Unpacking Japan

Today we talk with Khôi, founder of the rock band Kurrock which blends Vietnamese and Japanese to create a unique musical experience. Khoi explains what it's like creating a band in Japan, working with the cultural differences, navigating challenges, and finding Kurrock's musical identity. Follow Khôi and Kurrock:https://www.kurrock.net/enhttps://www.instagram.com/kurrockofficialhttps://ww...

Today we sit down with Janelle, a former Nasa operations engineer, and current Flight Director working on lunar missions at a private space company in Tokyo. We dive into what it's like working in such high stake environments, what it takes to carry out a space mission, manning the control center, and the endless opportunities space exploration means for mankind. Hear all about her journey wor...

In this episode we talk with Justin, a journalist who is based in Hokkaido working on rural revitalization programs. Justin explains the ways in which programs aim to keep lesser known rural communities alive through revitalization efforts including tourism PR, social programs, and a variety of other ways of stimulating the local economy. We also talk about what it's like living in Hokkaido wi...

Today we talk with Sanyutei Kouseinen, one of the few foreigner professional rakugo performers. We talk about the differences between Western and Japanese comedy, what it's like to perform the traditional Japanese art as a foreigner, and the hard apprentice journey one must take to become a rakugo storyteller. Follow Sanyutei Kouseinen https://www.instagram.com/sanyuutei_kouseinen https://www.yout...

Sitting down with us today is co-founder of Heaven Sake, Carl, who is aiming to expand the Japanese sake industry in foreign markets by creating an iconic sake brand that shows off both the elegance and rich flavors of the traditional Japanese drink, as well as redefining it's image from the "old man's" drink to a more contemporary and luxurious feel. Carl talks us through what m...

Today we're joined by one of Japan's most renowned artists, David Hewett. David has lived in Japan for 32 years and has become well known for his contemporary art which has been displayer in galleries and hotels due to it's unique style that that blend Western and Japanese techniques. David talks to us about what it's like being an artist in Japan, what it takes to be a commercial...

Today we talk to Douglas, a boatbuilder who specializes in building traditional Japanese boats and has made an effort to keep this seemingly dying cultural tradition alive by learning from various masters around Japan. Not only does Douglas publish his research and teach at university classes, but his expertise has also allowed him to work on FX's Shogun as a consultant for maintaining histori...

Meet Peter Barakan, who you may know from NHK's Weekend Japanology (Now called Japanology Plus). Peter has hosted various TV shows as well as radio broadcasts introducing all kinds of music to both Japan and overseas. After living in Japan for over 50 years, Peter shares his experience in the industry and the various insights he learned along the way ranging from working at record labels to hostin...

Today we sit down with Endigo, a metal singer and overall musical artist who produces music, performs vocals for video games, and blends many genres to produce a truly unique catalogue of work. Endigo explains their experience finding their niche in Japan and how Japan's take on music and genres have also helped them discover things about themselves and their style as well. Follow Endigo:https://w...

Today kendo master and historical researcher, Alex, joins us to talk about his unexpected journey into the world of kendo as we deep dive into the practices and cultural background surrounding the way of the sword. Follow Alex Alex's website https://www.instagram.com/alex.bennett_budo_culture/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuEFJrxMVIzIix3QVD5mkUA https://www.kendo-world.com https://www.in...

Today we talk to Mar, founder and director of animation studio Mar Exposito, who will share with us insights of being an animator in Japan as well as the unique career path of creating your own studio vs joining an big anime studio. Liked this episode? Check out our interview with Joshua, a "foreigner" born and raised in Japan who shares his perspective on being a foreign Japanese native! https://...

Today we sit with Joshua, who was born and raised in Japan despite his "foreign" appearance. Joshua is a content creator and is passionate about sharing stories like his, of foreigners living in Japan with unique backgrounds and stories that challenge many perspectives of what a "Japanese" person is. He shares his experiences born and raised in Japan and the many challenges he's faced with his ide...

Meet Shawn, a master shakuhachi player, who sits down to talk to us about the history and cultural significance of one of Japan's most ubiquitous, yet paradoxically unknown instruments. Shawn teaches us about the challenges of learning shakuhachi as well as his thoughts on the recent popularity of the instrument in the west. Stay tuned for a beautiful performance from Shawn at the end of the episo...

