Untitled News: Recent Episodes
Matthew Smith
This is a bilingual English and Japanese language podcast, discussing news from Australia and Japan. This podcast gives an international perspective on local news stories and also provides listening practice for learners of both English and Japanese.
In this episode we discuss how the impact internet outages can have, then discuss a scheme to incentivise fathers to take paternity leave. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231109/p2a/00m/0na/028000c https://www.instagram.com/p/CzW1A-vBswk/?igshid=Y3RpNGR1ZndydThy
In this episode we discuss the case of an American man in Japan having his partnership visa application denied, potentially due to his partner also being make. We then look at Haruka’s favourite bluey episodes. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231103/p2a/00m/0na/017000c https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPsFEnykgp/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
In this episode we discuss the case of a man encouraging a young girl to go to a club and a kabuki actor assisting his parents to suicide. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231020/p2a/00m/0na/003000c https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/20/japan/crime-legal/kabuki-actor-ennosuke-trial/
In this episode we discuss the Australian referendum and new findings which suggests renting is as bad for your health as smoking. https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/referendum/2023/results?filter=all&sort=az&state=all&party=all https://amp.9news.com.au/article/9830b596-b8e5-4195-960f-19123ce8fd74
In this episode we discuss extinction rebellion activists stopping musicals to save the planet, and a Japanese startup making Sake from trees. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx_tslZIPZt/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230929/p2g/00m/0bu/060000c
In this episode we discuss how a Japanese school is utilising the power of AI to improve English speaking. We also chat about how the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has suddenly quit. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230923/p2a/00m/0na/015000c https://amp.9news.com.au/article/7c1f8e0e-0b83-4376-b3c0-ad36e3e299dd
In this episode we discuss how Airbnb is facing a mandatory tax in Victoria, then look at the case of a special school in Nagoya holding a lottery for who gets to ride the school bus. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230920/p2a/00m/0na/008000c https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102878180
In this episode we try to get our head around gen z slang, and read about the curious case of an escaped 2 meter long Iguana roaming Kyushu. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw_7A3aImes/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230912/p2a/00m/0li/003000c
In this episode we discuss how some airlines are beginning to offer child free flights, and look at how the rumours around Johnny have been confirmed. Links below https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw6gdGvp3ou/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230907/p2g/00m/0na/040000c
In this episode, we look at the rise of online Chinese retailer Temu, then look at how the media is treating a Japanese actor caught with cannabis. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwmqcR3R02J/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230901/p2g/00m/0na/060000c
In this episode we discuss concerning results to national tests and a man who kept an incredible 180 cats as pets. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwUPhp9u22g/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwUPhp9u22g/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
In this episode we discuss a published list of ‘most rude cities in Australia’ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8yEzYP_j0/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== Then we look at the rise of female hikikomori in Japan. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230815/p2a/00m/0na/003000c#cxrecs_s
The title might give it away but this episode deals with potentially sensitive topics. In this episode we discuss the success of the Women’s football World Cup and how 5% of uni students in Japan profess to be porn addicted. https://amp.9news.com.au/article/64a76441-124c-480e-8b65-bcb84119290c https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230808/p2a/00m/0na/025000c?dicbo=v2-XiWAGSk
In this episode we discuss how single use plastics such as balloons used for helium are being banned, while other single use plastics ignored. Then we look at a potentially problematic meme which some in Japan are not happy with. Links are below . https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvdma6uvyXq/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japan-opening-of-'barbie'-marred-by-controversy-ahead-of-nuclear-memorials
In this episode we look at a ban imposed on gas in new buildings in Victoria, and Japan’s unusual relationship with sex workers. Links are below. https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102659636 https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230725/p2a/00m/0na/013000c?dicbo=v2-Oi3YAHD
In this episode we discuss divorce and custody laws in Japan, then talk about the rise of AI generated influencers. Links are below. https://news.yahoo.com/fully-ai-generated-influencers-getting-143239162.html https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102603522
In this episode we discuss the case of a famous surgeon losing his license to practice medicine, and a new luxury train linking Asakusa to Nikko. Links are below. https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/12/neurosurgeon-charlie-teo-found-guilty-of-unsatisfactory-professional-conduct https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14924291
I’m this episode we discuss the release of the new social media platform ‘Threads’ and how McDonald’s in Indonesia offers wedding packages. Links are below. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuV53uPvrqP/?igshid=MjA3NmNkZWY5Yg== https://www.newsweek.com/mcdonalds-wedding-package-jokes-memes-indonesia-1811064
In this episode, we discuss a curious case of a Chinese woman who decided to bring her extended family on a blind date and how the father in Bluey, Bingo, has been fat phobic in a recent episode.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-05/qld-bluey-deleted-fat-shaming-scene-exercise/102309114
https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/man-gets-sued-leaving-blind-164913319.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZGl0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAtMaySubNmRXnFXHj30TyabSoHNTYZfKkA9NE6NTtTV-IzBMafTX42c6mzKOB06BYiEXvBzfWdPf_9Ilv4Qlu-ZH9SBlbc_LnoHxYeb7fJ8gkQ0lP7KTTHiw1Lr9zm0CUP3e1-DR4zadZw8oOLi_cuQ9OB6UOqGpV_K0p4QTTY0
In this episode we discuss the new live action little mermaid movie, which Matt doesn't realise is a kids movie till half way through the chat, then we discuss how the WHO is considering making obesity medication an essential medication. Links below.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-25/the-little-mermaid-live-action-movie-review-disney-halle-bailey/102368246
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14872925
In this episode we discuss a new initiative launched by airlines which allows you to fly without anyone siting next to you. After that we consider the curious case of a former Yakuzi member who has travelled to Ukraine to fight against the Russian invasion. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsXThA0orJD/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D
https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102276660
In this episode we discuss a challenge facing many countries around the world, a lack of rental properties and skyrocketing prices. We then discuss a curious case from the US of a girl burnt by chicken nuggets. Links are below.
