Shows
Tokyo Wave#142 - Dating AppWhy 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.2024-02-0526 min
Tokyo Wave#141 - Lauren KocherJapanese 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 to a burned aircraft from a Tokyo airport collision, and government efforts to stabilize Japan's population at 80 million by year 2100.2024-01-191h 08
Tokyo Wave#139 - Synthetic WeedWhat 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 huge customer tabs, and a Tokyo taxi driver who was arrested for allegedly running over a pigeon.2023-12-2027 min
Tokyo Wave#138 - Revisiting Hell-o-weenWhat 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.2023-11-2044 min
Tokyo Wave#137 - We're back!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.2023-11-0227 min
Tokyo Wave#132 - AI PolicyWhat 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, Kobe enacting Japan’s first ordinance on the use of ChatGPT, and the accusation of a Tokyo host club employee for abetting prostitution in the first case in 60 years.2023-07-0733 min
Tokyo Wave#131 - Hitomi AbikoAccomplished 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 demolition of a Tokyo park where Babe Ruth played.2023-05-241h 23
Tokyo Wave#130 - ChatGPT GalapagosWhy 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 residents, and a Japanese language school warned after calling Ukrainian students "refugee aristocrats".2023-03-3137 min
Tokyo Wave#129 - Japan Web3The 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 improper photos online.2023-03-2640 min
Tokyo Wave#128 - Honda JettingWill 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 to 104th in gender disparity, Japan's job availability down in January for the 1st time in over 2 years, and a government recount of listed Japanese islands finding more than 2x the previous statistic.2023-03-1742 min
Tokyo Wave#127 - Anthony GriffinDigital 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 easing, Japan's average condo price hitting a new record high, and a mysterious 1.5-meter metal ball found washed up on the beach.2023-03-141h 04
Tokyo Wave#126 - Kishida's BudgetHow 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 verbally attacking students for not wearing masks, and then berating their teachers while wielding a baseball bat.2023-02-2625 min
Tokyo Wave#125 - Revolving SushiWhat 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 passenger jet project, and Gunma's ambitious move to bring Gunma-chan to the US.2023-02-1941 min
Tokyo Wave#124 - Luffy BustedWhat 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, and local Geisha joining a traditional bean-throwing Setsubun event at Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine after a 3-year COVID hiatus.2023-02-1032 min
Tokyo Wave#123 - Ugly InakaRural 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 chefs, and the recent rise in theft of 90's Japanese sports cars driven by overseas demand.2023-01-2956 min
Tokyo Wave#122 - Culture ShockAfter 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.2023-01-2152 min
Tokyo WaveRewind: Matt KetchumOn 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.2022-12-1953 min
Tokyo Wave#121 - Special EggsWhat 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, and two Tokyo men arrested over a suspected pyramid scheme built on special eggs.2022-12-1037 min
Tokyo WaveRewind: Jim AndrettaOn 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 comedy scene, and collecting vinyl records.2022-12-0256 minTokyo Wave#120 - Tweet StormWhat 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, and 2 Peruvians caught smuggling 10 kg of cocaine into Japan in shampoo bottles.2022-11-2641 min
Tokyo Wave#119 - Screwed EnixWhy 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 emerge in Ibaraki.2022-11-1145 min
Tokyo Wave#118 - Shibuya Hell-o-weenWhy 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 police mistakenly arresting the wrong man months after a truck driver was threatened with a sword.2022-11-0746 min
Tokyo Wave#117 - Japanese FilmWhat 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.2022-10-2938 min
Tokyo Wave#116 - Your JapanWriter, 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 cards, new legal action against the Unification Church, and how a Japanese YouTuber recently elected to Parliament has opened a can of legal worms by choosing to stay in Dubai.2022-10-221h 01
Tokyo Wave#115 - More MissilesWhy 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 at Haneda after almost 3 years sitting empty, and an escaped 1.6-meter-long snake that turned up in the owner's neighbor's toilet.2022-10-1432 min
