Best Parthenon Japan Podcasts (2024)

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#142 - Dating App 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

Why is Tokyo Metropolitan Government releasing a dating app? Aaron and Parker discuss PM Kishida vowing stronger steps for recovery of central Japan quake, Kyoto Animation arsonist sentenced to death, and retired Japan bullet train snack carts up for sale.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#141 - Lauren Kocher 1:08:06

4M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Japanese music industry expert and entrepreneur Lauren Rose Kocher shares her insights on Japan's music industry, PR in the entertainment space, and how Japanese artists and music labels have the potential to reach a global audience. Aaron and Parker discuss the recovery effort in the wake of a massive earthquake in central Japan, what will happen …

1
#139 - Synthetic Weed 27:56

5M ago27:56

27:56

What is HHCH and why did Japan move to ban this substance after it became known as a synthetic variant of marijuana? How did this become an issue taken up by Japan's Ministry of Health? Aaron and Parker discuss the Japan PM resigning as ruling party faction head amid funds scandal, host clubs in Tokyo nightlife district vowing to stop running up hu…

1
#138 - Revisiting Hell-o-ween 44:47

6M ago44:47

44:47

What ended up happening in the aftermath of Shibuya's war on Halloween? Aaron and Parker discuss Shibuya Halloween's tight security, the end of snack carts on the Tokaido Shinkansen, and a Japan minister admitting to paying rent to their mom using political funds.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#137 - We're back! 27:13

6M ago27:13

27:13

Will people heed Shibuya's calls to stay away as it braces for the Halloween crowd? How many in Japan are calling newly-renamed Twitter 'X'? What happened to a wild boar swimming at a port in central Chiba after 3 were bitten? Aaron and Parker talk about coming back to Tokyo Wave after a 3+ month hiatus, and what is in store for future episodes.…

1
#132 - AI Policy 33:02

10M ago33:02

33:02

What is the future of AI in Japan? Is Japan falling behind the rest of the world on this new technology? Will the Japanese government open its arms to the upcoming AI era? Aaron and Parker address Japan’s first official stance on AI and discuss the first-ever instance of a woman attending a committee at the Prime Minister’s office with her newborn,…

1
#131 - Hitomi Abiko 1:23:36

12M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Accomplished entrepreneur, designer, and artist Hitomi Abiko shares her insights on being a character designer, creating the meetup group Creative Tokyo, and running a startup in Japan. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan rolling the dice on Japan's 1st casino resort in Osaka, Uniqlo's ambitious plans to triple sales, and the battle over the impending d…

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Business Opportunities 33:39

1y ago33:39

33:39

The Japanese government has embarked on several initiatives to reverse rural depopulation, but what are some of the investment opportunities? Which areas have the greatest business potential? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, look at how rural Japan offers businesses lower operating costs, access to less-expens…

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Immigration 26:50

1y ago26:50

26:50

Immigration is the only quick solution to Japan's declining workforce. But is Japan ready for a large influx of foreigners? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, discuss the current immigration policies, how social and economic factors limit the prospects for a larger immigrant population, and share recommendations…

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Technology and Healthcare 23:05

1y ago23:05

23:05

How can technology and healthcare impact rural Japan? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain the role innovations in technology and healthcare can play in alleviating rural depopulation, how these innovations could produce long-term solutions, and raise remaining challenges hindering technology and healthcar…

1
#130 - ChatGPT Galapagos 37:51

1y ago37:51

37:51

Why are SoftBank and other Japanese firms moving to limit ChatGPT use? Will Japan Inc. suffer again from the Galapagos effect as other global companies embrace the latest trend in AI tech? Aaron and Parker discuss China-wary Japan establishing a new military base on Ishigaki Island, hotels in western Japan being urged not to request ID from foreign…

1
#129 - Japan Web3 40:30

1y ago40:30

40:30

The Government of Japan has released a detailed roadmap of their Web3 plans. Will the economy ministry's embracement of Web3 bring massive changes to Japan? Aaron and Parker discuss Seven & i exiting the apparel business, zoo lions dying after being infected with COVID, and the Governor of Aichi lashing out against Ghibli Park guests posting improp…

1
#128 - Honda Jetting 42:57

1y ago42:57

42:57

Will Honda's soon to be released jet-sharing service bring private jet flight to a larger market? Is it going to bring down the price of private jet flight considerably, given Honda makes and owns their own jets? Is more private jet flight a boon for travel in rural Japan or just another emissions nightmare? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan dropping …

