In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome H.E. Mikhail Galuzin, Russian Ambassador to Japan. We explore the origins of Russo-Japanese relations, the Russian community in Japan and the economic components of a thrilling trading relation. The Ambassador also gives us his insights on the possibility of a future peace treaty agreement and the so-called "Kuril islands issue", still unresolved with their Japanese counterparts. Join us in this episode as we explore the rich relationship between Russia and Japan.

Mission Japan | Russia

Rabbi Cooper

Tim and Rabbi Cooper, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, begin this episode by talking about Japan and Israel's relationship, the broader Middle East and the progress and pitfalls of the past 30 years.                                     In the second part of the podcast James Brown joins us once more in discussing the Peace Agreement between Japan and Russia.

Tim and Rabbi Cooper, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, begin this episode by talking about Japan and Israel's relationship, the broader Middle East and the progress and pitfalls of the past 30 years. In the second part of the podcast James Brown joins us once more in discussing the Peace Agreement between Japan and Russia.

Tokyo on Fire | Rabbi Cooper and James Brown

The Diet session convened just a few days ago, on January 28th, 2019.  It will see only 58 Cabinet-sponsored bills the second lowest number since the Postwar era. Yet, a lot is going on in Japanese politics: the upcoming Emperor's ascension, House of Councillors election in July, Tax hike in October,  negotiations for a peace treaty with Russia, etc.

The 2019 Political Calendar | Tokyo on Fire

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome Her Excellency Yaffa Ben-Ari, the Israeli Ambassador to Japan.  We explore the rich history of the Israeli mission in Japan and the components of today's economic relations between both nations.                 Join us in this episode as we analyse the blooming relation between Japan and Israel.

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome Her Excellency Yaffa Ben-Ari, the Israeli Ambassador to Japan. We explore the rich history of the Israeli mission in Japan and the components of today's economic relations between both nations. Join us in this episode as we analyse the blooming relation between Japan and Israel.

Mission Japan | Israel

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome His Excellency Gunther Sleeuwagen, the Belgian Ambassador to Japan.  We explore the rich history of the Belgian mission currently in Nibancho, and the significant events that shaped Japan-Belgium relations.                This year, Belgium celebrates its 90 year anniversary of the relocation of its embassy to Nibancho!

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome His Excellency Gunther Sleeuwagen, the Belgian Ambassador to Japan. We explore the rich history of the Belgian mission currently in Nibancho, and the significant events that shaped Japan-Belgium relations. This year, Belgium celebrates its 90 year anniversary of the relocation of its embassy to Nibancho!

Mission Japan | Belgium

Carlos Ghosn

The Carlos Ghosn scandal continues, with the former Nissan chairman being rearrested over charges of understated income.  The international community keenly watches as Japan's judicial system comes under scrutiny.  With further developments raising suspicion over CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who was allegedly going to be removed by Ghosn before the arrest, it begs the question - was this a corporate coup?                What are the geopolitics at play in this commercial dispute?  And is Ghosn being made an example of for foreign executives in Japan?

The Carlos Ghosn scandal continues, with the former Nissan chairman being rearrested over charges of understated income. The international community keenly watches as Japan's judicial system comes under scrutiny. With further developments raising suspicion over CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who was allegedly going to be removed by Ghosn before the arrest, it begs the question - was this a corporate coup? What are the geopolitics at play in this commercial dispute? And is Ghosn being made an example of for foreign executives in Japan?

Carlos Ghosn Re-Arrested | Tokyo on Fire

The Carlos Ghosn arrest: all according to the script? Are foreign CEOs treated differently from Japanese CEOs? Were corporate management procedures followed correctly when dealing with Carlos Ghosn? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they discuss yet another Japanese corporate giant crisis.

Superstar CEO Carlos Ghosn Arrested | Tokyo on Fire

How do international corporations deal with inept or under-performing Japanese subsidiaries?  What do you do if a rogue CEO is embezzling funds from the company?  In Japan, there are unique challenges in the business environment that require qualified professionals to swiftly and decisively take action when trouble arises.

