Explore Japan's Current Affairs and Social Trends
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Perfect for learners who want to engage with real Japanese news and current affairs
What You'll Achieve in This Class
Master reading authentic Japanese news articles on politics, economy, and society
Engage in meaningful discussions about Japan's present and future
Develop critical thinking skills to analyze Japanese social phenomena
Build vocabulary for politics, economics, and contemporary issues
Understand the complexities of modern Japanese society and values
Articulate sophisticated opinions on challenging topics in Japanese
Current Affairs from the Heart of Japan
Explore 10 compelling topics covering Japan's most pressing issues and fascinating trends.
📰 Content refreshed regularly to keep you connected to Japan's evolving story.
The Young Hero Who Crossed the Fires of War, Aonishiki, Becomes a New Ozeki
Two Japanese Scientists Win the 2025 Nobel Prize
Shrines and Temples Purchase Problem and Japanese People's Identity
The Much-Talked-About Film Kokuho — The World of Kabuki Where Art and Blood Intersect
Japan, the Earthquake Nation – Shaken Hearts, Uncertain Tomorrows
Toward a World Without Nuclear Weapons - A U.S. Official's Appeal
Cyclists Can Now Face Fines?! A New System Begins
Contest, Not Conflict — The Olympic Ideal
Tsubakuro — The Soul Returns To Jingu
A Television Culture That Has Shaped Japanese Mornings
The WWW Method - A Consistent Learning Framework Across All Classes
Introduce the current affairs topic with discussion questions. Activate your existing knowledge and prepare to engage with authentic Japanese news.
Example: "What's your view on this issue?" "How does this compare to your country?"
Example: Read about "Cyclists Face Fines," learn legal terms like 「反則金」and「交通違反」, analyze conditional expressions, then discuss Japan's traffic safety policy
✨ Comprehension Check: Confirm your understanding of key points and vocabulary
💬 Your Perspective: Share your reasoned opinion on the issue
📘 Connection: Relate the topic to global trends and your own experience
Every article comes from Hiragana Times—authentic coverage of real Japanese current affairs, not simplified textbook content.
Progress from understanding basic news to analyzing complex social issues and expressing sophisticated viewpoints.
Compare Japanese perspectives with international views and develop cross-cultural understanding.
Choose the format that works for you
Join engaging group discussions on current affairs
Personalized exploration of topics you care about
Simple, transparent pricing
per class
Try once before committing
12 lessons
Best for consistent progress
Join Close-Up Japan and engage with the issues shaping modern Japan
Start with a few questions