Welcome to another episode of Japan This Week, your weekly roundup of trending news stories from Japan Today for Oct. 25, 2024.
In this episode, we cover the rise of organized crime and robberies in the Kanto region driven by social media apps, Japan's nuclear energy resurgence to tackle carbon emissions and a spike in used smartphone sales as consumers push back on constant new releases.
Plus, we discuss efforts to find Claudio Worm, a missing German tourist, and give listeners insight into Japan's current crime trends and tech landscape.
This week's question (answer in the comments below):
Do you support Japan's use of nuclear power for energy?
CRIME: Criminal part-time work (0:48 - 3:06)
- Social media apps are being used to recruit individuals for illegal activities, such as home invasions. A series of violent robberies in the Kanto region has led to around 30 arrests.
NATIONAL: Nuclear energy and carbon emissions (3:06 - 5:52)
- As part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions, Japan is restarting its nuclear power plants with new safety measures in place. We discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy in Japan's energy strategy.
BUSINESS: Used smartphone trend (5:52 - 15:12)
- Sales of used smartphones in Japan are booming as consumers grow tired of yearly new device releases and rising prices. Is the second-hand tech market Japan's next big trend?
BUSINESS: Pay raises (15:12 - 19:18)
- Wage increases remain difficult for Japan's small- to medium-sized businesses, despite government recommendations for companies to do so.
NATIONAL: Missing German tourist PSA (19:18 - 22:13)
- A 21-year-old German tourist, Claudio Worm, is missing in Wakayama Prefecture. Find out how you can help.
*Anyone with any information about Claudio Worm is asked to call the Wakayama Prefectural Police Personal Safety Division (073-423-0110) or Wakayama Nishi Police Station (073-424-0110).
Police said Worm is 170-180 cm tall (about 5’5” to 6 feet) , of medium build, with blonde or brown hair. At the time, he was wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt, white pants and a dark backpack.*
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