Brand 2020 | Corporate Crisis Management

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome His Excellency Magnus Robach, the Swedish Ambassador to Japan.  In this fascinating discussion, we explore the rich history of the Swedish mission, and the intriguing pioneers who shaped the diplomatic relations of today.                This year, Sweden celebrates its 150 year anniversary of diplomatic relations to Japan!

In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome His Excellency Magnus Robach, the Swedish Ambassador to Japan. In this fascinating discussion, we explore the rich history of the Swedish mission, and the intriguing pioneers who shaped the diplomatic relations of today. This year, Sweden celebrates its 150 year anniversary of diplomatic relations to Japan!

Mission Japan | Sweden

Our new series begins with Mexico, highlighting the history of its embassy and diplomatic mission in Japan. Cultural attaché, Emmanuel Trinidad, takes Tim on a deep dive into Mexico's initial exposure to Japan through frequented trade routes, the establishment of the legation, and the development of relations over time.                Initially part of the Imperial Gardens, the property now occupied by the Mexican embassy was granted to Mexico by the emperor as an offering for further cooperation.  Stay tuned for more exclusive insights!

Our new series begins with Mexico, highlighting the history of its embassy and diplomatic mission in Japan. Cultural attaché, Emmanuel Trinidad, takes Tim on a deep dive into Mexico's initial exposure to Japan through frequented trade routes, the establishment of the legation, and the development of relations over time. Initially part of the Imperial Gardens, the property now occupied by the Mexican embassy was granted to Mexico by the emperor as an offering for further cooperation. Stay tuned for more exclusive insights!

Mission Japan | Mexico

Featuring distinguished guests ranging from ambassadors to international executives, Tokyo on Fire delves into burning issues at the intersection of politics &amp; business in Japan. Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek, as they bridge the gap between Japan and the rest of the world. Make sure to subscribe for the latest insights on public affairs in Japan!

As a student in the US looking to work in Japan, English-based japanese political news is invaluable to me. Thank you for your work!

Much needed

If you have a burning desire to understand &#34;what&#39;s up&#34; (or &#34;whose up&#34; ;-) with Japan and all things political and cultural (a vigorous nod to Dr. Snow) then you need to start listening and paying attention ...  Now!

Hot! Hot! Hot! Tokyo is on fire!!!

Tokyo on Fire!

Brad Glosserman

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                    Last week, Prime Minister Abe travelled to meet with President Trump in Florida. Though he stayed out of the sand traps, he has yet to bring home any bacon, leaving room to question his influence with the American President. Will Prime Minister Abe survive his recent lulls, or will rivals Ishiba and Kishida finally take him down? Join Timothy and Michael’s discussion as they delve into this week’s hot topic.                Heavy sanctions have finally forced the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) to assume a negotiation posture that may lead to a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. In fact, the nation’s Supreme Leader has already met with China’s Premier, holds a scheduled meeting with the South Korean President, and hopes to arrange the nation’s first face-to-face with a sitting United States President. All signals point to good-faith negotiations…or at least Kim Jon Un would have you believe.                                Join Timothy, Michael, and our guest, Brad Glosserman, in these discussions!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: Last week, Prime Minister Abe travelled to meet with President Trump in Florida. Though he stayed out of the sand traps, he has yet to bring home any bacon, leaving room to question his influence with the American President. Will Prime Minister Abe survive his recent lulls, or will rivals Ishiba and Kishida finally take him down? Join Timothy and Michael’s discussion as they delve into this week’s hot topic. Heavy sanctions have finally forced the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) to assume a negotiation posture that may lead to a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. In fact, the nation’s Supreme Leader has already met with China’s Premier, holds a scheduled meeting with the South Korean President, and hopes to arrange the nation’s first face-to-face with a sitting United States President. All signals point to good-faith negotiations…or at least Kim Jon Un would have you believe. Join Timothy, Michael, and our guest, Brad Glosserman, in these discussions!

