The year is ending soooo it’s time for the Ryuukogo Taisho (流行語大賞) - Japan’s buzzword of the year! Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the most popular slang, though some of the words might be slang. It’s pretty much just the most used words throughout the year, often in reference to pop culture and other news events. Looking at this list is a great recap of the year. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words流行語 ryuukogo - buzzwords, popular words方言 hougen - dialect References/sources:Sourceshttps://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ae49166b854562fbe3a99ee9b1a9a25bb9ee00ff/images/000 https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ae49166b854562fbe3a99ee9b1a9a25bb9ee00ff Japan’s 2024 buzzword of the year urges a reevaluation of past normshttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/02/japan/society/2024-buzzword-of-the-year-announced/#:~:text=The%20annual%20buzzword%20event%2C%20which%20began%20in,Other%20buzzwords%20include:%20*%20Kaiwai%20*%20Bling-Bang-Bang-Born Time stamps00:00 intro/life updates02:56 buzzword of the year04:22 history of the Ryuukogo Taisho 05:14 2025 candidates19:10 how do they choose a winner?21:29 previous winners29:09 our own buzzwords and highlights35:12 the winner for 2025 (officially)
After going down a rabbit hole about the dangers of strong zero (Japan’s choice drink for broke students and English teachers??), we’re wondering how it’s still on the market. With that in mind, it got us thinking about what other things might be legal or illegal in Japan, at least compared to the US where we’re from. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowReferences/sources:“STRONG ZERO- Japan's Most Controversial "Dr*g" of the 21st Century.” - Asianalysis with AL & HELENhttps://youtu.be/dIglANEaIgI?si=uQS-6PWT1eFDIrHHTop 10 strange laws in Japanhttps://www.timeout.com/tokyo/blog/top-10-strange-laws-in-japan-081815#:~:text=5.%20It%20is%20forbidden%20to%20damage%20or,%E2%80%93%20so%20no%20coin%20pendants%20for%20you.2 Strange Japanese Laws That Will Make You Go WTFhttps://thesmartlocal.jp/strange-japanese-lawsInteresting and funny rules to know about Japanhttps://www.his-usa.com/destination-japan/blog/interesting_and_funny_rules_to_know_about_japan.htmlMrs Eats videoshttps://youtu.be/vvRbtKKKrxo?si=t04NztP5E274w7O8https://youtu.be/Ns_zZHK9NR0?si=Esid9TynqJsNpngU“Wait, Japan and the U.S. Are That Different?” Is It True You Can Go to Jail for Not Paying Child Support in the U.S.?https://tomorrowaccess.com/en/news/17666#:~:text=%F0%9F%92%A1%20Understanding%20the%20Differences%20Between,mothers%E2%80%94are%20left%20financially%20vulnerable.Narcolepsyhttps://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/narcolepsy/#inheritanceJapan releases American held for 18 days over prescriptionhttps://apnews.com/general-news-c4ba8f7e6d9d44f3ac904776b7d11739Japan has ‘strictest standard in the world’ when it comes to CBD productshttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09/05/japan/cbd-illegal-or-legal/ 13 Meats That Are Now Illegal In The UShttps://www.thetakeout.com/1933658/meats-illegal-us-now/ Time stamps00:00 intro/why we chose this topic02:42 strong zero should prob be illegal - TW addiction and ED19:37 alcohol related (public drinking, driving, etc)30:48 foods that are legal/illegal (raw meats, certain animals)42:26 medication, drugs, healthcare51:14 marriage and child support58:45 random laws59:48 self defense
*Please be respectful in the comments and listen to these stories with empathy. Today we will chat about the main reasons why people get deported from Japan, treatment at immigration detention facilities, and Japan’s policies on asylum and refugee status applications. TW: medical neglect, su*cide.Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowReferences/sources:Death at immigration facility raises questions about medical carehttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1597/Wishma Sandamali: The siblings suing Japan over their sister's deathhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65692546Cause of death of detainee revealed for the first time, family sayshttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14708342September 2025: Japan govt. against releasing full video of woman who died at immigration centerhttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250930_17/#:~:text=Japan%20govt.-,against%20releasing%20full%20video%20of%20woman%20who%20died%20at%20immigration,Related%20StoriesThe violent truth about immigration detention centers in Japan: Parts 1 and 2https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220215/p2a/00m/0na/034000chttps://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220221/p2a/00m/0na/020000cState told to pay damages for detainee's injuries at Japan immigrationhttps://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/34147#:~:text=He%20refused%20the%20transfer%20order,medical%20complaints%20before%20she%20died.Blameless but facing deportation: Japan immigration law's inexplicable provisionhttps://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250724/p2a/00m/0na/006000c17 applicants deported under stricter refugee recognition lawhttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15670137Japan court awards asylum seekers damages over prolonged detentionhttps://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/55674Departure Order System Explanationhttps://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/ib04-04.pdf Time stamps00:00 intro/why we chose this topic02:01 trigger warnings and disclaimers03:22 most common reasons ppl get deported06:22 Wishma Sandamali passes away in detention, healthcare denied14:00 Andre Kussunoki - assaulted by immigration officers22:33 facing deportation for someone else’s fake visa27:52 not all nightmare experiences30:16 fines, probation, re-entry bans35:00 asylum and refugee applications37:48 what about the children?
