In this episode Ako goes over the recent Manga graphic novels she rented and the plots behind each one. Manga is just another platform for artist to express themselves in Japan, we discuss what each manga novel is about and how she feels about them. In this episode we went over the following Manga titles; Smile at the Runway, Atelier of Witch Hat and Owakare Hospital. 

Last week Netflix's Terrace House did not air but luckily it did this week with Episode 9 (Girl Fight). In this Terrace House episode Haruka squared off against Risako in a battle of "Correct Japanese Etiquette". It was great to hear both of them make their points but Ako and I both agreed that Risako came out on top, listen to the episode and find out why.

Disney is in the news for all the wrong reasons, Galaxy's edge is a ghost town, people are brawling in Toon Town and Walt Disney's grand daughter is exposing Disneyland's work conditions. In this episode of 'Hello From Nihon' we go over Ako's experience as a former Disney cast member and what she thinks about Disney's current situation.

Can you believe in Okinawa there is a Japanese Ramen chef who refuses to serve Japanese tourists because of their rude behavior. Actually, the story is more complicated and it has to do with the Ramen chef trying to keep his business open, but it seems his 'solution' caused more problems for his ramen shop. In this episode we go over our experiences not getting service and issues Japanese people are facing.

Across Japan Suicide rates have fallen a bit but unfortunately suicide rates among young people in Japan have risen. In this episode of Hello From Nihon we talk about the main reasons this is happening and how we can help prevent this occurrence. 

As parents, depression is a terrifying issue that we are worried about facing someday, some of it's causes are simple to cure but some are deep rooted and mysterious. 

Teaching English in Japan is an easy way to live and work in cities like Tokyo or Osaka. In this episode of Hello From Nihon we go over what a four year degree actually means in Japan and how it relates to your Japanese Visa. Here are some of the resources mentioned in the podcast are:

Japanese government program to host native English speaking  university degree graduates as ESL teachers in Japan:  jetprogramme.org

One of the many online English schools for Japanese people, here you can apply (No Affiliated): eigox.jp/recruitment/tutor

An American university in Tokyo Japan (Temple University Japan): tuj.ac.jp

We are not affiliated with an of these sites and the services they provide. 

In this episode we go over what it means to be a "Herbivore-Man" and a "Carnivore-Man" in Japanese culture. This episode of Terrace House ended on a huge cliff-hanger, if you don't want us to spoil it make sure to watch it first on Netflix Then listen to this episode of 'Hello From Nihon'.

It's getting interesting at the Terrace House as Risako brilliantly plans to capture Kenny's heart while at the same time demoralizing Haruka from ever trying to go after him. 

This is by far our favorite episode of Terrace House Back In Tokyo 2019-2020 because we got to see Risako in all her dating glory. Also, Ruka pops in during the last couple of seasons to reveal something truly interesting to Shohei. 

Shoplifters was the winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It was written, edited and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. Ako and I really enjoyed 'Shoplifters' but we did have some criticisms. We certainly recommend this movie but I don't think I'll be watching it again because it ended so tragically in my opinion. Shoplifters deals with the concept of what a family truly is, it gives us a glimpse of a dysfunctional family trying to survive in the modern world. It's both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time, with plenty of twists and turns throughout the film.

Wow, we just got done reviewing the anime movie Okko's Inn ,or as it's known in Japanese 'Waka okami wa shogakusei'. This was an amazing anime film that deals with a little girl and the death of her parents as she takes responsibility of a haunted Japanese Inn in the country side. 

The Okko's Inn is filmed with surprises and heart breaking twists, I challenge you not to cry at least once during this anime flick.