Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

By Meljo CatalanSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan episodes

  • Ep. 65– DTD, Artist/Illustrator/Apparel Designer

    “It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle.  His quick strides into the local community brought my attention to his art and most importantly his passion.  I appreciate DJ taking his time to share his story as he will undoubtedly make his mark in Japan.

    1. For commissions or checking out DTD, please visit his Instagram:  whoisdtd

      2. For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/

      To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:

      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast

      IG & FB:  madeinjapanpodcast

      1 hr 6 min
    2. Ep. 64– Ryuta & Nao Kato, a reunion with my first Tokyoite Friends
      When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community.  Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta.  He was one of my first students I’ve taught in Japan that soon became my brother from a Nihon-Jin mother.  Ryuta, his wife Nao, along with their precocious toddler, Umi-chan joined me for a catch up and reminisce.  Seeing  Ryuta now, these words come to mind:  “Open your hearts, Stay grounded.”
      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit here 
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast, check out my Ko-fi page .
      IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast
      For Inquiries, Questions and Comments, email me here.
      38 min
    3. Season 4 Wrap. It. Up! (長いお休み)

      Dear Listeners,  Season 4 is a wrap.  Thank you all for sticking around and listening!   Stay tuned.


      To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page.  


      To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree.  

      5 min
    4. Ep. 63– Chloe Kibble, Neo Tokyo Soul and Jazz Singer/Songwriter

      It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene.  Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with.  Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an international neo-soul and experimental jazz quintet, they are making waves in their scene domestic and internationally.  Chloe is also on the brink of launching her solo career.  Join us as we kick back to talk shop as well as sharing the sentiment of “how it feels to be somewhat emo”.

      You can listen as well as go see Chloe and Pajaumi live here  and through her Instagram


      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, check out their website.  

      To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast, check out my Ko-fi page

      You can contact me and listen to all the episodes here.  

      39 min
    5. Ep. 62– Frank Striegl, founder of 5am Ramen and Tokyo Ramen Tours
      Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば）has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well as a charming, sought-after Tokyo ramen tour guide. Frank has built enough street cred to bring tourists to some unknown tasty ramen joints as well as the Michelin star heavyweights in the Japanese Ramen Scene. I felt it was time to have Frank sit down and talk about his undeniable passion for a bowl of umami noodle bomb goodness.
      You can check out more amazing ramen shops at https://www.5amramen.com
      If you’re interested in joining Frank’s tours: https://www.tokyoramentours.com
      For ordering some amazingly tasty instant ramen: https://www.instantramen.jp
      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:
      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast
      IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast
      57 min
    6. Ep. 61– BJ Beatty Jr, Retired Defensive End of Obic Seagulls
      Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic Seagulls, one of Japan’s top pro football teams in the X-League. Making a name (and threat to rivals), BJ helped grow the sport to where future generations of Japanese players have aspired to outside of Japan’s other classic pastimes, baseball and soccer. For me, it was second nature to kick back and talk about what happened on and off the field as well what the future holds for BJ and his contribution to expose more interest for football in Japan.
      You can follow BJ through his IG: @buffalosoja
      For more info on the X-League: xleague.jp (site in Japanese)
      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:
      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast
      IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast
      1 hr 8 min
    7. Ep.60– Eli T’Amo, Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer
      Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway collection, Eli sat down and had a chat with me about her story as a Latino Nikkei (日系人) representing her roots with Japanese technique through her love of fashion. Whether on the runway or on the streets of Tokyo, Eli’s pieces will surely add some “oshare-picante”. You can contact and find more of Eli’s clothing designs and artwork on Instagram: @_elitamo_ For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:
      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast
      IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast
      40 min
    8. Ep. 59– Ken Tanaka aka Kenfrog, Japanese Artist
      On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely resembles Inca tattoo designs. Ken was gracious enough to take time from his hectic schedule to sit down with me and chat about his family background as well as his creative process. He encompasses that persistent adage of “art is life”. However Ken’s values and art are much more in depth than being encapsulated in a three word slogan.
      Check out Ken’ s work here: www.kenfrog.com
      If you’re in Japan this summer, you can see Ken’s pieces here at Harry’s Sandwich Co. , Harajuku/Omotesando, Tokyo from June 11-July 2 here: https://linktr.ee/harryssandwichco
      Ken will also have an exhibit at INCredible Coffee in Koenji, Tokyo from July 11-July 18th. For more info check out on Instagram: @inccoffee2020
      58 min
    9. Ep. 58– Mina Shimizu, Japanese Film & TV Actor
      Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and talk about her career in the (at-times) constricting Japanese entertainment industry. From reflection on her early years to her transition to the stage, Mina truly shows her versatility in her craft and her unapologetic sincerity. Kick back and share a drink with us.
      You can check out Mina’s performances here:
      IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1659615/
      Asian Wiki: https://asianwiki.com/Mina_Shimizu
      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:
      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast
      IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast
      1 hr 16 min
    10. Ep. 57– Ace of Shaq, British YouTuber: New Beginnings, New Homeland
      One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese culture and the language. After his study abroad program was cut short due to Covid-19, he started a YouTube channel dedicated to practicing Japanese while reacting to Japanese music. He managed to return back to Japan after graduating in hopes to pursue his dreams. I hope his story can be a beacon of light for those who are afraid or for those who need that spark to believe in themselves. 🤘🏼🐼🤘🏼
      Ace of Shaq YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/AceofShaq2
      For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/
      To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:
      https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast
      IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast
      1 hr 3 min

    About Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

    From the publisher's feed

    This is not your run-of-the-mill "Cool Japan" podcast. I want to explore the side of Japan outside of sushi & sumo ; anime & video games. People from all walks of life living in Japan sharing…