Ohazassu Podcast

Thanks to a recent comment on a previous video about the JLPT reading section, I remembered some additional advice. This mindset really helped me to get through this section without stressing on the details too much. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Naomi over at  @japanisnowhome  on YouTube asked me this question the other day. Here's my answer. How about you? Do you plan on retiring where you currently are? Or will you move back home someday? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

In Japanese, "more/less than" can be tricky, well it sure was for me! Until I remembered 以 (i) as a symbol for "includes." Does it include or exclude the number mentioned? How about "just over/under" and other ways to express number ranges? Learn all about these while walking around the streets of Nagoya's Fushimi area. Wanna see the video? Check my YouTube channel and look for the same title the...

COVID changed something at work, and I don't know if it's coming back. On a recent Shinkansen ride from Nagoya to Odawara, I found myself reflecting on how much work life has changed over the last few years. Not just remote work or video calls, but the small things that used to happen naturally when people shared the same space. In this episode of Ohazassu, I share some thoughts from the train, ta...

Some days, YouTube analytics can feel… a bit toxic. In this video, I share why metrics like views, watch time, and subscriber counts started affecting my motivation more than I expected, and how it nearly took the fun out of creating. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by low views, stuck in the numbers, or questioning why you even started… you’re not alone. Wanna see the night walk in Sakae? It's on...

Shotengai, cafe culture differences, old signs and more. Full video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/v5q61tWjRZM Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

In this episode of Ohazassu, I share a story from my early days in Japan that still makes me laugh. What should have been a simple driver’s license conversion from Australia turned into a confusing experience at the testing center. The eye test was completely different from what I was used to, and without realizing it, I answered in a way that made things awkward fast. That led to a long and sligh...

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Let's talk about the stereotype trap and how I fell right in it. After watching a recent video by Exjapter (link below) who talked about exceptions to rules in Japan, I had a flashback of when I moved here for the first time. I thought I knew Japan and the Japanese people, but soon after getting here I realized that I didn't. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/oha...

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

After almost 14 years living in Japan, there are still a few everyday things that catch me off guard. In this episode, I share three quirks that still feel a bit odd even after all this time. As always, there's a Japanese word of the day at the end, so don't forget to stick around till the end. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

There’s been a lot of noise lately about cycling rules in Japan, especially since stricter enforcement and new penalties started on April 1, 2026.  Let's talk through what’s actually going on, and why so many people (cyclists and drivers) are feeling confused and anxious about it.  This isn’t a rant, and it’s definitely not legal advice. It’s just me sharing my thoughts as someone who uses a bike...

In this episode, I talk about my child’s elementary school graduation in Japan and how different it was compared to my own upbringing in Australia. From the structure and seriousness of the ceremony to reflecting on how school life began during the pandemic, this was a surprisingly emotional experience for me as a parent. And as always, I also share today’s Japanese Word of the Day at the end. 0:0...

What’s it actually like to live in Nagoya long‑term? In today’s video I take you on a walking tour through Nagoya Station, Fushimi, Sakae, Yabachō, and Ōsu. At the end, I share my honest pros and cons after living here for almost 14 years. Nagoya often gets misunderstood because it’s ranked as Japan’s 3rd or 4th biggest city, but the reality is… it’s a totally different vibe from Tokyo or Osaka. T...

I've been doing a lot of Japanese language content lately, so it's time to talk about a coffee and upcoming video ideas. Join me for a cuppa or two, and please forgive my hay fever. It's really quite bad this year. Worst ever!  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Struggling with the JLPT reading section? I was always failing the reading section in my practice tests, but I did something that helped me pass both N1 and N2 on my first try. Improving my reading speed also made a huge difference in real workplace situations here in Japan. If you’re aiming for N1 or N2, or planning to work in Japan, I hope this helps you stay motivated and improves your reading...

How much Japanese do you actually need to live in Japan? After 13 years here, I’ve realized the answer is very different from what textbooks and online debates claim. If you’re learning Japanese, or thinking about moving to Japan, I hope this episode takes some pressure off and gives you a clearer path forward. ============== Ohazassu Links ============== Website: https://www.ohazassu.com X: https...

Living in Japan can be an incredible, challenging, confusing, and deeply rewarding experience. After 13 years in Nagoya (and my first stay over 25 years ago in Osaka), I’ve learned one thing: your mindset matters more than anything else. In today’s video, I share some factors that have influenced how I perceive Japan, from language ability to open‑mindedness to one of my favorite Japanese concepts...

Ever wondered why Japan never feels “ordinary,” even after years of living here? In this episode, I share my personal reflections on what keeps life in Japan fascinating, 13 years after moving here. From the concept of home shifting over time, to the addictive curiosity that Japan sparks, and even why the bullet train still makes me giddy, this is a deep dive into why Japan gets its hooks into you...

Hisabisa の impromptu episode.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

Think you know basic Japanese? Think again! In this video, I share real Japanese words that even kids use every day, but you’ll never find them in your textbook or classroom lessons! ============== Ohazassu Links ============== Website: https://www.ohazassu.com X: https://x.com/ohazassu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc...

Kyodo News: https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/66424 ============== Ohazassu Links ============== Website: https://www.ohazassu.com X: https://x.com/ohazassu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .

What's your most embarrassing Japanese mistake? In this episode, I share mine... As mentioned in the episode, here are the links to Weekly Fascination and Exjapter 👇  https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyfascination https://www.youtube.com/@Exjapter Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support .