Today with special guest SATSUKI we talk all about being an up and coming musician in Japan! How does the music industry differ from the west? Doing paperwork just to busk? Are Japanese audiences completely silent? Let’s find out.Satsuki’s Music: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37FWvcJApple Music: https://apple.co/34mr3hfYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvyYiK7wkmt_zJpTTKWpFlA?si=29zap9bjX46X08mwSocial Media:WEBSITE: https://www.thisissatsuki.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thisissatsuki TWITTER: https://www.x.com/thisissatsuki TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/thisissatsukiGot questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowTime stamps00:00 we have a guest02:22 Satsuki’s background 9:22 genre and inspiration12:23 gigs in Japan, busking16:28 physical merch and differences in lives25:10 bilingual music 27:27 making a living, family support33:51 the gender divide on artists 37:46 favorite songs and music videos they’ve made41:45 different eras 47:58 advice for musicians, language barrier54:09 best and worst performances
Japan is known around the world for their cleanliness and safety. They also pride themselves on their 99% conviction rate. What’s the full story of that conviction rate though? Has anyone ever been falsely accused of a crime or imprisoned in the name of this high conviction rate? Why is Japan’s capital punishment criticized for its cruelty? Let’s chat about all this and more, and learn the story of Iwao Hakamata, the world’s longest serving death row inmate who was fully exonerated only last year after decades behind bars. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowReferences/sources:Former prison guard describes stark reality of executionshttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14767701Japanese court acquits world’s longest serving death row inmate https://www.ntv.co.jp/englishnews/articles/2021zkzw33zk4ax7pdwj.html?utm_source=chatgpt.comHakamata’s Lettershttps://www.asahi.com/special/hakamadaletters/en/https://youtu.be/tuKueuIb3Xs?si=hqDOTlXuWF9bBNR599.9%: Is Japan’s High Conviction Rate a Product of “Hostage Justice”?https://unseen-japan.com/japan-criminal-justice/#The_safest_country_in_the_world…Hyogo Police Compelled 12-Year-Old Girl to Confess to False Reporthttps://unseen-japan.com/12-year-old-forced-confession/58 YEARS BEHIND BARS... AND HE WAS INNOCENT: THE HAKAMADA CASE | Korean Fileshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuKueuIb3XsThe Japanese Boxer Accused Of Mass Murderhttps://youtu.be/iOipVRL-O_k?si=fn7lR6BMQgv-7UPKHakamata gets ¥217M in compensation after acquittal in 1966 murder casehttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/25/japan/crime-legal/japan-hakamata/Shizuoka police chief apologizes to Iwao Hakamata after his acquittalhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/21/japan/crime-legal/hakamata-shizuoka-police-apology/Over 80% of Japanese say death penalty system is 'unavoidable'https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/22/japan/society/death-penalty-surveySurvey: 83% of Japanese still support death penaltyhttps://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15639980US embassy and consulate https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/under-investigation-the-next-20-days/What happens if you go to prison in Japan?https://blog.gaijinpot.com/what-happens-if-you-go-to-prison-in-japan/Time stamps00:00 what made us want to do this topic02:15 what we will cover today04:46 disclaimer05:16 Japan’s safety & how it compares to other countries14:06 Japan’s 99% conviction rate16:48 23-day detention period22:59 interrogation26:09 death row & why Japan’s capital punishment is cruel39:21 exonerations and Iwao Hakamata’s story
