Unpacking Japan

On this episode we talk to Idai, a successful model in Japan, even being featured in Vogue. We talk about her unique experience growing up black in Japan and how she became comfortable in her own skin. We also talk about her model career and the various ways in which things differ for her in Japan as opposed to other Japanese models. Follow Idai: https://www.instagram.com/idaishe_o https://www.ins...

Today on Unpacking Japan, we’re joined by Matt, a gunner and Japanese interpreter from Matsumoto, Japan, with deep knowledge of Japan’s lesser-known gun history. We dive into the fascinating and world of guns in Japan—from the first introduction of firearms to samurai warfare, to how guns were eventually restricted and removed from everyday life. Matt breaks down the unique relationship Japan has...

On this episode we talk with Stephane, an MMA fighter in Japan. Stephane goes in depth about being an MMA fighter, like what it's like to learn various kinds of fighting styles, dieting for weigh ins, the business side of getting fights and making money, as well as how MMA culture and rules are different in Japan. Follow Stephane: https://www.instagram.com/smashmuay https://www.facebook.com/Sm...

Today we talk to Thomas, entrepreneur from France who came to Japan and started Bento & Co. a business aimed at selling bento's online for an overseas market. Thomas also founded his next business Shipping & Co., and today we'll talk about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in Japan and how to follow through on your ideas for businesses. Follow Thomas: https://en.bentoan...

In this episode we talk to writer and photographer Craig, who talks about getting his books published in Japan, how to be a respectful tourist in Japan, and how going on long walks can cure many of life's ailments. Follow Craig:https://craigmod.com/https://www.instagram.com/craigmod/https://bsky.app/profile/craigmod.comFollow us on our social media:https://unpacking.jp/https://open.spotify.com...

Today we talk to entrepreneur Matt, who shares with us his diverse experiences during his Journey in Japan including moving here because of music, creating his own hot sauce, surviving a tsunami during the 3-11 disaster, and his passion for revitalizing rural communities and akiya. Follow Matt: https://www.mkultraman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/matthewbketchum Follow us on our social media: htt...

Today we sit down with Norm from Tokyo Lens  to talk about his 20+ year journey starting from a sudden passion for the shamisen, turning it into a profession, and how it then evolved into the content creation he is doing to this day. Norm shares with us his story, as well as the many lessons he's learned about being a creative and pursuing a life where you explore your own self interests. Foll...

Today we talk to Bellamy, an animator and character designer living in Japan who has worked on projects such as the animated series The Digital Circus. We explore what it takes to produce an episode with a team of animators, stereotypes about the anime industry, and what it takes to draw anime "authentically". https://www.bellamybrooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bythebelle/ https://w...

On this episode we talk to Linnea, a Manga illustrator based in Tokyo who illustrates for series such as Idol Royale. We dive into her journey becoming a full-time illustrator in Japan and what it's like breaking into the competitive manga industry. Linnea also shares what it's like working with publishers and all the things an illustrator needs to consider when creating manga panels. Foll...

Today we sit down with Wakkyai, a Japanese comedian and content creator who grew up in California before returning to Japan. Wakkyai shares what it’s like to grow up in Japan with an international background. We explore his experiences teaching Japanese, how he navigates identity and culture, and the unique challenges and rewards of living in Japan as someone who’s both an insider and outsider. Fo...

Today we sit down with Tristan, founder of Kaikoku Ko. and Around Akiba TV, and talk about his love for exploring Akihbara's unique culture. We'll discuss the unique cultural experiences that have evolved in Akihabara, the different ways it has changed over the years, and Tristan's journey creating his own business in Japan. Follow Kaikoku and Around Akiba: https://kaikoku.co.jp/en/hom...

On this episode we talk with Matt from  ⁨@mattvsjapan⁩  to talk about his method for efficiently reaching fluency in a language, and his personal journey to becoming known as one of the best Japanese speaking Westerners online. Follow Matt: https://www.youtube.com/@mattvsjapan https://www.instagram.com/mattvsjapan_/ https://x.com/mattvsjapan https://www.skool.com/mattvsjapan/about?ref=e3fd41262166...

