Japan Politics Podcast
A podcast about Japanese Politics in English. Host Luke Whittaker is a Japan history and culture enthusiast who tries to get to grip with Japanese politics and current events.
エピソード
Is Japan's PM in Trouble?
Japan's Leader, Sanae Takaichi, is facing a scandal over AI campaign videos and lower poll ratings. Where does her government go from here?
Japan's Having a Referendum?
Japan could soon be having a referendum on allowing the country to have a military, what are the pros and cons of the change and could this help or hurt Sanae Takaichi?
Japan Wins in America, Loses in North Korea
Japan's Leader, Sanae Takaichi, can boast a diplomatic win after a successful meeting with Donald Trump. Her efforts with North Korea were less successful, what went wrong?
What Does War in Iran Mean for Japan?
What could this developing conflict mean for Japan? Looking at how the military, economy, energy and politics of Japan could all be shaped by this war.
Japan's 2026 Election Results : Conservatives Wipe out the Left
Japan's conservative Leader, Sanae Takaichi, has won a super majority! How did she win her vindicating 316 seat victory? Why did Japan's centre and left perform so badly?
Japan's 2026 Election - Preview
Japan's Leader, Sanae Takaichi, has called a snap election, but can she win it? Why is Japan having another election? What are the key issues? Plus, how each party could fare in 2026.
Japan Faces Global Tensions
Japan faces global chaos with Ukraine, Venezuela and fears for Greenland and NATO. Is the global order Japan relies on for security under threat and how are they responding?
Taiwan Tension: China v Japan
China-Japan tensions are high after PM Sanae Takaichi's comments about Taiwan. How has China responded and what happens now?
Everybody Loves Sanae Takaichi?
The highs and lows of Sanae Takaichi's start as Japan's Prime Minister, plus why she's doing so well in the polls.
Sanae Takaichi Is PM - How the Conservatives Won
Sanae Takaichi is confirmed as Japan's first female Prime Minister! How did she and Ishin make a deal to keep the centrist/left coalition out of power?
Sanae Takaichi - Japan's Next Leader
Who is the new Leader of the LDP, and Japan's next PM, Sanae Takaichi?
Can Shinjiro Koizumi be Stopped?
Japan faces a new PM as the governing LDP chooses its new Leader. Can anyone stop favourite Shinjiro Koizumi?
PM Ishiba Has Gone
Japan's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has just resigned. Why did this happen and who might replace him?
Japan and Manchuria
Interview with historian Quin Cho to discuss Japan and the Manchurian Crisis and its impact and lasting effects on the world.
Japan's 2025 Election - Results Are In!
Japan's 2025 election is over and the results are in! Looking at what led to another bad result for the LDP, Sanseito's breakthrough moment and how each party did.
Japan's 2025 Election: Preview
Japan has an election! On 20th July 2025 , will Sanseito and Japan's populist right surge? What does PM Ishiba need to survive? What can we expect from each of Japan's parties? All on the Japan Politics Podcast.
Japan Gives Money Away?
In this Japan Politics Podcast: Ishiba wants to hand out free money, Koizumi continues making a name for himself (as he tackles rice shortages) and Japan looks at regional links.
It's the Rice Economy, Stupid!
In this Japan Politics Podcast the shortage of rice continues to hurt Japan (and it's government), leading to the Farming Minister resigning and a big opportunity for Shinjiro Koizumi the son of a former P.M.
Ishiba Talks Tough
Japan's PM Ishiba talks tough on tariffs and those who want to lower tax. Also, does Japan need regional immigration, election talk, low rice supply, and some positive news for Japan.
Is Yuichiro Tamaki the Future?
Discussing if Yuichiro Tamaki or Sanae Takaichi could succeed Ishiba, Ishiba's tour to Vietnam and the Philippines, Komeito's concerns and snakes on a train.
Japan Strikes Back
In this week's Japan Politics Podcast: Did Japan end Trump's tariffs? What could happen with the tariffs now? Also Japan sees record visitors, experiences population decline and Taiwan seems to love Japan.
A New Alliance
This week Ishiba lives to fight another day, an alliance is formed between CDP and Ishin, Trump tariffs loom, a budget is passed and Komeito may be tiring of the LDP.
Should Ishiba Stay or Should He Go?
Is time up for Japan's PM or can he survive his latest scandal? Also, who are his potential successors?
Women in Japanese Politics
Looking at the participation of women in Japan's politics, comparing participation to the USA and UK, who the prominent women in politics are and who are the SDP Party of Japan.
Rice Price Baby
Rice prices soar across Japan creating a crisis. Elsewhere the balance between Japan and China/Taiwan is questioned, LDP work with Ishin and not the DPFP, there's more news on Governor Saito and a snow ball fight creates a potential criminal investigation.
Trump Finally Meets Ishiba
In a banner week PM Ishiba finally meets Trump, gets a poll bump and China makes concessions.
Donald Trump Looks to Undermine Ishiba?
In Episode 11 I talk about Sanae Takaichi meeting Trump, the LDP's increased majority, marital surnames, more scandal for Governor Saito and Shohei Kondo gets censored for criticising Assassins Creed Shadows.
Why Doesn't Japan Have a Military?
A deep dive into Japan's constitution, Article 9 and how Japan has coped with being legally forbidden from having a military.
More Chaos in South Korea
Episode 9 covering Yoon's failed arrest and ongoing impeachment, the Constitution Party of Japan, shrinking houses in Japan, regional tourism, Hiroshima vs Kansai okonomiyaki and remote workers in Lawsons.
Another Japanese Party Leader Bites the Dust
In episode 8 I discuss the Leader of the DPFP being suspended, Abe's widow meeting with Donald Trump, shared surname legislation and naming your child Pikachu.
Luigi Mangione and Japan
In episode 7 I talk Luigi Mangione and his connection to Japan, Tokyo's 4 day work week, Tokyo's efforts to increase child-birth, what a new South Korean President could mean for Japan and Mount Fuji.
A Crisis in South Korea
In episode 6 I talk about the recent crisis in South Korea, what this means for Japan, shared surnames, family matters and a bear crisis in Akita City.
An Asian NATO?
In episode 5 I discuss more problems for Governor Saito, a possible NATO for Asia, an immigration protest, the history of the Reiwa Party and Uniqlo.
Ishiba - The Lonely Figure
Episode four of the Japan Politics Podcast. Looking at Ishiba's failure to meet Trump, a miracle comeback for Governor Saito, the history of the Conservative Party of Japan and Japan FC.
Japan and Donald Trump
Episode three of the Japan Politics Podcast. Looking at what a Trump win means for Japan, Ishiba's confirmation as PM, a scandal in the DPFP and why Shibuya Square is closed for New Years.
Japan's Race for Prime Minister
Episode two of the Japan Politics Podcast looking at who will win the race to be Japan's Prime Minister, who won and lost the election, election stories and Yokohama Dena Baystars.
Japan's Snap Election
Looking at Japan's 2024 snap election, the fortunes of the LDP, political parties in Japan and Leeds United's Ao Tanaka.
