Living Japan

Episode 81: Sumo and Gender

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 07:56:54 +0000

It is Episode 81 and the Living Japan crew are fired up to talk about the most recent Sumo controversy, shed some light on the troubles the sport has had in the past decade and then wrap it all up by discussing some ongoing gender issues in our home of Japan! Thank you for listening! Please like us on Facebook and rate and review us on iTunes!

Edgar can be found at: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Brent can be found at: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and his website.

Motoi currently has a small internet footstep. Which is a shame, because she’s great.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/lj-81-sumo.mp3

Episode 80.- Net Café Refugees

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 16:51:15 +0000

On Episode 80, the Living Japan crew discusses about the call for volunteers to work at the Tokyo Olympics, asking for high skills professionals not only to donate their job, but to also cover all their expenses to work at the event. Is the organizing committee asking too much from these medical and language professionals? We also talk a little bit of the bitcoin and cryptocurrency craze and the recent hack that took place in Japan. Finally, for our main topic, we talk about one of the many faces of poverty in Japan: the net cafe refugees. Join us while we talk about the difficulties that these new type of homeless people face and as we discuss about the popular myth that says that “there is no poverty in Japan”.

Don’t forget to join the conversation and let us know your thoughts about this issue in the comments.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/episode80.mp3

Episode 79.- Coming of Age

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:55:31 +0000

Hello Everyone!

We are back for a whole new season of Living Japan Podcast. This year we made the commitment to at least do 25 new episodes!

On episode 79 Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss the Coming of Age ceremony that usually takes place during the first month of the year, the different styles of kimono the new adults wear and some problems that didn’t allow some kids enjoy the ceremony as they wished for.

Join the discussion, let us know what you think. Is there a similar ceremony in your country? What types of coming of age ceremonies or rites exist in your culture?

Let us know in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/episode-79.mp3

Episode 78: Hidden Secrets from Manga to Corporate Japan

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 12:40:29 +0000

The Living Japan got together one last time before the end of the year to share some of the latest news that have been happening in Japan. Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss about the accusations against the author of the famous manga Rurouni Kenshin as well as the recent problems that companies like Subaru and Kobe Steel have been facing.

Join the discussion, let us know what you think. Is it ok to enjoy the work of an artists/creator after he has been proved to have committed a horrible crime?

Let us know in the comments.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all our listeners from Motoi, Brent and Edgar.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/episode78.mp3

Episode 77: Hair and Differences

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 02:00:21 +0000

We look in depth at the recent incident where a high school student in Osaka was not allowed to attend class for having different hair. We also talk about single families. Kind of a somber episode all things considered.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/livingjapan-ep-77.mp3

Episode 76: Bicycles, Crime, and Community

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 11:22:13 +0000

Edgar is off to his homeland living Brent alone to edit and put out this episode. That can’t be good.

But there is good news! A new episode!! The three of us got together and had a nice chat that went from the use of bicycles in everyday life, what to do if a bike gets stolen, crime and then how community plays into all of this.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/livingjapan-ep-76-bicycles-crime-and-community.mp3

Episode 75.- Missile Attack, Scandals and Yakuza

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 16:08:52 +0000

Ohisahiburi! Long Time no see!

We have been very busy in the last month, but we finally have a new Episode!

This time, Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss different topics, from the launch of a North Korean missile that pass over Japan; a scandal involving a female politician with a progressive agenda, and the recent fights between different factions of the Yamaguchi Gumi, one of the most important Yakuza families.

Thanks for listening to us and for all the patience!

We apologize for being so late, and will do an effort to return to our usual schedule.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/episode75.mp3

Episode 74.- Kabuki at the Olympics

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 15:52:32 +0000

Hello everyone!!!

We have a new episode for you! Finally, after almost 6 months (more or less) we get back to our original format, commenting on three different news that caught our eyes. First, we talk a little bit about the Onsen Theme Park in the city of Beppu, which this month show a little bit of what it will be built to the people who backed up this idea through crowd funding. Our second topic is socializing parents, specially mothers who are being pressured to be the perfect mom, giving small space for relief or meeting friends. Finally, we discuss the role of Traditional culture in the 2020 Olympics’ inauguration, after the declaration of some members of the organizing committee that emphasize that things like sumo or kabuki should not be part of this event.