Living abroad can be complicated! After some years, things can become less exciting and new, but thrilling in other ways. Let's go through some reddit stories and chat about things we wish we could redo, getting back that spark, and more.Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful wordsナプキン napukin - pad (for periods)老人 roujin - elderly person飲み会 nomikai - drinking party飲み放題 nomihodai - all-you-can-drinkReferences/sources:“Falling out of love with Japan”https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1ch5im6/falling_out_of_love_with_living_in_japan/ “I like my life in Japan but…”https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1cmxb8i/i_like_my_life_in_japanbut/Mainichi Article: “Japan ranks lowest in quality of life satisfaction among 30 countries: happiness survey” https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250410/p2a/00m/0na/010000c “Your most controversial thought about any aspect of living in Japan” https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1h2dx6f/your_most_controversial_thought_about_any_aspect/ “If you could have a do-over of your life in Japan thus far, what would you change?”https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/11bb8l2/if_you_could_have_a_doover_of_your_life_in_japan/ Time stamps00:00 hello03:49 intro to the topic05:41 disclaimer07:11 “falling out of love with Japan”13:57 “I like my life in Japan but…”30:09 surface level relationships33:14 happiness survey among natives40:33 controversial takes42:38 asking for a napkin49:41 what you wish you could redo
Thinking about going to Japan to study the Japanese language? We brought on Ariana today who has been to language school in Tokyo for half a year (on a student visa). Frankie has attended part-time at a language school in Osaka, and Cheyenne has some insight about the student visa from doing an exchange in university. Is it worth the costs? How much do you need up front? Will going to school improve your Japanese and help you enter the work force? Do you have to take the JLPT? Let’s find out!Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowAriana - @maplesushiWords mentioned/useful words先輩 senpai - senior, mentor後輩 kouhai (opposite of senpai)移民 imin - immigrant方言 hougen - dialect誘惑に負けた yuwaku ni maketa - fell/lost to temptation文法 bunpo - grammar敬語 Keigo - honorific language時事問題 jiji mondai - current events漫才 manzai - style of comedy in Japan (usually has 2 performers) ダジャレ dajare - bad joke or pun字幕 jimaku - subtitles飲み会 nomikai - drinking party例文 reibun - example sentence面接 mensetsu - interview (for something like a job or school)音読み onyomi - “sound reading” way of reading kanji訓読み kunyomi - “meaning reading” way of reading kanji - original Japanese word漢字圏 kanjiken - countries that use Chinese characters 入学式 nyugaku shiki - school entrance ceremony卒業式 sotsugyo shiki - graduation ceremony聴解 chōkai - listening comprehension 資格 shikaku - qualifications専門学校 senmon gakko - vocational/training schools奨学金 shogakkin - scholarship 貧乏ゆすり binbou yusuri - unconsciously shaking your legs条件 jōken - conditions手話 shuwa - sign languageお疲れ様です otsukare sama desu - good job, you’ve worked hardReferences/sources:We referenced Go! Go! Nihon a few times, the service Ariana used to find a school. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for assistance finding a school to study at full time! https://gogonihon.com/en/For people who’ve lived in Japan 10+ years but never learned Japanese, how do you feel about it?https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1n606w3/for_people_whove_lived_in_japan_10_years_but/Time stamps00:00 hello03:09 language study background04:59 full vs part time language school, classes, visa, etc23:44 average costs36:30 JLPT41:12 worth it? Putting in effort irl48:10 other listener testimonials55:13 why people don’t learn Japanese
In the wake of recent elections and even Japan making history with their first female prime minister, let’s chat very simply about politics. We’ll talk about some silliness with last year’s Tokyo governor election, and some other odd politicians that’ve made their mark on meme history and caused a stir on social media. THE EPISODE IS MEANT TO BE LIGHTHEARTED, and just a general overview of how politics works here. We are not looking for a political debate. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowReferences:Rep. Shiomura Ayaka Pushes Against Teenage Pornography; Colleagues Laughhttps://unseen-japan.com/rep-shiomura-ayaka-pushes-against-teenage-pornography-colleagues-laugh/Who is Japan's 'Iron Lady' Sanae Takaichi?https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkj5e73xkmo Japan’s “Iron Lady” faces a fractured political landscapehttps://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/japan-s-iron-lady-faces-fractured-political-landscape Japanese Joker Yusuke Kawai Fails Miserably in Xenophobic Election Campaignhttps://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/japanese-joker-yusuke-kawai-fails-miserably-xenophobic-election-campaign/#67201a4981320 How Japan’s “Far-Right” Fooled Millions (But It’s Already Falling Apart)https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=35&v=K5R69XlhxcE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F How Japan's Biggest Idiot Singlehandedly Destroyed a Political Partyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZG95grO-vcJAPAN'S Politics are UNHINGED.... and I LOVE IT!