Happy Hour #89: Ball Wars

Happy Hour #89: Ball Wars

From Deep in Japan by Deep in Japan

December 22, 2025 · 3h 31m

About this episode

The episode discusses restrictions on ball games in Japanese parks, the decline in English proficiency, and features a discussion about notable figures in Japanese culture.

Jay and Trey are at it again! This week, we investigate why Japanese parks are becoming "no-fun zones" with draconian bans on ball games—is the country waging a war on its own children? We also dive into the "Ultimate Waifu" politician Kimi Onoda, and the latest stats showing Japan’s English proficiency plummeting to new lows. And last but certainly not least—the big reveal—Trevor's got a new "Number One Waifu," none other than "Muscle Idol" and Saitama Queen Reika Saiki. Does that make Trevor the King of Saitama? You decide. As always, sauce included: Very Low Proficiency: Japan Drops into Bottom Group in English Ability Ranking Japanese Company Offers Up to 10 Days Paid Leave for Workers to Mourn Their Favourite Celebrity's Marriage or Retirement Reika Saiko - Japanese Muscle Girl Clips from Reika’ 4-hour Workout 所持金20円で焼き肉を無銭飲食か 酒や漬物、デザートまで約1万2000円分 49歳男「お金がない」で判明 Democracy Manifest and his succulent Chinese meal News report 1991 Democracy Manifest Wiki 完全自殺マニュアル Onoda Kimi’s YoutTube Channel Longform Interview with Onoda Kimi Japan’s Ultimate WAIFU: Kimi Onoda PARKS FOR KIDS TO KICK A BALL AROUND IN TOKYO Research on local governmental restrictions for ball play in block…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jay, Trey

Topics covered

  • Japanese parks
  • ball games
  • English proficiency
  • politics
  • waifus
  • cultural restrictions

Keywords

  • Japanese parks
  • ball games
  • Kimi Onoda
  • Reika Saiki
  • English proficiency
  • waifu

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Democracy Manifest

Books & works: 完全自殺マニュアル

Places: Japan, Saitama, Tokyo

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