The best-selling author discusses Japan Defense Minister Tomomi Inada,  scrapping more 2020 Tokyo Olympic venues, singing superstar Hikaru Utada, karoshi and Hall of Fame pitcher Takahiko Bessho.

Podcast No. 28 - On Junko Tabei, Akio Toyoda, Tsuneo Horiuchi, Dentsu, Saya Takagi

Best-selling author Robert Whiting's weekly podcast discusses the past, present and future of Japan.   Current events and trends and the news makers who are shaping them are topics.

 Whiting, who penned the classic "You Gotta Have Wa" in 1989 and "Tokyo Underworld" in 2000, first came to Japan in 1962 and is regarded as one of the foremost experts on the social, political, economic and sporting landscapes of the country. 

The California native has written for many renowned publications in his long career, including the New York Times, The Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Time, and U.S. News and World Report. His first book, "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat," was named Time's "Sports Book of the Year" in 1977.

Over the years Robert has delivered speeches at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Temple University, Occidental College and Michigan State University.

Listeners are welcome to submit questions for Robert to answer during the podcast at:

robertwhitingsjapan@gmail.com