Abe-Trump "Bromance", North Korea Flirts with Denuclearization (with Brad Glosserman)  | Tokyo on Fire

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                After finishing his Asian tour, what were the results of Trump's ambitious visit to Japan and how did that affect Prime Minister Abe's ratings in the polls? Join our hosts, Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek, for more details!                With a win in the election and a relatively successful Japanese welcoming of President Trump, Prime Minister Abe is riding high - but back at the diet, what is happening with the new opposition parties?                                     Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: After finishing his Asian tour, what were the results of Trump's ambitious visit to Japan and how did that affect Prime Minister Abe's ratings in the polls? Join our hosts, Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek, for more details! With a win in the election and a relatively successful Japanese welcoming of President Trump, Prime Minister Abe is riding high - but back at the diet, what is happening with the new opposition parties? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

Trump's visit to Japan | Tokyo on Fire

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                January 16th marked the fifth year of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ascension to prime minister. Find out more on this episode how his continued leadership will keep Japan in the forefront of global dominance.                A beloved monarch of the Japanese people, Emperor Akihito's final years are drawing to a close. Timothy and Michael delve deeper into this highly anticipated, historical transition.                Some insight and background on the assault among Mongolian wrestlers that is currently scandalizing the sumo world.		        Our latest installment of Politics 101 where Timothy and Michael break down essential facets of Japan’s political system. In this episode, we cover the House of Representatives: what is the role of this House in running a complex country like Japan?                Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: January 16th marked the fifth year of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ascension to prime minister. Find out more on this episode how his continued leadership will keep Japan in the forefront of global dominance. A beloved monarch of the Japanese people, Emperor Akihito's final years are drawing to a close. Timothy and Michael delve deeper into this highly anticipated, historical transition. Some insight and background on the assault among Mongolian wrestlers that is currently scandalizing the sumo world. 		 Our latest installment of Politics 101 where Timothy and Michael break down essential facets of Japan’s political system. In this episode, we cover the House of Representatives: what is the role of this House in running a complex country like Japan? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

A look into the start of 2018 | Tokyo on Fire

A brief rundown of the Japanese debate for and against Japan’s pacifist constitution, which was ratified under strenuous circumstances in 1947.

Episode 3 - Revising Japan’s Constitution

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                We kick off this week with one of the hottest topics in current Japan: snap election of the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will reshuffle his cabinet in this month. However, more and more election candidates try to get in Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's party, The Party of Hope. Was it a genius move for Prime Minister Abe to call a snap election? Or will Party of Hope inflict pain to the LDP on a national level as well?                                    Our Inside Baseball series features the opposition parties's　bustling changes. The Democratic Party has imploded and a large　number of defectors have broken ranks. What is the outlook of　the party in the upcoming snap election?                 Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: We kick off this week with one of the hottest topics in current Japan: snap election of the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will reshuffle his cabinet in this month. However, more and more election candidates try to get in Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's party, The Party of Hope. Was it a genius move for Prime Minister Abe to call a snap election? Or will Party of Hope inflict pain to the LDP on a national level as well? Our Inside Baseball series features the opposition parties's　bustling changes. The Democratic Party has imploded and a large　number of defectors have broken ranks. What is the outlook of　the party in the upcoming snap election?  Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