Tokyo Wave#114 - Oku NikkoHow 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 after video footage of him going hog wild in a road rage incident spread online.2022-10-0737 min
Tokyo Wave#113 - Andrew KlimVideo 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 Andrew's tales of brawling with chimpira in Koenji, and discuss the evolving Tokyo Olympics corruption case, a Tokyo doctor accused of forging COVID vaccine docs, and a man mistakenly arrested for drunk riding by cops while pushing his motorbike.2022-09-231h 25Tokyo Wave#112 - Tanner Blackman 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 government intervention as the Yen plummets, and a in west Japan suspected of embezzling $15M from his employer over 13 years.2022-09-1659 minTokyo Wave#111 - Japan OpeningWhat 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.2022-09-0942 min
Tokyo WaveKyoto OvertourismIs 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 appreciation for capturing a monkey.2022-09-0349 min
Tokyo Wave#109 - Laser MonkeysAkiya 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's ongoing heat wave, Nintendo's rising profit outlook, and people injured on a water slide because they went too fast.2022-08-121h 02
Tokyo Wave#108 - Mean MusicJoin 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.2022-08-0543 min
Tokyo Wave#108 - Abe AssassinationWhat 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.2022-07-2938 min
Tokyo Wave#106 - Christopher GunsonJapan-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 real time.2022-07-151h 15
Tokyo Wave#105 - Koenji UprisingWhy 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 as scrap metal prices reach new highs.2022-07-0836 min
Tokyo Wave#104 - 2022 ElectionsWhat 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 suspicious liquid was sprayed inside a greater Tokyo area train car.2022-07-0139 min
Tokyo Wave#103 - Covid FraudWhy 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.2022-07-0139 min
Tokyo Wave#102 - Cheap YenWhy 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 school trip.2022-06-1747 min
Tokyo Wave#101 - Mean StreetsAre 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.2022-06-1019 min
Tokyo Wave#100 - Donna BurkeThe 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!2022-06-0350 min
Tokyo Wave#99 - Fukushima WastewaterWhat 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 Japan businesses including Toyota Motor.2022-05-2727 min
Tokyo Wave#98 - Ippei Soma Vintage audio repair expert and startup founder Ippei Soma shares his story, going from working at a dorm company to starting his own business fixing and selling vintage gear, and then co-founding a startup, Acoustic Innovations. Aaron and Parker discuss SoftBank Group logging a net loss of $13 billion in FY2021 and Japan police urging officers to avoid the impression of discrimination. 2022-05-2157 min
Tokyo Wave#98 - Ippei SomaVintage audio repair expert and startup founder Ippei Soma shares his story, going from working at a dorm company to starting his own business fixing and selling vintage gear, and then co-founding a startup, Acoustic Innovations. Aaron and Parker discuss SoftBank Group logging a net loss of $13 billion in FY2021 and Japan police urging officers to avoid the impression of racial profiling.2022-05-2057 min
Tokyo Wave#97 - Japanese CasinosWill bids to open casinos in Osaka and Nagasaki Prefectures succeed? Why did the Wakayama bid fail? Aaron and Parker discuss the yen's continuing rapid fall, a survey that found that 48% of foreigners in Japan region are earning less than before pandemic, and how the world’s largest gold bar in Japan has surged in value amid the Ukraine crisis.2022-04-2944 min
Tokyo Wave#96 - City PopWhat is driving a boom in vinyl record sales in the US and Japan? Why is city pop, a genre of Japanese pop music that emerged in the late 1970s and peaked during Japan's golden age of the 1980s bubble economy, seeing a sudden resurgence in popularity? Aaron and Parker discuss the Yen's 20-year low and a Japanese bird researcher's world-first discovery that birds use words and grammar.2022-04-2250 minTokyo Wave#95 - Surfing JapanAkiya Hunter and black metal warlock Matt Ketchum shares his experiences learning how to surf and rock climb, and how he scored his first surfboard from an eccentric mountain hermit who has a place in Japan's surf history. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan beginning to relax its foreigner entry ban, and a Japanese soap firm who made their April Fool's joke reality by creating a cat-seducing fabric softener.2022-04-1643 minTokyo Wave#94 - Rocky SwiftReuters correspondent Rocky Swift talks about coming to Japan to teach in rural Nagano, becoming a business and market focused journalist, and also his stint as a diplomat serving as a US foreign service officer. Aaron and Parker discuss rising consumer prices, an SMBC Nikko VP busted for stock market manipulation, and 24 Chiba cops referred to prosecutors for card gambling at a police dorm.2022-04-081h 13Tokyo Wave#93 - Electric ShockWhy did Tokyo almost suffer electric power blackouts and are we at danger in the future? Why is the Tohoku Shinkansen still not fully back online following the big earthquake on March 16? Aaron and Parker discuss shareholders rejecting a plan to split Toshiba into 2 companies and driver's license center in north Japan caught collecting an unnecessary fee for 15 years.2022-04-0140 minTokyo Wave#92 - Great ResignatlonIs Japan on the brink of joining the global Great Resignation movement? Aaron and Parker discuss Uniqlo closing its stores in Russia, price hikes due to sudden inflation, and a Yamagata city with a plan to circle dog poop with chalk to shame owners.2022-03-1836 minTokyo Wave#91 - Jimny JamminBlack metal warlock, akiya hunter, and frequent contributor Matt Ketchum tells us about going to crypto school, skiing in Nozawa Onsen, buying a Japanese mini 4x4, and welcoming a new baby goat into the world. Aaron and Parker discuss Japanese citizens applying to become volunteer soldiers in Ukraine, ex-Nissan exec Greg Kelly receiving a 6-month suspended sentence in a surprise upset for prosecutors, and a nonprofit creating endangered animal LINE stamps to raise awareness.2022-03-1150 minTokyo Wave#90 - Business TravelWhat are the new procedures for entering Japan for a business trip? When will Japan reopen to tourists? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's 'Go To Travel' fiscal budget problem and Honda’s crisis amid a US regulatory probe surrounding unexpected automatic braking.2022-03-0431 min
Tokyo Wave#89 - The ReaperDeath business system integrator, end of life consultant, former funeral director, and IT specialist Yuusuke Wada gives the inside scoop on Japan's funeral industry and how he used his experience as a system engineer to introduce technology into a business steeped in tradition. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan easing entry restrictions for foreign students, business travelers, and other non-tourists, and a man accused of altering his driver's license age to go to matchmaking events.2022-02-251h 00Tokyo Wave#88 - Jonathan HafetzInternationally recognized constitutional and human rights lawyer Dr. Jonathan Hafetz shares his experience defending prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and demystifies some of the darker elements of the US Government’s War on Terror in the post 9/11 era. Aaron and Parker discuss a government report finding over 20% of Japan's import items highly dependent on China and a Tokyo resident referred to prosecutors for capturing 22 wild birds.2022-02-111h 06
Tokyo Wave#87 - More Guitars!What's an afternoon like at Japan’s wildest guitar shop? How did an 11-hour standoff near Tokyo end in the death of a healthcare worker? Aaron and Parker discuss a survey that suggests Japan's entry ban is hurting foreign students' mental health and Toyota's plan to attack the moon with a cruiser, robotic arms, and dreams.2022-02-0444 min
Tokyo Wave#86 - Music CultureWhat is it like shopping for music instruments in Japan? Will Tokyo expand virus restrictions as Omicron infections surge? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's latest exports and imports figures and do a deep dive into buying audio gear in Japan, from guitars to ethnic instruments, to finding rare and vintage audio equipment.2022-01-2838 minTokyo Wave#85 - Mount FujiAkiya hunter and metal warlock Matt Ketchum shares his latest adventures in the Japanese countryside, getting featured by CNN Travel, training to climb Mount Fuji, and his take on the new Netflix movie Don’t Look Up. Aaron and Parker discuss Yahoo Japan deciding to allow its employees to live anywhere in Japan, Toyota topping global auto sales in 2021, and a Japanese airline moving to allow pets in the general passenger section of its aircraft.2022-01-211h 01
