Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode
Tuna fetches 36 mil. yen at New Year auction in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/fcde8c3a189b-tuna-fetches-36-mil-yen-at-new-year-auction-in-tokyo.html
Scientists leave Japan for China, wooed by better teamwork, jobs | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14800258
China suspends issuing visas in Japan and South Korea | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/china/covid-wave-past-its-peak-many-parts-china-state-media-2023-01-10/
Japan marks first Coming of Age Day with adulthood lowered to 18 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/3adef2f33092-japan-marks-first-coming-of-age-day-with-adulthood-lowered-to-18.html
Japan, U.S. to cooperate over next-generation nuclear reactors https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/c3ef22513bfe-japan-us-to-cooperate-over-next-generation-nuclear-reactors.html
Japan culls record 10 mil. birds as avian flu spreads https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/44b003988a23-japan-culls-record-10-mil-birds-as-avian-flu-spreads.html
Tokyo core consumer prices up 4.0% in Dec., biggest rise since 1982 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/927c4e4f3d34-urgent-tokyo-core-consumer-prices-up-40-in-dec-biggest-rise-since-1982.html
Kishida's plan to combat Japan's low birthrate stirs talk of sales tax hike | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/08/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-birthrate-policy-tax-hike/
Japan's real wages fall in Nov. at sharpest pace in 8 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ca30d42bc7ae-japans-real-wages-fall-in-nov-at-sharpest-pace-in-8-yrs.html
Tokyo families to get 5,000 yen a month per child amid falling birthrates https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/4a8a3ad64d27-families-in-tokyo-to-get-5000-yen-per-child-amid-falling-birthrates.html
Japan's new car sales fall 5.6% in 2022 to lowest level in 45 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/1194cb08d87c-japans-new-car-sales-fall-56-in-2022-to-lowest-level-in-45-years.html
Sony-Honda venture unveils prototype of new Afeela EV https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/5ad335201ffa-sony-honda-venture-unveils-prototype-of-new-afeela-ev.html
2,610 killed in Japan traffic accidents in 2022, new record low https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/ecb6e1164c34-2610-killed-in-japan-traffic-accidents-in-2022-new-record-low.html
Japan’s Business Owners Can’t Find Successors. This Man Is Giving His Away. - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/business/japan-businesses-succession.html
Converse teaming up with Cup Noodle for three pairs of shoes inspired by iconic packaging | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/10/converse-teaming-up-with-cup-noodle-for-three-pairs-of-shoes-inspired-by-iconic-packaging/
Kicking off the new year with a gathering of the most famous dekotora in Japan | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/01/09/kicking-off-the-new-year-with-a-gathering-of-the-most-famous-dekotora-in-japan


Check out our sponsors! 
STAPLETON 英会話: https://stapleton.me/ Online classes! 
DROPS Hair: http://drops-hair.jp/ 

If you are interested in the equipment we use, check out the links below! 
mic https://amzn.to/3gtJapQ 
mixer XLR USB https://amzn.to/2XtQ8SL 
camera https://amzn.to/2ZwsLuu 
headphones  https://amzn.to/2TAYt64 
amp  https://amzn.to/3ehnfQM