• Satoshi Sugiyama's reporting for The Japan Times• Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn holds a news conference after escape to Lebanon (CNBC, YouTube)Photo by AP

Japan Times contributor Julia Bergin (@juliabergin1) and editor Shaun McKenna (@jt_sloosh) join Oscar Boyd (@omhboyd) for a holiday special full of KFC, mulled wine and Christmas cheer. Read/see/hear more: • Japan's first Christmas (Joji Sakurai, The Japan Times)• Julia Bergin on Deep Dive episode 30: #StandwiththePooh — The Hong Kong protesters in Japan• Shaun McKenna on Deep Dive episode 20: Fear and loathing on Mount Fuji • The little-known legend of Jesus in Japan (Smithsonian Magazine)• Why Japan celebrates Christmas with KFC (BBC)

What has allowed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stay in office for such a long time?Shinzo Abe is now Japan's longest serving prime minister, and is approaching his 3,000th day in office. The Japan Times politics reporter Sakura Murakami discusses this remarkable run and what it is about Abe that's kept him in power. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Read/see/hear more: Abe becomes Japan's longest-serving prime minister (Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times) Diet deliberations slow as opposition hounds government over cherry blossom-viewing scandal (Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times Sakura Murakami's reporting on Japanese politics In diplomatic debut, new environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi pledges to make action on climate change 'sexy' (The Japan Times) The legacy of The Tokyo Riots (Deep Dive podcast) British Pathe's film archive of Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi Follow Deep Dive on Twitter: twitter.com/japandeepdive Photo by AFP-JIJI

Ahead of the global climate strikes on Nov. 29, Fridays for Future leader Takuro Kajiwara and 350.org field organizer Hinako Arao tell of their experiences as two of Japan’s most prominent climate activists, and why Japan’s climate movement is doing better than you might think. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.See more: Why aren't more young people fighting climate change in Japan? Extinction Rebellion climate protest arrives in Tokyo with 'die-in' at Yoyogi Park Deep Dive Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger? As IPCC report warns of growing climate change risks, Japan seeks to adapt Fridays for Future Tokyo 350.org Japan Nov. 29 Global Climate Strikes Tokyo event

The Hong Kong protests have been escalating recently, but what of the pro-democracy Hong Kongers living in Japan? Julia Bergin tells Oscar Boyd about the protestors she's been following in Tokyo, and why Japan should care about them and Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Julia Bergin is a researcher for The Little Red Podcast, find them here or on all major podcasting providers.More on this topic:• Demonstrators in Tokyo show support for Hong Kong protests over extradition bill (Ryusei Takahashi, The Japan Times)• The Japan Times' coverage of The Hong Kong protests• Inside China's audacious global propaganda campaign (Louisa Lim and Julia Bergin, The Guardian)Photo by Kendrea Liew

Daniel Hurst joins Oscar Boyd to discuss how ready Japan's capital city is. Also, today is Deep Dive's first birthday. Shaun McKenna turns the tables on Oscar to look back at the last year of the podcast. Read more: Tokyo braces for the earthquake of a century (Daniel Hurst, The Guardian) The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's disaster preparedness handbook Eight apps that could save your life in Japan (Disaster expert Robin Lewis, Medium) What to do before, during and after an earthquake (Kris Kosaka, The Japan Times) The Japan Times' Disaster Portal The Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park Housekeeping: Fill out the Deep Dive survey Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Photo by Kyodo

Chris Broad of Abroad in Japan and Sharla of Sharmander discuss their careers as two of the most successful YouTubers in Japan. Based in northern Japan's Tohoku region, Chris and Sharla have over 2 million subscribers across their YouTube channels. Hosted by Oscar BoydSee more from Chris and Sharla: Abroad in Japan on YouTube Sharmander on YouTube Chris Broad's Abroad in Japan podcast Sharla on Twitter Chris Broad on Twitter More coverage of Japan's foreign YouTuber community: Turning YouTube into yen: Can vloggers become the new foreign correspondents? Breaker helps pave a new path to stardom via YouTube (2016) An interview with Sharla (2015) Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Thanks to Michael Estifa and Patrick St. Michel for their help with this podcast.Photos by Ryusei Takahashi