Tokyo Wave#84 - Closed BorderHow did a group petition the Government of Japan to end the ongoing entry ban? Will Japanese companies comply with PM Kishida's calls for aggressive wage hikes? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan developing railguns to boost its missile defense systems and an ex-idol arrested for swindling a student out of $138,000.2022-01-1430 minTokyo Wave#83 - Japanese startupsAre Japanese startups finally beginning to attract the attention of overseas investors? Will PM Kishida order the disposal of over 100k boxes of Abenomasks? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan’s record $320 billion stimulus budget and new simplified entry procedures for wealthy travelers entering Japan on private jets and superyachts.2021-12-2436 min
Tokyo Wave#82 - Japan ChinaAsian public policy expert, political science professor, and politics commentator Dr. Stephen Nagy shares his insights on Japan-China relations, the US-led Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics boycott, and which movie character he resembles most. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's 100,000-yen handout and glowing masks developed by Japanese scientists that detect the coronavirus.2021-12-171h 10Tokyo Wave#81 - Entry RestrictionsWhy did Japan close its borders again? How long will this measure last? Aaron and Parker discuss unused cloth masks procured by Japan, with 100k boxes sitting in warehouses, and Kobe’s plan to use avatar robots to ease hikikomori back into society.2021-12-1043 min
Tokyo Wave#80 - Matsuri FestivalsWhat are some of Japan's best local matsuri festivals, and will they be held in 2022? Why do people keep getting injured by the rollercoaster at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan releasing hundreds of thousands of kiloliters of reserve oil, and a Tokyo assembly member who resigned for driving without a license.2021-12-0347 minTokyo Wave#79 - Goat CaperWhat do Japan’s new visa entry procedures mean for business travelers, technical trainees, and international students? When will Japan reopen to tourists? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan’s record 55.7 trillion yen economic stimulus package, the resignation of Mizuho Financial and Mizuho Bank heads, and a young goat who disappeared overnight in Ibaraki prefecture in a suspected theft.2021-11-2643 min
Tokyo Wave#78 - Coda FunkTake a listen to the lo-fi hiphop sounds of the Coda Funk EP, 7 tracks co-created by Aaron. We talk about the musical inspirations together with frequent contributor and music aficionado Matt Ketchum. Aaron and Parker discuss the restart of Japan's Go To Travel campaign, PM Kishida's plan to raise defense spending, and Sony cutting its PlayStation 5 production outlook due to a component snag.2021-11-191h 00
Tokyo Wave#77 - 2021 ElectionHow did PM Kishida's LDP perform in the October 31 Japan House of Representatives Election? What is going to be the focus of the new Kishida administration? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan lifting the entry ban for business visas, students, and interns, and police on the hunt for a monkey running wild in Tokyo and Saitama.2021-11-1233 minTokyo Wave#76 - Zen BuddhismWriter, translator, Cool Japan Ambassador, global communications specialist, and mahjong expert Benjamin Boas shares his experience hanging out with Zen monks, and the backstory to why Zen Buddhism is so popular overseas. Aaron and Parker discuss the Japanese government making COVID-19 booster shots available and a man who died after a tunnel collapsed at a maglev bullet train construction site in central Japan.2021-11-061h 18
Tokyo Wave#75 - Shibuya HalloweenWhy has Shibuya declared war on Halloween? Can SoftBank ever recoup its massive investment on now-public WeWork? Aaron and Parker discuss the looming hostile takeover of Shinsei Bank and a US serviceman arrested in Tokyo with LSD.2021-10-2939 min
Tokyo Wave#74 - Videogame NostalgiaAkiya hunter, black metal musician, and real estate consultant Matt Ketchum talks about visiting vacant houses with Youtuber Tokyo Llama and his love of vintage Japanese video games. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's upcoming lower house election, the Japanese health ministry recommending Pfizer shots for young men over lower inflammation risk, and the battle among prefectures to avoid the 'least attractive prefecture' title.2021-10-2228 min
Tokyo Wave#73 - Fumio KishidaWho is Fumio Kishida, Japan’s new Prime Minister? What is the outlook for the upcoming general election? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's only all-double-decker shinkansen bullet train leaving service and a Fukuoka man arrested for stealing 3 rare lizards worth $30K from a maid cafe.2021-10-0834 min
