Unpacking Japan
Welcome to Unpacking Japan, a podcast that explores the experiences of people living in Japan. Our channel is dedicated to discussing topics related to work and life in Japan as well as cultural differences, language barriers, food and travel.
Unpacking Japan is hosted by Tobi who is passionate about Japan and has a first-hand experience of the challenges and joys of living as a foreigner in this beautiful country. Tobi's guests include expats or locals who share their unique perspectives and insights on life in Japan.
Our goal is to create a platform where viewers can learn more about Japanese culture and society while also sharing their own experiences and insights. Whether you are a seasoned expat, a curious traveler, or simply interested in learning more about Japan, Unpacking Japan has something for you. So sit back, relax, and join us for an exciting journey into the fascinating world of Japan.
The podcast is produced by ZenStudio : https://zenstudio.osaka/
Episodes
110 episodes
How studying obscure Japanese arts can help you build a life in Japan
Meet Justin, a foreigner 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 to Japan and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 110
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1:05:46
"Light in Japan is different. It just is." Photographer Joe Allam on moving to Japan
Meet Joe Allam, a British filmmaker and a photographer who was fascinated by Japan so much that he decided to move to Osaka and restart his entire life in Japan.Follow Joe Allam:https://joeallam.co.uk/about/https://www.youtube.c...
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Season 1
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Episode 109
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1:05:03
Ananya's secret to Japanese fluency
Today we are joined by Ananya, who shares her unique perspective on living in Japan as a content creator. Ananya makes both educational content to help teach Japanese, and also comedic skits that reflect her personal experiences in Japan.
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Season 1
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Episode 108
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55:00
LGBTQ+ Documentary Filmmaker Discusses Queer Rights in Japan
Join us today with Felicity, a filmmaker who explores topics of identity in here documentaries. We explore the recent social climate in Japan in regards to progressive topics such as multiculturalism and queer awareness. Follow Feli...
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Season 1
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Episode 108
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53:55
AV Actress June Lovejoy explains the Japanese porn industry
Meet AV star June Lovejoy, who joins us today to break down all the misconceptions about the Japanese porn industry and explore what life is like for workers in this profession. June shares their own personal experiences, their thoughts on the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 107
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1:05:03
Interviewing the most recognizable voice in Japan
Today on the podcast we are joined by actress and singer Donna Burke, who has voice acted and sang theme songs in games like Metal Gear, Silent Hill, as well as shows like Tokyo Ghoul, and most famously the voice of the Shinkansen! She'll talk ...
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Season 1
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Episode 105
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58:49
Is Japan still worth it for Asian immigrants?
This week, Jheadear sits down to talk to us about life as a technical trainee from the Philippines. We discuss her daily routines and workflow, her challenges in adapting to Japanese culture and work environment, as well as her work as an influ...
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Season 1
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Episode 104
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48:14
Why this Google tech lead left to start an AI company in Japan
Joining us is Jad, cofounder of Integral AI which works on the development of a system called universal simulations, in order to help advance AGI (artificial general intelligence). We talk about the future of AI and how we can develop it in a w...
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Season 1
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Episode 103
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59:00
Richardo shares his experiences being black in Japan
Joining us this week is RicchaadoTV, a content creator from the UK who creates comedic skits based on his experiences in Japan as a foreigner. We talk about the inspirations behind his famous characters Momo-chan and Mr. Hashimoto, his other bu...
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Season 1
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Episode 102
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1:09:15
Zoo Veterinarian Discusses Animal Rights in Japan
Our guest today, Dr. Miaka, is a veterinarian at the Kobe Animal Kingdom -- a zoo that recreates the natural habitats of it's animals. Today we'll discuss what it's like taking care of a wide variety of animals at a zoo, as well as discuss anim...
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Season 1
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Episode 101
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1:21:00
Dogen on pitch accent & his creative process
For our 100th episode we are joined by one of Japan's most recognizable foreign content creators, pitch accent specialist, and writer, Dogen! In this long awaited interview, Dogen talks about his creative process, inspirations, and challenges h...