Join the discussion. Would you like to go to an Onsen theme Park? How do parents get help in taking care of children so that they can socialize in your country? Should Japanese traditional culture be part of the Olympics’ inauguration? Let us know in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/episode74.mp3

Episode 73.- Sexless Japan

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 14:44:48 +0000

Hello everyone!

It’s already been two weeks from our last Episode and we are back! On Episode 73 the Living Japan crew talks about two very important topics: vending machines and sexless Japan. How many vending machines are there in Japan? Are all as crazy as it looks on the internet? Are there vending machines with Adult Content? And finally, the most important question of them all: Are Japanese people losing interest in relationships and sex? Or is this another “Crazy Japan” story portrayed by the media?

Join the conversation!! Let us know what you think!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/episode-73.mp3

Episode 72.- Labor Problems

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 12:23:25 +0000

Greetings Everyone!

Apologies for the long wait!

Today’s episode is a especial two parts, the first half we have the presence of Brent’s son while the gang talks about the new Live Action series of Cowboy Bebop and some the Konami-Kojima drama which still continues. This starts a debate about the different changes that some companies and the government are promoting in the working environment and time, but… are they really in the best interest of the people?

Let us know what you think in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/episode-72.mp3

Episode 71.- The Princess Got Engaged!

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 13:32:22 +0000

Brent opened this week’s conversation by asking Motoi and Edgar about their thought’s on the recent arrival of Carl’s Jr. to Japan, specially because their presentation is very different to the image this fast food chain has in Japan. Next, we talk about our main topic, the engagement of Princess Mako and the debate about the role of women on the Japanese Imperial Family. Finally, the gang discussed about some weird posters with a nationalistic message that appeared in Kyoto.

Join the conversation! Let us know what you think in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/episode71.mp3

Episode 70.- Tokyo-Tokyo

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 21 May 2017 07:25:28 +0000

Greetings from the Living Japan Crew!

Apologies for being late to upload this new episode. This week, Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss about what they did during the Golden Week, the different celebrations for Children’s Day that exist in Mexico and Japan, as well as explain a little bit of the folklore behind this celebration. Next, Edgar talks about his experience attending the Tokyo Rainbow Pride festival, to celebrate the LGBT community and create awareness of sexual diversity and inclusiveness. Finally, we talk about our main topic which is Tourism. Recently, Japan has made a great effort to bring more visitors from abroad, but the Living Japan crew questions if their marketing approach has been the best. Join the discussion, have you visited Japan? Have you seen any of the tourism campaigns of Japan? How does your country attracts international tourism? Let us know in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/episode70.mp3

Episode 69.- Reactivation of Nuclear Power Plants

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 01 May 2017 14:36:32 +0000

It’s time for a new episode of Living Japan. On today’s Episode, Motoi, Brent and Edgar talk about the reactivation of the nuclear plants that were closed after the Fukushima disaster. Join us, as we talk about the implications of using and not using nuclear energy in Japan. Join the discussion, let us know what you think about the usage of nuclear energy.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/episode-69.mp3

Episode 68.- Myths about school

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:14:43 +0000

Hello Everyone!

We want to apologize for getting behind our schedule, but finally we were able to meet and record a new episode. Today, we have a fun episode talking about a recent trend on Twitter with the hasthag #gaijinconfessions. The Living Japan crew tell us some confessions of their own before moving on to our main topic: Myths about the Japanese schooling system. There are many articles that try to describe how education works in Japan, however, not everything they say is true. Join us while Brent, Edgar and Motoi talk about some of this issues and discuss how truthful are this Internet articles. Join the discussion, tell us your opinion about the Japanese schooling system in the comments.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/episode-68.mp3

Episode 67.- The Death of the Harajuku Style

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 05:17:27 +0000

As every two weeks, the Living Japan crew is back! Bringing you the latest news on what is happening in Japan. In this week’s episode we talk about MariCar, a company that is being sued by Nintendo for using its characters and the concept of Mario Kart to make business in Tokyo. Later on, Motoi, Brent and Edgar address an issue that has been recently trending on social media: The Death of the Harajuku Style. FRUiTS, the magazine that brought the Harajuku fashion style to the spotlight is closing, which has created a debate around the disappearance of street culture in Japan. Is the Harajuku style really death? Which places can young people use to express themselves in a huge city? Where you live young people face similar problems?

