123: How the pandemic exacerbated Japan's gender inequality w/ Hanako Montgomery

123: How the pandemic exacerbated Japan's gender inequality w/ Hanako Montgomery

Author: The Japan Times March 30, 2022 Duration: 31:56
During the pandemic, women in Japan have been more likely to lose their jobs, face increased pressure at home and be victims of domestic violence. And data released earlier this month showed that in 2021 suicides increased among women for the second year running, whilst declining for men. 

Hanako Montgomery, a reporter for Vice World News in Japan, discusses Japan’s poor record on gender equality, why the pandemic has impacted women in particular, and what the country is trying to do about the rise in suicides among women.

Read/see more: 

The Japan Times 125th anniversary discount:
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Sponsor:
Today’s episode is sponsored by RGF Professional Recruitment Japan, the bilingual arm of Recruit, Japan and Asia's largest recruiting and information service company. Visit RGF Professional Recruitment Japan to register your resume and unleash your potential today.

On this episode:
Hanako Montgomery: Twitter | Articles | Instagram
Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

Transcript:
We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know.

Crisis lines:
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 119 in Japan for immediate assistance. The TELL Lifeline is available for those who need free and anonymous counseling at 03-5774-0992. You can also visit them at telljp.com. For those in other countries, visit www.suicide.org for a detailed list of resources and assistance.

Announcements:
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Photo: In 2021, Japan placed 120th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum's gender equality list. | Getty Images



There’s always more to the story than the headlines suggest. Deep Dive from The Japan Times goes beyond the surface, offering a richer, more nuanced look at the forces shaping contemporary Japan and its role in the world. Each episode is built on the trusted journalism of The Japan Times, but here the conversation expands. You’ll hear reporters and editors discuss the deeper context behind their articles, alongside candid interviews with experts, analysts, and people with firsthand experience. The discussions naturally span the interconnected realms of politics, economics, and social change, while also making room for the cultural currents-from film and literature to everyday life-that define the national mood. This isn’t a recap of the news; it’s an exploration of the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ Tuning into this podcast means gaining a clearer understanding of complex issues, from demographic shifts and technological innovation to regional diplomacy and evolving artistic expressions. It’s for anyone curious about the intricate realities of a country often summarized in simple terms. The result is a thoughtful, informative listen that connects the dots between news, business, culture, and society, providing a comprehensive audio companion to one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Deep Dive from The Japan Times
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