Reviews
I can’t believe this claim. I myself was questioned about my bicycle many years ago after I arrived in Chiba. While I was surprised to be stopped and show my gaijin-card, I was definitely not singled out. The police just wanted to know who I was and where I lived if something more serious...Read full review »
Gem Stevens via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 03/07/24
Shaun brings up interesting topics, has great guests and is easy listening. You can tell a lot of work goes into the research, very informative.
HM 8020 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 03/04/24
I hope the financial scandal within the LDP will be covered soon. I am interested in learning about Japan’s culture and tradition but wish to know more about politics as well. (Would this topic lose some listeners?)
YukikoG via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 02/19/24
It’s a good vibe! Great topics and pacing. Oh also, love the music. Otsukaresama!
KMcanadianfan via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/12/24
Oscar Boyd and his guests discuss important topics regarding Japan with clear-eyed analysis. Sean McKenna is a worthy successor. I am still trying to decipher what I hear as “pod tsukane sama”.
etherdog via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/09/24
I’m really enjoying this show! I love the variety of topics the episodes discuss as well as the contributors that add depth to the discussions.
Jogabee via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/08/24
It’s okay, but that music hurts my ears. Drum and bass? I didn’t know it was still one month in the 90s.
Standardpoodle via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/26/23
i’m a huge podcast addict – i listen to twice-daily podcasts from the BBC and The Economist; weekly podcasts by The Verge, BBC Africa, The New York Times; tons of stuff on YouTube – and this one beats them all. great topics, smart reporting and analysis, an awesomely personable host who brings...Read full review »
agoodflyingbird via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/27/23
It’s very hard to find reliable, weekly or monthly podcasts about Japanese current events so I was thrilled to find this. The topics are diverse and interesting and they are reviewed thoughtfully and intelligently.
PSUx2 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/10/23
I look forward to listening to Shaun every week, very diverse and interesting topics.
Young Nony via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 09/08/23
The wide-range of stories, well informed and well told, is terrific, but I’ve been particularly engaged by the stories about environmental challenges that Japan faces—everything from giant salamanders to emptying villages. The perfect combination of investigative astuteness and empathy for human...Read full review »
queen of the Anthropocene via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/01/23
This is a highlight in my podcast feed. Good curation on the big stories, not just the headlines of the day but developments in culture, environment and politics that matter to residents of Japan. Having been a subscriber since the early days of this podcast, I have noted the evolution of its...Read full review »
OhChiik via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/28/23
I used to love to love listening to this podcast as it was informative and thought provoking. However, it now seems to be like your normal trash you could find on daytime tv “tOuRiSt bETter wEar MaSk, WOOOOOAAHH PEOPLE HAVE TRASHY HOMES????, LETS EAT JAPANESE FOOD WOW OISHIIIIII”. Absolute mind...Read full review »
#Ridex# via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 01/25/23
This podcast is really good to stay updated about Japan. Very informative and eye opening.
Bahaskia via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 12/13/22
This was a great podcast, always looked forward to it. I’m sad the “hiatus” has turned from temporary to permanent with Oscar’s departure and the Tokyo Times seeming uninterested in keeping it going with guest hosts or a new, permanent one.
Asdfasdfasdf1234 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/23/22
Great reporting. Great format. I’m not aware of alternative podcasts in this niche, so I’m pretty bummed it’s on hiatus.
HumanWaste via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/07/22
Great news podcast.
タカスおじさん via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 05/07/22
This podcast compellingly covers current events and general culture related to Japan. The subjects go well beyond the usual clichés. The interviews are well prepared and the guests are very knowledgeable. The host, Oscar, has a good radio voice and is articulate.
net_benji via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 04/23/22
Oscar Boyd is up there with the best interviewers that I listen to--Michael Barbaro from The Daily (NYT) and even David Remnick of The New Yorker. It has been two years since I have been to Japan but it is an essential part of my life and work. Oscar and Deep Dive have kept me connected. I...Read full review »
Henray2014 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/21/22
Really interesting and informative. Excellent discussion led by a skilled presenter joined by well-chosen guests. The presenter has a lovely interview style.
ATM Yuga via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 01/13/22
?
