Cashing in on Spare Time: How "Spot Work" is Changing Japan
Millions of Japanese people are using dedicated apps to find so-called spot work – short-term, one-off jobs that allow them to make extra income in their spare time. For some, it's a way to supplement earnings from their main employment. For others, such as homemakers and the elderly, it's a chance to earn some cash between other commitments. The growing market for spot work also benefits businesses that are finding themselves increasingly short-handed due to Japan's worsening labor crunch. But with benefits come risks. Workers complain the system is open to abuse and fails to offer sufficient protections. We spoke with a labor expert about the pitfalls in the spot work economy, and the ways people can use it to their advantage.
Guest:
Kawakami Keitaro (Research advisor, Shufu Job Soken)
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
The Chi
The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Kevin is the pre-teen who must step past shattered illusions and embrace the normal rites of childhood, while Brandon the dreamer makes his own nearly impossible leap of faith to succeed in life and love with girlfriend Jerrika. Emmett is the carefree teen is thrust into complex responsibility with guidance from his mother Jada, and Ronnie is the drifter whose struggle to love and be loved calls into question his every pursuit.
Cops
COPS follows police officers, constables, and sheriff's deputies during patrols and various police activities by embedding camera crews with their units. The show's formula adheres to a classic cinéma vérité ethos. With no narration or scripted dialog, it depends entirely on the commentary of the officers and on the actions of the people with whom they come into contact.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Jon Richardson play the words and numbers game.
Have I Got News for You
Based on the week's news, Have I Got News for You is fronted by guest hosts and features two regular team captains, Paul Merton and Ian Hislop. Each week the show invites two guests to cast a jaundiced eye over the week's news, resulting in a fast flow of anarchic, spontaneous and hugely entertaining wit and humour. Guests typically represent the world of politics, comedy, show-business and journalism, and are often themselves particularly newsworthy participants. The final touches of Have I Got News for You are put together only hours before recording, allowing guests to comment on the late-breaking news stories of the day.