JAPAN EDGE- Exploring Japan News, Culture and Beyond with Local Perspectives and Analysis
Discover the authentic pulse of Japan through the lens of a local Japanese perspective!
Join JAPAN EDGE, where episodes are curated by a native Japanese who was born and raised in Tokyo, with over 16 years of experience living abroad.
Topics include personal perspectives on Japanese history, the latest news and culture, as well as introducing trendy food, exciting events, and beyond!
Let's embark on a journey to Japan together!
JAPAN EDGE YouTube Channel:
copy and paste "@JAPANEDGE2024" and you'll get to the official YouTube channel with videos on Japan.
Episodes
23 episodes
Ishiba’s Gamble: The National Election and Japan’s Future
In a surprising turn of events, Shigeo Ishiba, a long-time outsider within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected party leader and became Japan's 102nd Prime Minister. Facing a divided LDP, where the dominant Abe faction opposes...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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17:39
Changing Faces, Same Game? The Japanese Party Leadership Election
In this episode, we delve into the upcoming leadership election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), set for September 27. We will explore the election process as well as the leading candidates.We also touch on th...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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24:13
"My Hero Academia": The Ultimate Anime Journey – A Must-Watch Guide!
Get yourself in the world of My Hero Academia, one of Japan’s most beloved and thrilling anime series! As the series reached its finale on August 5th after 10 incredible years, we explore what makes this story so special—from i...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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19:20
Media Meltdown: Exposing Japan's TV Disgrace
In this podcast episode, we discuss the persistent lack of integrity in Japanese TV media and the public's growing demand for fundamental change.We highlight three recent incidents that illustrate the media's failure to fulfill its socie...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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12:49
Opening up the Borders: Increasing Presence of Foreign Nationals in Japan's Workforce
In this episode of Japan Edge, we explore the rising number of foreign tourist as well as residents, focusing on how the country is opening its borders like never before. Join us as we delve into the opportunities and challenges of...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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8:38
Post Tokyo Gubernatorial Election Insights: Hope vs. Old-School Politics
In this episode of Japan Edge, we dive into the aftermath of the Tokyo Gubernatorial Election. While the re-election of Yuriko Koike may not have been a surprise, the unexpected rise of independent candidate Shinji Ishimaru has spa...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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7:42
Breaking Tokyo's Political Mold- The Rise of Shinji Ishimaru: Part 3 of Tokyo Gubernatorial Election from the Eyes of Tokyo Native
Join us in this final episode of the Series on Tokyo Gubernatorial Election as we delve into the transformative candidacy of Shinji Ishimaru for Tokyo Governor. From his unexpected entry into the race to his groundbreaking approach to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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12:40
Tokyo Gubernatorial Election From the Eyes of Tokyo Native- Part 2: Renho
In this episode, we delve into the political journey of Renho, a formidable opposition figure challenging Japan's ruling LDP. Renho is considered a leading contender against Yuriko Koike, the incumbent Tokyo governor seeking her third ter...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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13:46
Tokyo Gubernatorial Election from the Eyes of Tokyo Native- Part 1: Yuriko Koike Analysis
In this special series, we delve into the Tokyo Gubernatorial Election, which officially began on June 20, with election day on July 7. With a record-breaking 56 candidates in the running, this election is one of the most competitive and intrig...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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18:59
"NieR: Automata" Second Season Set to Premiere in July! - A Peek Into Japanese Anime
Welcome to today's podcast episode, where we're diving into the diverse world of Japanese anime and giving you a sneak peek into the highly anticipated second season of "NieR Automata," the RPG video game-based anime set to premiere this July 2...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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9:50
Celebrating World Environment Day- Introducing KAMIKATSU, a Zero Waste Town in Tokushima, Japan
Welcome to JAPAN EDGE, where we delve into the unique aspects of Japan's culture, innovation, and scenic beauty. Today, we’re exploring the inspiring journey of Kamikatsu, a small town in Tokushima Prefecture that has become a pio...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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16:01
NHK 2024 Taiga Drama: "Dear Shining Prince"- A Year-Long Tale of Murasaki Shikibu and Her "Soul Mate"
In this episode, we’re focusing on NHK’s legendary historical drama series, The Taiga Dramas. Taiga started in 1963, and this year marks its 63rd drama, titled "Hikaru Kimi-e", or "Dear Shining Prince". It is about the author...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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20:59
JAPANESE WOMEN'S LONG-LASTING LOVE FOR AFTERNOON TEA
Afternoon tea, originally a British tradition, has found a unique and enduring place in Japan. While trends in Japan often come and go within two years, afternoon tea has captivated the hearts of Japanese women and shows no signs of fading....
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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13:30
The Final Years of the Edo Period - The Spirit of Bushido at its Pinnacle
This episode focuses on the riveting history of the Edo Period's conclusion, full of tumultuous events that shaped Japan's transition to the Meiji era. Discover how internal strife and external pressures led to the downfall of centurie...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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13:30
"Children's Day" or "Boy's Day"? - The Ideals Set for Boys and Girls
Today, we delve into a cultural phenomenon that's deeply rooted in Japan's traditions and customs: Children's Day, celebrated on May 5th.Historically, this day has been synonymous with honoring boys' well-being, a tradition dating back c...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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7:41
Cultural History of Demons – Going Deeper into the World of “Demon Slayer”
The highly anticipated new season of "Demon Slayer" is just around the corner, set to premiere globally on May 12th! So, I figured this would be the perfect timing to delve into the cultural history of demons in Japan.What were th...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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12:29
Tokyo's Ever-Evolving Real Estate Landscape: Developers and Their Latest Projects
This podcast explores Tokyo's real estate development scene, diving into the competitive landscape and spotlighting key developers along with their rich histories and characteristics. We'll also delve into how these developers have...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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20:37
JAPAN Is Shrinking AND Aging!!
In this episode, we delve into Japan's demographic crisis, where a declining birthrate and aging population pose significant challenges. We explore the government's latest attempt to address this issue with a new bill. We wi...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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12:23
Story of the First Japanese Female Judge, Now Airing on NHK- "The Tiger and Her Wings"
In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on the evolving dynamics of gender in Japan, drawing inspiration from NHK's latest morning serial drama, 'The Tiger and Her Wings'.Based on the remarkable true story of Yoshiko Mibuchi, Japan's p...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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20:01
FX/Hulu Series “Shogun” from the eyes of historical-drama loving Japanese - combination of truths turned into fascinating fiction
Are you following FX/Hulu TV Series "Shogun"? You'd better, because it is just amazing! Trust me, since it's coming from a native Japanese who's loved historical dramas all her life!Shogun is a blend of fact and fi...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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14:57
Do Japanese need guidelines? - Trends, Norms and their Implications
Do Japanese need protocols and guidelines to live? Strong sense of belonging and conformity is notable in Japan and is reflected in various aspects of our culture and behaviors.In this episode, I will explore how trends and n...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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16:01