Snap election update | Tokyo on Fire

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                    Joining us this week is President Obama's longest serving Ambassador, Robert M. Orr, former Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. We discuss various Asia relations and the ways recent events have impacted them. To what degree will President Trump’s cuts to the State Department impact America’s soft power in the region?                BREAKING NEWS: Publishing in the Washington Post this evening, Ambassador Orr joins nearly 200 former U.S. Ambassadors colleagues in sending an open letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker and Ranking Member Bob Menendez urging the Senate to address these issues and #DefendDiplomacy. Read the letter here: https://defenddiplomacy.org/sign-the-letter/                 President Trump imposes tariffs on $60 Billion of Chinese imports, throwing markets into chaos over the prospect of impending trade wars. Japan is one also thrown under that bus! How much will this impact Japan-U.S. Relations?                 Earlier this month, Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa resigned  over the Moritomo Gakuen scandal. After much arm-twisting, Sagawa testified on-air in Diet hearings on Tuesday. This scandal could take down Prime Minister Abe, but Sagawa took the blame (for now.)  Will the Prime Minister's poll numbers recover ... or will this affect his goal of amending the constitution?                                    Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: Joining us this week is President Obama's longest serving Ambassador, Robert M. Orr, former Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. We discuss various Asia relations and the ways recent events have impacted them. To what degree will President Trump’s cuts to the State Department impact America’s soft power in the region? BREAKING NEWS: Publishing in the Washington Post this evening, Ambassador Orr joins nearly 200 former U.S. Ambassadors colleagues in sending an open letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker and Ranking Member Bob Menendez urging the Senate to address these issues and #DefendDiplomacy. Read the letter here: <a href="https://defenddiplomacy.org/sign-the-letter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://defenddiplomacy.org/sign-the-letter/</a> President Trump imposes tariffs on $60 Billion of Chinese imports, throwing markets into chaos over the prospect of impending trade wars. Japan is one also thrown under that bus! How much will this impact Japan-U.S. Relations? Earlier this month, Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa resigned over the Moritomo Gakuen scandal. After much arm-twisting, Sagawa testified on-air in Diet hearings on Tuesday. This scandal could take down Prime Minister Abe, but Sagawa took the blame (for now.) Will the Prime Minister's poll numbers recover ... or will this affect his goal of amending the constitution? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

Morimoto Scandal Continues, Trump's Tariffs and Ambassador Orr | Tokyo on Fire

Nancy Snow

In this special episode of Tokyo on Fire, Dr. Nancy Snow speaks to an audience at the Forum for Corporate Communications on nation branding, with a focus on Japan’s recent efforts in anticipation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Episode 5 – Dr. Nancy Snow on Nation Branding

Political scandals in Japan have been rocking the domestic and foreign press as of recent. This week, we offer our take on scandals and their handling in Japan.

Episode 4 - Handling Political Scandals

This episode of Tokyo on Fire focuses on the rising tensions between the Abe administration and the Governor of Okinawa, votes in the key prefectures of Hokkaido and Oita, and the ongoing public dialogue on whether Abenomics will succeed in bringing structural reform.

Episode 8 – Japan’s Local Elections

As part of the Abenomics plan; 2014 saw Japan’s consumption tax rate increase from 5% to 8%. Have monetary easing and fiscal policies given the promised boost to Japan’s stagnating economy?

Episode 7 – Japan’s Consumption Tax

70 years have passed since the end of the Pacific War. How has Japan changed as a country since the then? How will the commemorations set to take place in August 2015 unfurl in Tokyo?

Episode 6 – Pacific War 70 Year Anniversary

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                    Just when it seemed Prime Minister Abe had finally silenced his recent scandals, they have returned with a vengeance. All three Abe scandals--Moritomo Gakuen, South-Sudan and Kake Gakuen--stole entire front pages, returning Abe to his hot-seat. With public distrust mounting, the Prime Minister has lost his mandate for Constitutional Reform. But will this cost him his role as Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, too?                In this episode, we welcome Benjamin Rimland—a recent graduate from Columbia and Cambridge Universities— as our Japanese Defense Ministry expert. In this video, we discuss recently disclosed documents and worries that the Civilians may not control the Strategic Defense Forces as they previously believed.                                    Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: Just when it seemed Prime Minister Abe had finally silenced his recent scandals, they have returned with a vengeance. All three Abe scandals--Moritomo Gakuen, South-Sudan and Kake Gakuen--stole entire front pages, returning Abe to his hot-seat. With public distrust mounting, the Prime Minister has lost his mandate for Constitutional Reform. But will this cost him his role as Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, too? In this episode, we welcome Benjamin Rimland—a recent graduate from Columbia and Cambridge Universities— as our Japanese Defense Ministry expert. In this video, we discuss recently disclosed documents and worries that the Civilians may not control the Strategic Defense Forces as they previously believed. Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

