More than three months after the powerful New Year's Day earthquake that struck Japan's Noto Peninsula and surrounding region, many of the survivors who lost their homes and businesses are struggling to put their lives back together. We spent time with some of the vendors who used to ply their trade on the famous Wajima morning market street. Some described being unable to meet the onerous criteria for home repairs payments. Others said they can't afford the hefty up-front payments required to get business support subsidies. Despite these formidable barriers, the vendors have found a way to work together to help each other through a trying time. We asked an expert what needs to change so that desperately-needed financial help can get to the people who need it most. 

Guest: 
Okamoto Tadashi (Attorney at Law)

Fake investment ads that feature prominent figures are abundant on social media in Japan, making an increasing number of victims. According to the National Police Agency, damage from such fraud totaled 27.8-billion-yen in 2023 alone. The celebrities featured in the ads are also voicing their anger. Platform operators bear some responsibility but what does the vice president of content policy at Meta have to say? We look into those scams that take advantage of Japan's current investment boom, as well as potential measures against them.

Guest:
Ikegai Naoto (Professor, Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University)