Deep Dive from The Japan Times

187: Hunting in Hokkaido; Taylor Swift comes to Tokyo

Feb 15, 2024

Hokkaido-based writer Justin Randall discusses how proposed gun laws may impact hunters. Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith talk about Taylor Swift's Tokyo shows. Topics include firearm regulations in Japan, wildlife movement, and Taylor Swift's influence on fans and the economy.

35:35

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Episode guests

Justin Randall

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Proposed gun laws in Hokkaido may endanger hunters' lives by limiting firepower for humane kills.

Taylor Swift's sold-out Tokyo shows contrast the more dangerous topic of gun laws in Hokkaido.

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The 74th edition of the Sapporo Snow Festival drew 2.4 million visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic attendance levels. The festival showcased impressive ice sculptures and organizers are hopeful for an even bigger success next year for its 75th edition.

Introduction

2min

Deer Overpopulation and Hunting in Hokkaido

13min

Exploring Kushiro: From Nature to Culture

5min

Revitalizing Traditions and Building Community

2min

Challenges of Cultural Integration in Japanese Towns

2min

Taylor Swift in Tokyo: The Impact of Fans and Culture

11min

You probably don’t think of guns when you think of Japan, but Hokkaido’s hunters do. Hokkaido-based writer Justin Randall says newly proposed gun laws may make their lives more dangerous. Later, Shaun McKenna and Alyssa I. Smith discuss something less dangerous: Taylor Swift’s sold-out Tokyo shows.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode:
Justin Randall: Articles | Linktree
Alyssa I. Smith: Articles

Read more/Listen more:

Hokkaido hunters say more firepower means more humane kills (Justin Randall, The Japan Times)
How are firearms regulated in Japan? (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times)
Bear goes the neighborhood? Japanese wildlife is on the move. (Alex K.T. Martin, Deep Dive from The Japan Times)
Most Japanese outside major urban areas say they do not engage with foreign nationals (Kyodo)
Taylor Swift slays her Tokyo era (Allan Richarz, The Japan Times)
Fans share love for Taylor Swift at sold-out Tokyo shows (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times)
Welcome to Japan, Taylor Swift fans. Please remain seated as you cheer. (Motoko Rich and Kiuko Notoya, The New York Times)
Seiji Ozawa’s boundless experiment (Chiho Iuchi, The Japan Times)
The story behind my favorite photo of Seiji Ozawa (Dan Szpara, The Japan Times)

Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!

Photo: Naoko Motooka began hunting 10 years ago. Her hobby is one way Hokkaido hopes to curb a current boom in the deer population. | JUSTIN RANDALL

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Deep Dive from The Japan Times

187: Hunting in Hokkaido; Taylor Swift comes to Tokyo

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Return of Sapporo Snow Festival draws large crowds

Hunting culture and animal population in Eastern Hokkaido

Insights into hunting in Hokkaido

Efforts to revitalize Kushiro amidst depopulation

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts