Red-Baiting in 2016
A recent attempt by the Liberal Democratic Party to brand the Japan Communist Party as violent has sparked a new debate on the political history of Japan, but it seems to be primarily a cynical political ploy.
Drones: What’s the Rumpus?
Host Michael Penn interviews journalist and book author Tim Hornyak and learns about the development and purposes of drones.
Shinzo Abe and the Yakuza
The crackdown on yakuza, including the group called the Kudokai, which is registered as an especially dangerous criminal gang under Japanese law, has recently reached abnormal levels. However, the fact that the Kudokai is also an organization reported to have once had connections with Shinzo Abe before he became prime minister eludes most people.
Young Entrepreneurs: What’s the Rumpus?
Host Michael Penn interviews Yu Asabe about the eco-system for young entrepreneurs and technology start-ups in Japan.
Lift Off for Terra Drone
Terra Motors expanded its shares in the international electric vehicle market, and predicts that it will make 30 billion yen (US$270 million) in this market period.
The Dippy Opposition
Well, they’ve done it again. Just when you see glimmers of hope that Japan’s opposition parties might just be getting their acts together, they go and show you once again just how incompetent they really are.
Falling Workforce Hits Convenience Stores
The declining workforce is already having an economic and social impact across Japan, and one industry which is already facing major changes is that of convenience stores, which depend on the existence of a pool of cheap labor in order to thrive. The largest chains such as Seven & i Holdings, Lawson, and FamilyMart are on the front lines.
Uniformed Officers Gaining Control of Defense Ministry
Uniformed Self-Defense Forces officers are currently demanding a larger role in setting military policies, which will for the first time utilize the security legislation forced through the Diet by the ruling coalition last September. Civilian defense bureaucrats have so far rejected the demands of the uniformed officers, fearing that acquiescing will decisively tilt the power balance between the two sides within the ministry.
Black History: What’s the Rumpus?
Host Michael Penn interviews columnist and book author Baye McNeil about the meaning and significance of Black History.
Five Star Hotels: What’s the Rumpus?
What’s the Rumpus? Five Star Hotels! SNA President Michael Penn interviews book author Yuko Seki.