Best Ad Like Objects Podcasts (2025)

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June 13 | Why Japan’s J-pop idol industry bans sex, dating and romance 10:18

10h ago10:18

10:18

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 J-pop idols — especially young women and girls. From public punishments and emotional control to the rise of AI-generated performers, we look deeper at the power dynamics, mental health impact and tro…

51
June 6, 2025 | Japan’s rice crisis: Why prices are soaring and what’s behind it 12:49

8d ago12:49

12:49

Japan’s rice crisis isn’t just about food — it’s about identity, politics and a decades-old system that’s now under pressure.In this extended episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at what’s really driving rice prices through the roof. From delayed stockpiles and 700% tariffs to political fallout and consumer frustration, this deep dive explains…

1
May 29, 2025 | Why is Nissan failing and what speed bumps lie ahead? 7:27

17d ago7:27

7:27

Nissan is planning to cut 20,000 jobs and may shut down factories in Japan. What’s behind the crisis at Japan’s No. 3 automaker — and can a new CEO turn things around?This episode explores the failed merger with Honda, ongoing financial trouble and how U.S. auto tariffs are adding to the pressure.Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Sp…

1
May 23, 2025 | Japan’s sex industry boom: How tourism and the yen are changing everything 8:22

24d ago8:22

8:22

Japan’s tourism boom is fueling more than just hotels and souvenir shops. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the rise in sex work targeting foreign visitors — a shift driven by demand, a weak yen, and disappearing restrictions.Originally released as a video on the Japan Today Spotlight YouTube channel.🎥 Watch the video version: ht…

1
May 16, 2025 | End of the yakuza? Inside Japan’s vanishing underworld 9:28

1M ago9:28

9:28

End of the Yakuza? Inside Japan’s Vanishing UnderworldThe yakuza once ruled Japan’s streets — now their numbers are at a record low. But what’s replacing them might be harder to see… and harder to stop.In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the fall of Japan’s traditional crime syndicates, the rise of encrypted “tokuryu” groups and th…

1
May 9, 2025 | Is Japanese media stuck in the past? 5:55

1M ago5:55

5:55

🎙️ Japan Today Spotlight: Is Japan’s media stuck in the past?Legacy broadcasters like NHK, Fuji TV and TBS once defined Japan’s national conversation. But in the digital age, they’re struggling to adapt — weighed down by rigid hierarchies, aging audiences and slow innovation.This episode explores why Japan’s biggest media outlets are falling behind…

1
May 2, 2025 | Why is chikan behavior still so common on Japan's trains? 8:34

1M ago8:34

8:34

Why does "chikan" behavior — public groping on Japan’s trains — continue, even after decades of awareness campaigns?In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore how offenders operate, what train companies and police are doing, and what victims — and the falsely accused — need to know. We also take a closer look at how Japan’s objectificatio…

1
April 25, 2025 |Japan Today Spotlight 14 Osaka Expo 2025 Visionary Showcase or Expensive Misfire Audio Only 10:12

2M ago10:12

10:12

Japan’s Expo 2025 has opened in Osaka — but not without controversy.Ballooning costs, delayed pavilions, confusing ticketing, and a sweltering summer ahead have raised questions about whether the ¥235 billion (approx. $2.1 billion CAD) price tag is really worth it.And when it’s all over? Yumeshima Island becomes the site of Japan’s first casino res…

1
April 16 , 2025: The bizarre Japanese trend of paying someone to quit your job 11:54

2M ago11:54

11:54

*This episode originally appeared as part of our Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube.In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we dive into the bizarre and uniquely Japanese phenomenon of taishokudaiko—resignation agencies that handle the quitting process for employees. What does this say about Japan’s evolving work culture? Is it a sign of pro…

1
Jan. 31, 2025 Month in Review: BOJ rate hike, Kyoto tax, record heat, Osaka smoking ban & ¥207M tuna 13:16

5M ago13:16

13:16

📢 Japan’s Biggest Stories in January 2025 | BOJ Rate Hike, Kyoto Tourist Tax, Record Heat, Osaka Smoking Ban & $1.4M Tuna Auction🔥 This week, we’re doing things differently! We’re recapping the biggest news stories from January 2025—from the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike to Kyoto's crackdown on over-tourism, record-breaking heat, a smoking ban…

1
Jan. 24, 2025: Fuji TV scandal, Trump-Ishiba relations, 7-Eleven security, Osaka Expo struggles & Shinto rituals 16:04

5M ago16:04

16:04

In this episode of Japan This Week, we dive into some of the hottest stories making headlines in Japan. From scandals shaking up the entertainment industry to icy New Year rituals at Shinto shrines across the country, we've got it all covered.Timestamps:(0:00 - 1:00) INTRO(1:04 - 3:53) ENTERTAINMENT: Dozens more firms pull ads from Fuji TV over Mas…

