Japanese pop culture and aesthetics were and continue to be one of the strongest powers in pushing East Asia as a whole to the Western gaze. Many who have never set foot in Japan love it nonetheless, regarding the country as a polite, safe, and advanced society filled with fascinating foreign culture. But in reality, what is Japan really like?
In this episode, four atypical Japanese residents of multiple years, Dahyun, Leina, Linah, and Seoyoon of AREA return to discuss Japan as they see it. Are Japanese people really as polite as they say? What influences Japanese pop culture? Are Japanese toilets objectively the best toilets in the world?
Through nuanced yet casual and lighthearted conversations, this episode approaches Japan with an authentic perspective.
Trigger Warning: conversations about rape, pedophilia, and sexual assault
(Due to a microphone error, there is a clicking noise present through most of the audio. Apologies for the issue, and enjoy the episode!)