Japan This Week Podcast | July 26, 2024: Tourist trap, Harris or Trump, not-so-smooth operator, pizza party and fizzled flame

Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of the most pressing news stories from Japan.

In this episode, hosts Jeff Richards and Kamasami Kong discuss the introduction of dual-pricing systems for tourists and locals in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida’s comments on the U.S. presidential race, a bizarre crime involving glue and bird poop in Nagoya, a lawsuit over a late pizza delivery in Osaka and the controversy surrounding a Japanese gymnast barred from competition at the Paris Olympics for smoking and drinking. They also share listener comments on the stories and invite further engagement from the audience.

National: Dual-pricing system for tourists and locals

• Many Japanese businesses are considering charging tourists more than locals due to rising costs.
• Example: Tamate Bako in Shibuya charges tourists more than locals for a seafood buffet.
• Discussion on fairness and implications for foreign residents in Japan.
• Listener comments on dual-pricing, including concerns about fairness and potential spread to other sectors.

Politics: Prime Minister Kishida on U.S. presidential race

• Kishida's respect for President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 election.
• Potential impact of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.
• Japanese diplomatic strategy towards U.S. politics, including outreach to both political parties.

Crime: Unusual assault involving glue and bird poop

• A man in Nagoya attempted to meet women by squirting glue in their hair and pretending it was bird poop.
• Discussion on the absurdity and failure of his method.
• Listener comments reflecting humor and disdain for the man’s actions.

National: Lawsuit over late pizza delivery in Osaka

• A man sued Pizza La for delivering his pizza 52 minutes late.
• Court ruling against the man, emphasizing expectations and service standards in Japan.

Olympics: Japan gymnastics team captain barred from competing for smoking and drinking

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