Tokyo Wave#72 - Derek WessmanMedtech consultant, professional interpreter, and MP's secretary Derek Wessman shares his experience working as a Las Vegas tour guide for Japanese VIP's, what it's like inside Japanese politics, and life as part of Hachioji City's volunteer fire brigade. Aaron and Parker discuss Suga's final trip abroad as Japan's Prime Minister, the number of annual M&A deals in Japan hitting a new record in 2021, and a Gunma police chief who crashed into a roadside worker amid a nationwide traffic safety campaign.2021-10-011h 23
Tokyo Wave#71 - Yasukuni ShrineWhat's the big deal with the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election, and who is likely to win? Why is Yasukuni Shrine so controversial? Aaron and Parker discuss a 90-year-old sentenced to prison for vehicular manslaughter, Japan household assets hitting a record high, and 70g of matsutake mushrooms that fetched $7,600 at a local produce auction.2021-09-2442 minTokyo Wave#70 - Alcohol BanIs Japan moving towards easing COVID-19 restrictions including the infamous alcohol ban? Who will be Japan’s next Prime Minister? Aaron and Parker discuss foreign matter found in multiple Moderna vaccine lots and a rural city that created Japan’s first special zone for producing green tea liqueur.2021-09-1033 minTokyo Wave#69 - Monkey MayhemAkiya hunter, black metal musician, and real estate consultant Matt Ketchum talks about his adventures in Yugawara battling vicious monkeys, the future of travel, and what’s next for the experience economy. Aaron and Parker discuss the upcoming LDP leadership election, a 13-year-old who made hearts soar at the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony, and an outlaw monkey spotted on the move in northern Tokyo.2021-09-0352 minTokyo Wave#68 - Suga RushMedia training specialist and public relations industry veteran David Wagner shares his insights on the outcome of the Tokyo Olympics and expectations on whether PM Suga can continue to lead the nation amid waning popularity. Aaron and Parker discuss a Japanese mayor under fire for biting Olympian's gold medal, Sony's profits from the Demon Slayer cash cow, and a Central Japan doctor criticized after delivering a baby under the influence of alcohol.2021-08-1457 min
Tokyo Wave#67 - Anti-sex bedsTokyo Olympics: was holding the games a good idea or not? What is the deal with those now infamous "anti-sex" beds? Aaron and Parker discuss the reopening of the North-South Korea communications line, Toyota keeping its crown as the world's best-selling automaker in 2021, and Japanese educators busted for having a golf party amid the pandemic.2021-08-0644 min
Tokyo Wave#66 - Vaccine DatabaseWhat inspired a Yokohama-based programmer to create an open-source database of clinics offering waiting lists for appointments to get a COVID-19 vaccine? Aaron and Parker discuss the Bank of Japan's move to keep ultra-easy monetary policy and a traffic light pole in central Japan that collapsed from years of getting urinated on by local doggos.2021-07-2326 min
Tokyo Wave#65 - Japan QuarantineAkiya hunter, black metal musician, and real estate consultant Matt Ketchum talks about his recent experience re-entering Japan from the US, the landslide in Atami, and recent developments with his Akiya & Inaka project. Aaron and Parker discuss Tokyo's fourth COVID-19 state of emergency and an evacuation order for Fuchu, Hiroshima that was mistakenly sent to Rakuten users in Fuchu, Tokyo.2021-07-161h 16
Tokyo Wave#64 - Office LifeWhat will happen to post-pandemic Tokyo office space as Goldman Sachs reaffirms its commitment to office work while other players reduce their footprint? What will be the fate Uniqlo and other retailers accused by the French government over Xinjiang abuses? Aaron and Parker discuss the death of Pepper the robot as SoftBank suspends production and Mitsubishi Electric's admission that they used rigged air conditioning test program since the 1980s.2021-07-0941 min
Tokyo Wave#63 - Kyoto RiotsWhy does a dorm at Kyoto University keep getting raided by the local police riot squad? Aaron and Parker discuss the Toshiba chairman's ouster over an ongoing governance scandal, the chances for an LDP Tokyo assembly election success amid Gov. Koike's surprise medical leave, and an ex-banker who was caught red-handed for trespassing while wearing a stolen girl’s school uniform in a school toilet.2021-07-0238 min
Tokyo Wave#62 - Medical MarijuanaHas a new expert panel report paved the way for Japan to allow medical marijuana? Aaron and Parker discuss the latest restrictions under Japan's quasi state of emergency, the latest COVID-19 vaccination progress, and the condom-less Tokyo Olympics swag bag that threatens to leave athletes unprotected.2021-06-2546 min