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Government Initiatives 33:48

1y ago33:48

33:48

What has the Japanese government been doing to revitalize the Japanese countryside? Has it been effective? What could bring more sustainable progress? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain the plethora of Japanese government initiatives focused on rural revitalization, analyze each of them, and provide idea…

1
#127 - Anthony Griffin 1:04:18

1y ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Digital marketing consultant, entrepreneur, and cross-cultural communication expert Anthony Griffin tells us about his journey to Japan, his tricks of the trade for maximizing engagement on LinkedIn, and that one time he asked for directions and was asked to pay for it! Aaron and Parker discuss the new Bank of Japan chief's stance on monetary easin…

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Real Estate Realities 32:52

1y ago32:52

32:52

What are the current realities in the Japanese real estate industry? How has that made living in rural communities an unattractive option? Can the Japanese government do something about it? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain how Japan's current real estate situation hinders rural revitalization, and disc…

1
#126 - Kishida's Budget 25:37

1y ago25:37

25:37

How will PM Kishida finance his ambitious plans to increase both defense and child care spending? Will raising the consumption tax and other taxes be inevitable? Aaron and Parker discuss January's foreign entries to Japan hitting 1.5 million, the trade deficit at a record 3.5 trillion yen on energy imports, and a local city doctor fired for verball…

1
#125 - Revolving Sushi 41:50

1y ago41:50

41:50

What has happened in the aftermath of a viral video featuring a revolving sushi restaurant patron displaying gross behavior? Is conveyor belt sushi fun and kitschy or cheap and not that tasty? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan potentially enacting an LGBT law before this year's G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Mitsubishi Heavy throwing in the towel on their pa…

1
Japan's Rural Revitalization: Energy Independence 32:28

1y ago32:28

32:28

What can real energy independence provide Japan? Is there a path forward for nuclear energy after the 2011 Fukushima meltdown? What role will the government play in improving energy independence, while Japan currently relies on imported fossil fuels for over 75% of its energy? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, …

1
#124 - Luffy Busted 32:28

1y ago32:28

32:28

What did the phone scam crime group led by a mysterious man who called himself “Luffy” and “Kim Jong Un” avoid the long arm of the Japanese lawman by hiding in a Philippines prison? Aaron and Parker discuss the ex-deputy manager of Tokyo 2020 test event body getting busted in a bid-rigging case, Honda’s ambitious plans to go big on hydrogen power, …

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#123 - Ugly Inaka 56:33

1+ y ago56:33

56:33

Rural real estate expert, Akiya Hunter, and black metal baron Matt Ketchum gives his take on a recent Tokyo Weekender article that suggests that the Japanese countryside is ugly and undesirable. Aaron and Parker discuss PM Kishida's order to downgrade the classification of COVID-19, Echizen knives hitting record sales amidst overseas demand from ch…

1
#122 - Culture Shock 52:25

1+ y ago52:25

52:25

After a month back home in America, Aaron shares his take on the reverse culture shock after being in Japan throughout the pandemic. Aaron and Parker discuss new US-Japan plans to strengthen their defense alliance, TSMC considering to build a 2nd chip plant in Japan, and a whale’s tragic end after mistakenly venturing into Osaka Bay.…

1
Rewind: Riki Ohkanda 1:00:29

1+ y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Director, storyteller, and consultant for Japanese film and TV productions Riki Ohkanda shares her experience working inside Tokyo's entertainment industry, the secret to enjoying tea ceremony, and some hilarious anecdotes.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
Rewind: Benjamin Boas 59:04

1+ y ago59:04

59:04

Writer, translator, Cool Japan Ambassador, global communications specialist, and mahjong expert Benjamin Boas shares his insights on Japan's efforts to use anime and manga to improve its image and the ins and outs of Japanese mahjong culture.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
Rewind: Christiane Brew 50:23

1+ y ago50:23

50:23

On this late Christmas present Rewind, actress, comedienne, and entrepreneur Christiane Brew shares her experience working with Hideo Kojima as a motion capture actress in hit video game Death Stranding, leading the Perfect Liars Club Tokyo improv group, and starting her newest venture StoryKraft.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
Rewind: Matt Ketchum 53:26

