Spill The Matcha

It’s time for a heart-to-heart. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are opening up the listener mailbag to tackle a vulnerable and tough question: "What do I do if I feel like I love my partner more than they love me?" Feeling like the "over-giver" in a relationship can be lonely, and the girls dive deep into why this happens and how culture plays a massive role in how we express (or hide) our feelings. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Grab your heart-shaped boxes! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are breaking down the fascinating "reverse" tradition of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Unlike in Europe or America, where it's all about cards and flowers (often from the guys), in Japan, the pressure is entirely on the women! The girls discuss the complex hierarchy of chocolate giving and why February 14th can feel more like a strategic mission than a romantic holiday. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

How close is too close? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are getting into the awkward, sweet, and sometimes confusing world of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Japan. In a country where "reading the air" (Kuuki wo yomu) is a national pastime, showing affection in public can be a major taboo. The girls break down why you rarely see couples kissing on the street in Tokyo and how even holding hands can feel like a "big statement" to some locals. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Is your personality determined by your blood type? Should you avoid moving house this month because the stars say so? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are peering into the crystal ball to discuss the massive culture of Uranai (Fortune-telling) in Japan. In Japan, fortune-telling isn't just for fun—it's a serious business that influences everything from career moves to dating compatibility. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Watch your step and mind your chopsticks! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the eerie, the quirky, and the downright mysterious world of Japanese superstitions. Ever wondered why people don't clip their nails at night ? Misato shares the warnings she grew up with, while Cherine reacts to the culture shocks of navigating these unspoken rules as an expat. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

The holiday break is over, and Misato is finally back in the studio after visiting her hometown in Kumamoto. This week, she and Cherine catch up on all things Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) and what it’s really like to "return to the nest" during the busiest travel week of the year. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready to swap your roasted turkey for fried chicken! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are celebrating the holidays by comparing Christmas in Japan with the festive traditions of Europe, specifically the UK! They’re spilling the matcha on the unique Japanese holiday customs, like why Christmas Eve is celebrated as the most romantic date night of the year and how the bizarre tradition of ordering KFC for Christmas dinner ever started. (P.S. The girls confess they prefer the fried chicken from Mos Burger!) Then, they compare notes with the UK's traditional approach, discussing everything they miss: the cheesy jokes and paper crowns of Christmas crackers, the charming fun of Christmas markets, and the rich, boozy deliciousness of Christmas pudding. Tune in for the ultimate girls' talk about romance, food, and the completely different ways the world celebrates the most wonderful time of the year! Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Dating in Japan is complicated enough, but have you heard the labels? In this spicy episode of Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are decoding the controversial world of dating stereotypes. They’re diving into the concept of the "Sushi Hunter"—the foreign women specifically seeking out Japanese men (the flip side of the infamous "Gaijin Hunter"). Is it a preference or a fetish? Plus, they tackle the internet's obsession with the "Japanese Waifu". They discuss the fantasy of the submissive, perfect Japanese wife versus the reality of modern Japanese women. From "Passport Bros" to the stereotype of "Yamato Nadeshiko," the girls are breaking down the tropes to reveal what it's really like. Tune in for a very honest conversation about love, labels, and expectations!   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha, Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It's time to play dirty! This week on Spill the Matcha, the friendship between Misato and Cherine is on the line as they play the ultimate confession game: Never Have I Ever! They’re spilling the matcha on everything: embarrassing travel mishaps, outrageous dating scenarios, awkward cultural faux pas in Japan, and secret host shenanigans. Tune in for the most honest, hilarious, and revealing girls' talk episode yet. Get ready for some serious secrets!   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha, Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It’s a quick-fire round where hesitation isn't an option! Cherine fires off rapid questions testing Misato's ultimate preferences on everything from Japanese staples to sweet treats. The girls debate the hardest choices: Is it Sushi or Ramen for dinner? Do they crave traditional Wagashi or a slice of Cake for dessert? Tune in to hear Misato’s gut reactions, some surprising answers, and plenty of laughs as the girls argue over the best flavors in Japan. Which side are you on?   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Prepare for some serious "Wait, what?!" moments! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are breaking down the biggest, weirdest, and funniest culture shocks in Japan.   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready for a fun, spontaneous challenge! This week on Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are putting their friendship (and their opinions!) to the test with a round of Would You Rather! The rules are simple: honesty is key! The girls have to choose between two impossible, and often hilarious, Japan-themed scenarios. They’re spilling the matcha as they debate tough cultural dilemmas, bizarre dating choices, and tricky questions about Japanese living. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Time to talk manners! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are tackling a topic that often confuses visitors: Japanese food etiquette. They are spilling the matcha on all the dos and don'ts, from the proper way to handle chopsticks (and definitely what notto do with them!) to the meaning behind various dining customs. The main event? The Great Slurp Debate! The girls explain why slurping your noodles is not only acceptable but often encouraged, and they share tips on how to master the perfect slurp without causing an international incident. They also cover basic table manners you need to know before stepping into a restaurant in Japan. Tune in for the ultimate girls' talk on food, culture, and eating like a pro in Japan!   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

