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Japan Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Japan sex industry boom: How tourism and the yen are changing everything
By Jeff W. Richards Japan's tourism boom is breaking records — but behind the crowded streets and souvenir shops, a different kind of business is thriving. Sex work targeting foreign visitors is on the rise, fueled by a weakened yen and demand from tourists seeking 'Japanese-style' experiences. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dig into the billion-yen adult industry that's quietly reshaping red-light districts, the legal gray zones that allow it to thrive and what it says about Japan's changing relationship with sex, law and tourism. From massage parlors to soaplands, how did a once-forbidden market now become wide open. This is a part of Japan's tourism story that rarely gets attention — and one that sits in a legal and cultural gray zone. What do you think: Is this a natural consequence of demand and economic shifts or something Japan should be trying harder to regulate? Watch the full story, and let us know what you think in the comments. Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 1:10 Big business 2:14 How foreign clients are reeled in 3:49 What's the going rate? 6:27 Policing the gray zone 7:46 Outro Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: Join the conversation! Is this a natural consequence of demand and economic shifts or something Japan should be trying harder to regulate? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an update on Japan's biggest news stories on our YouTube channel: Follow us for more updates: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of GPlusMedia, Inc. © Japan Today
Japan Today
14-05-2025
- Japan Today
End of the yakuza? Inside Japan's vanishing underworld
By Jeff W. Richards Once feared and oddly tolerated, Japan's yakuza are now in rapid decline — with membership dropping to historic lows. But what's replacing them? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we trace the fall of the yakuza, from their deep historical roots to modern crackdowns, and explore how younger criminals are moving into the shadows with encrypted apps and online scams. We also look at the uncomfortable legacy they've left behind — from front companies and nationalist megaphones to the stigma against tattoos that persists in Japanese society today. Are the yakuza really finished? Or is Japan simply facing a new kind of threat? Watch the full story, and let us know what you think in the comments. Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 1:02 Role in Japanese society 3:15 Things start to fall apart 4:59 Branching out 6:16 Looking ahead 7:34 Sunset on yakuza? 8:54 Outro Japan Today sources: Join the conversation! Do you think Japan is better off without the yakuza — or are the criminals replacing them even more dangerous? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an update on Japan's biggest news stories. Follow us for more updates: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of GPlusMedia, Inc. © Japan Today
Japan Today
30-04-2025
- Japan Today
Why is 'chikan' behavior still so common on Japan's trains?
By Jeff W. Richards Japan's trains are known for being clean, efficient and safe. But they're also where a darker problem plays out: chikan — public groping, mostly targeting women in packed commuter cars. In this edition of Japan Today Spotlight, we break down how the issue became so widespread, how gropers operate, what's being done to stop it and what commuters — both women and falsely accused men — need to know. We also look at why chikan behavior persists despite decades of public awareness campaigns, women-only train cars and increased policing. How can Japan finally move past this problem? Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:45 What 'chikan' means 02:15 How gropers operate 04:30 What's being done 06:20 What women can do 08:00 Why is this happening? 09:45 What to do if you're accused 11:00 Outro Read more on Japan Today: Join the Conversation! Have you ever witnessed or experienced chikan behavior on Japan's trains? What more do you think should be done to tackle the problem? Let us know in the comments below. Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an update on Japan's biggest news stories on the Japan Today YouTube channel. Follow us for more updates: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of GPlusMedia, Inc. © Japan Today
Japan Today
23-04-2025
- Japan Today
Don't miss out on 2025 Niseko Summer Green Season
Hilton Niseko Village and GPlusMedia are pleased to announce the 2025 Niseko Green Season website update as part of our ongoing partnership for promotion of the region. Building on the success of last year's site, video and promotions, the newly refreshed site invites travelers to discover and rediscover Niseko's stunning summer landscapes and serene charm with a captivating new video for the 2025 season. This exciting collaboration blends Hilton Niseko Village's renowned hospitality with GPlusMedia's expertise in highlighting Japan's most enchanting destinations. The revamped website offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through Niseko's lush greenery, family activities, and tranquil summer ambiance. Whether you explored last year's site or are new to Niseko's Green Season, the 2025 update will give you all the information you need to plan an unforgettable summer retreat. Don't miss the chance to experience Niseko's summer magic. Visit the enhanced website and watch the new 2025 season video to start planning your adventure today. © Japan Today
Japan Today
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Osaka Expo 2025: Visionary showcase or expensive misfire?
By Jeff W. Richards Japan is once again hosting the World Expo — this time on the man-made island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. With 158 participating countries and over 28 million projected visitors, the six-month event promises innovation, sustainability and global collaboration. Behind the flashy pavilions and futuristic themes, however, are construction delays, low ticket sales, technical glitches and ballooning costs — now up to ¥235 billion (approx. $1.6 billion). So… is it worth it? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at: What went wrong in the lead-up to opening day. How visitors are reacting so far. What to expect if you plan to attend. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:45 A fading symbol? 02:15 Tickets and tech glitches 04:30 What to know if you go 06:20 Summer is coming 08:00 It's not all bad news 09:45 Who benefits? 09:45 Yumeshima after the expo 11:00 Outro Read more on Japan Today: Join the Conversation! They say it's about designing a better future. But with half-finished pavilions, tech glitches and ¥235 billion on the line…is Osaka Expo 2025 showing us the future — or exposing the cracks? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an update on Japan's biggest news stories on the Japan Today YouTube channel. Follow us for more updates: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of GPlusMedia, Inc. © Japan Today
