135: ‘High waves and dangerous storms’: How China’s moves are affecting Japan

135: ‘High waves and dangerous storms’: How China’s moves are affecting Japan

Author: The Japan Times November 9, 2022 Duration: 28:10
Despite a recent spate of North Korean missile tests, Japan’s larger concerns have mainly focused on activities taking place to the south of the country — specifically, those involving China and Taiwan.

This week on Deep Dive from The Japan Times we speak with senior staff writer Jesse Johnson about Japan’s new alliance with Australia, the recent increase in defense spending and, of course, North Korea. Afterward, staff writer Gabriel Dominguez discusses in more detail the recent Communist Party congress and how it is likely to affect Asia as a whole.   

Read More:
Spate of launches raises prospect of North Korean missile with multiple nuclear warheads (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times)
Taiwan and looming security crises bring Japan and Australia closer together (Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times)
More ‘red,’ more capable and focused on Taiwan: Xi cements his grip on PLA (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times)
Concerns over China bringing Japan and Australia’s relations ever closer (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times)
What would be the signs China is preparing to invade Taiwan? (Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times)

On this episode: 
Jesse Johnson: Articles | Twitter
Gabriel Dominguez: Articles | Twitter
Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram

Announcements: Get in touch with Shaun and the show at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. If you like what you’ve heard, then please support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing this episode with someone you know. Follow us on Twitter!

Photo: In his congress address, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned China to be prepared for “strong waters, high waves and dangerous storms.” Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said something similar in an interview this summer. | 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
Podcast Episodes
195: Kabukicho: Tokyo's 'stadium of desire' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:44
What do street-kid influencers, fantasy boyfriends and around 280 bars crammed into six allies have in common? They are all a part of Kabukicho, an area of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward that is either a tourist trap or sleazy re…
193: Tokyo underground: The city beneath our feet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
On this week’s Deep Dive, we speak to Alex K.T. Martin who has done a series of pieces exploring what lies beneath the surface of Tokyo. Hidden rivers, ancient artifacts and crumbling infrastructure are just a few of the…
192: The sweaty pleasure of Japan’s inconvenient art [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:11
Japan is known for its convenience, but if you want to see some of the best artwork the country has to offer you’ll need to travel way off the beaten path. It involves trekking, sweating and, on the odd occasion, you don…
191: What does climate change sound like? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:17
With temperatures rising we can all feel how climate change is affecting our lives, but what if we could hear it too? This week, Japan Times climate editor Chris Russell joins us to discuss what researchers at the Okinaw…
Japan is doing better on accessibility than you think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
With an increase in tourists heading to these parts, some may be wondering if Japan is a safe destination for those with disabilities. If you’re concerned, Josh Grisdale from the website Accessible Japan is here to help.…
190: Sakura stories revisited: Getting in the mood for hanami [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:06
We are revisiting some past content on the science, economics and culture of cherry blossom season. Most importantly, we talk about some of the best spots to check them out in the Tokyo and Osaka areas. Hosted by Shaun M…
[Rebroadcast] Traveling Okinawa with a broken heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:26
This week on Deep Dive, contributing writer and photographer Lance Henderstein reads us his article on traveling Okinawa during the rainy season. Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.On this episode: Shaun…
188: A young 3/11 survivor and her vow to protect the ocean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:37
At 12, Miku Narisawa experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake. The ensuing and tsunami destroyed her home. Instead of running from the ocean, however, she is now working to try to protect it through her Odyssey Nature…