Join the debate! Let us know in your comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/episode67.mp3

Episode 66.- Train Etiquette

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 10:17:31 +0000

Welcome to a new episode of Living Japan! As the month of love ends, Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss about the protest against Valentine’s Day that a cranky group of Marxist had in Tokyo, opposing the discrimination against unattractive men. Later on, the crew talks about our main topic “Train Etiquette.” There are many written and unwritten rules that everyone that uses a train in Japan should know. Are they different from those in your country? Let us know in the comments!

*We’ve been having some trouble with our audio equipment. Apologies in advanced if there are some parts that are not very clear.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/episode66.mp3

Episode 65.- Cheating

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 05:27:26 +0000

Hello Everyone!!

On this week’s new episode Motoi, Brent and Edgar talk about some of the latest news, such as the passing away of Masaya Nakamura, who’s company created Pac-Man and the controversy surrounding the APA Hotels’ CEO. Later on we move to our main topic of the day, which is cheating in Japan. There are many different perceptions about love, relationships and cheating depending of each of the Living Japan’s crew cultural background and we gather up to discuss them around the topic of how Japanese people feel’s towards the idea of cheating to their couples. Join the discussion, what would be considered as cheating in your country? How do you feel about the idea of cheating in Japan?

Let us know in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/episode65.mp3

Nerd Talk.- Olympic Ambassadors

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 02:10:23 +0000

Hello Everyone!

We are trying to start 2017 with the right foot and working hard to have a new episode for you every two weeks. Since Motoi had to travel abroad for work, we decided to record a new Nerd Talk episodes, because without her, Edgar and Brent are not cool, just a couple of Nerds! Haha! Our favorite nerds talk about the announcement by the Olympic committee of the new Ambassadors for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Brent and Edgar give their thoughts about them.

Join the discussion, let us know what you think. Do you think these characters represent the spirit of Japan and the Olympic Games? Who would you have chosen?

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/nerdtalk3.mp3

Episode 64.- Going back home & Sex ed

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 14:53:03 +0000

Hello everyone!! Happy New Year!

We start the podcast for 2017 with a very interesting episode. First, we talk a little bit about Brent’s trip with his family to the US for the Holidays, how easy and difficult it was to travel with a child from Japan and coming back, as well as some funny stories about the little differences of everyday life little things between both countries. Later on we move on to our first news story of the year: during 2016 the amount of people in Japan with STDs increased and as a consequence the government is planning to increases awareness about this type of illnesses. This opens the talk to discuss a little bit about sex education in Japan and std awareness.

Join the discussion! Let us know what you think in the comments.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/episode64.mp3

Episode 63.- Hikikomori: Japan’s Lost Generation

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:30:27 +0000

Today Dr. Michael Dziesinski, a visiting scholar from the University of Hawaii, joins us to talk about a social phenomenon of Japan: Hikikomori. Today, they are many different portrayals of Hikikomori on mass media and popular culture, but… are they really as they are showcased? What is hikikomori? How do hikikomori people behave? Is it only a problem of Japan? Join us as Dr. Dziesinski answer to these and many more questions drawing some light over this issue.

If you want to know more, please don’t forget to leave your questions on the comments or you can follow Dr. Dziesinski’s vlog and Twitter:

Blog: http://towakudai.blogs.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MDziesinski

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/episode-63.mp3

Episode 62.- Lost in Translation

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 16:29:55 +0000

Hello Everyone!!! We are back with a new episode! On today’s show we talk about the latest Ghost in the Shell trailer (sorry for repeating the topic for the third time), and later on we talk about the criticism that a Japanese news outlet received due their bad translation of a protest of Lady Gaga against Trump, the conversation moved towards the result of the American elections, how Japanese people perceived them and the possible consequences of implementing or not the TPP over the Japanese economy.

Thanks again for following us! Don’t forget to share the podcast with your friends and let us know your opinion of the show with a review on iTunes

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/episode62.mp3

Episode 61.- Too Much Wasabi and Discrimination

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 02:47:08 +0000

Hello everyone!!! We are back with a new episode! This week Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss about the sudden appearance of a sinkhole in Fukuoka, the possible movement of Tsukiji market and their main topic, an incident that happened in a sushi restaurant in which they where serving great amounts of wasabi to foreign costumers, making it almost impossible to enjoy the food. Is this just an honest mistake or one more incident of casual discrimination in Japan? Are Japanese people aware of what discrimination means?