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Season 1
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Episode 100
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1:40:14
What life is like as a foreigner in a Japanese maid cafe
Today Luna, a maid witch at Afilia Magic Kingdom, joins us today to reveal what it's really like to work at a witch themed maid cafe in Akihabara!Follow Luna:https://kasamatsu-farms.com/https://www.instagram.com/kasamatsufarms
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Season 1
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Episode 99
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56:13
What life is like as a farmer in the Japanese countryside
Byron, founder of Kasamatsu Farms, shares with us his journey of going from salary man in Tokyo to a farmer in the countryside of Japan practicing permaculture and taking on sustainable agricultural projects.Follow Byron:https://kas...
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Season 1
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Episode 98
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1:14:50
Is Japan a good place to retire?
Today founder of Japan Remotely, Nick, tells us about what it's like working with clients to find the perfect living situation in Japan, and gives insight about the challenges and solutions in turning Japan into a long term home.Follow ...
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Season 1
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Episode 97
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1:06:38
Germans in Japan: the value of immigrant stories ft. @MrNippon
Today content creator Mr. Nippon joins us to talk about what it's like being half Japanese and half German while doing YouTube in Japan. He shares his experiences interviewing Germans on how and why they have settled in like Japan.Follo...
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Season 1
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Episode 96
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1:01:05
How has Japan been recovering since Fukushima?
Meet Rob, an engineer for open source environmental data project Safecast, who sits down to talk to us about his work on the Fukushima disaster cleanup, as well as his own sustainable living in the mountains of Nara.Check out Rob's work...
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Season 1
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Episode 95
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48:06
Why Nynyhon Switched from Modeling in Japan to Streaming Full Time
Joining us today is Fanny, A.K.A Nynyhon, a model who has lived in Japan for 10 years and has found success as a streamer and content creator. We'll explore the intricacies of work as a model in Japan, and whether or not it is as advantageous a...
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Season 1
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Episode 94
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56:54
Expo 2025: How the Netherlands is Shaping the Future
Today we are joined by Marc, Consul General at the Osaka Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who talks about what we can expect to see at the Dutch pavilion during next year's highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka. Learn about all...
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Season 1
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Episode 93
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1:08:20
How John Gauntner became one of the world's leading sake experts
This week we sit with the world's leading non-Japanese sake expert John Gauntner as he describes the intricacies of sake and the industry behind Japan's famous alcohol. Follow John Gaunter:https://www.instagram.com/johngaun...
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Season 1
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Episode 92
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1:03:13
Film director explains what it's like working with some of Japan's biggest YouTubers
Join us today as we talk with videographer and creative director of Future Collective, Julian, about working with clients ranging from Japan's biggest Youtubers to huge companies like Netflix.Follow Julian & Future Collective:
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Season 1
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Episode 91
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1:02:35
Union secretary breaks down Japan's labor laws
Join us today for a discussion with Dennis, the General Secretary of the General Union in Japan, as he shares what role the General Union serves, the challenges the Japanese work force faces, and how it is changing as the years pass.Fol...
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Season 1
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Episode 90
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1:16:17
Foreigner idol breaks down Japan's idol industry
Today we sit down with Heidi from Japanese underground idol group Merkmal Mermal, who talks to us about the origins of Japan's idol culture, as well as her own unique challenges as a foreigner in the idol scene. Follow Heidi & ...
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Season 1
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Episode 89
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1:01:16
How this German woman became one of Japan's leading kimono experts @BillyMatsunaga
Today, German native Billy shares with us her story to becoming a Kimono expert and licensed teacher. Prepare to be shocked to learn about some of the nuances in crafting kimonos, the culture and history around it, and many misconceptions...
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Season 1
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Episode 88
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1:03:08
How Mr. Yabatan became Japan's favorite foreigner
Mr. Yabatan has become an beloved personality on social media amongst Japanese locals. Today we find out how he made a name for himself, what insights he has on Japanese comedy and culture, and the differences between comedy in Japan vs the Wes...
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Season 1
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Episode 87
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1:01:14
What it's like being a reporter on Japanese TV as a foreigner ft. @CathyCat
Meet Cathy Cat, beloved actress, reporter, and overall media personality in Japan who explains the struggles and what to expect as a foreigner when navigating a career on social media and television Japan.Follow Cathy Cat:
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Season 1
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Episode 86
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58:01