Ohazassu Podcast

In This Episode:

1. Cheap Ways to Call Overseas from Japan
Need to make international calls without breaking the bank? In this segment, I share some of the best, budget-friendly ways to call overseas from Japan, including apps, services, and other clever solutions to stay in touch with loved ones abroad.

2. The Convenience of Kanji Characters in Japanese
Kanji may seem tricky, but they’re also incredibly efficient! I dive into the convenience of kanji characters in daily life, showing how a single symbol can communicate so much, especially compared to long strings of letters in other languages. This is one of the unique strengths of the Japanese writing system!

3. Are There More Stairs in Japan?
Ever notice how many stairs there are in Japan? From train stations to temples, it seems like they’re everywhere. Today, I explore whether Japan really has more stairs compared to other countries, and why stairs are such a prominent feature in the urban and cultural landscape.

4. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day, how to use it, and why it’s a helpful word to know in your Japanese language journey.

Join the Conversation!
Got any tips for cheap calls or more handy kanji abbreviations? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below or post to us on X.

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast Platform: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Shoutout to Dave!
A huge shoutout to Dave for helping us set up the RSS URL for our YouTube podcast playlist. His expertise saved us a ton of time and got things running smoothly. Thanks, Dave, for the assist!

2. Inflation in Japan
Even the cheapest snacks for kids are feeling the pinch! I talk about the recent price hikes in Japan, including a favorite affordable snack that’s risen by a huge percentage!

3. Money-Saving Hacks for Furniture in Japan
Looking to furnish your home or office without breaking the bank? I share some awesome hacks for saving a ton of money on furniture in Japan, including secondhand stores and more ways to get the most value for your yen.

4. Convenient Photo Printing at 7-Eleven
Did you know you can get high-quality photo prints at 7-Eleven in Japan? Print any photo from your phone! It’s fast, easy, and super convenient. I walk you through how it works and why it’s a great option for printing your photos on the go.

5. How to Look Up Kanji Characters
Stuck on a kanji character you don’t know how to read? I share a few tips and tools to help you look up kanji, whether you’re using radicals, apps, or handwriting recognition. Don’t let tricky kanji slow you down!

6. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day, how to use it, and why it’s a helpful word to know in your Japanese language journey.

Join the Conversation!
Got any money-saving furniture hacks or tips for looking up kanji? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment or post on X.

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast Platforms: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Nintendo Museum Opened in Kyoto Today
It’s official! The highly anticipated Nintendo Museum has opened its doors in Kyoto. Join me as I talk about what this museum means for gaming fans, what you can expect to see, and why it’s a must-visit for anyone passing through Japan.

2. Impact of AI on English Speaking Jobs in Japan
AI is reshaping industries worldwide, and Japan is no exception. I go into how AI is affecting English-speaking jobs in Japan, particularly in the English teaching sector, and whether there’s still room for human interaction in language learning.

3. Earthquake Tension Rods
Living in Japan means being earthquake-ready. In this segment, I explain what earthquake tension rods are, how they work, and why they’ve become an essential safety item in many Japanese homes.

4. Getting a Colonoscopy in Japan
It’s not a glamorous topic, but it’s an important one! I share my experience of getting a colonoscopy in Japan, from making the appointment to the procedure itself. If you're thinking about it or just curious, tune in for some tips and advice.

5. Funny Drunk Story
Time for a laugh! I was asked to share a funny drunk story from Japan, so here it is. I share a hilarious drunk story that happened to me here in Japan.

6. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day is... well it wouldn't be any fun if I told you here! Watch the video till the end!

Welcome to episode 72!

1. My Japanese Language Journey
It all started in junior high school back in Australia! In this episode, I share how my journey with the Japanese language began, the challenges I faced learning, and how it’s shaped my life. From classroom basics to real-world fluency, here’s a deep dive into my language story.

