Chinese President Xi Jinping made the rounds at APEC last week, Gabriel Dominguez tells us what it means for Japan. At home, NHK has announced its “Kohaku” lineup — with nary a Johnny’s act to be found. Patrick St. Michel discusses the year’s most notable snub.

On this episode:
Shaun McKenna: Articles | X
Gabriel Dominquez: Articles | X
Patrick St. Michel: Articles | X

Read more:

Kishida and Xi aim for trade progress despite lingering tensions (Gabriel Dominguez and Gabrielle Ninivaggi, The Japan Times)
'Offensive' and 'defensive' diplomacy: Managing ties with China (Hotaka Machida, The Japan Times)
NHK ditches Johnny's acts for year-end musical bonanza (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times)
Takeshi Kitano, comedian, film director, actor, painter, writer, singer (FCCJ, YouTube)
Scandal-hit Takarazuka to set up experts panel to improve culture (The Japan Times)
With ‘Idol,’ Yoasobi pens a new chapter in J-pop’s story (Patrick St. Michel, The Japan Times)

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Photo: An official shot for this year’s lineup for NHK’s annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” | KYODO

Queens (aka Lorikeets Are Quite Nice Birds Really)