Today we talk to Tyler, the owner of a traditional Japanese ryokan in Gunma Prefecture. We discuss what it’s like running a ryokan as a foreigner in Japan—from building an outdoor onsen bath by hand, to navigating guest expectations and preserving Japanese hospitality culture. Tyler also shares stories of trial, error, and joy that come with life in the Japanese countryside. Follow Tyler: https://...

In today's episode we talk to Astrid, an architect who talks to us about the journey of becoming an architect in Japan, the differences in regulations in Japan vs the West, and the rewarding feeling of leaving an architectural mark on a city. Follow Astrid https://www.klein-dytham.com /https://www.instagram.com/klein_dytham_architecture Follow us on our social media: https://unpacking.jp/ https://...

Today we invite back Alex from Tokyo Portfolio to talk more in depth about the changes to Japan's real estate market. Tokyo Portfolio is a team of real estate experts made by expats who specialize in real estate in Tokyo, often showcasing Japan's most expensive luxury properties on their YouTube channel. Today we go over the changes with Tokyo Portfolio over the last year since our first i...

Today we talk to Meilyne, the director and president of Tokyo based content creator management company GeeXPlus! Meilyne and her team at GeeXPlus help bring content creators to Japan and provide various management services, and she has helped start and produce projects such as Trash Taste. Meilyne talks about getting started in this industry, what it's like moving from Tokyo to a countryside islan...

Meet Yuriko Tiger, a professional cosplayer who sits down to talk with us about her 10-year career in Japan. She tells us about her beginnings in the idol industry, her viral appearance on Japanese TV, and the challenges of being the official cosplayer for some of Japan's biggest IP.--0:00 Intro0:53 Meet Yuriko Tiger1:59 Yuriko's start doing idol dance covers4:53 Origin of the name Yuriko Tiger7:1...

Today we sit down with bunny girl hostess Silvie, who talks to us about what life is really like as a bunny girl in Japan. We talk about the interactions with customers, safety, explain the ranking system, and many of the questions people often think of when hearing about this unique part of Japan's culture. Follow Silvie https://www.youtube.com/@silviethequeen https://www.instagram.com/silvie_the...

Meet Kurt, aka  @softypapa  , an early j-vlogger who started uploading videos to YouTube all the way back in 2006. Kurt sits down to talk to us about his early YouTube fame, starting a business and going bankrupt in Japan, and what losing everything taught him about life. As well, he tells us about his journey moving back and forth from Japan, starting over from nothing, before finally coming back...

On today's episode we talk with Jesper, A.K.A the Japanoptimist, an economist with a unique perspective on Japan's current economy. Jesper is bullish on Japan's economic future and the opportunities for change that seem to be approaching quickly. Today he'll go over the reasons why he has a positive outlook despite the strong current wave of bearish perspectives that others seem to...

Meet Mira, a Serbian psychologist practicing in Japan, treating foreign residents and travelled Japanese patients. She sits down to talk with us about mental health in Japan, and her work with traditional and RTT therapy.--0:00 Intro0:54 Meet Mira 1:08 What brings you to Japan 1:30 Were you interested in Japan before coming 3:38 Expectations of Japan 4:20 Psychology in Japan vs Overseas 6:24 Study...

On today's episode we sit down with CNN international correspondent, Hanako Montgomery, who covers breaking news and fascinating stories in Japan & other regions of Asia. We discuss what it's like reporting on breaking news, the importance of proper journalism on society, and the intricacies that go behind covering controversial stories. Hanako has worked for not only CNN but also companies li...

Today we talk to J'Nique Nicole, singer-songwriter who you may have heard from games like NieR: Automata, Final Fantasy, or Street Fighter. J'Nique tells us about her journey in Japan in the music industry, advice for those looking to pursue a career as a singer, and how NieR completely changed the trajectory of her career. Follow J'Nique Nicole: https://www.jniquenicole.com/ https://w...

On this episode we talk with Larisa, a stage manager that founded and is director of International Stage Academy. She talks about what it's like teaching performing arts in Japan and the ways in which theater education can be improved in Japan's theater scene to help students find success. We discuss what it takes to make it to Broadway, the differences in theater education in Japan vs the...

Follow Eillen: https://www.tiktok.com/@Eillen78 Follow us on our social media: https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan https://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapan Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in worki...