1+ y ago53:26

53:26

On this rewind, we revisit our first episode with Akiya Hunter and black metal warlock Matt Ketchum, who tells us about his experience escaping from a 38 meter tall tsunami on March 11, 2011, and his passion for cataloging Japan’s infamous millions of abandoned houses.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#121 - Special Eggs 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

What does the future hold for the administration of PM Kishida, who is facing low support ratings, a string of scandals and resignations, and rising discontent? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's largest labor union calling for the highest pay hike in 28 years, the Japanese government ruling coalition agreeing on acquiring counter-strike capability, …

1
Rewind: Jim Andretta 56:58

1+ y ago56:58

56:58

On Tokyo Wave Rewind, we revisit insightful, awesome, and sometimes outrageous past interviews. This Rewind features improv comedian, DJ, wine expert, and Scatman aficionado Jim Andretta, who shares stories about his time as part of the Charred Goosebeak / Broken Lizard improv group of Super Troopers fame, importing wine to Japan, the Japanese come…

1
#120 - Tweet Storm 41:55

1+ y ago41:55

41:55

What is going to happen to Twitter now that Elon Musk is in charge? Will it lead to an exodus of Japan’s gaijin Twitter scene? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's consumer prices rising the quickest in 4 decades, Shohei Ohtani, Naomi Osaka and other FTX brand ambassadors getting embroiled in a class-action lawsuit over the now-bankrupt crypto exchange…

1
#119 - Screwed Enix 45:47

1+ y ago45:47

45:47

Why is Square Enix doing a fire sale of its Western studios? The founder of Eidos Montreal called it, "A train wreck in slow motion." Aaron and Parker discuss North Korea's ongoing missile marathon, another automaker calling on owners to replace their airbags after 3 new Takata airbag deaths, and the culling of 1,000,000 chickens as bird flu cases …

1
#118 - Shibuya Hell-o-ween 46:37

1+ y ago46:37

46:37

Why is Shibuya waging war on Halloween, yet again, and why do all of Tokyo's costumed revelers always go to the same place? Will Akie Abe, the widow of slain ex-PM Abe, succeed her late husband in Japan's lower house? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's latest economic package designed to combat economic malaise worsened by the weak Yen and Tokyo poli…

1
#117 - Japanese Film 38:39

1+ y ago38:39

38:39

What are our favorite Japanese films? What's going to happen to an ex-Tokyo 2020 exec who has been slapped with a new arrest warrant on additional bribery charges? Aaron and Parker discuss the Yen hitting the 150 mark vs the USD and a man arrested after going on a rampage attacking junior high school students with a bamboo sword.…

1
#116 - Your Japan 1:01:57

1+ y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Writer, Translator, Cool Japan Producer, and Global Communications Specialist Benjamin Boas talks about his upcoming new book, From Cool Japan to Your Japan, which explains why the Japanese government and local organizations need to change their tourism promotion strategy. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's plan to scrap non-digital health insurance …

1
#115 - More Missiles 32:57

1+ y ago32:57

32:57

Why is North Korea upping its pace of conducting missile launches, including one that went straight over northern Japan? Are they on the verge of conducting a nuclear bomb test, and do they pose a tangible threat to Japan's national security? Aaron and Parker discuss rising Japanese household spending, Japan's largest airport hotel complex to open …

1
#114 - Oku Nikko 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

How can you avoid the impending throngs of tourists and enjoy Japan's autumn foliage in Oku-Nikko? How is the Japanese government trying to fight inflation, address the weak yen, and rev up the economy? Aaron and Parker discuss what to expect from the Japanese parliament's extraordinary session and a Tokyo confectionary firm chief who resigned afte…

1
#113 - Andrew Klim 1:25:12

1+ y ago1:25:12

1:25:12

Video game translator, localization expert, and video game music DJ Andrew Klim tells us about his journey from being an English teacher in a rough and tumble junior high school in Yamanashi to working on localizations for massive titles including Final Fantasy, Shenmue, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and... erotic games. Aaron and Parker share awe at…

1
#112 - Tanner Blackman 59:47

1+ y ago59:47

59:47

California-based real estate development consultant, government relations professional, and cannabis dispensary co-owner Tanner Blackman shares his journey from teaching English in rural Japan to guiding major urban development projects through the approval process in LA. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan easing COVID-19 border controls, possible gove…

1
#111 - Japan Opening 42:52

1+ y ago42:52

42:52

What do Japan’s complicated new border rules mean for individual tourists looking to visit Japan? Aaron and Parker discuss the plummeting Yen, record pretax profits at Japanese firms, and a city looking for 1,400 owners of 31-yr-old time capsules.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#110 - Kyoto Overtourism 49:48

