Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic Seagulls, one of Japan’s top pro football teams in the X-League. Making a name (and threat to rivals), BJ...

Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway collection, Eli sat down and had a chat with me about her story as a Latino Nikkei (日系人) representing her r...

On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely resembles Inca tattoo designs. Ken was gracious enough to take time from his hectic schedule to sit down wit...

Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and talk about her career in the (at-times) constricting Japanese entertainment industry. From reflection on h...

One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese culture and the language. After his study abroad program was cut short due to Covid-19, he started a YouT...

This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it comes to living and breathing within the Japan underground metal scene and has the chops to make an impressionable debut album. Meet Swazönd, a new band comprise...

Spring is upon us! How fitting it would be to have an episode showcasing my friend Miko, who is a self taught embroidery artist handcrafting unique and customizable 3D embroidered accessories and jewelry. When I learned that she will be having her first gallery exhibition this month at the Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku, I knew I had to whip up an episode to not only promote her craft but also t...

Hi! Made in Japan Podcast year four kicks off with the smartest and the most insightful person I know in Japan. Meet my old friend Kei. He’s the Senior Director of Investment Strategy & Business Development at the GHIT Fund. The Japan-based GHIT ( Global Health Innovative Technology ) Fund is an international public-private partnership fund for global health R&D that mobilizes Japanese industry, a...

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Let’s take a trip to southwest Japan to a city with a name that could literally be translated to “blessed hill”. Fukuoka City is the second largest port city that’s probably not on your to-go visit list but it ought to be. Meet Sach, a Fukuoka native, established radio DJ and vocal coach. She’s graced her presence to come on the mic with me to share her thoughts and stories. I had a blast diving r...

Community is Everything. Meet Rachel, a mother of many talents. Along with her husband, they’ve built and grew a share house project called RYOZAN PARK which empowers families in Tokyo to build a community with workspaces, accommodation and childcare. It is one of Tokyo’s first ever integrated urban communities of this decade. However, this concept is nothing new to the Japanese society; just easi...

Japan is one of the most sought after places in the world to snap a photo or capture a video. This episode focuses on two individuals from completely different paths merging in pursuit for that perfect shot. I highly recommend to check out and if you’re re looking for a collaboration with Brandon (@smallworldphotovideo) and Mari (@mari.wash) on Instagram. For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom an...

I’ve been waiting to tell this story of a man that has truly Made it in Japan. He was also my mentor when it came to the unglamorous yet self-sacrificing job; an ESL teacher in Japan. I dedicate this 50th episode to him, Douglas Forrester. If you are interested in becoming an English Language teacher, check out this website: https://esllibrary.com You can also find the novel, “Tokyo Nights” by Jim...

Here’s a story of a person riding a tornado on a road less travelled. Not only does he have one of the coolest names, but brings a voice that will make waves in the J-Pop scene. Meet Mayowa. If you haven’t yet, you’ll surely will. Ariana Grande might have something to do with it. You can check out Mayowa here: Instagram: @mayowasensei YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxxHEXzvR2c9TmoZJqi1p3w L...

On this episode we’re gonna examine a notable Japanese traditional dance that is often peformed by the Geisha and Maiko. Meet Hiro, (or her stage name, “Zuiou Shinozuka”). She is a traditional Japanese dancer/instructor trained from the oldest Kyomai dance school in Kyoto. She is currently an ambassador to promote her art form as well as collaborating with musicians abroad in hopes to preserve the...

To quote J.R.R. Tolkien, “He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away…” Meet Tim, a Yamabushi; a Shinto ascetic mountain monk who aims to share the values of what the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture offers. I want to help him open up an ancient custom that he has dedicated his life to. Here is his story and I hope it can be a worth...

Yuri caught my attention not only by her flawless control in her singing but also her tasteful approach in crafting songs through respecting musicianship. Although our paths crossed in an unexpected way, the power of strong music appreciation will overcome any genre, label and culture. You can listen, follow or contact Yuri here: YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/divafreshyuri FB/IG/Twitter: @diva...

What do you get when you genetically mutate a wedding MC, Bill Nye, Bear Gryllis and a model together? You’ll soon learn that the person’s name is Allie. From Google Japan, Discovery Channel Japan and her own YouTube Channel, Allie has carved out her own piece of the Social Media Pie. However, I didn’t bring her on this podcast to solely focus on her success in Japan. I brought her on the podcast...

On this episode, I thought it’d be a nice switch up to reconnect and reunite three former guests of my podcast. Ki (ep. 5 & 6), Akil (ep. 12) and Walter (ep.20) graced the mics and indulged me on what was going on in their lives during this pandemic. Albeit, it was my excuse to have them on again because I enjoy their company. We discuss what have we been doing as well as our thoughts of how Japan...

I am back with another musical guest that hails from the island of Puerto Rico yet is making a big splash here in Japan within the past year. Eto has been involved in many musical ensembles in Japan for the past decade. However, the pandemic has constricted him to start a solo project that showcases his cultural heritage of Reggaeton; a Latin Urban music genre that actually is beloved here in the...

For foreigners working in Japan, sometimes we need a bit of help with “adulting”, as Katheryn puts it. Starting out as a health coach, her passion to help others smoothly adjust into a company providing culture programs in the Japanese business setting or daily necessities. However, what’s more impressive than her career accomplishments is her compassion to others feeling the anxiety we’ve all fac...

Japan’s oldest English publication has weathered many storms over the years and prevailed. 2020 was Tokyo Weekender’s 50th anniversary and the magazine has now adapted to the new era in Japan. Recently, TW has done a rebranding; an upgrade yet keeping to its roots in building and informing the foreign community in Japan. I sat down with Liam, the creative director and Nick, the editor-in-chief to...

The final episode this year. How fitting it ends with a former student of mine just returning to Japan a month ago. Ayako Tanaka was one of my students who’s always yearned for a life outside Japan. Most often I’d teach students who need to prepare for their overseas position, pursuing their MBA or university degree abroad. I’d put Ayako in the group of students that are just full on ready to take...

On the sixth and finale in my series of talks with Japan-based podcasters, I virtually travelled to Hokkaido and had a chat with two Jujitsu-schooled, snowboarding crazed fellas that created a Sapporo-based podcast showcasing the locals on the “Ezo” frontlines. Aside from these charming hosts expressing their love of the Northern lands of Japan they inhabit, you’re missing out if you don’t put Hok...

On the fifth installment of my chats with Japan-based podcasters, we...barely talk about Japan! But don’t skip this episode dear listeners. Japan 2.0 is a Kansai based-podcast that paints another shade of Japanese underground culture that David & Matt cherishes dearly and shares to all of you Japanophiles that hasn’t grasp the lowdown on the streets. You can listen to Japan 2.0 Podcast on ITunes,...