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iv4lCUijTkNonomura Ryuutaro The Meme of Japan's Most Embarrassing Manhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76UbRfD9JBw Japan Joker Party Tokyo Election Public Address | Full Translation [06/25]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfpWqK586Oo Professionally Annoying Man Tries To Kick All Tourists From Japanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ5u16NUKMU&t=906sTime stamps00:00 hello/overview/disclaimer02:29 politics 101 (no money, govt systems, parties, etc)05:53 LDP - Japan’s ruling party07:38 Tokyo 2024 governor chaos08:50 Joker guy13:53 “Destroy the NHK” party 22:37 Caught embezzling and became a meme24:42 laughed at for caring about young women’s safety28:00 queen of contradiction31:58 nuisance youtuber turned politician36:04 Japan’s first female PM43:02 ultra-nationalist party
By request, we have a part 2 to this year’s Halloween/spooky stories episode! Hopefully you’re able to sleep after hearing some of these chilling stories. Check out last year’s 4-part spooky series as well if you want more!Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words外国人 gaikokujin - foreigner外国 gaikoku - foreign country 〜あるある (something aru aru) - things (like foreigners things, etc)味 aji - flavor, tasteペコペコ pekopeko - hungryTime stamps00:00 hello/city hall horror3:51 middle names, foreigner things7:24 creepy hotel in Nagano11:42 The Young Salaryman (story from J)15:23 Why Me?22:09 My Grandmother’s Warning27:01 bonus: The Barefoot Child (from Cebu)32:47 Peko chan lore
A recent case of stalking and femicide has reignited the conversation about Japan’s stalking laws. What was the case that led to the creation of the Anti-Stalking Act in the year 2000? How have things changed, if at all, in the past 25 years? What type of self defense is permitted in Japan?TW (whole ep) stalking, DV, homicideGot questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful wordsnampa - picking up people, catcalling交番 koban - police boxReferences/sources:Japanese s*x pest jailed for stalking pop idol Ena Matsuoka using reflections in her eyeshttps://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3052704/japanese-sex-pest-jailed-stalking-pop-idol-ena-matsuoka-usingStalker 'found Japanese singer through reflection in her eyes' https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50000234 Japan police admit mistakes in dealing with stalking that led to woman's deathhttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250904_14/Stats from tell Japanhttps://telljp.com/resources/stalking/Parents of murdered stalking victim remain resolute 25 years laterhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/27/japan/crime-legal/stalking-murder-victim-father/Japan’s stalking crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbNJoxhkG8Ladies & The Law: The Murder That Resulted in Japan’s Anti-Stalking Acthttps://savvytokyo.com/ladies-the-law-the-murder-that-resulted-in-japans-anti-stalking-act/#:~:text=Lifestyle-,Ladies%20&%20The%20Law:%20The%20Murder%20That%20Resulted,in%20Japan's%20Anti%2DStalking%20Act&text=At%20a%20little%20before%201,both%20her%20and%20her%20family.Japanese Police Consider Changing Anti-Stalking Law After Murderhttps://unseen-japan.com/japan-stalking-crackdown/#:~:text=Recent%20high%2Dprofile%20case%20spurs%20debate%20on%20stalking%20reforms,-Picture:%20Haru%20photography&text=She%20filed%20a%20complaint%20in,similar%20tragedies%20in%20the%20future.Stalker enters house, what self-defense options are legal?https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/c3b64o/legalcrime_castle_doctrine_in_japan_stalker/?share_id=WDRIOkhqe6EPCLw3IMZWP&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1Time stamps00:00 hello/intro02:19 TW (whole ep) stalking, DV, homicide3:51 singer’s stalker found her through the reflection in her eye4:49 personal experiences and that of friends10:10 recent stalking/femic*de that’s reigniting the convo15:25 stalking statistics17:39 Japan’s anti-stalking act19:05 case that led to the anti-stalking act25:30 reporting to the police27:07 consequences for stalking offenses27:33 revisions to the anti stalking act?33:13 stalking documentary38:39 therapy for stalkers?40:00 is stalking worse in Japan?43:09 self defense
