You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week — a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of what is going on in Japan, hosted by Arielle Busetto. The podcast is back and we're traveling to Ishikawa to explore the region's recovery after the January 1 earthquake and torrential rains in September.  In our 25th episode, we introduce inspiring stories of the many individuals aiding the crested ibis' return to mainland Japan and their tales of hope in the face of adversity.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, ー and discover Sports Talk. RELATED:  * Ishikawa Awaits Tourists' Return Two Months After New Year's Noto Quake Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week — a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of what is going on in Japan, hosted by Arielle Busetto. After a hiatus, the podcast is back for a special episode. Join me to discover great spots with amazing seafood along northeast Japan's Pacific coast. In our twenty-fourth episode, we give a rundown of our recent trip to Hitachinaka in Ibaraki and Iwaki in Fukushima. You will hear from the vendors selling the freshest fish and local restaurants preparing it, and get our reactions while touring these colorful locations.    Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and discover Sports Talk. RELATED:  * New Seafood Discoveries Delight the Senses in Ibaraki and Fukushima* SAKANA & JAPAN FESTIVAL 2023: A Grand Gathering of Seafood Delicacies Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week, a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan's culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports. It is hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our 23rd episode, we spotlight Shinzo Abe's legacy ahead of his state funeral on Tuesday, September 27.  Then we delve into the big announcement of the week, as Japan prepares to reopen borders for tourists from October 11.  In a cultural piece of news, we look into new research showing the relationship between sugar consumption and esports performance.  And in sports, we showcase the dynamic duo in badminton who have achieved new heights on September 20.    Join us wherever you get your podcasts: on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto and @JAPAN_Forward_. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * The Abe Legacy: A More Asian Japan, Steering Its Own Course in the World* Welcome to Japan: Individual Travelers, Visa Waivers Return for the First Time Since COVID-19* The Japanese American Experience: Great-Grandfather Was a ‘Hostile Alien’* Lessons from a Crisis of Democracy: Narrating the Internment of Japanese Americans* Tips to Play and Win at Esports: Eating Candies* [ODDS and EVENS] Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi Soar to New Heights in Badminton* [Kimono Style] Seeing Red: Creating the Colors of Kimono Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our twenty-second episode, we spotlight tensions with China’s naval and maritime activities in Japanese waters and what this means for Japan's defense policy.  Then we delve into a retrospective on Shinzo Abe’s initiatives to reform government administrative and intelligence infrastructure as Japan moves towards a normal country status.  Further forward, and important to many readers, we look at the new travel restrictions, which make it easier for people to return to Japan.  And in sports, we showcase 'The Great Sasuke', who participated in a fight this weekend to raise funds for people in Ukraine. The full list of related articles is below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk. RELATED:  * The Abe Legacy: A Japan Empowered by Far-reaching Reforms* China Aggressively Seeking ‘effective control’ in Waters Around the Senkaku Islands* Serious About the Defense of Japan: More Details, Please* EDITORIAL | Largest Anime Database Launched, Expected to Bolster Japan’s Lucrative Industry* OBITUARY | Queen Elizabeth II: World Figure, A Friend of Japan’s Royal Family* What to Know for Travel to Japan: Relaxed COVID-19 Rules, No Tour Guide* Japanese Pro Wrestler ‘The Great Sasuke’ Returns to the Ring for a Great Cause* Production of Edible Crickets Expands with New Rules in Place Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our twenty-first episode, we spotlight tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and what this means for Japan and its relations with neighboring countries.  Then we delve into the recent resignation of the chief of the National Police Agency following Shinzo Abe’s assassination.  Further forward, we look at the first-ever red carpet event on a bullet train between Kyoto and Tokyo, ahead of the release of a new Hollywood film. In the gaming world, we highlight the return of the public to expos, starting with BitSummit in Kyoto. And in sports, we shoot for the stars with Shohei Ohtani, who reached his 30th home run of the season. Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  *  Japanese Lawmakers’ Visit to Taiwan: What Does it Mean?* ‘Heightening Tensions’ in the Taiwan Strait: China Can’t Get Japan Out of Its Mind* EDITORIAL | After Abe’s Assassination, Revamp Needed in Securing VIPs* The Luxurious Life of Dogs in Japan: Dog Grooming* First-Ever Moving Red Carpet Event On A Bullet Train* [Gamer’s World] BitSummit’s Indie Games Are Back, First Japanese Expo With Public Since COVID* BASEBALL | Shohei Ohtani Reaches Another Milestone with 30th Homer of 2022* [Hidden Wonders of Japan] Song, Dance, and Somen Noodles at Omiwa Shrine in Nara Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our twentieth episode, we spotlight Shinzo Abe’s state funeral, and the updates on the ceremony scheduled for September 27.  Then we delve into an announcement made by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida which could foretell a major shift in Japan’s nuclear energy policy. Further forward, we look at the interactive teamLab Borderless exhibition, which is set to close its Odaiba museum and open in a new location in 2023. In the business world, we take the long view in a look at the troubles of Masayoshi Son of Softbank. And in sports, Yuruzu Hanyu speaks with The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward in a one-on-one interview, telling us of his exciting plans since becoming a professional figure skater. Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * 6,400 Attendees Expected at Shinzo Abe’s State Funeral * The Abe Episodes: Binding Contrasting Interests with the Value of ‘Harmony’ * Japan Eyes Developing Next Generation Nuclear Plants: Things to Know * OBITUARY: Fashion Designer Hanae Mori Pioneered ‘East Meets West’* Cheer Up, Masayoshi Son! You’ve Got 300 Years to Turn Around SoftBank’s Troubles* teamLab Borderless Says Goodbye to Odaiba, to Reopen with New Cutting Edge Art* INTERVIEW | Yuzuru Hanyu One-on-One: The New Pro’s Aim is to ‘Get Stronger!’ * Soba’s Secrets: Lessons from Making Buckwheat Noodles from Scratch Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our nineteenth episode, we spotlight the 77th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and our reporting from the ground.  Then we delve into an exciting new website ー Japan 2 Earth ー dedicated to the issues and debate around the environment and SDGs, released under the JAPAN Forward umbrella.  Further forward, we look at the ancient and popular culture of Awamori liquor in Okinawa. And in sports, we shoot for the stars with a profile on basketball player Rui Machida. Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * Marking the End of World War II Amid COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine* Prayers for Ukraine at Yasukuni Shrine on the 77th Anniversary of the End of World War II* Creating a United Front Against the Destructive Path of Neocolonialism*  ‘Japan 2 Earth’: New Website Launches to Help Communities Achieve Development Goals* [Road Once Traveled] Japanese City Extends a Helping Hand through Water* [Vietnam! Moving Ahead Together] Can Japanese Technology Combat Vietnam’s Pollution Problem?*  South Korea Offers Hospitals and Food to the North ー Provided It Dismantles Its Nuclear Weapons* Okinawa’s Awamori: The Spirit That Survived* BASKETBALL | Rui Machida Makes Solid Impact in Her First Season with Washington Mystics* A Visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our eighteenth episode, we spotlight Prime Minister Kishida’s reshuffle of the Cabinet and learn who’s who as he brings new blood into the 19-minister cohort.  We also delve into the consequences of China’s missile tantrums over the past week, and what implications they have for peace and security in East Asia.  Further forward, we look at some of the most fascinating aspects of the late Issey Miyake’s life, delving into what inspired the world-renowned designer who spread happiness with his clothes.  Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese ー and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * Fireworks Around Taiwan Reveal the Secrets of China’s Army In Attack Mode* Carrying on Shinzo Abe’s Strategy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific* EDITORIAL | China’s Missile Tantrum Threatens Many Nations, Not Just Taiwan* Fumio Kishida’s Cabinet Reshuffle: Key Points to Know* PHOTOS: Heavy Rains Hit Northern Japan* With Mentor Abe Gone, Kishida Has to Keep Ruling Party’s Conservative Base* OBITUARY | Issey Miyake Designed Surprise and Joy Into Fashion* [ICE TIME] Illustrator Mika Matsuda Brings Personalities of Skaters to Life with Her Work* Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our seventeenth episode, we spotlight Prime Minister Kishida’s August 1 speech advocating “a world without nuclear weapons” on the opening day of the non-proliferation conference at the United Nations in New York.  We also showcase the interesting demographics revealed in a public opinion poll on holding a state funeral for slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.  Further forward, we tackle the SDGs with a look into making beer out of food scraps, and spotlight an interview with Taiwanese math rock trio Elephant Gym. Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * TRANSCRIPT | Kishida Speech at NPT Conference: Giving Up on Disarmament Not an Option * Poll: Younger Generations and Majority of LDP Supporters Say ‘Yes’ to Abe’s State Funeral* From Food Waste to Beer: Bread Crusts and Coffee Beans Transformed into Delicious Brews* [ODDS and EVENS] Yokohama F. Marinos Riding High in Kevin Muscat’s First Full Season as Manager* INTERVIEW | Taiwan’s Math Rock Heroes Elephant Gym: ‘We Can All Resonate Together in Music’ * INTERVIEW | Hideo Furukawa: Beyond The Dystopia of ‘Soundtrack’ *  Through a Bicultural Lens: Summer Camps in America and Japan Author: Arielle Busetto

You are the reason JAPAN Forward launched The Week - a podcast for busy people who want to keep abreast of Japan’s culture, politics, business, economy and research worlds, and sports, too. Hosted by Arielle Busetto. In our sixteenth episode, we spotlight the famed skater Yuzuru Hanyu and his recent retirement from competition.  We also showcase a six-part series on Justice Radhabinod Pal, a particularly renowned jurist in the Tokyo Trials who looked at Asia’s experience in the Second World War from a different perspective.  Further forward, we look into the lavender fields of Hokkaido, which just reached their peak season. Find the related articles list below.   Join us wherever you get your podcasts — on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, or directly through our website at JAPAN Forward. Reach out and stay in touch on Twitter @ariellebusetto. New podcasts will come out every weekend, and remain available for listeners on your own schedule.  We have a library of podcasts available on our landing page, including Real Issues, Real Voices, Real Japan ー in both English and Japanese, and Sports Talk.  RELATED:  * FIGURE SKATING | Yuzuru Hanyu Announces Retirement From Competition, Will Continue Career as a Pro Skater* [SOCIAL WIRE] Yuzuru Hanyu Retires From Figure Skating Competition*  EDITORIAL | Nuclear Accident: Astronomical Damages Awarded in Another Confused Court Ruling*  Justice Radhabinod Pal: The Life and Times of the Tokyo Trials Jurist* War Crimes Trials: Why the ‘Most Politically Independent’ Judge Found the Japanese Not Guilty* Ken Noguchi: Get Those Geothermal Energy Plants Up and Running* EDITORIAL | Make Testing Easy to Find, Easy to Take to Curb the 7th Wave of COVID-19* [Hidden Wonders of Japan] Relaxing in Shades of Purple in the Lavender Fields of Hokkaido Author: Arielle Busetto