Abe Scandals Resurface, Defense Ministry Kerfuffle  | Tokyo on Fire

This week on Tokyo on Fire:                                    The Moritomo Scandal is - surprise-surprise! - back to haunt Prime Minister Abe! Someone in the Ministry of Finance has been leaking documents to the Communist Party who won't let the scandal die down. Will this gather enough steam to take down the Government?                Anti-U.S. base Nago City Mayor Susumu Inamine has been voted out-of-office. So now the Henoko base can be built without hassle... or will Okinawans manage to keep the status quo longer, or even rid their island of the bases entirely?                With saber-rattling fanfair, the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review has been updated... and Japan is on the sidelines rah-rahing the U.S. to enhance her posture? We delve into this enigma given the fervent anti-nuclear stance of the Japanese people.                                    We welcome back Glen S. Fukushima to the show: in today's episode, we discuss President Trump's Asia policy as we enter his second year: is TPP back on the table; is nuclear war on the horizon; will US unilateralism trigger trade issues in the region?                                    Understanding Japanese politics is incomplete without appreciating the famous Liberal Democratic Party. What is the background, when was it founded (and how)? What is the scope of "power" it weilds? Why has it been THE leading party for the grand majority of post-war Japan?                Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

This week on Tokyo on Fire: The Moritomo Scandal is - surprise-surprise! - back to haunt Prime Minister Abe! Someone in the Ministry of Finance has been leaking documents to the Communist Party who won't let the scandal die down. Will this gather enough steam to take down the Government? Anti-U.S. base Nago City Mayor Susumu Inamine has been voted out-of-office. So now the Henoko base can be built without hassle... or will Okinawans manage to keep the status quo longer, or even rid their island of the bases entirely? With saber-rattling fanfair, the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review has been updated... and Japan is on the sidelines rah-rahing the U.S. to enhance her posture? We delve into this enigma given the fervent anti-nuclear stance of the Japanese people. We welcome back Glen S. Fukushima to the show: in today's episode, we discuss President Trump's Asia policy as we enter his second year: is TPP back on the table; is nuclear war on the horizon; will US unilateralism trigger trade issues in the region? Understanding Japanese politics is incomplete without appreciating the famous Liberal Democratic Party. What is the background, when was it founded (and how)? What is the scope of "power" it weilds? Why has it been THE leading party for the grand majority of post-war Japan? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this discussion!

Asia Policy and Nuclear Stance | Tokyo on Fire

Las Vegas-like resorts in Japan? It definitely could happen: the Abe Administration has pushed through enabling legislation that paves the way for massive entertainment resorts to enter the Japanese market. Up until last year, gambling was largely illegal here as it had been since the Edo Period. Join Michael and Timothy as the delve into the hot-hot-hot issue!

Will Las Vegas Come To Japan? | Tokyo on Fire

Tim Romero

Japan has seen a resurgence of enthusiasm in its startup community over the past few years.  As venture capital becomes more readily available, entrepreneurs are vying for position in the Japanese market.  Join David Russell and host/founder of the Disrupting Japan Podcast, Tim Romero, as they discuss the state and direction of innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan.

Brand 2020 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan (with Tim Romero)

AirBnB Japan has captured global headlines as recent regulation changes have all but exiled the company from this market. As David and Timothy observe, this comes down to two things: tourism growing pains, and the Hotel lobby earning their salaries.

Brand 2020 | AirBnB: 98% of Japanese Listings Gone?

From hitting young children to blacklisting athletes who spurn their sexual advances, acceptable coaching practices in Japan may surprise you. Yet, as Olympic Medalist Yoko Zutterlund explains, recent social movements may provide some hope for change on the horizon.

Brand 2020 | Abusive Japan: Olympic Sports (with Yoko Zutterlund)

Tokyo may not be on fire, but the Niigata elections sure were! Some may even describe them as Nuclear—well, at least they focused on nuclear power. Join Timothy and Michael to find out the results and future implications for Japan’s energy production!

Nuclear Niigata | Tokyo on Fire

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!