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/episode-61.mp3

Nerd Talk.- Ghost in the Shell Trailer, Nintendo Switch and Fans Threatening Idols

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 15:55:09 +0000

A delayed train stopped Motoi for joining Brent and Edgar at the studio, so the guys decided to use this time to do another Nerd Talk Episode, talking about the new trailer of Ghost in the Shell, the most recent announcement of Nintendo, a little bit of Pokemon Go losing its hype and finally they discuss the case of a fan who has threaten an idol online.

Don’t forget to subscribe and review our show!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/nerdtalk2.mp3

Episode 60.- Olympics with a taste of Cool Japan, Mysterious Japanese Women and LGBT Acceptance

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:21:06 +0000

This was a busy week at the Living Japan studios and our crew got really deep into so many topics. Join us as we discuss the role of Cool Japan in promoting the Tokyo Olympics, later on we move to a text Brent found on the web about the depiction of Japanese women, is this idea of the Mysterious Japanese lady true? Finally, we discuss a little bit about a survey that asks Japanese parents if they’ll accept a LGBT child.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/episode60.mp3

Episode 59.- Pokemon Go, Tsukiji and Elections

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 10:11:51 +0000

The Living Japan crew is back this week! Join us while we discuss about the arrival of Pokemon Go to Japan and how people has been reacting to it. We also talk about the moving of the Tsukiji Fish Market, is it happening? Finally, we also talk a little about the next Tokyo election.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/episode59.mp3

Episode 58.- Purikura, Gachapon and Arcades

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 16:06:30 +0000

Hello Gang!!

We are catching up and soon we will have episodes on time! On today’s episode we answer to one of our listeners questions, Purikura, Gachapon adn Arcade culture in Japan. Listen to the Living Japan crew talk about their experiences with this form of entertainment, which are their favorite games? do they collect gachapon? how many purikuras they have?

Don’t forget to rate the show in itunes and to like our facebook page!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/episode58.mp3

Episode 57.- Ghost in the Shell and Media Representation: An insight from Japan.

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 07:40:18 +0000

The Living Japan crew is back! This time, we once again talk about Japanese pop culture and how it has been adapted in the West by analyzing the debate around the casting of Scarlett Johanson as Motoko Kusanagi for the movie adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. Is it really white washing? Can foreign actors representing characters conceived in Japan help having more diverse casts in Japan? What do Japanese people think about this issue?

Join the discussion! Let us know what you think in comments!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and rate the show! For more info about Living Japan Podcast like our Facebook Page!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/episode57.mp3

Episode 56.- 10 Thing Japanese People do Better than You???

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 07:38:46 +0000

Hello Gang!!!!! It’s time for another quick episode of Living Japan! This time, we discuss and article that our sweet Motoi found on the web enlisting the 10 things that Japanese People do better than the rest of the world… but is it really like that? Join us on this small chat where we talk a little bit of everything from public transportation to toilets, from restaurants to anime, which are really good and which aren’t?

Join the discussion!!! Let us know what you think!! Is there anything that happens at your country in which you think Japan is better? or is it the other way? Let us know in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/episode56.mp3

Episode 55.- Lost in the Forest of Hokkaido

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 03:28:08 +0000

We are back!!!!!! Apologies to all of our listeners!!! For health reasons we had to take a short break for the podcast, nothing to worry, but finally we were able to record a new episode. Brent, Motoi and Edgar discuss a recent news that take over Japan about a young child that got lost in the forests of Hokkaido. As part of the talk, they discuss the differences between USA, Mexico and Japan on how parents discipline their children.

Join the discussion!!! Let us know what you think in the comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/episode55.mp3

Episode 54.- Is Crazy Japan really that Crazy?

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 18 May 2016 15:03:00 +0000

On this week’s episode we discuss an update on the case artist Megumi Igarashi who was found guilty by the Court of Tokyo of obscenity. We also talk about the collaboration of NHK’s mascot, Domo-kun with the idol group Tokyo Performance Doll to present a new song called “Domobics” that aims to introduce Japan and it’s culture to a wider audience. Finally, we talk about how many of our friends abroad have asked us about the many crazy things that happen in Japan according to what they see in the media, but… is Japan really that crazy?