1+ y ago49:48

49:48

Is Kyoto ready for the inevitable deluge of foreign tourists who will come back in massive numbers once Japan's borders reopen? Will the resurge in inbound tourism be good or bad? Aaron and Parker discuss the budget for PM Abe's state funeral, Japan's economic outlook for August amid rising prices, and 4 Indonesian interns who received letters of a…

1
#109 - Laser Monkeys 1:02:01

1+ y ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Akiya Hunter and black metal warlock Matt Ketchum discusses the ongoing war on deviant monkeys, super-powerful laser beams, bungee jumping and downhill mountain biking in Gunma, the return to live underground Japanese metal shows, joining the Kanagawa DEI Rotary Club, and the slow restart of inbound tourism in Japan. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan'…

1
#108 - Mean Music 43:42

2y ago43:42

43:42

Join us for a sneak preview of some of the original music that will be featured in our upcoming audio drama, The Mean Streets of Tokyo Wave. Aaron and Parker discuss KDDI's massive cell network outage and the ongoing monkey rampage in Yamaguchi Prefecture.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#107 - Abe Assassination 38:33

2y ago38:33

38:33

What security lapses led to the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe? Aaron and Parker discuss PM Kishida's impending Cabinet reshuffle and the campaign around the lead-up to the 2025 Osaka Expo.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#106 - Christopher Gunson 1:15:43

2y ago1:15:43

1:15:43

Japan-Middle East legal beagle, udon shop owner, and hardcore bicyclist Christopher Gunson tells us how he became the go-to lawyer for Japanese firms doing business in EMEA, and his cycling adventures that average 4,000 km per year. Also udon. Aaron and Parker discuss the sudden shooting of former Prime Minister Abe as the situation develops in rea…

1
#105 - Koenji Uprising 36:10

2y ago36:10

36:10

Why are Koenji residents protesting a redevelopment around the Tokyo-area station's north side? Will Japanese property prices finally start to rise after decades of stagnation? Aaron and Parker discuss Japanese teachers struggling to get kids to take off their masks even during an unprecedented heatwave, and a slew of street grate thefts near Tokyo…

1
#104 - 2022 Elections 39:18

2y ago39:18

39:18

What is going on with the 2022 elections and what does it mean for Japan? How did a Japan city subcontractor lose a memory drive containing the personal info of all its 460,000 residents? Aaron and Parker discuss a Kyodo poll predicting the Japan ruling coalition will secure a majority in the July 10 upper house race and two people left ill after a…

1
#103 - Covid Fraud 39:12

2y ago39:12

39:12

Why are 80% of Japan's COVID subsidy applications going unverified? What will the ever-weakening yen mean for Japanese consumers? Aaron and Parker discuss the Bank of Japan maintaining its ultra-low rate policy and a Japanese man arrested over nailing a Putin straw doll to a tree at a shrine.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#102 - Cheap Yen 47:49

2y ago47:49

47:49

Why has the Yen gotten so cheap and what does that mean for Japanese consumers and the economy as a whole? Will we finally see Japan restart foreign tourism as virus worries wane? Aaron and Parker discuss the massive 9.1% jump in wholesale prices driven by the weak yen and the vandalism of artworks in central Japan by junior high students during a …

1
#101 - Mean Streets 19:08

2y ago19:08

19:08

Are you ready for a sneak preview of our upcoming audio drama? What inspired an 83-year-old Japanese man to sail solo, nonstop across the Pacific? Aaron and Parker discuss a new lawsuit against Japan's dual nationality ban and Toshiba's privatization trials and tribulations.By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#100 - Donna Burke 50:14

2y ago50:14

50:14

The voice of the Tokaido Shinkansen, voice actress, entrepreneur, and improv comedian Donna Burke shares her story of how she became one of Japan's top voices. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan slowly accepting foreign tourists, the Okinawan governor's gaffe, and there's a big surprise at the end!By Aaron Randall & Parker Allen

1
#99 - Fukushima Wastewater 27:09

2y ago27:09

27:09

What is going on with Japan's plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station? Are we going to see a PR and health fallout from the planned release in April 2023? Aaron and Parker discuss Tokyo's plan to accept small-scale tours from 4 countries, and a leak that is threatening industrial water supplies to central Ja…

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