1
Jan. 17, 2025: Ramen closures, Coming-of-Age Day, suicide leapers, Ghosn accomplice & 110 misuse 18:51

5M ago18:51

18:51

Welcome to a brand-new season of Japan This Week! Join host Jeff Richards for your weekly Friday roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for the week of Jan. 17, 2025.This episode focuses on the rise in closings of beloved ramen shops to Coming-of-Age Day celebrations across the country. Plus, an increasing number of suicides …

1
2024 Year in Review: Earthquakes, Inflation, Tourist Boom, Ohtani, Yamibaito & Kanji of the Year 27:55

6M ago27:55

27:55

Join Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong for a special year-end episode of Japan This Week as they recap the biggest news stories that shaped Japan in 2024.From the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake to Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking year, the impact of rising prices, a surge in tourism and even the Kanji of the Year selection, we’re wrapping up th…

1
Dec. 13, 2024: Nobel Prize, forced suicide, Miho Nakayama's death, izakaya woes & JAL pilot scandal 17:56

6M ago17:56

17:56

Welcome to Japan This Week for Dec. 13, 2024! This week we cover:🎖️ (0:57 - 3-48) NATIONAL: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese atomic bomb survivorshttps://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-survivor-of-atomic-bomb-recalls-its-horrors-in-nobel-peace-prize-acceptance-speech⚖️ (3:51 - 6:59) CRIME: Forced suicide case involving workplace bul…

1
Dec. 6, 2024: China's view of Japan, record heat, My Number debate, Akita bear drama & Aussie smuggler sentenced 17:02

6M ago17:02

17:02

First, a survey reveals nearly 90% of Chinese respondents have unfavorable views of Japan due to issues like the Senkaku Islands dispute and the Fukushima water release.We also discuss Japan’s record-breaking warm autumn, which has delayed the country's iconic fall foliage.In other news, Japan transitions to integrating health insurance cards into …

1
Sentences that sell - Pulling it all together 17:30

7M ago17:30

17:30

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Nov. 29, 2024: Japan-U.S. missiles, crash saga, suicide leap, Tokyo lost-found and shoe thief weasel 21:06

7M ago21:06

21:06

From defense updates to weasel crime, here’s your weekly roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for Nov. 29, 2024.In this episode, we explore:(0:59 - 4:55) POLITICS: Japan-U.S missile deploymenthttps://japantoday.com/category/politics/u.s.-to-deploy-missile-units-to-japan-islands-in-taiwan-contingencyJapan and the U.S. gear u…

1
Sentences that sell - Reinforcing the sale 10:09

7M ago10:09

10:09

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Sentences that Sell - Value added sales 11:52

7M ago11:52

11:52

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Nov. 22, 2024: Harassment madness, tourist crimes, APEC drama & pit bull attacks in Japan 26:12

7M ago26:12

26:12

🚨 This week’s top Japan news stories 🚨A tourist vandalizes the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine torii gate 🏯Prime Minister Ishiba faces backlash for APEC summit gaffes 🌏Pit bull attacks spark safety concerns and calls for stricter regulations 🐕An Australian woman claims she was tricked into smuggling drugs for love 💔Harassment culture in Japan: Exploring …

1
Sentences that Sell - Closing the Sale 16:35

7M ago16:35

16:35

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Nov. 15, 2024: Ishiba re-elected, Japanese women mps a minority, elderly drivers, 'papakatsu' crime and reader poll results 19:41

7M ago19:41

19:41

In this edition, we cover the latest in Japanese politics, including Shigeru Ishiba’s re-election as prime minister after a rare runoff vote, a record number of women elected to Japan's parliament and the impact of a tragic car accident that has reignited concerns about elderly drivers. We also dive into a controversial crime story involving social…

1
Sentences that Sell - Handling Objections 8:40

7M ago8:40

8:40

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Sentences that Sell - The Art of Demo 9:45

7M ago9:45

9:45

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Nov. 8, 2024: Customer harassment crackdown, Mount Fuji light rail, bike law penalties, new train safety measures and missing student update 20:42

7M ago20:42

20:42

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from Japan Today for Nov. 8, 2024.In this week's episode:NATIONAL: Customer harassment crackdown (1:01 - 5:40)Japan's service industry workers are facing increasing abuse from customers. Major companies like Ito-Yokado are implementing manuals and training t…

1
Sentences that Sell - Qualifying 10:51

7M ago10:51

10:51

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Nov 1, 2024: Political turmoil, Tokyo’s green space battle, tragic crime and Meta's fake ad scandal 18:45