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/episode54.mp3

Episode 53: Edgar’s Adventures!

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 04 May 2016 06:34:50 +0000

We start out with a little information about Golden Week before moving into some Cool Biz. Finally, Edgar shares his recent experiences hitch hiking from Tokyo to Nagoya.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/livingjapan-ep-53.mp3

Episode 52: Earthquakes, Babymetal and Movies

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:43:56 +0000

We are back in the mobile studio as the Living Japan Trio sit down to talk about the recent earthquakes, the popularity of Babymetal and possible problems with Japanese movies.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/livingjapan-ep-52.mp3

Episode 51.- Questions, half kids and bureaucracy

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 15:58:55 +0000

On Episode 51 Motoi, Brent and Edgar respond to some of our listeners questions. Later we move on with the news that recently the number of born children with a foreigner parent has increased in Japan and we also discuss a little bit about the process of renewing your visa in Japan as well as our experiences dealing with bureaucracy.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/episode51.mp3

Nerd Talk: Comics vs Manga

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 07:22:04 +0000

What happens when Motoi leaves Brent and Edgar alone in the studio?? They start to talk about nerdy stuff!!! Join us while Brent and Edgar talk a little bit about the differences between comics and manga.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/nerdtalk.mp3

Episode 50.- Food, Gender Roles and Valentine’s

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 17:19:09 +0000

Didi stayed with us for one more episode in which we talk about the difficulties of being vegetarian in Japan and do a comparison between the original Italian food and the one that is served in Japan. We also talk about the stereotypes of the Italian and Latin men and the differences with Japanese men, which give us the perfect excuse to talk once again about Valentine. Join the conversation by telling us how hard is it to be a vegetarian in your country? Are the expectations about men and women when dating are similar to those in Japan? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget that we are still receiving questions for our “Listeners Questions Spectacular!” Please send us your questions to livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com or send us an inbox message on our Facebook page!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/episode-50.mp3

You can follow our guest Didi on:

http://clippings.me/dfabiani (Writing portfolio)
Personal twitter @ladycaos
Writer’s twitter @dilettaeffe

Episode 49.- Visual Kei

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:45:37 +0000

This week music journalist and friend of the show Didi comes to talk with Motoi, Brent and Edgar about Visual Kei. Is this a music genre? A fashion style? Is it easy to go to a Visual Kei concert in Japan? Learn the answer to these and many more questions about VK.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/episode-49.mp3

If you are interested in learning more about Visual Kei, these are Didi’s recommendations:

Famous VK Bands
Gazette the-gazette.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xxmkj7JRcs
Mejibray http://www.mejibray.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnTVeJCEhlA

Non-Famous VK Bands:
MEABEL http://www.meabel.info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBAW3qPehWE
NIA http://www.nia.website https://www.you tube.com/watch?v=VuNbCTXR8dw
Malisend http://www.malisend.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmi4zVmdMbw
Morrigan www.morrigan-web.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlO2OulB1yQ
Savage www.savage-web.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGhk4rS52i0
D.I.D. www.did-official.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQHqTprvDy4&feature=youtu.be

If you want to know more about the Japanese music scene, you can follow Didi at:

http://clippings.me/dfabiani (Writing portfolio)
Personal twitter @ladycaos
Writer’s twitter @dilettaeffe

Some Visual Kei websites mentioned during today’s show:
Nippon Project (The Didi write’s for)
Shattered Tranquility
VKH Press

Episode 48.- New Year, Water and other drinks.

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:28:40 +0000

Happy 2016 Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On the first Episode Motoi, Brent and Edgar talk about how they spent the New Year’s eve and respond to a listener request to talk about Water and other drinks in Japan. Issues like, is it safe to drink tap water in Japan? which is the perception of Japanese people about bottled water? and which are the favorite drinks of the Living Japan crew? Also, don’t forget that we are going to have our Listener’s Question spectacular on February to celebrate the Second Anniversary of Living Japan, send us your questions to livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com or send us an inbox message on our Facebook page.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/episode-48.mp3

Episode 47: Tattoos and the End of the Year

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 11:05:40 +0000

We end our Living Japan year talking over tattoos and just generally chatting about how to end the year. Happy Holidays and see you in 2016!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/livingjapan-ep-47-tatoos-and-the-end-of-the-year.mp3

Episode 46: Christmas and Other Chatter

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 10:58:59 +0000

Today we mourn an influential manga-ka, talk over some Christmas options and basically just chatter about some fun differences. And tease Edgar about Taco Bell.

