Voices in Japan

20 Questions. 1 Winner. 

On our last episode for the year Matt tests the wit of Ben & Burke. We look at Japan over the year and talk about the major things that have affected and changed in Japan, plus discussing the main headlines that hit Japan. Join us and thank you to all our listeners. 

How much do you know about Japan and can you beat their score??

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.https://theredhouse.jp/

Rusutsu Lodges

Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: [email protected]

Support the show

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

Burke, Matt, and Ben dive into some of Japan's lesser-known souvenirs that go beyond the usual skincare, tea, and candy. From limited-edition watches and ceramics to iconic sukajan jackets and high-quality nail clippers, we explore unique items that make for unforgettable mementos. Plus, discover hidden gems like exclusive stationary, prescription glasses, and toys. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned visitor, this episode will inspire you to shop off the beaten path in Japan!

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.https://theredhouse.jp/

Rusutsu Lodges

Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: [email protected]

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

On this episode the lads quickly look at the top Japanese word for 2024! And for the main topic, they look at some of the best open air onsens to visit in Hokkaido. This top ten list takes you all over Hokkaido from the popular areas of Jozankei and Norboribetsu to some more obscure locations around this prefecture! A must listen for those who wish to visit Hokkaido, or for those already living here. 

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort. It's just cross from the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. This restaurant features some western style dishes, and some Japanese cuisine. The extensive menu includes some vegetarian dishes, ramen, hamburgers, plus some mouth watering desserts and much more. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.

https://theredhouse.jp/

Rusutsu Lodges

Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

Website:
https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: voicesinjapan@g

Support the show

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

Burke, Matt, and Ben dive into the vibrant world of Japanese arcades and indoor entertainment. From the thrill (and frustration) of crane games with irresistible prizes to the intense, skill-based rhythm games that keep players coming back for more, they explore it all. Discover “purikura” photo booths where you can transform into your most kawaii self, and hear their takes on other popular spots like batting cages, darts bars, bowling alleys, and virtual reality centers.

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.

https://theredhouse.jp/

Rusutsu Lodges

Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

Website:
https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: voicesinjapan@g

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

Winter snow accumulation and the winter season is coming very soon for many parts of Japan, so we reviewed the top winter activities to enjoy! Those include visiting picturesque winter villages like Shirakawa-go, skiing and snowmobiling in Furano, walking on drift ice and dipping in the Okhotsk Sea of Hokkaido, and much more!

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.

https://theredhouse.jp/


Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

Burke, Matt, and Ben go through the 30 nominees for words or phrases of the year. They cover issues from cuisine to politics, social media trends, and sports. Many also touched on money and investment, inbound tourism, and crime, making the list as a whole a useful tool for gauging the trends of the times in Japan in 2024.

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

The Red House 

A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.

https://theredhouse.jp/


Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

What is a Japanese internet cafe? On this episode we talk about the pros and cons of an internet cafe in Japan. How different are they from other countries, and what can you do at an internet cafe? Are they useful for travelers? Matt also comes across a strange new style of cyber cafe in Tokyo. He talks a little about that. Enjoy!

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

The Red House 

Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000. https://theredhouse.jp/
 
Rusutsu Lodges

Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com
 
Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com

Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Help support us at:

https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/voicesinjapan

Support the show

In celebration of Halloween, Ben, Matt, and Burke look at some iconic Japanese horror films and the stories behind them. Burke talks about some strange occurrences that happened while making these movies. Have you seen any of them? There is also a strange occurrence while we recorded this episode! Have a listen... if you dare. 

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com


Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

The autumn changing of the colors has started in Japan's northern-most mountains and countryside, drawing domestic and overseas tourists. Where are the 12 best spots to view the colors changing across Japan? Ben, Matt, and Burke cover those, including a few in Hokkaido!

Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com


Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

At some point you will definitely use a Japanese convenience store while in Japan. They are everywhere! The boys look at 12 Japanese phrases you will come across while at a Japanese convenience store. How to respond? Listen to find out! You will not find these phrases in a language book so take a listen!


Sponsors:

MaruMori

This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

Hokkaido Guide

Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com


Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
 
Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
Follow us and check out our other content:

https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast

https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

Support the show