Tokyo Wave#61 - Euro TripWhat does it take to travel from Japan to Europe under the current restrictions? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's COVID-19 vaccination rollout, the Japanese government's decision to fund CO2 reduction steps by bankrolling cities and firms, and an increase in DUI cases among home drinkers at earlier times of day amid the pandemic.2021-06-1829 min
Tokyo Wave#60 - Tim IsenmaniOS developer, app developer, and entrepreneur Tim Isenman shares his experience coming to Japan and developing the Pocket Rocket app. Aaron and Parker discuss PM Suga scrapping his Tokyo Olympic reception, Fukushima farmers hoping to get a boost from endorsements from French chefs, and Tokyo Metro unveiling a new purple train on its Hanzomon Line.2021-06-111h 25
Tokyo Wave#59 - Dr. Fabrizio BozzatoInternational relations specialist, ocean policy researcher, and geopolitics commentator Dr. Fabrizio Bozzato shares his insights on the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Aaron and Parker discuss the extension of Japan's COVID-19 state of emergency, a recent article featuring Prime Minister Abe's picks for Suga's successor, and a British national prosecuted for stuffing bentos into mailboxes in Kamakura.2021-06-041h 15
Tokyo Wave#58 - Beach BumsWill Kanagawa’s beaches reopen to swimmers this summer after being closed throughout 2020 due to the pandemic? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's approval of the Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, rising convenience store sales as customers return, and a Japanese bullet train conductor disciplined for leaving the cockpit for a toilet break while running at 150kph.2021-05-2834 min
Tokyo Wave#57 - Air V&VWhat's going to happen with Guam's "Air V&V" vaccination tourism program, which could soon open to foreign tourists? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's large-scale vaccination center scheme, the outlook for better foreign relations between South Korea and Japan, and a 42-year-old mayor in eastern Japan who got their COVID shot ahead of the elderly.2021-05-2141 min
Tokyo Wave#56 - G7 SummitAsian public policy expert, political science professor, and politics commentator Dr. Stephen Nagy shares his insights on the upcoming G7 Summit and the first bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Suga. Aaron and Parker discuss SoftBank suing Rakuten over using leaked 5G technology info, Nintendo's booming profits, and an arrest made for the 2018 murder of the self-proclaimed 'Don Juan of Kishu'.2021-05-141h 02Tokyo Wave#55 - Kanpai CultureWhat’s going to happen to Japan’s kanpai culture after the pandemic, which brought a major shift in social drinking habits? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan’s third COVID-19 state of emergency, Japanese apparel makers in a catch-22 over Uyghur cotton revelations, and a man who was fined ¥300,000 for defecating at a supermarket checkout.2021-04-3034 min
Tokyo Wave#54 - Japan VaccinesWhat did PM Suga achieve for Japan's vaccination schedule by speaking with the CEO of Pfizer during his visit to meet President Biden in Washington? What do Japan's new tightened rules for COVID-19 test certificates mean for international travelers? Aaron and Parker discuss Japanese firms reducing new hires for FY2022 amid the pandemic, and reports of local governments throwing away leftover vaccines after canceled appointments.2021-04-2338 min
Tokyo Wave#53 - Snap ElectionWhen will Prime Minister Suga call a snap election? With the current House of Representatives term ending in October, time is running out. Aaron and Parker discuss the Japanese government's decision to release Fukushima wastewater into the sea, a foreign ownership probe into Fuji Media and 600 broadcasters, and Asahi Beer's new mug-cans selling out nationwide.2021-04-1741 min
Tokyo Wave#52 - First BirthdayThanks for listening to Tokyo Wave! This week is a special retrospective on the past year, looking back on each of our guest interviews, what it was like in the beginning starting out, and what's next. Aaron and Parker also discuss the Tokyo Olympics plan to pay up to $2,700 per day for each venue official, the possibility of Japan establishing a Children’s Agency, and a group of schoolkids who chose to eat the flounders they raised.2021-04-0939 min
