Matthew Smith

Untitled News

News EN ↓ 52 episodes

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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: podcasters.spotify.com

Author

Matthew Smith

Category

News

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Nov 12, 2023

Where to listen?

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Episodes

Internet outages causing havoc and paying companies to make their employees take paternity leave 12.11.2023

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

Same sex couple gets visa rejected and top 100 bluey episode countdown 05.11.2023

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==

Encouraging 14 year olds to go to clubs and kabuki suicide pacts 22.10.2023

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/

Australia votes and renting as bad as smoking cigarettes 17.10.2023

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

Protesting at a musical and Sake made from wood 08.10.2023

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

Schools using AI to practice English and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews resigns 30.09.2023

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

Airbnb gets taxed and disabled students banned from riding school bus 23.09.2023

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

Gen Z slang and Iguana on the loose 16.09.2023

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

Child free flights and Johnny gets confirmed as a peso file 09.09.2023

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

Publicly shaming celebrities and potentially dodgy Chinese online retailers 03.09.2023

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

180 cats as pets and failing kids 27.08.2023

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==

Rude Australian cities and hikikomori 19.08.2023

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

Women’s World Cup and porn addiction 13.08.2023

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

Ban the balloon! /People furious with Explosive Barbie meme in Japan 05.08.2023

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-contr...

No gas/ crackdown on street prostitution 30.07.2023

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

AI girls and divorce in Japan 22.07.2023

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

Dangerous surgeons and luxury trains 16.07.2023

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

Classy McDonald’s wedding packages and competition for twitter 09.07.2023

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

Blind date with brings 23 closest relatives to dinner and bluey accused of fat shaming 11.06.2023

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=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZ...

Going under the sea with the new little mermaid movie and are weightless medications essential? 02.06.2023

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/articl...

Yakuza fighting in Ukraine and flying without anyone sitting next to you 23.05.2023

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

Rental crisis and outrageously hot chicken nuggets 15.05.2023

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

Harry leaves Meghan at home and the Eiffel Tower pops up in the Japanese countryside 07.05.2023

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

Dangerous levels of overwork and big changes in Australian Pharmacies. 02.05.2023

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

A different approach 22.04.2023

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/...

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