From decades long hauntings to sleep paralysis demons, these terrifying listener stories will have you clutching your blanket and unable to sleep!Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words助けてください tasukete kudasai - please help me満席 manseki - full (as in there are no spaces left, like in a restaurant or theatre)怖い話 kowai hanashi - scary story霊感 reikan - the ability to sense the supernatural 実家 jikka - family home中間テスト chukan testo - midterm exams金縛り kanashibari - sleep paralysis お祓い oharai - purification, exorcism 自販機 jihanki - vending machine神 kami - god(s)氈鹿 kamoshika - serow (antelope or goat-like mammal)祭り matsuri - festivalReferences/sources:Review eyed as anger continues for Japan-Africa ‘hometown’ planhttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16031070#:~:text=The%20JICA%20program%20is%20intended,the%20issuance%20of%20special%20visas.Time stamps00:00 it’s spooky season1:46 news - Africa hometown program backlash + update7:10 story 1 - it lurks in the stairwell11:28 story 2 - a haunting in Okinawa28:06 story 3 - an unexpected visitor31:45 story 4 - what’s hiding in the locked room?36:07 story 5 - haunted childhood home in Osaka - Tasha’s story56:23 stories 6-8 fallen torii gate, apt haunting and sleep paralysis - Aerial’s stories
So we’re canceling baths now? Let’s chat about some of these ~~ cancel kaiwai (team/community) in Japan, like bath and eating “cancel” and see if it’s just rebellion or maybe some deeper mental health issues going on. We also have an update about Saikyo chan, one of Japans’ hikikomori idols.Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful wordsガチ gachi - seriously, for real?まじ maji - ^ seriously? Really?本当 hontou - really, trulyエモい emoi - moody, emo, sad, in your feels, melancholic ~キャンセル界隈 kyanseru kaiwai - community (maybe online), team 風呂 furo - bathめんどくさい mendokusai - troublesome, pain in the butt食事 shokuji - meal, food タイパー taipa - time performance, how well you manage timeゴミ屋敷 gomi yashiki - hoarder/trash-filled home死ね shi ne - dieことわざ kotowaza - proverb漫才 manzai - 2 person comedy act, often skitsReferences/sources:Slang - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/05/16/language/slang-emotional-japanese/What is furo cancel - https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/54754ecabb573fdeb8b7bcee0eb0d0a3da1d5446Who is participating - https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/d790121c796b45f0b0e7fcc55b728725Gen Z movements - https://www.bcnretail.com/market/detail/20240927_457226.htmlSaikyo chan lawsuit - https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e5cc7e0579896eb0c9322a3e2e0f5f24288b19cdFuro Cancel Kaiwai song by チョコレートプラネット https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkclH7G7S4&list=RDKrkclH7G7S4&start_radio=1Time stamps00:00 life updates, dental spa12:53 gen z slang14:23 cancel baths? Hair wash debate17:08 what is team “cancel baths”28:11 cancelling…food?32:01 Saikyo chan update - lawsuit39:21 mental health42:35 furo cancel song
From nose pickers, folks openly reading p*rn on the train, and barf on the bus, we thought we had seen it all until we heard these stories… Get ready for a wild ride. Thanks to those who submitted stories!Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words痴漢 chikan - groper, pervert 盗撮 tousatsu - sneaky photography, non-consensual photography仕方ない shikatanai (another way to say shoganai, can’t be helped) 駅員 eki-in - train staff Time stamps00:00 life updates, visa stuff7:48 disclaimer10:38 train chaos22:23 Rosa’s bizarre train adventures33:25 listener stories43:29 reddit chaos