https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NEWS2022102337798
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230513/p2g/00m/0in/054000c
In this episode we discuss the Royal Corronation and an unusual piece of rural architecture. Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230504/p2a/00m/0li/015000c
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6IOGRPIjV/?igshid=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D
In this episode we discuss an article covering a story on how Japanese teachers are almost all working beyond 40 hours overtime per month then look at changes which have angered Australian Pharmacists. Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230428/p2a/00m/0na/034000c
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-25/pbs-change-allows-purchase-of-60-days-worth-of-medicine/102265094
In this episode, we start from scratch and reveal our process for looking for an article to discuss. Below are the articles we settled upon. Apologies to all for the end of the episode. I (Matt), accidentally pressed the end meeting button without thinking.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230419/p2g/00m/0li/039000c
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq9zBq5v7ms/?img_index=1
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-21/electric-vehicles-rebate-6000-dollars-/102250522
In this episode we discuss the story of a 73 year old lady who has just graduated from university, then we look at the story ofhow Arnold Schwarzenegger is making efforts to fix potholes in LA's streets by himself. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CrC5QcSP1Qj/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230413/p2g/00m/0in/014000cSpotify
In this episode we discuss a drop in fruit and vegetable sales at Australia's largest supermarket chain and how a Japanese company is now offering anti bullying insurance. Links are below.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-healthy-diets-not-enough-vegetables-fruit-woolworths-data-cost-of-living/345660fc-70ce-47cf-b224-7bf432fdeecf
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/04/05/national/tokio-marine-bullying-insurance/
In this episode we discuss proposals to ban 'sharenting', or parents sharing their children's lives over media, as well as a movement amongst young people to switch off from smartphones. Links are below.
Apologies to regular listeners, we were away in an area with bad reception and couldn't upload the episode on time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp9GKemI-D8/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/30/world/dumbphone-fans-disconnect/
In this episode we discuss the phenomenon of bottled water consumption and how new discoveries are being made about a building built thousands of years ago. Links are below,
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp3-qRGvH4Y/?igshid=ODRjNjljZGM%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230303/p2g/00m/0sc/002000c
In this episode we discuss the shift away from physical stores to online shopping and whether it is right to hit kids as a form of discipline. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp1lMVnPE-P/?igshid=ODRjNjljZGM%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230315/p2a/00m/0na/006000c
In this episode we discuss the recommendations for a 4 day work week by a governemnt body, as well as a constitutional debate over whether people should be allowed to change their gender legally without gender reassignment surgery.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-10/four-day-work-week-paid-parental-leave-committee/102068586
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230303/p2a/00m/0na/028000c
In this episode we discuss how a Japanese baseball team has upgraded their stadium to include an onsen, and the rising phenonemon of abandoned cars on suburban streets. Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/graphs/20230311/hpe/00m/0sp/001000g/20230311hpe00m0sp001000q
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpmViXpvHpI/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D
In this episode we discuss the use of robots to assist children to sick to attend school in person, as well as the rise in manga sales in a declining market for paper based media.
Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230224/p2g/00m/0et/048000c
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpOnZFKPRfv/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
In this episode we discuss the media's reaction to the Premier of NSW admitting to the occasional vape, and how tiktok has placed time restrictions on under 13s.
Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230302/p2g/00m/0et/003000c
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpUQiY2y1ak/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
In this episode we discuss the concept of 'digital hoarding' as well as doctors in Japan not being happy with the introduction of a new digitial medical identifying number. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6dPzRBIKR/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230223/p2a/00m/0na/009000c
In this episode we discuss how actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia and how class Roald Dahl books are getting an update to reflect modern standards of acceptable speech. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CovXixpsiDm/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
https://www.instagram.com/p/CovXixpsiDm/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
In this episode we discuss pet ownership and the popular animated Australian TV show bluey. Links are below.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230217/p2a/00m/0li/018000c
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-17/bluey-onesies-turtleboy-episode-rose-byrne-miranda-tapsell/101161262?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=whatsapp
In this episode we discuss the rising cost of second hand cothing and a unique Japanese festival that involves battles with long bamboo poles. Links are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoorzyhN4l3/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230218/p2a/00m/0na/004000c
This is a special episode on the topic of international marraige. No article this time.
In this episode we talk about King Charles not being chosen to be on Australian currency and a plate licking scandal at a Japanese sushi restaurant chain.
Links to articles are below.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/02/japan-sushi-tero-licking-video-prank/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-02/australian-5-dollar-note-queen-redesign/101920798
In this episode we discuss how schools are beginning to ban chat GPT and whether this is a good move, as well as Kishida's top aid being fired for anti LGBTQI+ remarks.
Links to the articles are below.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/04/national/politics-diplomacy/masayoshi-arai-japan-same-sex-marriage-hate/
https://www.9news.com.au/national/artificial-intelligence-victorian-state-schools-to-block-access-to-chatgpt/222417a3-b1f6-483c-ab5a-89a139635bb4
In this episode we discuss Novak's father showing support for Russia's war in Ukraine and how Japanese universities are setting quotas to increase the number of female professors.
Link to articles are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn5j3B-PvLl/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230118/p2a/00m/0op/011000c
In this episode we discuss the importance of helping people understand medical language when living outside your home country, and how a woman with a 10 million yen debt to a host club became a prostitute to pay her debt back.
Links are below
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/23/national/crime-legal/host-club-prostitution/?cx_testId=16&cx_testVariant=cx_undefined&cx_artPos=0&cx_experienceId=EXCQMYRTC2XB#cxrecs_s
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-27/language-barrier-getting-in-the-way-of-migrant-health/101874334?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web
In this episode we try to cope with the shock the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, resigning. Then we have a discussion on Weed in Japan.
Below are the links to the articles discussed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-19/jacinda-ardern-announces-resignation-as-nz-prime-minister/101871232
https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjp73v/japan-weed-marijuana-drugs-pension-fund
In this Episode we look at how different states in Australia all have different rules on public holidays, then look at how in Japan there is a shortage of teachers and try to work out why.
The articels used are linked below
https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-day-2023-trading-hours-whats-open-closed-january-26-state-by-state-guide/1cd0ef8c-06f9-4269-83fc-9f1c1f18a763
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14819509
In the episode we discuss how news articles use bad quality data to come to conclusions, then look at the idea of cultural appropriation.
Below are the articles used as stimulus for this episode.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-13/australia-most-affordable-and-expensive-suburbs-to-rent-/101845398
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230113/p2a/00m/0na/022000c
Haruka feels terrible about how she explained herself in the last episode (I didn't see the issue and think I explained myself just as badly despite speaking in my first language). Here is a special episode, recorded exclusively in Japanese to clear the air. Just like in regular episodes though, there isn't any real conclusion.
In this episode, we take a new approach and focus on one article/topic.
This episodes includes plenty of disagreement and an unclear conclusion!
A link to the article sparking this discussion is below.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/the-top-10-highest-paying-jobs-in-australia-where-you-dont-need-a-degree/0747b41f-cd4c-4ee3-889f-2f931f03782f
This episode we discuss an article about how to avoid being caught up in a scam, as well as a new form of tourism involving explosives.
Links to the articles/videos discussed are below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnLLA2VPD0b/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/ataglance/2301/
In this episode we discuss how most people fail to acheive their New Years resolutions, as well as how the Japanese government is now paying families to leave Tokyo.
https://amp.abc.net.au/article/101787132
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/03/million-yen-per-child-to-leave-tokyo-japans-offer-to-families
This was our very first attempt at recording so please be kind. In this episode we discuss Japan's performance at the world cup and how New Zealand has banned smoking for people born after a certain date.
In this episode, Matt and Haruka discuss ways to manage the stresses of the holiday season, and consider the future of E-scooters in Japan using the articles below.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/12/26/business/tech/luup-escooters-public-transport/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmkijj8LRaX/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D