Emperor Naruhito became Japan's 126th emperor at an enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22, 2019. Japan Times politics reporter Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to dicuss.Read/see more: Deep Dive podcast on the abdication of Emperor-Emeritus Akihito Sakura Murakami's article on Emperor Naruhito's enthronement Sakura Murakami's background explainer on the enthronement ceremony Masumi Koizumi's article on Emperor Akihito's enthronement ceremony in 1990 Official video of the enthronement ceremony Sakura Murakami on Twitter Oscar Boyd on Twitter Deep Dive on Twitter Help out the show! Rate, review and subscribe to Deep Dive on whichever platform you use. Fill out Deep Dive's listener survey at jtimes.jp/dd.Podtsukaresama

Typhoon Hagibis hit Japan on Oct. 12, causing widespread damage to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures. This week, storm chaser James Reynolds, evacuee Andrew McKirdy and reporter Chisato Tanaka share their experiences of the typhoon. Hosted by Oscar Boyd.Take The Japan Times' podcast survey and help make Deep Dive better: http://jtimes.jp/ddRead/see more: The Japan Times' coverage of Typhoon Hagibis The Japan Times' disaster portal and emergency advice Chisato Tanaka's tweet thread of post-typhoon flooding in Nagano James Reynolds on YouTube at Earth Uncut TV Dan Traylor's article on storm chasing Photo by Chisato Tanaka.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set the tone for this year’s extraordinary Diet session with a pledge to overhaul the nation’s social welfare system to create one beneficial for all generations. But, covering everything from South Korea-Japan relations to revision of Japan's constitution, the speech was not without controversy. JT politics reporter Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss. Help the show, take our survey: http://jtimes.jp/dd Read more by Sakura Murakami Photo by Kyodo

The UK's Brexit deadline to leave the European Union is on October 31. Assuming it goes ahead, what does it mean for Japan if the UK leaves the EU? Chris Russell and Oscar Boyd discuss in this week's episode of Deep Dive.Also, Dan Orlowitz reports on Japan's epic victory over Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.Take our survey and help Deep Dive to improve!More reading: • Articles by Chris Russell• Articles by Dan Orlowitz• Articles by Oscar BoydPhoto by AFP-JIJI

In this week's episode, we talk to Alan Gilpin, Head of Rugby World Cup, about his expectations for the tournament (01:30), to The Japan Times' rugby experts Elliott Samuels and Andrew McKirdy about what to look out for in this year's tournament (09:42), and to triple-cancer survivor Patrick McIntosh, who has cycled from Twickenham Stadium in the U.K. to Japan to watch the games and raise awareness about cancer prevention (31:50). Hosted by Oscar Boyd for The Japan Times. Read more: The Japan Times' Rugby World Cup 2019 coverage The Japan Times guide to the host cities of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Patrick McIntosh's website Help Deep Dive by filling out our survey

While the world stews over the trade war between the USA and China, and the potential of a no deal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, here in Japan a separate storm has been brewing: a growing trade dispute between Japan and its geographical neighbor — South Korea.Satoshi Sugiyama and Oscar Boyd discuss.Help Deep Dive out by taking our survey: http://jtimes.jp/ddMore on the story: Japan removes South Korea from list of trusted trade partners as row between neighbors deepens South Korea to report Japan's tightening of export controls to WTO Articles by Satoshi Sugiyama Articles by Oscar Boyd Photo via Bloomberg

On this week’s episode we discuss the life and recent death of Johnny Kitagawa, the secretive mega mogul behind some of Japan's biggest music acts, including SMAP, Arashi and Hey! Say! Jump. Despite his success, Kitagawa's career was not without controversy, and allegations of sexual abuse of underage employees have followed him for the past 30 years. Joining Oscar Boyd to discuss are Japan Times entertainment columnist Patrick St. Michel and W. David Marx, author of "Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style."Background reading: Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan's entertainment industry (The Japan Times) Johnny Kitagawa, founder of agency that launched numerous boy bands, dead at 87 (The Japan Times) In Japan, Tarnishing a Star Maker (The New York Times)

This episode is sponsored by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at https://www.cicerone.co.uk/japan?refer=deepWith thanks to Hannah Stevenson, Shaun McKenna and Dr. David Fedman.

