In this episode of Matcha Moms, I’m speaking with Katie Hurd — coach, entrepreneur, and mother of two — about the realities of building a business while raising children in Japan.

Katie shares her journey from corporate life into entrepreneurship, what it was like to grow a business during maternity leave, and how her life and work changed after becoming a single mother of two sons.

We talk openly about the challenges behind the scenes: navigating the Japanese childcare system as a self-employed mother, balancing financial pressure and family life, creating structure in everyday chaos, and learning when to ask for support.

This conversation is an honest look at resilience, self-organization, motherhood, and the emotional and practical realities of building a career while raising a family abroad.

In this episode, we cover:

• Building a business during maternity leave
• Entrepreneurship and motherhood in Japan
• Life as a single mother of two
• Outsourcing, support systems, and self-organization
• Advice for mothers considering entrepreneurship
• The importance of resilience, mindfulness, and self-care

Link to Katie's Homepage: https://neurofitglobal.com

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

In this episode, I explore what research really says about raising bilingual and multilingual children and how it compares to our own experience raising a German-Japanese child in Japan. We talk about common myths, language dominance, daycare, a third language, and why language development is often less about exposure and more about relationships, interaction, and everyday life.

Key learnings in this episode:

• Why children are fully capable of learning multiple languages from an early age
• The difference between language exposure and real interaction
• How language dominance can shift depending on environment and input
• What our experience in Japan taught us about daycare and bilingual development
• Practical language options for families raising children in Japan

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

In this episode, I’m speaking with Denitsa, founder of Wabi Tabi, a holistic health and wellness practice rooted in the idea of balance. As a certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, she combines principles of Eastern healing, nutrition, and mindful living to support individuals in creating sustainable well-being. Originally from Europe and now based in Tokyo, Denitsa brings a cross-cultural perspective to health, family life, and personal growth. Her work is deeply influenced by the philosophy of finding simplicity and authenticity in everyday life.

What we talk about:

• Why “balance” is often misunderstood, especially for mothers
• How children can mirror the emotional state of their parents
• Navigating motherhood and identity across different cultures
• The role of imperfection and why letting go of perfectionism matters
• How Denitsa structures her daily life to create a more grounded rhythm

Key takeaways for listeners:

• Balance is not something you achieve once - it’s something you continuously adjust
• Emotional awareness as a parent directly shapes the family environment
• Small, consistent lifestyle choices often matter more than big changes
• Letting go of perfection can create more space for connection and ease
• Cultural perspectives can influence how we approach parenting, health, and work

More Infos of Denitsa:

Webside: https://www.wabitabime.com

Alongside this episode, Denitsa is hosting an intimate two-day retreat by the ocean on April 25–26 — with more retreats planned in the future. The experience includes a one-night stay in a four-star oceanfront hotel, shared meals, a boat trip to an uninhabited island, a tropical garden picnic, onsen and relaxation time, guided reflection sessions, gentle Do-In exercises by the sea, a temple visit, and a few thoughtfully curated touches throughout.

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

What changes once you have a baby in Japan?

In this episode of Matcha Mums, I talk about everyday family infrastructure in the Tokyo area — from navigating trains with a stroller to baby rooms in shopping malls, child-friendly restaurants, and hidden playgrounds across the city.

I also highlight Kosodate Hiroba (Child-Rearing Support Centers) — free community spaces where parents with young children can meet, play, and get advice from childcare professionals.

This episode is especially helpful for:

• New parents in Japan
• Families who recently moved here
• Expecting parents wondering what daily life with a baby looks like

A practical and honest look at getting around Japan with a baby or toddler.

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/20200325105507586.html

https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUKUSIA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kodomo/kosodate/hiroba?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

How does the childcare system in Japan work? In this episode, I explain the main types of childcare facilities and how parents apply for daycare. I walk through the differences between Hoikuen, Yōchien, and Nintei Kodomoen and private daycare options.

I also share our personal experience applying for daycare, including the point system, the application timeline, and what daily life in a Japanese daycare looks like.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• An overview of the different day care facilities: private vs. public options
• How the application process works (and why timing matters)
• And what daily life inside a Japanese daycare actually looks like

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

Moving countries is one thing. Moving countries with a small child while working full-time across time zones is something else entirely.

In this first episode, I share our story of returning to Japan as a family: arriving in February 2024, starting work immediately, bridging two months without childcare, and navigating the cultural shock of Japanese nursery life.

I talk about:

• The reality of restarting work on a German contract while living in Japan
• The emotional and cultural differences between German daycare and Japanese hoikuen
• Watching a child learn a new language almost overnight
• The quiet social codes of everyday life around Tokyo and Yokohama
• And why building community as a working mother abroad can take longer than expected

This episode is an honest starting point about transition, identity, work, motherhood, and rebuilding a sense of belonging between cultures.

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: [email protected]

Welcome to Matcha Mum’s, a podcast about raising children in Japan as an international family.

Matcha Mum’s explores the everyday realities of parenting in a different country, understanding the Japanese system for families, and creating balance between career and home.

This podcast is a space for honest reflections, personal experiences, and conversations about what it means to raise children between cultures.

You can expect:

• Personal stories about building family life in Japan
• Reflections on navigating structures and expectations
• Conversations about identity, belonging, and mindful working parenthood
• Guest perspectives from other international mums and dads

If you are an international parent in Japan this podcast aims to connect, inspire, and open perspectives.

🎧 The first full episode is already online, where I share our story and what brought us here.