Spill The Matcha

Japan is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, but there is one issue that many women face every single day:  Chikan (痴漢), or train groping.  This week on  Spill the Matcha ,  Misato and Cherine  have a serious and necessary conversation about the reality of navigating Japan's crowded public transport. From the "Women Only" carriages to the viral safety apps, th...

Is it actually "reality" if everyone is being too polite to argue? This week on  Spill the Matcha ,  Misato and Cherine  are diving into the addictive, confusing, and sometimes cringey world of  Japanese Reality TV. While the rest of the world obsessed over the "chill vibes" of  Terrace House , the girls are finally speaking their truth:  they aren't fans.  They break down...

It’s time for a heart-to-heart. This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are opening up the listener mailbag to tackle a vulnerable and tough question: "What do I do if I feel like I love my partner more than they love me?" Feeling like the "over-giver" in a relationship can be lonely, and the girls dive deep into why this happens and how culture plays a massive role in how we express (o...

Grab your heart-shaped boxes! This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are breaking down the fascinating "reverse" tradition of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Unlike in Europe or America, where it's all about cards and flowers (often from the guys), in Japan, the pressure is entirely on the women! The girls discuss the complex hierarchy of chocolate giving and why February 14th can feel more...

How close is too close? This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are getting into the awkward, sweet, and sometimes confusing world of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Japan. In a country where "reading the air" ( Kuuki wo yomu ) is a national pastime, showing affection in public can be a major taboo. The girls break down why you rarely see couples kissing on the street in Tokyo and...

Is your personality determined by your blood type? Should you avoid moving house this month because the stars say so? This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are peering into the crystal ball to discuss the massive culture of Uranai (Fortune-telling) in Japan. In Japan, fortune-telling isn't just for fun—it's a serious business that influences everything from career moves to dating comp...

Watch your step and mind your chopsticks! This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are diving into the eerie, the quirky, and the downright mysterious world of Japanese superstitions. Ever wondered why people don't clip their nails at night ? Misato shares the warnings she grew up with, while Cherine reacts to the culture shocks of navigating these unspoken rules as an expat. Sponsors: N...

The holiday break is over, and Misato is finally back in the studio after visiting her hometown in Kumamoto. This week, she and Cherine catch up on all things Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) and what it’s really like to "return to the nest" during the busiest travel week of the year. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready to swap your roasted turkey for fried chicken! This week on Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are celebrating the holidays by comparing Christmas in Japan with the festive traditions of Europe, specifically the UK! They’re spilling the matcha on the unique Japanese holiday customs, like why Christmas Eve is celebrated as the most romantic date night of the year and how the bizarre tr...

Dating in Japan is complicated enough, but have you heard the labels? In this spicy episode of Spill the Matcha , Misato and Cherine are decoding the controversial world of dating stereotypes. They’re diving into the concept of the "Sushi Hunter"—the foreign women specifically seeking out Japanese men (the flip side of the infamous "Gaijin Hunter"). Is it a preference or a fetish? Plus, they tackl...

The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha , Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It's time to play dirty! This week on Spill the Matcha , the friendship between Misato and Cherine is on the line as they play the ultimate confession game: Never Have I Ever! They’re spilling the matcha on everything: embarrassing travel mishaps, o...

The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha , Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It’s a quick-fire round where hesitation isn't an option! Cherine fires off rapid questions testing Misato's ultimate preferences on everything from Japanese staples to sweet treats. The girls debate the hardest choices: Is it Sushi or Ramen for din...

Prepare for some serious "Wait, what?!" moments! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are breaking down the biggest, weirdest, and funniest culture shocks in Japan.   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready for a fun, spontaneous challenge! This week on Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are putting their friendship (and their opinions!) to the test with a round of Would You Rather! The rules are simple: honesty is key! The girls have to choose between two impossible, and often hilarious, Japan-themed scenarios. They’re spilling the matcha as they debate tough cultural dilemma...

Time to talk manners! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are tackling a topic that often confuses visitors: Japanese food etiquette. They are spilling the matcha on all the dos and don'ts, from the proper way to handle chopsticks (and definitely what not to do with them!) to the meaning behind various dining customs. The main event? The Great Slurp Debate! The girl...

If you love a good school uniform and exaggerated drama, this episode is for you! Your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of high school anime on Spill the Matcha . They're spilling the matcha on all the genre's best tropes, from the overly dramatic love triangles and the elusive tsundere crush to the ridiculousness of many club activities. They discuss their favorite anime sw...

Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are taking a fun trip down memory lane to their Japanese high school days. They’re spilling the matcha on everything, from the fashion (or lack thereof) of the school uniforms and the pressures of club activities ( bukatsu ), to the truth about those famously strict school rules. Plus, th...

Grab your wallet and your shopping list! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are giving you the ultimate guide to shopping in Japan. They’re spilling the matcha on everything you need to know, from the best souvenirs to where to find a bargain...They dive into the must-buy items at discount stores like Daiso and Seria, the stylish essentials at Muji, the wacky wonde...

Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, and their favorite Anime and Manga Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get your passport ready! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , the girls are embarking on a new adventure without even leaving the studio. Your host Cherine is back from her recent Europe trip and is ready to spill all the details to Misato. From the charming streets of Belgium and its delicious treats to the iconic landmarks of London and its unique vibe, she's recapping all her travel highlights...

Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, from their favorite anime and games to their own experiences with Dungeons & Dragons in Japan. But it’s not all fun and games! The hosts get serious as they explore the fascinating history of the word 'Ot...

Get ready to get hungry! On this episode of Spill the Matcha , your hosts Misato and Sherine are serving up some serious food talk. They're dishing out all their secrets on the best places to eat in Osaka, sharing everything from hidden gem restaurants to their favorite late-night street food spots. But it’s not all about eating out! They’re also spilling the matcha on Japanese home cooking, swapp...

Get ready for some truly wild stories on this episode of Spill the Matcha ! Your hosts, Misato and Cherine, are diving deep into the exhilarating (and sometimes chaotic) world of partying in Osaka. From belting out tunes at karaoke, hitting up the hottest nightclubs, to chilling at the coziest bars, they're sharing all their craziest experiences in Osaka's vibrant nightlife scene. They'll cover ev...

Join Misato and Cherine, for some honest and hilarious stories on this episode of Spill the Matcha . They’re diving headfirst into the complex and often-amusing world of dating and international marriage in Japan. Are the stereotypes true? What's the reality of the dating scene for foreigners? And yes, they get to the bottom of the age-old question: does size really matter? Pour yourself a cup and...

Your weekly dose of real talk with Misato and Cherine! Join these two friends as they chat about relationships, lifestyle, and what it’s like living in Japan. It’s like a chat with your besties, brewed fresh every week. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)