8M ago18:45

18:45

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from Japan Today for Nov. 1, 2024.This week, we dive into the aftermath of Japan's recent general election, which has left the ruling coalition in disarray and no party with a majority. We also explore the heated controversy around Tokyo's Jingu Gaien Park r…

1
Sentences that sell - Approach and first impressions 11:51

8M ago11:51

11:51

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Oct. 24, 2024: Crime, carbon emissions and used phones in latest Japan news 23:27

8M ago23:27

23:27

In this episode, we cover the rise of organized crime and robberies in the Kanto region driven by social media apps, Japan's nuclear energy resurgence to tackle carbon emissions and a spike in used smartphone sales as consumers push back on constant new releases.Plus, we discuss efforts to find Claudio Worm, a missing German tourist, and give liste…

1
Sentences that sell - Introduction 5:57

8M ago5:57

5:57

Send us a text "Welcome to Modern Day Sentences that Sell—your quick, two-minute guide packed with powerful sales tips for every type of salesperson. In each episode, we’ll break down essential phrases and strategies that will help you connect with customers, close deals, and boost your sales game in today’s fast-paced world."…

1
Japan election, China-Taiwan tensions, Nobel Peace Prize, crossdressing crime and Japanese car names 19:04

8M ago19:04

19:04

In this episode, Jeff covers election season in Japan, growing tensions between Taiwan and China, an atomic bomb survivors' group receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, a cross-dressing man causing a stir at a Nagoya bathhouse and readers' thoughts on odd Japanese car names. Tune in for a mix of serious news and lighter, quirky topics with commentar…

1
Megumi Yokota, Japan best for Condé Nast, R-rated Quantas flight, villain queen & Japan rail origins 21:18

8M ago21:18

21:18

In this episode, Jeff and Kong dive into stories of heartbreak, excitement and controversy — including a mother's ongoing search for her abducted daughter, Japan's #1 ranking as the best country to visit, an in-flight movie mishap and Netflix's new pro wrestling series. They also profile the British engineer who helped launch Japan railways over 15…

1
Oct. 4, 2024: Japan new PM, price hikes, Tokyo drinks ban, death row lawsuit and bullet train 60th 24:31

8M ago24:31

24:31

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website.This week, Jeff Richards runs solo to bring you the latest stories and reader reactions, including Japan's new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, prices rising yet again across the country, Tokyo's Shibuya and Shinjuku districts’ exp…

1
Sept. 27, 2024: Noto floods, Japan vs China and Russia, lame ducks, death penalties and e-scooters 28:51

9M ago28:51

28:51

Sept. 27, 2024 — In this episode, Jeff and Kong discuss the natural disasters plaguing the Noto Peninsula, airspace breaches of Japan by China and Russia, the latest political meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Joe Biden, the treatment of death-row inmates in Japan and the question of capital punishment plus an update on electric …

1
Sept. 20, 2024: Marijuana criminalization, whale meat, elders over 100, Shogun and Japanese sushi 25:46

9M ago25:46

25:46

In this episode, Jeff and Kong dive into topics ranging from Japan's upcoming cannabis laws to the resurgence of whale meat in Japan and record-breaking Emmy wins for a Japanese period drama. Plus, they tackle Japan's aging population and sushi chefs earning more overseas.Timestamps for the Main Stories:[0:00 - 0:11] – IntroJeff introduces this wee…

1
Sept. 13, 2024: Chinese influx, cash or cashless, child abuse, Fukushima peaches and deathly divorce 22:51

9M ago22:51

22:51

This week, Jeff and Kong dive into the influx of rich Chinese immigrants flocking to Japan, the country's slow adoption of cashless payments, a disturbing court case involving a child placed in a washing machine, Fukushima peaches selling for a premium in London and the rise of posthumous divorces in Japan.NATIONAL: Rich Chinese immigrants (2:43 - …

1
Sept. 6, 2024: Made of steel, 4-day workweek, suicide leap, cycling offense and make babies 23:21

9M ago23:21

23:21

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website.This week, Jeff and Kong dive into the political debates surrounding the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, the push for a four-day workweek in Japan, a heartbreaking teenage suicide in Yokohama, new penalties for cycling offens…

1
August 30, 2024: Rice shortage, China's flyby, dolphins attack, indecent exposure and 'hump dolls' 21:02

10M ago21:02

21:02

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website.In this episode, Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss the rice shortage causing panic buying in Japan, the invasion of Japanese airspace by Chinese aircraft, dolphin attacks in Fukui Prefecture, a couple caught in an indecent …

1
August 23, 2024: Shop & pray, Yasukuni graffiti, frequent flyer, 7-11 and Japanese vending machines 17:23

10M ago17:23

17:23

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website.In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss a range of topics including the accommodation of Muslim visitors in Japanese retail spaces, repeated vandalism at Yasukuni Shrine, Prime Minister Kishida's upcoming i…