TW - CA, child abandonment, infanticide, stillbirth, and other troubling topics. Viewer discretion is advised.After reading Ryu Murakami’s novel Coin Locker Babies, we wanted to learn more about this phenomenon and speak about recent cases of children left in lockers, other well-known cases of child abandonment, and find out a bit more about what options people have, like foster care and adoption. Please be respectful in the comments. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words間引き mabiki - thinning out, pruning, also Edo period word for infanticide of second or third sons遊郭 yuukaku - red light/entertainment districtReferences/sources:Child abuse and neglect in Japan: Coin-operated-locker babieshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0145213494001087Editorial: Japan needs legal protections, support for confidential births, baby hatcheshttps://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250416/p2a/00m/0op/004000c#:~:text=Jikei%20Hospital%20first%20introduced%20Japan's,maternal%20and%20child%20support%20approaches.Japan's only 'baby hatch' sees record high inquiries 'due to pandemic'https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201128/p2a/00m/0na/005000cSouthwest Japan hospital shelters woman seeking to give birth without family knowledgehttps://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211029/p2a/00m/0na/045000c#:~:text=Since%202007%2C%20Jikei%20Hospital%20has,was%20going%20to%20give%20birth.Mother arrested for leaving baby's body in locker - 26 September 2018https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/7579Baby’s body found in shopping center locker - June 6, 2021https://japantoday.com/category/crime/baby%E2%80%99s-body-found-in-shopping-center-locker?comment-order=popularJapan Children Support Association https://npojcsa.com/en/index.htmlInfanticide in Japan: Sign of the Times? - NYT 1973https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/08/archives/infanticide-in-japan-sign-of-the-times-daughters-spared.html33-year-old woman arrested in Osaka for abandoning newborn baby's body in coin lockerhttps://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR3N3R59R3NPTIL004.htmlTime stamps00:00 TW - whole episode00:43 life updates, books 6:32 coin locker babies10:08 recent cases 17:32 similar cases through the ages20:21 orphanages, foster care, adoption overview23:55 does Japan have baby hatches?29:27 movies based on abandonment cases38:20 what options are there
Feels like everyone’s getting canceled these days right? From idols breaking “no dating” rules, extramarital affairs, and tweets about people stinking in the summer, let’s chat about some sad and bizarre incidents that sparked backlash in Japan. Did it go too far???Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words女子力 jyoshi ryoku - woman's level of motivation in fashion, makeup, etc., femininity野球少年 yakyuu shonen - baseball boys/youth推し活 oshikatsu - idol culture in Japan 空き家 akiya - empty (abandoned but not always) home偉い erai - excellent, great remarkable 迷惑 meiwaku - troublesome, burden, nuisance References/sources:Osaka buildings charred in deadly fire had code violations: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15973475Yuri Kawaguchi - freelance tv anchor loses jobs over remarks about men’s body odor https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/the-smell-of-japanese-tv-anchor-loses-job-after-criticising-men-body-odour/amp_articleshow/112756914.cmsVoice Actress Rie Takahashi encourages fans to shower with cute drawingshttps://www.businessinsider.com/anime-actress-hand-drawn-guide-fans-bathe-before-concert-2023-3AKB48 members shaves head and apologizes for breaking the no dating rule https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21299324.ampBecky and Enon https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/08/downfall-japan-tv-becky-industry-sexismhttps://decider.com/2019/03/13/terrace-house-enon-kawatani-scandal/Yuzuru Hanyu https://japan-forward.com/yuzuru-hanyu-announces-divorce-citing-media-harassment-and-stalking/More recent idol story: https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/s/4nLOPVdXPgTime stamps00:00 hello2:53 sad news for Osaka6:08 fired for saying dudes need deodorant16:19 opposite - praised for caring about fans23:36 Yuzuru Hanyu marriage and divorce 29:51 idols and strict no dating rules39:49 extramarital affairs51:02 unfunny joke57:54 nuisance youtuber rebrand