2. The NHK Guy & Getting Exempt from Fees
Have you been visited by the NHK guy? Wondering how to deal with those unexpected knocks on the door? I explain how you can legitimately get exempt from paying NHK contract fees, and share a few personal stories about my own experiences with their visits.

3. Other Japan Podcasters
Shout-out time! I introduce some fellow podcasters who are also talking about Japan, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. I was lucky enough to be invited as a guest on three podcasts this week. Links below.

Word of the Day
I’ll tell you what it means, how to use it, and why it’s such a handy word to know!

Links:

I was a guest on the below podcasts (thank for having me!)

Deep in Japan
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2296874/episodes/15836967-ohazassu-with-john

Weekly Fascination
https://youtu.be/uaFG8ohB6A0?si=LsG4kC_Sz1hRaHe3

Just Japan Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast-227-ohazassu-podcast/id846476649?i=1000670293046

In This Episode:

1. The "Noren" in My YouTube Videos
Ever wondered about the beautiful fabric that hangs behind me in my YouTube videos? It's called a noren—a traditional Japanese fabric divider often seen hanging in doorways of shops and homes. In this segment, I share the history behind noren, and why I chose it as part of my YouTube setup.

2. Things I Love About Japan
Japan has so many incredible aspects that I’ve come to appreciate. In response to Riki / Paprika Girl's question about what we love about Japan, I discuss the little and big things that I love. After recording this episode, I also thought of something else, which I'll quickly mention in the next episode.

3. Reading Japanese Books
Reading in a second language can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding! Today, I talk about how reading in Japanese can help you deal with a variety of issues in Japan.

4. Word of the Day
As with every episode, stay tuned to the end of the episode for today's word of the day!

Welcome to Episode 70 of our video podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into the wonderful world of stationery stores in Japan—truly a paradise for enthusiasts! We’ll share the poll results revealing everyone’s favorite spots to shop for unique stationery treasures.

But it’s not all fun and paper; we also discuss the feelings of isolation and loneliness that many expats experience while living in Japan. We’ll touch on practical tips, including the importance of having an emergency evacuation backpack stocked with essential supplies.

Plus, stick around for our "Word of the Day" segment to expand your Japanese vocabulary!

By the way, did you know you can also watch the podcast on YouTube now? Join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and stories from life in Japan!
Find us at https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu

This is the first time we're trying a video version on our new YouTube channel @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC62BDk3vvAxYJWpxYh7psLg

In today's episode we talk about:
1. Free internet at home
2. Aichi mishaps
3. Cheating / Affairs
4. Word of the Day

Thanks for your patience; we're finally back! At long last, we've secured a regular schedule. Moving forward, we should be able to record a podcast on a weekly basis.

Picking up where we left off, here are the show notes for today's episode:

1. Going overseas? You might need to get an international driver's license in Japan before departing. We talk about our experience in May when we got one in Japan before heading overseas.

2. Back in May, I had thoughts about moving to a beach, and now, I'm having thoughts about my thoughts!

3. We're back to reviewing that great book that I've been summarizing on the podcast: Bilingual Life and Reality by Francois Grosjean. Today's chapter is on Language through life.

4. It wouldn't be an Ohazassu Podcast episode without a word of the day, so there's one of those too.

Cheers for tuning in, and, catch you at the next one!

About our recent Hokkaido trip: We went to Kuromatsunai, Lake Toya and Sapporo!

Travel news: Bullet trains/shinkansen to get private room/booth section from 2026!

New Costco reseller/retailer "Cospopo".

And of course, Word of the Day.

Welcome back to Episode 66 of the Ohazassu Podcast straight from Japan!

In today's episode, Microsoft invests a whopping $2.9 billion to supercharge AI infrastructure in Japan.

We take a look at official medical care information provided by JNTO, ensuring tourists stay healthy and informed while exploring this amazing country.

Plus, I'll spill the beans on my personal secret hack for conquering muscle fatigue, whether you're hitting the road or kicking back at home.

And of course, we'll wrap it all up with our regular language segment, Word of the Day.