We discuss the legend of the first foreign-born Samurai in Japan, Yasuke. Thanks for tuning in! TIME CODES 02:55 Topic Introduction 04:10 Who Yasuke was and what led him to Japan 10:22 When he rose to prevalence in Japan, where he resided, and how Japanese people felt about him 20:53 Why his legend is so captivating 27:26 Upcoming and current story…

We react to common romance norms, discuss amatonormativity, and cap it off with trendy Valentine foods in Japan this year. Tune in for a laidback discussion. TIME CODES 01:35 Listener Question: Favorite Japanese Dessert 03:17 Topic Introduction: Romance Norms 13:15 “13 Tips to Make a Good Relationship Great” 28:04 “Unhealthy Social Norms for Relati…

We discuss the creative lifestyle, pressures, imposter syndrome, tips, and more. Tune in for a laidback discussion. TIME CODES 01:35 Podcast Updates 03:17 Topic Introduction: Creative Lifestyle, Mediums, & Goals 13:15 Pressures, Downsides, Imposter Syndrome 28:04 Techniques to cope with IS 46:26 Upsides and Personal Benefits 50:32 Tips for easier C…

The Yuki Onna, a supernatural snow spirit, often described as a beautiful woman who floats throughout snowy nights and mountains looking for lost travelers to prey on. We talk about her origin and legends across Japan. We also review the 1965 film Kwaidan: Japanese Ghost Anthology of the Yuki Onna and the 2016 Yuki Onna film at the end of the episo…

These crime cases still contain some mystery 'til this day, tune in to hear the wicked details of the Poisoned Milk in Saitama Prefecture (1960) and the Paraquat Vending Machine Poisonings throughout Japan (1985). Content Warning: Mentions of suicide and death. Not for minors. Listener discretion is advised. TIME CODES 02:00 Listener Question Segme…

We talk about the differences of New Years traditions and the culture of “New Year, New Me.” Thanks for tuning in! TIME CODES 05:05 Listener Question Segment 09:45 Topic Introduction 16:21 Popular Resolution Practices 22:45 “New Year, New Me” Culture 30:06 Traditions in Japan vs America 45:12 Resolution Regrets 54:45 2020 Intentions 1:00:32 Closer …

We answer your questions about love, relationships, sexuality and more! TIME CODES 02:58 Topic Introduction 03:55 Developing healthy communication 08:52 Pro’s Con’s married in Japan 15:50 Japan’s Valentine’s Day & White Day 20:54 Throwing in the towel 26:45 Crushes 36:34 Married and working together 41:07 Monogamy, Open, etc 45:10 LGBTQ+ vs straigh…

When Fusako Sano was nine years old, she vanished after school in 1990. She was abducted and held captive for nine years. This case took place in Niigata prefecture and often referenced as the “Niigata girl confinement incident”. It holds record of the longest confinement kidnapping case in Japan. Tune in to hear the details of this crime incident …

We discuss what it’s like spending the holidays overseas while taking care of your mental health during that experience. Tune in for a laidback discussion. Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed* TIME CODES 02:34 Topic Introduction 04:34 Going back home for the Holidays 13:00 Staying abroad during the Holidays 25:39 Expecting visitors 28:38 …

Today we have a special guest, Jeannette aka Spiffy Penguin, joining us to talk about her experience while on an exchange program at a Japanese university. We also dive into J-Fashion, anime, and more! Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed* TIME CODES 01:47 J-Fashion & cosplay 12:38 Experience & difficult adjustments 21:11 Funny reactions f…

We wanted to get a bit more personal for y’all by answering some questions about our life before moving to Tokyo. We dive into past jobs, skills, friendships, favorites, things we miss, university life, and more. Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed* TIME CODES 02:50 Topic Introduction 05:26 Questions & Answers You may also like this episo…

Halloween has become more popular in Tokyo, Japan. Tune in to hear about our experience. TIME CODES 02:21 Differences: Trick or Treating? Parties. Costumes. Ghosts & Horror 12:59 Popular Events: Amusement parks, Parades, Cosplay 23:07 Our Halloween Experiences in Japan You may also like this episode: "9 Japanese Urban Legends" Episode show notes an…

We get spooky again 👻 Japan has a rich history of ghost stories and folklore about the afterlife. If that’s your cup of tea, you’ll love this episode. Stay tuned for the end where we review a movie based on the Kuchisake Onna. Content Warning: Some stories have mentions of suicide and assault. Listener discretion is advised. TIME CODES 01:18 Topic …

Today we a have special guest, Aneesh from The Good Times Podcast, joining us to talk about our collective trip to India. Stay tuned for the end where the hosts briefly discuss their experience during Typhoon 19 Hagibis in Tokyo. TIME CODES 01:15 Guest Introduction 02:23 First impressions of India 10:30 Travel Essentials 14:40 Post 10 year reflecti…

We highlight Non-Binary Identities in Japan. Our Enby host, Ash (they/them) leads this conversation. Tune in for a laidback discussion. TIME CODES 02:27 Topic Introduction 07:58 Part 1: Current Non-Binary Landscape in Japan 22:27 Part 2: Visibility Progress 31:22 Part 3: Japanese Gender Vocabulary 44:03 Part 4: Legal Struggles of Non-Binary Gender …