On July 1, Japan announced it would leave the International Whaling Commission to resume commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone. Hours after ships left ports across Japan, two minke whales were caught by whalers and brought ashore. Whalers are delighted by the policy shift, but many around the world have been left outraged and confused as to why Japan is so keen to continue its hunts. Staff writer Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss. This episode is brought to you by Cicerone and its new guidebook "Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji," which features 27 walks and treks across the Japan Alps and in the Mt Fuji area. Order your copy now at: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/japan?refer=deep See more: • Deep Dive on Twitter • Sakura Murakami on Twitter • Oscar Boyd on Twitter • The Japan Times' reporting on whaling Photo by Kyodo

The last confirmed sighting of the Japanese wolf was in 1905, but is it really extinct? The Japan Times' Alex Martin has been chasing the story and joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the topic on this week's episode of Deep Dive.More on this: Read Alex's full article here Deep Dive on Twitter Alex Martin on Twitter Oscar Boyd on Twitter

Over 1 million people are thought to be hikikomori in Japan, meaning they've remained isolated at home for at least six consecutive months without going to school or work, and rarely interact with people from outside their own immediate family. Earlier this year, Andrew McKirdy interviewed several recovering hikikomori, and now joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the issue.Read more: • Andrew McKirdy's full article• The Japan Times' reporting on hikikomoriArtwork by Julia Nascimento

On April 20, 2019, Hiro Iwamoto became the first blind man to sail the Pacific nonstop, completing a 55-day journey across the world’s largest ocean. In this episode, Hiro and his crew mate, Doug Smith, join Oscar Boyd to talk about their voyage. See more: Hiro and Doug's Voyage of Inspiration website Ariadne GPS — the app Hiro used to navigate across the Pacific Photo by Kyodo

With the G20 summit being hosted in Osaka at the end of June, and Prime Minister Abe pledging at Davos to put climate change at the top of the agenda, Deep Dive host Oscar Boyd is joined by Pelin Zorlu of climate change think tank E3G to discuss opportunities for Japan to lead on the issue, where it is lagging behind its counterparts, and to look at the country's continued relationship with coal. See more: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the World Economic Forum in Davos Taro Kano on climate change Photo by Anders Hellberg under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ahead of the new season of Terrace House — "Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020," released on Netflix on May 14 — Tom Hanaway and Patrick St. Michel join Oscar Boyd to discuss why the show has proved such a hit both here in Japan and internationally, and what we might be able to expect from the upcoming season. Read more by Tom Hanaway Read more by Patrick St. Michel Follow Deep Dive on Twitter Photo credit: Fuji Television Network / East EntertainmentTerrace House theme song: "Dear Life" by Beck

This week we unpack one of the biggest stories of the past few months: the arrest and detainment of Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of car manufacturers Nissan and Renault. Joining Deep Dive this week to discuss the case is staff writer Satoshi Sugiyama (@SatoshiJournal). Hosted by Oscar Boyd (@omhboyd) for The Japan Times. Links: Follow Deep Dive on Twitter. Read Satoshi Sugiyama's reporting.

In 2016, Emperor Akihito announced he intended to step down from the throne because of his age and declining health. Now, with just two weeks until Akihito’s son Naruhito becomes the country’s 126th emperor and with the name of the new Reiwa Era announced, Deep Dive asks: What does it mean to be Emperor of Japan, and what can we expect from the next person to sit atop the Chrysanthemum Throne? Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss.We had a lot of fun finding early Showa Era songs that run in the breaks in this episode. In order they were: "Southern Bride" by Meiko Takamine "Koiwa Umibe De" by Mitsuko Watanabe "Sendo Kawaiya" by Kikutaro Takahashi Thanks to Dr. Kenneth Ruoff, author of several books on Japan's Imperial Family, for contributing to this podcast.