Robin answers questions with the careful confidence of someone who considers well what's in their head before speaking. When you ask her about what led her to Japan, you notice something curious: while she describes her series of choices plainly, and as though any other might have made them, they are exceptional. Not many have travelled in her family. Where others might then see that as evidence as to why they should stay home, Robin saw it as her reason to go abroad. While not at all a Japanophile, Robin cares deeply for the country that she now inhabits. She's genuine, earnest and intelligent, embodying the kind of unassuming grace that has the habit of confounding people. Robin is a striking character, reminding us that strength's ability to overcome obstacles does not originate solely from force, but also calm, composure, and an appreciation for a good vegan dessert.

Kyoto Eco Map https://www.kyotoecomap.org/ @kyoto_ecomap

Pelgag https://pelgag.com/ @pelgag.cafe Taiwan Vegetarian Food

Muku https://taiwansosyoku.wixsite.com/muku877 Shojin Café

Waka http://www.oterahouse.com/cafe/index.htm

Viktor and I have collaborated over the years on various projects. Although he is taking a break from it now, he is an excellent photographer and his travels around Japan have taken him to many beautiful places. Viktor prefers to emphasize the art in his work, and is incredibly weary of becoming overly concerned with reach. A noble consideration given the mental disorders arising these days which could easily be described as creatoritis. The conversation ranges far and we cover from what he feels his individual style is to questions of gear and technical aspects of the craft as well.

Oh to speak Japanese at an N1 level, something Tina has been doing for years. She's attended some of the most famous universities in Japan and found herself a quite fascinating job to do while she pursues her creative passions.

Tyler has a herculean work-ethic. That has led him to become one of the fastest evolving and in-demand film makers now working in Japan. He runs a studio out of Tokyo with an impressive range of international talent that are pushing the limits of what is possible in Indy Film production. We get into it all: influences, work flow, what keeps creating fresh. Don't miss this one.

As an event producer, in these difficult times, Matt has had to adapt. Obviously live events are something we look back on fondly for the time being and if we do gather it is constrained to an online experience. Few would handle that pivot so well. Matt is an example of perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances. We did both agree though, there will be much room for celebration when the world can move past its current state and at that time I anticipate he will be touring and putting on amazing shows, as he not only plans the events but is a musician as well. One that enjoys a sweaty party like the rest of us. And what better time to have one of those than moving past a historically negative and traumatic experience like the one we are in now. Matt will rock us back to the light when the clouds pass and the sun comes out to shine.

Originally from New-York, Alessandro is an Italian film-maker who has made his home in Kyoto for the last decade. Where his roots may lie in the classic cinematography style, in more recent years, he has left his mark in the burgeoning field of VR 360 film-making. Alessandro describes his work as a double act of translation: that of the medium in which he creates and connectively the Japanese content that comprises the majority of his work. He creates bridges to the past with a genuinely modern approach.

Can you imagine long-boarding across a Japanese prefecture? Nicolas doesn't need to because he has done that kind of craziness. From near Olympic level swimming to travelling all over Japan, Nicolas' life may be one thing, but boring is certainly not it.

Willem's career as a game designer could serve as a lesson to anyone seeking employment in an industry with a high barrier to entry. A man who simply would not take no for an answer and managed to carve out a career for himself in this highly competitive industry, he has now built a resume which would be the envy of anyone involved with the field.

Johannes has an incredible story. From being one of the very first people to work on android, to designing his own game, he's had a storied career both in and out of Japan. For anyone interested in the IT landscape in Japan, Johannes' is an example of what is possible if you apply yourself.

The guest today is Drew Wallin, a bilingual entrepreneur who's life is a case study in how truth trumps fiction when it comes to experiences beyond belief. We discuss materialistic habits and how they are often maligned as horrible. But is this necessarily true? Could elements of materialism actually ground us in reality and grant some insight into a life well lived?