Oscar you buried the lead. You need to do an episode about 2 broken arms. What was the health care system like? What is life like with both arms broken?
polkiujh via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 07/24/21
Kind of like The Daily or PostReports but for Japan, the show looks at one big news story facing the country in each episode in a fun, conversational way. Nice format, good guests. I hope Oscar’s break ends soon so we can hear more.
arcticbae via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 04/12/21
I’ve only just discovered this podcast and I’ve been binge listening to the episodes. The topics are so interesting and really penetrating about life in Japan covering culture, politics, history, etc. thank you Oscar - u are the consummate host. Just read about the discussion for a 4-day work...Read full review »
Zeylanicus via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/08/21
As a foreign resident living in Japan, I find this podcast an excellent source of current affairs and news. Topics are well researched and significant time is spent deconstructing them. Keep up the excellent work!
apcathcart via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/04/21
Thank you for the update on the rollout. We all wait patiently, but hope things can be fast tracked!
Tokyo George via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 03/24/21
Informative. Thank you.
Koizumi Yakumo via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 03/24/21
Really touched by the stories by Mari Saito, Alex Martin and Richard Lloyd Parry. Thanks you for the great storytelling from Tohoku.
sienna1984 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 03/11/21
Unfortunately, none of the Japan Times articles that are linked in the reference material are openly readable anymore, they disappeared behind a paywall. That‘s a pity.
Tippfehlerteufel via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 03/02/21
Really interesting podcast for all us Japan expats.
lulubunny881 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 03/02/21
I’ve been listening to this podcast since 2018 and it’s so consistently good. I never tire of it! Even at the times when the topic for that week’s episode, on its face, doesn’t seem like it will be of interest to me, I listen anyway, and even then I find myself engaged and so glad to have...Read full review »
ECoastExpat via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/19/21
You learn a lot about topics that you might not find in other sources. The topics are always interesting and well researched. In each episode a guest who has knowledge on the subject talks to the host who carries the conversation with comments and questions. The mood is never overly somber and...Read full review »
Jeot via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/28/21
This is a very nice Foreigner-friendly podcast to understand a bit better how real Japan is. Highly suggested for Gaijins like me!
marsag99 via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 01/25/21
I generally enjoy the approach of exploring the fundamentals and impact of current events, rather than simply covering news in digestum, especially by and for a diverse audience of foreigners. However, it does often feel targeted towards people in and around Tokyo, which for those of us living...Read full review »
cortjezter via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/22/21
Interesting guests and a fantastic host, highly recommended if you’re interested in Japan.
Jan Stromsodd via Apple Podcasts · Norway · 01/21/21
I have never listened to a podcast before Deep Dive. This is first and so far the best podcast that I have listened to. I have known a lot about Japanese cultures, history and politics from books, friends and my wife. However, Deep Dive adds a whole new layer of knowledge. I just love listening...Read full review »
Quang Huynh 175 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/06/21
Every week another new and interesting subject, presented well, concise but long enough to be eye opening, revealing and fun.
Mishmish0707 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 11/20/20
Unusual stories, interesting guests — Great podcast!
Hoosier Puzzler via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/30/20
Thank you for all you do :), make sure to add this to your listening fun!
tokyotiger06 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 10/28/20
Entertaining, informative, and succinct. Highlights include episodes on koji, the Fuji climb, tattoo-taboos, Thomas Frebel of Inua, and the Great Konbini Debate of 2019 (muting wasn’t necessary). Guests are the focus of the show and the hosts graciously allow them to talk. Very useful: included...Read full review »
eug-ene via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 10/25/20
I really enjoy listening to this podcast. The episodes are the right length but go into enough depth to be informative and insightful. The variety of topics adds to the overall impression. Great job. Keep it up.
petewwe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/01/20
I can highly recommend this program to all those interested in serious reporting on all matters ranging from composition of the cabinet, to a comparative study of convenience stores in Tokyo!
Alfoneh via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/30/20
Enjoying it every week!
podlistner1984 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 09/21/20
The podcast is very informative, well paced and at the same time easy to digest the information being given. It always keeps you up update what’s currently going on in Japan. I am a lot of times impressed by the host’s, Oscar Boyd, very insightful questions. I enjoy his pace and his calm but...Read full review »
Betosarai via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/10/20
I don’t normally write reviews but this is such a great mix of topics and guests. I tune in every week. Thanks!
Oakland199072 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/06/20
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