1
August 16, 2024: Kishida exit, megaquake, rotten egg, idol worship and golden Games 29:32

10M ago29:32

29:32

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from the Japan Today website. In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss Prime Minister Kishida's shocking resignation amid corruption scandals, a megaquake advisory causing panic during Obon Week, and a bizarre egg-throwing incident in G…

1
August 9, 2024: Market mayhem, the big heat, gun nut, school bullying and 'Have Your Say' 29:38

10M ago29:38

29:38

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan.In this episode, Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong delve into the significant drop in the Nikkei index due to global economic concerns, the tragic loss of over 100 lives in Tokyo from a severe heat wave and the arrest of a university studen…

1
Aug. 2, 2024: Agony of defeat, out of OJ, Veron disappearance, suitcase drivers and 'Have Your Say' 30:25

11M ago30:25

30:25

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan.In this episode hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss the emotional defeat of Japanese judo star Uta Abe at the Paris Olympics, the orange juice shortage in Japan due to various economic and environmental factors, the ongoing myst…

1
July 26, 2024: Tourist trap, Harris or Trump, not-so-smooth operator, pizza party and fizzled flame 24:52

11M ago24:52

24:52

Welcome to Japan This Week. Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they discuss the introduction of dual-pricing systems for tourists and locals in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida’s comments on the U.S. presidential race, a bizarre crime involving glue and bird poop in Nagoya, a lawsuit over a late pizza delivery in Osaka and the controversy s…

1
July 19, 2024: Killer robots, microaggressions and Olympic hopes 20:39

11M ago20:39

20:39

Welcome to Japan This Week! Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they recap the most significant news stories from Japan Today for the week of July 19, 2024. In this episode, they discuss Japan's stance on autonomous lethal weapons, the prevalence of microaggressions against people of mixed heritage in Japan, the theft of a peace symbol in…

1
June 28, 2024: Poster Pranks, Death on Fuji, Military Miscreant, Hotel Israel and Royal Flush 26:37

12M ago26:37

26:37

Welcome to Japan This Week! Join hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong as they recap the most significant news stories from Japan Today for the week of June 28, 2024. This episode covers a range of topics from political pranks in Tokyo's gubernatorial election to tragic incidents on Mount Fuji and controversial crimes involving U.S. servicemen. Plu…

1
June 21, 2024: Castle Fees, Mt. Fuji Limit, Koike Scandal, Russia's Reach and Tickling the Ivories 22:09

12M ago22:09

22:09

In this episode of Japan This Week, the mayor of the city of Himeji wants to raise entrance fees for overseas visitors to the iconic Himeji Castle, a gate has been installed on a Mount Fuji trail to control the crowds, Tokyo Gov Koike faces a criminal complaint over her allegedly fake university diploma, A Russian food shop in Ginza is GOING to clo…

1
June 14, 2024: Bacterium Infection, Maiden Names, the Mount Fuji View Controversy and Overtourism 31:59

1y ago31:59

31:59

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan. In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong bring you the latest updates on various topics:Health Alert Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) cases are on the rise in Japan, reaching record highs.Women's Rights The ongoing…

1
June 7, 2024: Price Up; Cedar Fever; Punk in Drublic; High Tech Toilets and Right Place, Wrong Crime 16:51

1y ago16:51

16:51

In this week's news from Japan Today: Prices for over 600 food items rise in June; Japan plans to replace cedar with low-pollen trees to fight hay fever; no more street drinking in Shibuya; Japan’s high-tech toilets all the rage internationally and a criminal who picked the wrong store to rob.Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts:http://itunes.apple…

1
May 31, 2024: Sportsmen, Cheats & Liars; Lost & Found; Run Renho Run; Human Writes and Melon, Oh My! 23:21

1y ago23:21

23:21

In this week's news from Japan Today: Toyota plans to end its massive Olympics sponsorship deal; a record 30 million reported lost items found by Japanese police in 2023; high-profile opposition figure Renho to run for Tokyo governor; a U.N. rights group says Japan needs to do more to counter human rights abuses and a pair of premium Yubari melons …

1
May 24, 2024: Break Down the Barricades, Japan Tops Travel Lists, Dirty Launderer and F-Bomb Cafe. 13:53

1y ago13:53

13:53

In this week's news from Japan Today: A town in Yamanashi Prefecture is so fed up with tourists taking photos of Mount Fuji that it's erected a barrier to block the viral view of the mountain; Japan just ranked third in a list of top world travel destinations released by the World Economic Forum; police in Ibaraki Prefecture have arrested a man aft…

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