Help Brent by going to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/print-edition-of-deadly-troubadours/x/12747462#/

Intro music by Manny Marx. Outro music by Motoi.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/livingjapan-ep-46-christmas-and-other-chatter.mp3

Episode 45.- The UN dealing with manga??

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:36:38 +0000

On this week’s episode Brent talk to us about his first acupuncture experience in Japan. Later on we talk about the message of the UN representative Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, who urged Japan to have stricter laws in order to ban the sexual depictions of underage characters in manga. Finally, we answered our first ever Facebook message from our listener Robert, from Poland, who after watching a viral video, asked us if it is true that Japanese children have to clean their schools by themselves.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/episode45.mp3

Episode 44: More Marriage and More Family Names

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:00:00 +0000

This week we celebrate same sex civil union certificates in Shibuya and talk about families that want to have different surnames.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/episode-44-more-marriage-and-more-family-names.mp3

Episode 43.- TGS 2015 and Idols’ Contracts

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 06:36:13 +0000

On Episode 43 Edgar share’s with us his thoughts after covering the Tokyo Game Show 2015. We discuss a little bit about the changes that are taking place inside the Japanese Gaming industry. The Living Japan crew also discusses about a recent controversy involving an idol that “broke” some stipulations on her contract and will have to pay an important sum of money to her managing company. Join the discussion, what do you think about videogames and the role in Japan in the industry today? Also, do you think the idol did wrong or do you think that the decision on her contract was fair? Let us know in the comments!!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/idoltgsepisode43.mp3

Episode 42.- The Answer to the Ultimate Question: Beer and Snacks!!

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 15:59:33 +0000

On Episode 42 the Motoi, Brent and Edgar discuss about the answer to the ultimate question: Beer and Snacks in Japan!!!! Following a recent trend and the appearance of more places that sell craft beer, the Living Japan crew has decided to talk about their favorite Japanese beers and which snacks they like to have while drinking. Are they the same than in other countries??? Are there any weird different snacks that you would like to try??? Let us know in the comments!!!

Announcement: During the summer we’ve been a little inconsistent on keeping our uploading of new episodes. That’s why our next episode will be uploaded on Wednesday October 14th, and we will return to our usual schedule (Wednesday’s every two weeks). Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for listening!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/episode42beer.mp3

Episode 41.- Sports, Exercise and Fitness in Japan

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:12:35 +0000

On this episode the Living Japan crew answers to one of our listeners questions and talk about how Japanese people exercise, keep fit and practices sports. Joing the discussion, do people in your country exercise as much as Japanese people? How is the sports and fitness culture?? Let us know in the comments!!!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/episode41.mp3

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 11:37:57 +0000

On the latest Episode of Living Japan, we congratulate the team Twin Cosplay, who represented Mexico at the World Cosplay Summit 2015 and got the first prize for their Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask performance. Later, Motoi, Brent and Edgar talk about some of the problems that the organizing committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are facing, specially the copyright issue surrounding the event’s logo; the cancellation of the construction of a new stadium and the possibility of the appearance of an idol group on the inauguration ceremony. Join the discussion, do you think Tokyo is ready for this even? Do you think that having an idol group performance an the inauguration will portray a good or bad image of Japan? Let us know in your comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/episode40.mp3

Episode 39.- 70th Anniversary of WWII

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:00:51 +0000

On this episode the Living Japan crew talks about the anniversary of the Second World War and how this conflict was lived and taught in their different countries. They also talk about how the history of this conflict is being taught in Japan, the importance of not forgetting history and their hopes for the future. Join the conversation, did you have relatives that lived during that period? Tell us their story!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/episode39.mp3

Episode 38.- Growing up as a Half-Japanese

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:17:42 +0000

On Episode 38 we talk about the selection of Ariana Miyamato, a half-Japanese half-African American woman,as Miss Japan and the debate it has created on the Japanese media. Friend of the show Stephanie joins us to talk about the experience of growing in Japan as the daughter of an international marriage. Join us as we talk about the ethnic perceptions of Japanese people and the challenges that half-Japanese individuals face in Japan. Join the discussion, will the selection of a person of a multi-ethnic background person as the Miss Universe representative of your country will become an issue of debate? Let us know in your comments!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/episode-38.mp3