Unsettling child murders committed by a 14 year old teen in the late 90’s in Kobe, Japan. Often known as “the grisliest murder in memory in Japan." Content Warning: Mentions of Violence. Not for minors. Listener discretion is advised. TIME CODES 02:23 Case intro 04:11 Part 1: Who is Boy A 06:15 His early life 09:58 Part 2: His crimes 20:46 The lett…

We share solid tips to stay prepared during your time in Japan. Tune in for a laidback discussion. TIME CODES 02:00 Staying clean and hygienic 04:32 Apps for your phone 19:19 Identification 22:05 Cash, Credit, Debit? 24:45 Survive walking culture 26:44 Wifi and Data 30:18 Transportation 33:09 Travel Insurance 34:38 The four seasons and weather 39:4…

We share myths we’re tired of hearing and debunk them. Tune in for a laidback discussion. TIME CODES 03:06 Is Japan Actually Safe? 09:36 How Clean Are We Talking? 16:20 Are They Truly "Kind"? 20:27 Anime's True Audience 25:48 The Perfect Gaijin 30:00 Can You Really Be Vegan Here? 37:30 SO MANY PEOPLE ! 42:05 What should other countries adopt from J…

We share our reflections of our first year vs our second year living in Tokyo, and some goals that we have for the upcoming years. TIME CODES 1:35 First year reflection 14:56 Second year reflection 24:42 First year unexpected adventures 31:55 Second year unexpected adventures 38:34 What’s gotten easier? + Skills gained 50:18 Goals for upcoming year…

Ash speaks on their experience working with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme aka JET. From the application process, how it’s like teaching in Japan, the pro’s and con’s, and general advice. Enjoy this interview style episode! TIME CODES 2:03 Why JET? 4:02 Application process 6:15 Early Departure, Summer arrivals, Upgrades 11:42 Pre-arrival…

We’ve been living outside of the States for two years now and homesickness definitely creeps up still. We talk about how that experience is and how we deal with it. TIME CODES 1:53 Homesickness - when, why, what we miss 14:00 How we cope 19:35 Tips and Suggestions - Habits, Comfort zones, Mental Health, and more You may also like this episode: "Hol…

Tokyo 2020 Olympics are approaching and we discuss the changes we’ve seen over the past two years in regards to Japan’s preparation for the huge influx of tourists they’re about to host. TIME CODES 4:00 Changes we notice - English, Payment methods, Smoking 15:52 Japan’s experiments and goals - AI’s, Bans, Recycle Projects, New trains 36:19 What we …

We talk about gender identities & expressions, LGBTQ+ in Japan, and cap it off with a personal Q&A. Check out this in-depth part 2 of our two part series. TIME CODES 1:04 Gender Identities & Expressions 21:40 LGBTQ+ in Japan 54:48 Personal Q & A You may also like this episode: "Non-Binary in Japan: X-Gender Xジェンダー" Episode show notes on www.abnrmlj…

We talk about the gender binary, assigned sex ≠ gender identity, sexuality, and romantic attraction. Check out this in-depth part 1 of our two part series. TIME CODES 4:12 The binary and how it affects gender 6:20 Assigned Sex 24:20 Sexuality 35:20 Romantic Attraction You may also like this episode: "Non-Binary in Japan: X-Gender Xジェンダー" Episode sh…

Japan is notorious for smaller clothing sizes. How is that experience for people who need more than that? We discuss fatphobia in Japan, shopping for bigger sizes, and more. TIME CODES 6:20 Clothes we packed for moving to Japan 15:03 How clothes shopping is like here 20:42 Stores that sell bigger sizes 29:20 Shoes for larger feet 37:45 “Western siz…

Interracial Marriage? Family Approval? Cultural differences? We answer common questions about interracial relationships. TIME CODES 2:15 Our nationality, race & ethnicities 5:06 Is race important? 8:03 Parent reactions & family disapproval? 13:26 Cultural food 21:20 Biggest challenge 30:25 Mixed children 37:20 Race fetishes 46:30 What we like about…

Digital music is extremely popular, but has Japan caught up with the trend? We discuss the differences of how music in analog form, such as CD’s, vinyl, cassettes, are still thriving here. TIME CODES 1:50 The land of analog media 8:28 Why are CD’s popular? 15:40 JPOP & KPOP 23:07 MP3 players are IT 36:40 Concerts 43:03 Ticket buying 49:05 Appropria…

Toxic behavior is a serious relationship killer, and it's not always easy to detect. We share our experience with toxicity and discuss how to find red flags in relationships with solid tips on how to protect your energy. TIME CODES 04:20 What makes a person toxic to us 10:33 Toxic Behavior 101 + Red flags 30:26 Are you the toxic one? 51:02 How to s…

Our first episode! Tune in to hear us talk about the moving process and how we adjusted to living in Japan compared to how it was like in Texas. TIME CODES 4:15 Differences of Both Cities 26:17 The Moving Process 29:50 Down Sizing 34:46 Legal Document Prep 43:12 Having Connections Back Home 45:00 Flying Separately 48:53 Adjusting to a Foreign Count…