Unpacking Japan

Nov 01 2024 89 ep. 61 mins 17

Unpacking Japan Podcast artwork

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 ZenGroup: https://zen.group/

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Foreigner idol breaks down Japan's idol industry

Nov 01 2024 61 mins

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 & her group Merkmal Mermal:https://www.instagram.com/heidichandesuhttps://www.youtube.com/@heidichandesuhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heidichandesuhttps://x.com/

How this German woman became one of Japan's leading kimono experts @BillyMatsunaga

Oct 25 2024 63 mins

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 people have. Follow Billy:https://www.internationalwafuku.comhttps://www.youtube.com/c/BillyMatsunagahttps://www.instagram.com/biriinyanhttps://w

How Mr. Yabatan became Japan's favorite foreigner

Oct 18 2024 61 mins

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 West.Follow Mr. Yabatan:https://www.instagram.com/mr_yabatanhttps://www.youtube.com/mryabatanhttp://www.tiktok.com/@mr_yabatanhttps://www.twitc

What it's like being a reporter on Japanese TV as a foreigner ft. @CathyCat

Oct 11 2024 58 mins

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:https://cathy-cat.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@Cathy_Cathttps://www.youtube.com/@CathyCat_TVhttps://www.instagram.com/cathycat_tvhttps://www.twitch.tv/cathycat_tvh

How Ladybeard became the LOUDEST man in Japan

Oct 04 2024 58 mins

Today we're joined by one of Japan's most loved foreigners, Ladybeard, who talks to us about industry insight and how he rose to fame as a singer and wrestler after over a decade long unexpected journey.Follow Ladybeard:https://www.ladybeard.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ladybeard_japanhttps://www.instagram.com/babybeard_japanhttps://x.com/Ladybeard_Japanhttps://x.com/babybeard_japa

Chamber of commerce director explains the BIGGEST challenge for westerners in Japan

Sep 27 2024 82 mins

Today we're joined by Jean Francois, who talks to us about what it's like working for the French Chamber of Commerce, and how his journey in Japan has taught him valuable insights on surviving Japanese business culture.Follow Jean Francois:https://www.ccifj.or.jp/https://www.instagram.com/jeanfrancoisrauch/https://www.instagram.com/cci_france_japon/https://x.com/cci_francejaponFoll

Importing cashmere and Mongolian products to Japan

Sep 20 2024 44 mins

Meet Zaya, a multi-business entrepreneur who joins us to give insight on introducing Mongolian culture to Japan through her import company and popular Mongolian cafe in Osaka.Follow Zaya:https://mongorusei.co.jphttps://www.instagram.com/mongoruseihttps://x.com/bigmangashttps://www.facebook.com/MONGORUSEIhttps://www.facebook.com/cafemongoliaFollow us on our social media:youtube.com/

Doing stand-up comedy in Japan with Nick || Unpacking Japan podcast Ep.82

Sep 15 2024 64 mins

Meet Nick, half of Manzai comedy duo Time Bomb, who sits down to talk to us about his Japanese comedy career, and his transition to entrepreneur and content creator.Follow Nick:youtube.com/@nikkuniisan https://www.instagram.com/nickniisan/https://x.com/TIMEBOMBGEININyoutube.com/@atsueigo Follow us on our social media:youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158

Researching North Korean politics in Japan with Oliver || Unpacking Japan podcast Ep.81

Sep 06 2024 56 mins

Meet Oliver, a Japan-North Korea relations researcher based in Kyoto, who sat down with us to talk about politics, kidnappings, and North Korean schools in Japan.Follow Oliver:https://www.foreignperspectives.net/https://twitter.com/OliverJia1014Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpackin

Running a Burmese restaurant in Japan with Stephani || Unpacking Japan podcast Ep.80

Aug 30 2024 51 mins

Meet Stephanie, owner of Burmese restaurant 95Yooya in Shibuya, who sits down to talk with us about her challenges immigrating to Japan and opening a halal restaurant in such a homogeneous country.Check out 95Yooya:https://www.instagram.com/95yooya/https://www.facebook.com/people/95Yooya/61551720519731/Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://w