Unpacking Japan

<p>Unpacking Japan explores Japanese arts, culture, and business through the lives of foreigners who have made this amazing country their home. While we’ve all seen vlogs and movies showing Japan from a pop culture perspective, Unpacking Japan tells the stories that get left by the wayside—the immigrants, and the entrepreneurs, and the artists.<br><br>What are Japanese drag shows like? What drives someone to spend their life as a priest in the mountains? What is Japan like for the thousands of immigrant workers seeking a better life for their families?<br><br>Tune in every week for an authentic, inspiring conversation with someone who’s carved out their own, unique place in this beautiful country. <br><br>Host: Tobias Bieker<br>Production: Andri Magdych<br>Editing: Julian Sketchley, Lucas Nicholas<br>Social Media: Julian Sketchley<br>Design: Moe Koga, Lucas Nicholas<br><br>Produced by ZenStudio https://zenstudio.osaka/</p>

Why Japan is so behind on cybersecurity

Meet Chinyere, cyber security expert and personal finance consultant. She talks about Japan being extremely behind in cyber security knowledge and other topics. Follow Chinyere: https://thesistafund.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7UdPuAihqNSIv8-Eupfjyw https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinyere-okoli-816b2b64 https://www.facebook.com/thesistafund/ Follow us on our social media: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416 https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts https://www.instagram.com/unpa...

04-11
56:03

Cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines

Meet Mickael, a half Japanese, half Filipino vlogger, who makes content about life in Japan in Tagalog. He sits down with us to share his story of growing up hafu in Japan, before rediscovering his roots in the Philippines. Follow Mickael on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikasan__ https://www.youtube.com/@mikasan_ https://www.instagram.com/mickaelshimizu_ https://www.facebook.com/mikasaninosaka/ Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.c...

04-04
47:24

How studying obscure Japanese arts can help you build a life in Japan

Meet Justin, a singer who has been studying the ancient art of shigin for more than 10 years, after accidentally discovering it one day while living in the Japanese countryside. He sits down with us to share his story of moving from Tennessee to Japan and falling in love with this beautiful, yet incredibly difficult, traditional art form. Follow Justin: https://youtube.com/@theshigingaijin1985 https://www.instagram.com/shigin_gaijin/ https://www.x.com/shigin_gaijin https://www.instagram...

03-28
01:05:46

"Light in Japan is different. It just is." Photographer Joe Allam on moving to Japan

Meet Joe Allam, a British filmmaker and a photographer who was so fascinated by Japan that he decided to move to Osaka and restart his entire life in Japan. He sits down to talk with us about what makes Japan so special, how he avoids the Japan content trap, and his own inspirations as a filmmaker. Follow Joe Allam: https://joeallam.co.uk/about/ https://www.youtube.com/AllamJoe https://www.instagram.com/joeallam http://facebook.com/JoeAllamLtd http://twitter.com/joeallam Follow us on our soci...

03-21
01:05:03

Ananya's secret to Japanese fluency

Meet Ananya, who sits down with us to share her journey to Japan and unique perspective on living here as a content creator. Ananya makes both educational content to help teach Japanese, as well as comedic skits that reflect her personal experiences in Japan. Follow Ananya: https://www.instagram.com/hiananyaa_ https://www.youtube.com/@hiananyaa https://x.com/hiananyaa https://www.tiktok.com/@hiananya Check out Ananya's Japanese course: https://japanese.hiananya.com/ Follow us on our social m...

03-14
55:00

LGBTQ+ Documentary Filmmaker Discusses Queer Rights in Japan

Meet Felicity, a filmmaker exploring the theme of identity through her documentary work in Japan. She sits down to talk with us about what she's learned about Japanese views on multiculturalism, awareness of queer issues, and the concept of what "home" is. Follow Felicity's work: https://www.instagram.com/wherenextjapan https://www.wherenextjapan.com Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan h...

03-07
53:55

AV Actress June Lovejoy explains the Japanese porn industry

Meet AV star June Lovejoy, who sits down with us to break down all the misconceptions about the Japanese porn industry, and explore what life is like for workers in this profession. June shares their own personal experiences, their thoughts on the good and bad of the industry, and the ways it continues to change. Follow June: https://www.instagram.com/junelovejoyy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5o8__B2BXoqFf0Et1fMSrQ https://x.com/june__lovejoy https://www.tiktok.com/@junelovejoy https://...

02-28
01:05:03

Interviewing the most recognizable voice in Japan

Meet Donna Burke, a singer and voice actress in Japan most widely known as the voice of the Shinkansen. She sits down to talk to us about her 30-year career in Japan, from wedding singer to starring in franchises like Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and Tokyo Ghoul, as well as her life as an entrepreneur. Follow Donna: https://www.donnaburke.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl3O6yIEVSY49XwOS1QTpA https://www.instagram.com/thedonnaburke https://www.x.com/TheDonnaBurke https://www.facebook.com/d...

02-21
58:49

Is Japan still worth it for Asian immigrants? | How to work in Japan on a trainee visa

Meet Jheadear, a factory worker and content creator from the Philippines, who sits down to talk to us about the process of applying to become a technical trainee in Japan. We discuss her daily routines and workflow, her challenges in adapting to Japanese culture and work environment, as well as her work as an influencer helping her fellow Filipinos secure work placements in Japan. Follow Jheadear https://www.youtube.com/@jeadelosreyes3720 https://www.tiktok.com/@jeadelosreyes Follow us on our...