There’s been a lot of news lately about increased traffic accidents involving foreign drivers in Japan, and that’s prompted some new rules and regulations regarding driving and getting your license. With the aging population, there is also an increase of accidents involving elderly drivers.Let’s break down some of these confusing new rules and chat about our own experiences driving here and getting our license. We’re also got some listener stories and recent news stories. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful wordsZainichi means “residing in Japan”, but the term has become synonymous with the ethnic Korean population in Japan.運転免許 unten menkyo - driver’s license田舎 inaka - countryside初心者マーク shoshinsha mark - beginner mark (in this case for new drivers)ウィンカー winkaa - turn signal Nikkei - Japanese person living abroad原付 gentsuki - one word for moped or motorbikeまぶしい mabushii - bright (like the sun or the lights)Kei car - small, lightweight vehicle that is cheaper and offers tax and insurance benefits, but in an accident I (Frankie) personally feel they are not the safest References/sources:Foreign drivers in Japan to face tougher license conversion rules from Octoberhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/10/japan/crime-legal/npa-drivers-license-conversion/#:~:text=The%20National%20Police%20Agency%20on,car%20accidents%20by%20such%20driversGuide: learning how to drive in Japanhttps://mailmate.jp/blog/learning-how-to-drive-in-japanJapan to bar foreign tourists from converting driver's licenseshttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250710_07/#:~:text=An%20agency%20survey%20of%20license,%23Foreigners%20in%20JapanSeniors Make Up Over 50 Pct of 2023 Traffic Deaths in Japanhttps://sp.m.jiji.com/english/show/33754Elderly driver who killed 2, injured 9 in 2019 dies in prisonhttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15524048Two sisters, aged 5 and 7, killed in bus-car collision in Fukuokahttps://japantoday.com/category/national/two-sisters-aged-5-and-7-killed-in-bus-car-collision-in-fukuokaPhoto: https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/1ev561v/two_sisters_killed_fukuoka_car_accident/Japanese Drivers Practical Test (Hiroshima) is kicking my ass! Any suggestions appreciated!(r/Japan 12 years ago)https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/xqyks/japanese_drivers_practical_test_hiroshima_is/All cars in Japan to have systems preventing accidents from gas/brake pedal mistakes by 2028https://japantoday.com/category/national/all-cars-in-japan-to-have-systems-preventing-accidents-from-gas-brake-pedal-mistakes-by-2028Elderly driver’s panic: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/154wtes/japan_elderly_drivers_panic/2024 marks 3rd-lowest year on record for traffic deaths in Japanhttps://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15577054#:~:text=Special-,National%20Report,were%20either%20driving%20or%20walking.Despite Law, Many in Japan Fail to Belt Up in the Back Seathttps://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01596/#:~:text=Under%20road%20traffic%20law%2C%20it,importance%20of%20wearing%20a%20seatbelt.Time stamps00:00 Cheyenne is back2:47 increased accidents involving foreign drivers7:10 new regulations/rules for changing your license11:10 converting your license in Japan/driving test39:09 driving school40:48 driving age42:46 listener stories about driving/getting license53:56 traffic accidents involving the elderly/ no seatbelt
How does maternity care and giving birth differ between the US and Japan? Spoiler alert: the bar is so low for Americans that everything here seems pretty awesome. Cheyenne shares her birth story in this episode and we chat about maternity clinics, postpartum care, epidurals, government subsidies, paternity care, and more in this special episode. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words和痛分娩 watsuubunben - delivery with pain-reducing medication無痛分娩 mutsuubunben - pain-less childbirth/delivery迷惑 meiwaku - bothersome, trouble, annoyance文化の違い bunka no chigai - cultural difference 産後ケアホテル sango kea hoteru - postpartum care hotel立会い tachiai - presence, observer, witness年休 nenkyuu - yearly paid vacation里帰り出産 satogaerishussan - going back to one’s hometown to give birthReferences/sources:Japan set to fully cover childbirth costs possibly from April 2026 https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/53841Leading Japanese hospital suspends childbirth pain reliefhttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2622/Father not involved after birth. Is this tradition? (8 years ago)https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/76sapd/father_not_involved_after_birth_is_this_tradition/Time stamps00:00 Cheyenne is back9:02 birth chat/intro12:29 hospital/Cheyenne’s birth story28:45 general birth costs, hospital system39:43 after birth expectations and experience46:07 hospital visitation52:23 culture shocks56:54 paternity leave1:03:18 listener stories/other perspectives 1:09:38 leading hospital suspends epidurals
