The Ball is My Friend - June 27, 2026

The Ball is My Friend - June 27, 2026

Each week, a single topic explored in a little more depth than my companion podcast, theTokyoBill news brief. This week:  how Japan went from having no professional football league to facing Brazil in the World Cup knockout stage — and the manga that started it all.   Music credit: MOTIVATE by Wavecont, via Pixabay.com

Equal Under the Law, Just Not Married - June 20, 2026

Stories from Japan, told from Japan. This week: a country where two-thirds of the public support same- marriage, hundreds of thousands turn out for Pride, and the law still says no.    Support: BuyMeACoffee/TokyoBill [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TokyoBill], or visit theTokyoBill.com [https://theTokyoBill.com]. And, now on Patreon! :)

Waiting for the Lights to Change - June 13, 2026

Stories from Japan, told from Japan. This week: why Japan is fining people for littering in a city that removed all the bins — and who is actually to blame.    Support: BuyMeACoffee/TokyoBill [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TokyoBill], or visit theTokyoBill.com [https://theTokyoBill.com]. :)

Anonymous and Fluid - June 6, 2026

Stories from Japan, told from Japan. This week: the crime wave that has no leaders, no members, and no address — and why that makes it so hard to stop.  Support: BuyMeACoffee/TokyoBill [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TokyoBill], or visit theTokyoBill.com [https://theTokyoBill.com]. :)

Not an Immigration Country - May 30, 2026

Stories from Japan, told from Japan. This week: Japan wants your students, your researchers, and your workers — just not, if it can possibly help it, your permanent presence. Support: BuyMeACoffee/TokyoBill, or visit theTokyoBill.com [https://theTokyoBill.com]. :)