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Japan Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Japan's far-right surge: Sanseito and ‘Japan First' politics in 2025
By Jeff W. Richards Why are far-right political parties gaining support in Japan ahead of the July 20 election? In this extended 17-minute edition of "Japan Today Spotlight" we go inside the rise of Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan — and the growing influence of 'Japan First' rhetoric targeting immigrants, tourists and foreign residents. We break down what these parties actually believe, where their support is coming from, and how discontent over overtourism, immigration and the economy is being turned into political momentum. From anti-foreigner policies to cult-like political messaging, this is not just another look at fringe politics — it's about how fear spreads, who gets blamed, and what happens when that blame becomes policy. Do you think enough Japanese voters are aware of what these parties really stand for? Let us know in the comments. Chapters: 0:00 Intro: Japan's rising far-right 1:21 Sanseito and the 'Japan First' origin story 2:32 Sanseito's election goals 4:38 The Conservative Party of Japan 5:08 Foreigners as scapegoats 6:02 Japan's immigration policy 7:58 Community unease and crime fears 7:58 The real estate debate 7:58 Overtourism and blame politics 7:58 NGOs push back on hate speech 7:58 Will anything change after the election? 9:46 Final thoughts and what you can do Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: 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
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Today
Dear Mr Japan: Is Trump blowing up Japan-U.S. relations?
By Jeff W. Richards In this edition of Japan Today Spotlight, we dig into the latest tensions between Japan and the United States as the bilateral relationship comes under renewed strain. U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated pressure on Japan in recent weeks — calling the country 'very spoiled,' demanding a rise in defense spending, and sending a formal letter confirming that 25% tariffs on Japanese car exports will begin Aug 1. He has also criticized Japan's rice imports, suggested the country should buy more American oil, and stirred ridicule online by saying he would send a letter beginning with 'Dear Mr Japan.' For Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the timing could not be worse. With the July 20 upper house election fast approaching, he is struggling to hold his ground — and hold together a decades-old alliance that suddenly feels very uncertain. Watch the full episode here: What do you think? Is this just a rocky moment in the Japan–U.S. relationship, or are we watching it begin to break down in real time? Let us know in the comments! Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 1:21 The first signs of trouble 2:32 Trump goes off-script again 4:38 Tension with cars, rice and now oil 5:08 Japan pushes back on U.S. demands 6:02 Can this alliance be saved? 9:46 Your take on Japan–U.S. ties 9:46 Outro Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: 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: If you found this episode thought-provoking, check out our other deep dives into Japan's media landscape and our past coverage of: 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
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Japan Today
Japan's big heat: June's deadly start to summer
By Jeff W. Richards Temperatures across Japan are topping 34°C — and it's only June. The Japan Meteorological Agency is already reporting heatstroke deaths, hospitalizations and record highs in multiple cities. The temperature isn't out of line with Japan's peak summertime mercury — but it's starting earlier and ending later. This year, Japan's big heat is expected to stick around until at least mid-October. Why is this happening so early? Who's most at risk? And what can be done in this stifling heat and humidity? In this edition of "Japan Today Spotlight," we look at the rising toll of extreme heat — from elderly farmers and isolated seniors to the cultural and economic reasons people in Japan might still avoid using air conditioning. How are you coping with the heat where you are — and do you think Japan is doing enough to adapt to a changing climate? [YOUTUBE URL] Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 1:06 Heatstroke deaths 1:55 Farmers and the elderly suffer the most 4:27 It's getting hotter each year 5:35 How to cope with the heat 7:32 Outro Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: Join the conversation! What are your tips for beating the summer heat and humidity? 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
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Why Japan's 2,000-year imperial family may not survive this century
By Jeff W. Richards Japan's imperial family is the world's oldest monarchy — but it's also one of the most fragile. With only three heirs, no reigning empress allowed and billions of yen in taxpayer funding at stake, the future of the throne is anything but secure. In this episode of "Japan Today Spotlight," we look at the gender rules, succession crisis and political silence surrounding Japan's imperial system and ask what role — if any — it should play in modern society. We also examine the powerful Imperial Household Agency and the extreme control it maintains over the family and its image. What do you think? Should Japan modernize its monarchy — or move on entirely? Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 0:53 Royals' role in society 1:51 But are the royals popular? 4:17 The age gap 5:29 No empress allowed 8:30 Remembering the war 10:37 What do the royals think? 11:57 Outro Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: Join the conversation! What do you think: Should Japan modernize its monarchy — or move on entirely? 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
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Why Japan's J-pop idol industry bans sex, dating and romance
By Jeff W. Richards What really goes on inside Japan's idol industry? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the strict no-dating and no-sex rules placed on Japan's J-pop idols — especially young women. From emotional control and punishment tactics to the rise of AI-generated performers, we take a deeper look at the power dynamics, mental health pressures and cultural double standards baked into the system. Idol culture may be a form of entertainment, but it comes with strict rules and unsettling control. From emotional control and punishment tactics to the rise of AI-generated performers, we take a deeper look at the power dynamics, mental health pressures and cultural double standards baked right into the system. Are these just industry norms — or signs of something more troubling underneath? Chapters: 0:00 Topic overview 1:21 Birth of idol singers 2:32 Dating rules and punishment 4:38 Management control methods 5:08 Mental health issues 6:02 Role in Japanese culture 7:58 Is the industry likely to change? 9:46 Outro Japan Today sources: See the Japan Today Spotlight series: Join the conversation! What do you think — are these 'no dating' rules just part of the job, or do they cross a line? 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