If you love a good school uniform and exaggerated drama, this episode is for you! Your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of high school anime on Spill the Matcha. They're spilling the matcha on all the genre's best tropes, from the overly dramatic love triangles and the elusive tsundere crush to the ridiculousness of many club activities. They discuss their favorite anime sweethearts and the most iconic school uniforms. But the big question is: how much of that drama is real? Tune in as the girls compare anime fiction with the real-life experience of being a high school student in Japan. Find out if your favorite romantic comedy is actually a documentary! Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are taking a fun trip down memory lane to their Japanese high school days. They’re spilling the matcha on everything, from the fashion (or lack thereof) of the school uniforms and the pressures of club activities (bukatsu), to the truth about those famously strict school rules. Plus, they share hilarious and heartwarming stories about secret dating, dealing with crushes, and the chaos of school festivals and sports days. Whether you went to high school in Japan or are just curious about the rules and romances, tune in for the ultimate girls' talk throwback! Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Grab your wallet and your shopping list! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are giving you the ultimate guide to shopping in Japan. They’re spilling the matcha on everything you need to know, from the best souvenirs to where to find a bargain...They dive into the must-buy items at discount stores like Daiso and Seria, the stylish essentials at Muji, the wacky wonders of Don Quijote (Donki), and the adorable chaos of Kiddy Land. Plus, they tackle Japanese fashion and beauty, giving you the lowdown on essential affordable style at Uniqlo & GU and the best cult-favorite cosmetics. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of your next haul, tune in for all the girls’ talk, money-saving tips, and shopping secrets! Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, and their favorite Anime and Manga Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get your passport ready! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, the girls are embarking on a new adventure without even leaving the studio. Your host Cherine is back from her recent Europe trip and is ready to spill all the details to Misato. From the charming streets of Belgium and its delicious treats to the iconic landmarks of London and its unique vibe, she's recapping all her travel highlights. They're sharing stories about the must-see spots, unexpected moments, and the hilarious travel blunders that make for the best memories. Grab a cup of your favorite brew and join the ultimate girls' talk about travel, culture, and adventure   Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, from their favorite anime and games to their own experiences with Dungeons & Dragons in Japan. But it’s not all fun and games! The hosts get serious as they explore the fascinating history of the word 'Otaku.' They discuss how its meaning has changed over the years and compare its often-negative connotations in Japan with the more positive, mainstream usage it has in the Western world. Tune in as they spill the matcha on the passions, people, and changing perception of Japan's most famous subculture! Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Get ready to get hungry! On this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Sherine are serving up some serious food talk. They're dishing out all their secrets on the best places to eat in Osaka, sharing everything from hidden gem restaurants to their favorite late-night street food spots. But it’s not all about eating out! They’re also spilling the matcha on Japanese home cooking, swapping tips on easy recipes and revealing their go-to comfort foods. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)