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Podcast [English World] Episode 97: Separate surname debate in Japan
KYODO NEWS - 8 minutes ago - 08:55 | All, Podcast
Would you take your spouse's surname?
Three Kyodo News reporters – Ellessa Yamada, Eduardo Martinez and Peter Masheter – talk about a survey that found nearly 30 percent of people in common-law relationships in Japan have chosen not to marry because they do not want to change their own or their partner's last name, as required by Japanese law. Listen as they discuss the debate around this issue, believed to be unique to Japan.
Article mentioned in the podcast:
Japan surname law cited in 30% of common-law unions: survey
Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.
More podcast episodes:
Podcast [English World] Episode 96: Why are there so few trash bins in Japan?
Podcast [English World] Episode 95: New cycling fines in 2026
Podcast [English World] Episode 94: Osaka Expo opens despite some hiccups
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