On the morning of March 20th, 1995, a chemical nerve agent was released on 3 of Tokyo’s major subway lines during rush hour. At this year, 2025, marks the 30th anniversary of the infamous subway attack, let’s learn about what happened that day, the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo responsible for it, and what else the cult had done that led up to this horrific incident.Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words地下鉄 chikatetsu - subway事件 jiken - incident, occurrence 自衛隊 jieitai - self-defense force (SDF)References:“Driver in Osaka arrested for ‘trying to kill’ school children” https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15740626 https://www.moj.go.jp/psia/25years_after_the_tokyo_subway_sarin_gas_attacks)NHK Documentary- “The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack: A Battle in the Shadows” https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/5001453/ BCC Article on Aum https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35975069(Vice news coverage) https://youtu.be/_ssq96g-cfE?si=5JDfl4KvYSvgB9mVAccidentally joined a cult: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1kancez/accidentally_joined_a_cult/ Time stamps00:00 hello/current events8:52 Aum Shinrikyo/subway attack overview12:00 Shoko Asahara’s upbringing14:36 Aum Shinrikyo beginnings26:56 things escalate37:29 justice served? 40:45 aftermath42:33 are they still active?48:48 modern day cults
You know those awkward moments that keep you up at night and haunt you in the shower? Yeah…we’ve got a lot of those. Let’s chat about our most embarrassing and awkward moments and language mistakes in Japan and hear some cringe-worthy listener stories as well. Buckle up!Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful wordsちっと chitto - a little bitチート chīto - cheat浮気 uwaki - cheating不倫 furin - affair/cheating歩きスマホ aruki sumaho - texting and walkingピンピン pinpin - lively, energetic 好きです suki desu - I like/love…. something, or you大好きです dai suki desu - I REALLY like/love something/you信号 shingo - traffic light風鈴 fūrin - wind chimes人間 ningen - human人参 ninjin - carrots甘い amai - sweet (tasting)一発 ippatsu - (in the context of the story we shared…a quickie)Time stamps00:00 hello/life updates3:29 personal embarrassing stories26:09 listener stories45:07 reddit stories
With the internet being such an integral part of our lives these days, scammers have evolved too. Let’s learn about some of the more common types of scams in Japan today, from tourist traps, work scams, and romance swindlers to those who prey on the kindness of the elderly. Let’s see what kind of 詐欺 (sagi) we need to look out for. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.comFrankie - @franklinthewomanCheyenne - @lostwithlowWords mentioned/useful words詐欺 sagi - scam/fraud詐欺師 sagi-shi - scammer, con artistロマンス詐欺 romance sagi - romance scam オレオレ詐欺 ore ore sagi - “It's Me, It's Me” scam俺 ore - me (masculine form, but it’s kinda rough)二次会 nijikai - second party (usually drinking)インスタ映え insta bae - instagrammable わざわざ waza waza - for a special/specific purpose関係者 kankeisha - authorized personnel, people concerned References:Confidence Man JP trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgeDUPimNYk&t=1sNPA (national police agency) website warning about “SNS romance sagi”:https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/safetylife/sos47/new-topics/sns-romance/romance/MOFA notice on romance sagi:https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C015.htmlOre ore sagi: https://medium.com/japan-in-mind/underlying-cultural-issues-behind-japans-biggest-scam-675887ec0f18Over 100 hotels in Japan fall victim to booking.com phishing scam:https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/424ff5e523cb-over-100-hotels-in-japan-fall-victim-to-bookingcom-phishing-scams.htmlScammer alert: nude photo scam https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/gIE3YzVfJcTime stamps00:00 hello/life updates3:32 scammy texts9:15 yami baito11:15 romance sagi17:57 ore ore sagi21:53 bars with stealth pricing23:20 monks24:48 tourist traps - Mario kart, robot restaurant, etc34:32 booking,com phishing scam35:35 shower photo blackmail (reddit)