Episode 37.- Fast Food in Japan

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:33:11 +0000

On Episode 37 we first give a nice shout out to all the video game fans as we talk about the new trailer for the remake of FFVII. Later on we talk about the initiative of the METI to bring back kimono. Finally, as our main topic of this week, we answer one of our listener’s question about Fast Food in Japan, what options are there? is it different from fast food in other countries? which are the places that the Living Japan crew prefer to eat at? Join the discussion, do fast food places in your home country are like those in Japan? Do they have seasonal special menu items? Let us know in the comments!!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/episode-37.mp3

Episode 36.- Brent’s storty time: Becoming a Dad in Japan

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 10:05:17 +0000

In Episode 36, Brent narrates the story of his son’s birth. All the details in preparation for the arrival of the new family member, hospital vs. midwifery, health insurance coverage and other issues related to the issue. Congratulations Brent and Rikka!! Welcome Baby Leo!!! Your dad, Uncle Edgar and Aunt Motoi love you!!

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/episode36.mp3

Episode 35: News Bonanza and Working Overtime!

livingjapanpodcast@gmail.com (Living Japan) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 21:51:28 +0000

This week we have lots of news worth discussing including the Dirty Korean Beer twitter-storm, some ongoing news about aquariums acquiring dolphins, and possible new rules for overtime.

https://livingjapanpodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/episode35.mp3

Living Japan

Episode 81: Sumo and Gender

Episode 80.- Net Café Refugees

Episode 79.- Coming of Age

Episode 78: Hidden Secrets from Manga to Corporate Japan

Episode 77: Hair and Differences

Episode 76: Bicycles, Crime, and Community

Episode 75.- Missile Attack, Scandals and Yakuza

Episode 74.- Kabuki at the Olympics

Episode 73.- Sexless Japan

Episode 72.- Labor Problems

Episode 71.- The Princess Got Engaged!

Episode 70.- Tokyo-Tokyo

Episode 69.- Reactivation of Nuclear Power Plants

Episode 68.- Myths about school

Episode 67.- The Death of the Harajuku Style

Episode 66.- Train Etiquette

Episode 65.- Cheating

Nerd Talk.- Olympic Ambassadors

Episode 64.- Going back home & Sex ed

Episode 63.- Hikikomori: Japan’s Lost Generation

Episode 62.- Lost in Translation

Episode 61.- Too Much Wasabi and Discrimination

Nerd Talk.- Ghost in the Shell Trailer, Nintendo Switch and Fans Threatening Idols

Episode 60.- Olympics with a taste of Cool Japan, Mysterious Japanese Women and LGBT Acceptance

Episode 59.- Pokemon Go, Tsukiji and Elections

Episode 58.- Purikura, Gachapon and Arcades

Episode 57.- Ghost in the Shell and Media Representation: An insight from Japan.

Episode 56.- 10 Thing Japanese People do Better than You???

Episode 55.- Lost in the Forest of Hokkaido

Episode 54.- Is Crazy Japan really that Crazy?

Episode 53: Edgar’s Adventures!

Episode 52: Earthquakes, Babymetal and Movies

Episode 51.- Questions, half kids and bureaucracy

Nerd Talk: Comics vs Manga

Episode 50.- Food, Gender Roles and Valentine’s

Episode 49.- Visual Kei

Episode 48.- New Year, Water and other drinks.

Episode 47: Tattoos and the End of the Year

Episode 46: Christmas and Other Chatter

Episode 45.- The UN dealing with manga??

Episode 44: More Marriage and More Family Names

Episode 43.- TGS 2015 and Idols’ Contracts

Episode 42.- The Answer to the Ultimate Question: Beer and Snacks!!

Episode 41.- Sports, Exercise and Fitness in Japan

Episode 40.- Copyright problems for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ Logo

Episode 39.- 70th Anniversary of WWII

Episode 38.- Growing up as a Half-Japanese

Episode 37.- Fast Food in Japan

Episode 36.- Brent’s storty time: Becoming a Dad in Japan

Episode 35: News Bonanza and Working Overtime!