134: Hey Japan, are you happy?

<div>If you’ve ever had to endure a Tokyo commute at rush hour, you may not get the sense that the Japanese are very happy. However, Japan Times senior staff writer<strong> Alex K.T. Martin </strong>has been keeping track of the mood of the nation, and he thinks the country could be a lot happier than we are usually led to believe. <br> <br> On this week’s Deep Dive he talks about his visit in the summer to Japan’s “happiest town,” and why exercise and a strong sense of community may have them living an extra 10 years healthier. <br> <br> <strong>Read More:</strong> </div> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/01/national/social-issues/hatoyama-happiest-town-japan/">Inside Japan’s happiest town</a> (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2022/05/30/lifestyle/japan-happiness-wellbeing/">Is Japan happy?</a> (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2021/10/25/lifestyle/solitude-loneliness-japan/">Kodoku: The fine line between solitude and loneliness in Japan</a> (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)</li> </ul> <div> <strong>On this episode: </strong><br> Alex K.T. Martin: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-alex-k_t_-martin/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/alexktmartin?lang=en">Twitter</a><br> Shaun McKenna: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/shaun-mckenna/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jt_sloosh">Twitter</a><br> <strong><br> Transcript: </strong>We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know.<br> <strong><br> Announcements</strong>: Get in touch with Oscar and the show at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/japandeepdive">Twitter</a>, and give us fee