Today we are joined by Sunshine, a Rakugo storyteller who dives into the world of Rakugo and what it's like being one of the only foreigners to take on this role. We talk about the tradition of Rakugo storytelling, the apprentice-master dynamic, and the overall apprenticeship experience in the journey to becoming a Rakugo storyteller. Follow Sunshine: https://www.rakugo.lol https://www.instagr...

Joining us today is Nury, a trade and agricultural attaché to the Embassy of Chile, who shares what it's like to bring new products from Chile to Japanese markets and how to navigate trade relations with Japan and all of it's meticulous business practices. Follow Nury: https://jp.linkedin.com/in/nury-disegni-gili-90750754 https://www.chile.gob.cl/japon/en Follow us on our social media: https://www...

Today we talk with Capsule Bunny, a content creator and fashion designer who makes content about Japanese fashion and it's subcultures in Japan. In this episode we take a dive into the world of J fashion and talk about Tenshi Kaiwai, designing clothes, and other unique aspects of Japan's fashion culture. Follow Capsule Bunny:https://www.instagram.com/CapsuleBunnyhttps://www.youtube.com/c/C...

Today we are joined by Sergio, an American welder living and working in Japan. He shares his inspiring journey from U.S. shipyards to becoming the first foreign employee at a Japanese manufacturing company. We talk about his path to learning Japanese, getting the Specified Skilled Worker visa, adapting to life in Japan, and his thoughts on Japanese work culture, language, and society. Follow Sergi...

Meet Nikhil, a content creator from India, who sits down to talk to us about his journey to Japan, becoming fluent in Japanese, and the anime that started it all. Follow Nikhil and his channel:https://www.youtube.com/@Nikhil_kunhttps://www.instagram.com/nikhil__kunJoin Nikhil Kun's WhatsApp Japanese Learning Group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/LggWDlqIVyS52jYGVYFbttFollow us on our social media:https:...

Meet Dino, a car enthusiast, journalist and vlogger based in Japan, who sits down to talk to us about his journey into the Japanese car scene, why it's so diverse, and how foreigners can participate in Japan's unique car culture. Follow Dino:https://www.youtube.com/@dino_dchttps://dinodc.co/https://www.instagram.com/dino_dalle_carbonarehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Dino-DCFollow us on our social medi...

Meet Chinyere, cyber security expert and personal finance consultant. She talks about Japan being extremely behind in cyber security knowledge and other topics. Follow Chinyere: https://thesistafund.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7UdPuAihqNSIv8-Eupfjyw https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinyere-okoli-816b2b64 https://www.facebook.com/thesistafund/ Follow us on our social media: https://www.buzzs...

Meet Mickael, a half Japanese, half Filipino vlogger, who makes content about life in Japan in Tagalog. He sits down with us to share his story of growing up hafu in Japan, before rediscovering his roots in the Philippines. Follow Mickael on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikasan__ https://www.youtube.com/@mikasan_ https://www.instagram.com/mickaelshimizu_ https://www.facebook.com/mikasanin...

Meet Justin, a singer who has been studying the ancient art of shigin for more than 10 years, after accidentally discovering it one day while living in the Japanese countryside. He sits down with us to share his story of moving from Tennessee to Japan and falling in love with this beautiful, yet incredibly difficult, traditional art form. 00:00 Intro 01:38 The Story of Coming to Japan 02:29 Why Ja...

Meet Joe Allam, a British filmmaker and a photographer who was so fascinated by Japan that he decided to move to Osaka and restart his entire life in Japan. He sits down to talk with us about what makes Japan so special, how he avoids the Japan content trap, and his own inspirations as a filmmaker. Follow Joe Allam: https://joeallam.co.uk/about/ https://www.youtube.com/AllamJoe https://www.instagr...

Meet Ananya, who sits down with us to share her journey to Japan and unique perspective on living here as a content creator. Ananya makes both educational content to help teach Japanese, as well as comedic skits that reflect her personal experiences in Japan. Follow Ananya: https://www.instagram.com/hiananyaa_ https://www.youtube.com/@hiananyaa https://x.com/hiananyaa https://www.tiktok.com/@hiana...

Meet Felicity, a filmmaker exploring the theme of identity through her documentary work in Japan. She sits down to talk with us about what she's learned about Japanese views on multiculturalism, awareness of queer issues, and the concept of what "home" is. Follow Felicity's work: https://www.instagram.com/wherenextjapan https://www.wherenextjapan.com Follow us on our social media...