In this special episode, Sid is here to join us! As another member of the Asakadai SQWAD, Sid's here to share with us his story studying at Rikkyo, and all of the usual Asakadai shenanigans that occurs. Enjoy!Timestamps[00:00:00] Lock your doors people![00:03:44] Introducing: Sid[00:05:46] Sid's Yokai of the week[00:08:53] Superstitions exist to instil behaviors for control[00:14:52] Sid's journey to Rikkyo[00:19:01] Certificate of Eligibility problems[00:27:19] The first week of signing pape...
In this episode, we talk about happy memories! What makes us happy? How did it evolve over time? Norm and Holly take a tip down memory lane as we look back at our happiest memories growing up, and how it eventually evolved into gratitude over time. Also, we talk about what an e-boy Yokai would look like...so look forward to that chemical romance!Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro[00:00:12] Football and getting our first names[00:05:11] J-Dramas and dumb memories at the dorm[00:10:48] Welcome to the s...
In this episode, we dive into the wonderful world of love hotels! Exploring the concept of sex in Japan, the convenience of these buildings and all the crazy themes that exist there, Norm and Holly go design their own while navigating around this wonderfully uncomfortable topic. Enjoy!Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro, Priming for Lust[00:02:36] Dealing with religious family members[00:05:53] Introducing the show and Happy Thanksgiving![00:10:26] Celebrating Thanksgiving as an excuse for gratitude[0...
In this episode, we talk about crimes: what compels us to break rules and face potential punishment. After the Joker event that happened during Halloween in Tokyo, both hosts talk about compulsions, rationales and more, in societies that may ultimately fail to support those in need.Timestamps[00:00:00] Life before masks[00:01:33] Introducing crime[00:03:29] Yokai of the Week (Content warning!)[00:13:07] Spinoff show on Yokai hunting?[00:17:35] Learning about restraint from Yokai[00:22:21] Doi...
In this episode, we talk about anime! But not just the Narutos, One Pieces, and Bleaches: we talked about the childhood anime that we grew up with, our relationship with anime fans (aka. weaboos), and the real implications of what each of the genres represent. This isn't a discussion for everyone unless you're a fan of cultural implications and anthropology too, but enjoy nonetheless!Timestamps00:00 Intro02:06 Daylight Savings and a crazy Deepavali drinking night07:07 Yokai of the Week22:50 C...
Happy Halloween! In this week's episode we're exploring the wonderful world of trick-or-treating and how that's played out in Japan as well as our home countries!Timestamps00:00 Intro1:33 Exploring our old halloween costumes5:15 The beautiful Yokai of the Week12:40 Would ghosts survive well in modern Japan?20:25 Our earliest memories of Halloween32:19 How did Halloween arrive in Japan?36:42 The real Horror season happens in Summer41:49 The colourful riot of Shibuya Halloween48:04 Japanese Mad...
This episode is all about food! From our spiciest memories with ramen to 'The Incident', Norm and Holly share their food misadventures throughout Tokyo!Timestamps00:00 Intro2:32 Yokai of the week5:03 When objects gain a soul of their own11:53 What items should come alive in modern society?18:26 Books to be transported to23:12 Rating the Princess28:00 Our spiciest memory of ramen37:08 Eating noodles like going to bars39:34 Nobody has seen you at your worst than your local konbini43:38 Convenie...
In this episode, we talk about what to know, bring, and research when moving to Japan! From things you don't need to bring to necessary recommendations and logistics to consider, we give you the rundown on what you need to set up ASAP!WARNING: This episode contains graphic themes, namely because of our chosen Yokai of the week. If you're not a fan of graphic/violent imagery, please use the timestamps below to skip to the main topic! #PocariSweatBoyzTimestamps:00:00 Intro2:03 Catching up8:42 L...
In this episode, we'll be talking all about wanderlust: the effects of travel on us and how it changes the way we look at the world. We take a trip down memory lane, with memories of our first times travelling. We talked about our assumptions of Japanese people and had them broken down as soon as we arrived there. Plenty of introspection happening here, and of course, a little bit yabai added in between.Timestamps2:21 The Kanpai Yokai Tier List: What makes a demon a good demon?7:57 This week'...
In this episode we talk about superstitions, believes and Yokai! How do demons affect the way that we behave? What were the journeys that both co-hosts went through to gain a better understanding of themselves? And why is the Shirime the one true god? From hot waterfall daddies to butt eyes, please enjoy the episode!Timestamps2:30 Do you believe in ghosts?9:12 In Japan, every detail is an art form in itself13:12 God formed the basis for the instruction of living18:51 An actual ghost story tha...
We're going to take it slow this episode and talk about burnout, fleeting friendships, finding your support system, and the desperation we can get to when we're trying to find our way back 'home'. This is not a light-hearted episode, and though we talk about our experiences in Japan, we also talk about how to cope with ourselves before and after it. Hope you learn a lot from this one!Timestamps:5:20 How we handle burnout changes as we grow older10:42 Burnout multiples if all the contexts gath...
In this episode, we talk about drinking culture! From nomikais to nomihoudais, why people drink so much and the expectations of drinking in working society. We take a look at how it affects our habits as well as what Japanese culture deems mandatory!Timestamps:3:25 Alcohol is very cheap + Norm's drinking strategies11:46 Comparing experiences in learning about drinking19:10 Living the double life in Japan23:22 Learning about Nomikai and Nomihoudai34:50 On themed bars and Hooters40:10 Meeting S...
In this episode, we talk about convenience stores! Not only do we cover our favorite brands, we share our experiences using them and how convenience functions as the backbone of Japanese society. Taking a fun topic and zooming it out to a macro perspective, how does a culture provide convenience for you and how does that reflect your place in society? Find out! #wildpantygachamachineTimestamps3:39 Why Family Mart is top-tier8:45 Our breakfasts start at 7-1113:29 Embarrassing moments21:11 The ...
In this episode, we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start this podcast, uncovering the reality of living abroad in Tokyo, and exploring topics we can talk about further down the line! Timestamps08:00 How Norm and Holly met the first time12:13 Getting into a new exchange semester is difficult16:16 Team SMESH and empty champagne bottles23:31 Comparing nightlifes of different countries39:09 Living the train life, and taking responsibility for schedules48:20 Learning Japanese require...
Coming up: a show between two co-hosts who like to talk about all things Japan, society, culture, and all the yabai stuff in between. To be released in September!