141: Is it too late to save the Japanese giant salamander?

141: Is it too late to save the Japanese giant salamander?

Author: The Japan Times December 16, 2022 Duration: 29:52
With the United Nations Biodiversity Conference taking place in Montreal this week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to look at how Japan is handling issues involving biodiversity here. Environmental journalist Mara Budgen comes on the show to talk about the Japanese giant salamander, which has been designated a "special natural monument" under Japanese law but is still vulnerable to extinction. 
If you have pitches for our new section Our Planet, feel free to email us at environment@japantimes.co.jp. 

Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez

On this episode: 
Mara Budgen: Articles | Twitter

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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, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter

Photo: 
The Japanese giant salamander’s biology has changed little over the past 23 million years, so when you see one it’s like looking at a dinosaur. | TOPOUTIMAGES/ YUKIHIRO FUKUDA

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

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