Tokyo Wave#51 - Aikido TrainingWriter, translator, Cool Japan Ambassador, global communications specialist, and mahjong expert Benjamin Boas shares his experience as a senshusei, the intensive, 11-month aikido training program conducted at Yoshinkan Aikido's honbu dojo. Aaron and Parker discuss PM Suga's Olympics invite to Biden, the end of popular Japanese TV news program Tokudane, and the Japanese ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal.2021-04-0257 min
Tokyo Wave#50 - Hanami's CancelledHow have local governments in Japan effectively cancelled Hanami? What is up with the NFT craze that has suddenly come to the forefront of magic internet money trends? Aaron and Parker discuss the three new apps that inbound travelers to Japan are now required to download and the sudden resignation of the Tokyo 2020 creative director.2021-03-2638 min
Tokyo Wave#49 - David WagnerMedia training specialist and public relations industry veteran David Wagner explains how he played a role in the Japanese government's global communications in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 triple disaster. Aaron and Parker discuss the upcoming Suga-Biden summit and the Tokyo Electric Power Company chief's decision to skip visiting Fukushima on the 3/11 anniversary.2021-03-191h 11
Tokyo Wave#48 - Indo Pacific Asian public policy expert, political science professor, and politics commentator Dr. Stephen Nagy shares his insights on Japan's vision for a free & open Indo-Pacific and the situation in Myanmar, and his report card for the start of the Biden administration. Aaron and Parker discuss Tokyo's COVID-19 state of emergency extension, TEPCO's plan to spend $28M on a village hosting a new nuclear plant, and two love-hungry pandas at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. 2021-03-121h 27
Tokyo Wave#47 - Remembering Tohoku Akiya hunter, black metal musician, and real estate consultant Matt Ketchum talks about his experience escaping from a 38 meter tall tsunami on March 11, 2011 and what the experience taught him about resilience and being prepared for a disaster. Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's reaction to the Myanmar coup, US military helicopters flying at dangerous altitudes over Tokyo, and Japanese government officials punished for dining with a former egg-firm head. 2021-03-051h 04
Tokyo Wave#46 - Japan ClubhouseWho is Seiko Hashimoto, the new chief of the Tokyo 2020 Games organizing committee? How is Japan's Covid vaccine distribution coming along? Aaron and Parker discuss a Japanese town's plan to give residents who get their vaccine ¥1,000 gift certificates, and the sudden popularity of the Clubhouse app in Japan.2021-02-2641 min
Tokyo Wave#45 - Brand Japan Global communications strategist, public diplomacy professor, and nation branding expert Dr. Nancy Snow shares her insights on the Yoshiro Mori debacle and what it means for Japan's nation brand. Aaron and Parker discuss when Japan's foreign residents will get COVID-19 vaccines and a local mayor's objections to a new rail line up Mt. Fuji. 2021-02-191h 18
Tokyo Wave#44 - Stonk FeverWhat is going on in the world of speculative day trading with Reddit, Robinhood, GameStop, and Elon Musk? Aaron and Parker discuss the wild world of global markets in the age of stonk memes, the Yoshiro Mori debacle, the future of the Quad dialogue on Info-Pacific defense policy, and the Imperial Hotel's new high-end apartment service.2021-02-1251 min
Tokyo Wave#43 - Florida OlympicsWhat was the CFO of Florida smoking when he publicly proposed moving the Tokyo 2021 Olympics to the Sunshine State? What did Biden and Suga discuss in their first phone call? Aaron and Parker discuss Japan's vaccine roll out plan and a $29 million dollar ruby that was (not) stolen in Ginza.2021-02-0527 min
Tokyo Wave#42 - Paper PatContent creator Patrick Smith AKA Paper Pat shares how creating videos about his experiences teaching in Japan on TikTok led to his rise as a social media influencer. Aaron and Parker discuss the latest Tokyo 2020 rumors, cops nabbing people trying to cash out stolen crypto, and a local government worker arrested for filling self-serve regular latte cup with a large helping.2021-01-291h 12
Tokyo Wave#41 - Japanese LagarWhat do the new entry restrictions mean for business travel to Japan? How are Japanese automakers coping with a global shortage of chips? What is going to happen to a limited-edition beer that Sapporo produced with a label containing an embarrassing spelling error? Aaron and Parker discuss the outlook for Japanese politics in 2021 as Prime Minister Suga faces an uphill battle with declining approval ratings amid a third wave of virus infections.2021-01-2234 min