02-14
48:14

Why Japan is at the forefront of the next AI revolution

Meet Jad, cofounder of Integral AI, a software developing a system called universal simulations, in order to help advance AGI (artificial general intelligence). He sits down to talk with us about the future of AI, and if we really can develop it in a way that benefits humanity. Follow Jad & Intergral AI https://www.x.com/jad_tarifi https://www.integral.ai Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unpackin...

02-07
59:00

Where Ricchaado's inspiration for skits about being black in Japan comes from

Meet Ricchaado, a comedian from the UK most known for his exaggerated skits about his experiences as a black foreigner in Japan. He sits down to talk to us about the inspirations behind his famous characters Momo-chan and Mr. Hashimoto, his other business endeavors, how Japanese and Western viewers see his content differently, and more. Follow Ricchaado: https://www.instagram.com/ricchaadotv https://www.youtube.com/@RicchaadoTV https://www.x.com/ricchaado https://www.facebook.com/Ricchaado-10...

01-31
01:09:15

An honest conversation about animal rights in Japan, with a Kobe zoo veterinarian

Meet Dr. Miaka, a veterinarian at Kobe Animal Kingdom, who sits down to talk with us about her daily life taking care of the zoo's wide variety of animals, as well as discuss animal rights in Japan, the role of zoos in science and conservation, and how her zoo recreates the natural habitats of its animals. Follow Dr. Miaka and the Kobe Animal Kingdom: https://www.instagram.com/@zoovetjapan https://www.kobe-oukoku.com/en Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https...

01-24
01:21:00

Dogen's secret to Japanese fluency

For our 100th episode we are joined by one of Japan's most recognizable foreign content creators, pitch accent specialist, and writer, Dogen! In this long awaited interview, Dogen talks about his creative process, inspirations, and challenges he has faced through his journey in Japan, in creative writing, and content creation. Follow Dogen: https://www.youtube.com/@Dogen https://www.x.com/dogen https://www.patreon.com/dogen Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan h...

01-17
01:40:14

What life is like as a foreigner in a Japanese maid cafe

Meet Luna, a maid witch at Afilia Magic Kingdom, who sits down to talk with us about what it's really like to work at a maid cafe in Akihabara. Follow Luna: https://www.x.com/luna_afilia https://www.tiktok.com/@luna_afilia https://www.youtube.com/@luna_afilia Check out Afilia Magic Kingdom EN: https://linktr.ee/afilia.kingdom JP: https://linktr.ee/afilia_kingdom Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unp...

01-10
56:13

What life is like as a farmer in the Japanese countryside

Meet Byron, founder of Kasamatsu Farms, who shares with us his journey from salaryman in Tokyo to farmer in the Japanese countryside, embracing permaculture and sustainable agriculture. Follow Byron: https://kasamatsu-farms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kasamatsufarms Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan https://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts S...

01-03
01:14:50

Is Japan a good place to retire?

Meet Nick, founder of Japan Remotely, who sits down to talk with us about his work helping clients find the perfect living situation in Japan, and his insights on the challenges of turning Japan into a long-term home. Follow Nick: https://japanremotely.com https://www.instagram.com/japanremotely/ Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan https://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan https://youtube.c...

12-28
01:06:38

Germans in Japan: the value of immigrant stories ft. MrNippon

Meet Mr. Nippon, a half Japanese and half German YouTuber in Japan, who sits down to talk with us about his experiences interviewing Germans on their immigrant journey, and what life in Japan is like for them. Follow Mr. Nippon: https://www.mrnippon.com https://www.youtube.com/@MrNippon https://www.instagram.com/misuta_nippon https://www.discord.com/invite/KmXZENZJej Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com...

12-20
01:01:05

How has Japan been recovering since Fukushima?

Meet Rob, an engineer for open source environmental data project Safecast, who sits down to talk to us about his work on the Fukushima disaster cleanup, as well as his own sustainable living in the mountains of Nara. Check out Rob's work: https://bgeigiezen.safecast.jp https://about.me/robouden Follow us on our social media: https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapan https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japan https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan https://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan https://youtube.co...

12-16
48:06

Why Nynyhon Switched from Modeling in Japan to Streaming Full Time

Meet Fanny, A.K.A Nynyhon, a model who has lived in Japan for 10 years and who has found success as a streamer and content creator. Fanny sits down with us to discuss her path to Twitch streamer and the intricacies of a career as a model in Japan, from easy part-time gig for foreigners to sustainability as a full-time job.\ Follow Fanny: https://www.twitch.tv/nynyhon https://www.instagram.com/nynyhon https://www.youtube.com/@Nynyhon https://x.com/Nynyhon_ https://www.boutiquenynyhon.com/ Fol...

12-06
56:54

Expo 2025: How the Netherlands is Shaping the Future

Meet Marc, Consul General of the Netherlands in Osaka, who sits down to talk with us about what we can expect to see at the Dutch pavilion during next year's highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, and all of the work and themes being put into its development. Follow Marc and the Consulate: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/japan https://www.instagram.com/nlinjapan https://www.youtube.com/@NLinJapan https://www.facebook.com/NLinJapan https://www.facebook.com/Orand...

11-29
01:08:20

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