We talk about the interaction between Japanese and foreign students in a Japanese university. This one is based on our very own research and interviews!

Bento Bureau takes a look at a few academic papers concerning Japanese society.

#8: Bento Bureau 2016 Holiday Special by Bento Bureau Podcast

In today's episode, we sit down with Justin Aukema, Ph.D. candidate from Sophia University, to discuss Japan's modern history. Not the kind of history that we know of, but a different kind of history; a history that is buried underneath the bustling tourist sites of the island nation.

As the tide of the Pacific War turned, the Japanese government began to construct a series of underground tunnels to shelter its military operations (and even the Imperial Family, spoiler!) from American air raid. As peace arrived, these tunnels were left to decay slowly underneath the quickly rebuilt streets across the country. As the Hiroshima Genbaku Dome became the national memorial of the war, these underground passages quickly became forgotten. However, the modern state of this discourse is different. For Justin, studying these war sites (sensõ iseki) is one way to shed light on the past. By looking at the state of these remnants and the public attitudes toward their preservation, he hopes to unveil a different narrative that is marginalized from the discourse of Japanese post-war history.

In today’s episode, we will find out more about this exciting project.

For full show note, visit: http://bentobureau.com/podcast/ep13

We talk to two volunteers from Amnesty International Japan, Chris Pitts and Marian Hara, about the organization's role in fighting for human rights, not only in Japan, but all over the world.

For full show note, visit: http://bentobureau.com/podcast/ep12

Homeless- the word contains more implications than just not having a roof over one’s head. Who are the homeless people in Japan? Professor Tom Gill, a social anthropologist from Meiji Gakuin University, has spent decades studying Japanese homelessness and day laborers, and in today's episode, we sit down with him to discuss his previous work Failed Manhood on the Streets of Urban Japan: The Meanings of Self-Reliance for Homeless Men to learn more about the issues of Japanese homelessness and masculinity.

In today's episode, we sit down with Greico Kelly and Cordell Rankin, two former American servicemen, to discuss their personal experiences working for the US military in Japan, and their experiences living in the country during and after their military career.

For full show note, visit: http://bentobureau.com/podcast/ep11

Model United Nations (MUN) is an intellectual activity where students come together to create a simulation of the United Nations and put themselves into the shoes of the delegates of different countries in order to address various issues around the globe. In today's episode, we sit down with our member Ichi and discuss his experience with MUN. Ichi is a member of Tokyo International University's MUN club, and he recently represented the university in the All Japan Model United Nation in Tokyo. How to join an MUN? How does the MUN work? What activities can you expect in an MUN session? This and more will be answered by Ichi.

How do you define a Japanese identity? Who can be considered Japanese? With our guests, Akili and Jessica, we attempt to answer these questions and try to understand Japan from their perspectives.

In Episode #2 of Bento Bureau, we take a look atsome random questions and perceptions (misperception sometimes) about Japan and attempt to decipher the truth behind each one:

1. Do foreign media portray Japan accurately? (4:52)

2. Do you need a visa to come to Japan? (16:00)

3. Would you need Japanese to survive in Japan? (18:00)

4.Do Japanese eat everything with chopstick? (21:14)

5. Is it difficult to find alternative food for people who have special dietary need? ( 23:08)

6. Is Japan safe? (31:02)

7. Where does the name "Japan" come from? (44:05)