Japan Today

Welcome to a brand-new season of Japan This Week! Join host Jeff Richards for your weekly Friday roundup of the biggest and quirkiest stories from Japan Today for the week of Jan. 17, 2025. This episode focuses on the rise in closings of beloved ramen shops to Coming-of-Age Day celebrations across the country. Plus, an increasing number of suicides that injure or kill innocent bystanders, a former Green Beret speaks out about Japan's penal system and opens up about helping Carlos Ghosn escape and the growing misuse of Japan's emergency number "110" — this episode covers the biggest headlines you need to know. Timestamps: (1:17 - 4:57) BUSINESS: Record number of Japan ramen eateries went bankrupt in 2024 --> A record number of ramen shops have shut down in 2024 due to soaring costs for ingredients and utilities. What’s next for Japan's favorite comfort food? (5:00 - 9:03) NATIONAL: Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies held across Japan --> Young adults across Japan don colorful kimono and celebrate a milestone wi