Japan is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, but there is one issue that many women face every single day: Chikan (痴漢), or train groping. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine have a serious and necessary conversation about the reality of navigating Japan's crowded public transport.

From the "Women Only" carriages to the viral safety apps, the girls discuss the cultural and social factors that make this issue so persistent and what is being done to stop it.

This episode aims to break the silence on a difficult topic while providing support and information for our listeners. We’re spilling the matcha on the parts of Japanese life that aren't always easy to talk about, but are vital to understand.

Stay Safe on Your Commute: If you or someone you know has been affected by chikan, please know there is support. Download the Digi Police app for a silent way to call for help on crowded trains. For professional support, call the nationwide sexual crime hotline at #8103 or the Yorisoi Hotline for English support at 0120-279-338. Your safety matters!

Is it actually "reality" if everyone is being too polite to argue? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the addictive, confusing, and sometimes cringey world of Japanese Reality TV.

While the rest of the world obsessed over the "chill vibes" of Terrace House, the girls are finally speaking their truth: they aren't fans. They break down why the show feels more like a staged commercial for influencers than a real look at life in Tokyo.

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It’s time for a heart-to-heart. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are opening up the listener mailbag to tackle a vulnerable and tough question: "What do I do if I feel like I love my partner more than they love me?"

Feeling like the "over-giver" in a relationship can be lonely, and the girls dive deep into why this happens and how culture plays a massive role in how we express (or hide) our feelings.

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Grab your heart-shaped boxes! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are breaking down the fascinating "reverse" tradition of Valentine’s Day in Japan.

Unlike in Europe or America, where it's all about cards and flowers (often from the guys), in Japan, the pressure is entirely on the women! The girls discuss the complex hierarchy of chocolate giving and why February 14th can feel more like a strategic mission than a romantic holiday.

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How close is too close? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are getting into the awkward, sweet, and sometimes confusing world of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Japan.

In a country where "reading the air" (Kuuki wo yomu) is a national pastime, showing affection in public can be a major taboo. The girls break down why you rarely see couples kissing on the street in Tokyo and how even holding hands can feel like a "big statement" to some locals.

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Is your personality determined by your blood type? Should you avoid moving house this month because the stars say so? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are peering into the crystal ball to discuss the massive culture of Uranai (Fortune-telling) in Japan.

In Japan, fortune-telling isn't just for fun—it's a serious business that influences everything from career moves to dating compatibility.

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Watch your step and mind your chopsticks! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the eerie, the quirky, and the downright mysterious world of Japanese superstitions.

Ever wondered why people don't clip their nails at night ? Misato shares the warnings she grew up with, while Cherine reacts to the culture shocks of navigating these unspoken rules as an expat.

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The holiday break is over, and Misato is finally back in the studio after visiting her hometown in Kumamoto. This week, she and Cherine catch up on all things Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) and what it’s really like to "return to the nest" during the busiest travel week of the year.

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Get ready to swap your roasted turkey for fried chicken! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are celebrating the holidays by comparing Christmas in Japan with the festive traditions of Europe, specifically the UK!

They’re spilling the matcha on the unique Japanese holiday customs, like why Christmas Eve is celebrated as the most romantic date night of the year and how the bizarre tradition of ordering KFC for Christmas dinner ever started. (P.S. The girls confess they prefer the fried chicken from Mos Burger!)

Then, they compare notes with the UK's traditional approach, discussing everything they miss: the cheesy jokes and paper crowns of Christmas crackers, the charming fun of Christmas markets, and the rich, boozy deliciousness of Christmas pudding.

Tune in for the ultimate girls' talk about romance, food, and the completely different ways the world celebrates the most wonderful time of the year!

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Dating in Japan is complicated enough, but have you heard the labels? In this spicy episode of Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are decoding the controversial world of dating stereotypes.

They’re diving into the concept of the "Sushi Hunter"—the foreign women specifically seeking out Japanese men (the flip side of the infamous "Gaijin Hunter"). Is it a preference or a fetish?

Plus, they tackle the internet's obsession with the "Japanese Waifu". They discuss the fantasy of the submissive, perfect Japanese wife versus the reality of modern Japanese women.

From "Passport Bros" to the stereotype of "Yamato Nadeshiko," the girls are breaking down the tropes to reveal what it's really like. Tune in for a very honest conversation about love, labels, and expectations!

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Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)