Meet Chie Shimada, a multifaceted artist and tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Trained as a traditional Maiko (apprentice geisha) at age 15, Chie once embodied centuries-old customs before stepping into new roles as a grammar school teacher, hip hop dancer, DJ, and surfer. She shares how her ever-curious personality and pull towards the extremes has led her to the elegance of Japan’s history and the pulse of its creative scene. From teaching Japanese cooking classes to visitors (think fresh ramen and dumplings!) to creating beats behind the DJ booth, Chie approaches each season of her life with fluidity and rhythm. Her story shows how our evolving sense of self can stretch gracefully across both timelines and turntables. Kiite kurete arigatō!

Episode Highlights

00:21 Chie Shimada of Kyoto, Japan

01:02 Training to be a Maiko, an apprentice geisha

01:59 A renaissance woman: surfer, DJ, teacher, tour guide, dancer!

05:11 Becoming a grammar school teacher and loving it

07:59 Yoshi, a favorite student

11:10 Experiences as a Kyoto history, cooking and foodie tour guide

15;36 Cooking tours: ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, beef soup, dumplings

18:26 Love of dancing and hip hop culture

20:47 From traditional Maiko dances to the nightclub, drawn to the extremes

23:46 Favorite musicians: Grover Washington, Jr. and DJ Premier

25:02 How can travelers be better visitors in Japan?

25:25 Learn Japanese hand gestures (read between the lines!)

26:31 Do your food research

27:02 Choose a theme for each day of travel: food, culture, history, shopping, etc.

28:10 Hobbies are the joy of life - stay curious! 

Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik

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