Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and South Korea, retired Yonsei University professor and South Korean sociologist Dr. Lew Seok-choon shares his insights on the evolving bilateral relationship, the outlook under South Korea's new leadership, and the lingering historical tensions between the two East Asian neighbors. Interview held on June 23, 2025.

Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

Illustrator and NHK reporter Kailene Falls talks Japanese food, design, and culture — from watercolor travel guides to TV reporting, and why she made food her niche. What does it take to share Japan with the world without losing its flavor?

Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

Former British Museum curator Paul Martin talks Japanese swords — who buys them, how to spot fakes, samurai myths in movies, and the future of swordsmithing in Japan. Can this centuries-old tradition survive in the modern world?

Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

This month, we sit down with kimono influencer and fashion ambassador Sheila Cliffe as she shares her fascinating journey through the ever-evolving world of kimono. From her first brush with the garment to her inspiring work promoting it on the global stage, Sheila offers unique insights, personal reflections, and a thoughtful look at the kimono's role in our modern world.

Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

We welcome Jason Halayko, a seasoned photographer, to talk about his journey through the ever-evolving field. From his early days to where he is now, Jason shares his passion, tips for beginners, and insights into the industry.

In our first episode, Japan Forward's Editor-in-Chief Yasuo Naito, shares what it takes to launch a new bilingual media outlet in Japan.

Check the link below to stream with English captions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anEJPDYHt_o

初回エピソードには、JAPAN Forward編集長であり、国際報道記者として活躍してきた内藤泰朗が登場。バイリンガルメディアを立ち上げるまでの道のり、多様なバックグラウンドを持つチームを率いる難しさとやりがいについて語ります。さらに、かつてロシアで取材活動をしていた頃のエピソードや、ジャーナリズムの世界に飛び込むきっかけとなった原点にも迫ります。

Twenty Minutes With… is a bilingual podcast by Japan Forward, where professionals including artists, scholars, politicians, and business insiders discuss their lives and work in Japan.

Japan faces population decline, labor shortages, geopolitical volatility, and climate threats.

Political scientist and former Diet member Mieko Nakabayashi says it's time to rethink how the country approaches risk — and embrace it as a force for growth, not just a danger to avoid.

Check the link below to stream with English captions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuF95mHOON0&t=838s

人口減少や労働力不足、地政学的リスク、気候変動など、複合的な危機に直面する日本。早稲田大学の中林美恵子教授は、「ゼロリスク」を追い求めるのではなく、リスクを戦略的に管理し、成長の糧とする発想の転換が必要だと語ります。