Voices in Japan

Sadly, it's officially the end of summer. However, the good news is we are coming into one of our favourite seasons in Japan, so we thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss the best and worst times to visit this country. We talk about golden week, Autumn Fest, Halloween, winter around Japan, the unbearable heat in Honshuu, Japanese traditional clothing, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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

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

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

Anywhere you live in the world will have its negative points, and Japan is no exception. Ben and Burke review things about Japan that tourists, new residents, and perhaps even long-term residents might have issues with. Those include cultural differences in eating habits, natural disasters and regional instability, ever-present English problems, toilet troubles, gaijin enemies, and much more. A little bit of venting in this episode, but all in good fun as always. Enjoy the show! (Referenced article: 67 Reasons You Won't like Japan)

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. 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, free pick up available from the bus stop, 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. 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. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
Get in touch:
[email protected]

Support the show

It is coming up to Burke's 20th year of living in Japan. That's almost half of his life, and for me, I have just passed the 14 year mark, so we thought that it would be the perfect time to talk about the main reasons that have kept us in Japan for such a long time. I'm not going to give away the biggest reasons for staying in Japan long term, so please listen to find out. Enjoy the show!

Previous episodes mentioned in the show:

The 6 Best Spots to Enjoy in Sapporo
Slave to the Salaryman Life

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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

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

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

On this episode, Ben and Burke closely look at a few different Japanese behaviors and customs, including the proper way of eating white rice, being mindful of others and not disturbing them on public transportation, the difference between shrines and temples, and much more. They discuss these topics while reviewing an article on Japan Wonder Travel Blog.  The earlier Voices in Japan episode mentioned about proper etiquette on Japanese subways is "Don't Do That on the Subway!" Enjoy the show!

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. 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, free pick up available from the bus stop, 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. 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. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
Get in touch:
[email protected]

Support the show

Are you visiting or have just moved to Sapporo? Ben and Burke talk about some of the best spots to visit in the city, from the perspective of locals (i.e. Ben and Burke), so the places mentioned in this episode are not the usual recommendations that you would find on the web, so hopefully some of them will be new to you, and if you have a chance to visit Sapporo, we are sure you will enjoy them, as much as we do. We mainly talk about parks, hiking spots and places to go for a day activity, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

Previous episodes mentioned in the show:
Foods Lost in Translation

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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

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

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

On this episode, Ben and Burke look at the Japanese versions of some of their favorite foods from back home. An interesting one that often comes up amongst foreigners in Japan is Japanese pizza, but they also discuss Japanese curry versus Indian curry, Chinese food in Japan, various cheeses are that aren't quite cheese, American breakfasts in Japan, and much more. Granted, a lot of these foods aren't even native to their home countries of the US and England, so are the Japanese versions of these  foods better? Listen to find out now, and be sure to check out the background information for this discussion on Tofugu.com!

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. 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, free pick up available from the bus stop, 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. 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. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
Get in touch:
[email protected]

Support the show

The summer is here and it has been one of the hottest summers yet.  There was a crazy two week heatwave with daily temperatures of over 30 degrees that has just ended in spectacular fashion with a 10 degree temperature drop down to around 20 degrees with non-stop heavy rain. The weather is very strange this year.

Well, as it is summer, and surely enough, the good weather will return soon, Burke and I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about the best Japanese summer foods during the hot and muggy days. We talk about noodles, we also give our personal top 3 yakitori sticks, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

Previous episode mentioned in the show:
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Japanese Hot Spring Baths (Onsen)

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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

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

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

The Tokyo Olympics are now in their second week after getting started under a large cloud of multiple controversies, most notable being Japan going ahead with the games despite a worsening local situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, there has been a lot of excitement on the ground, albeit somewhat muted against a backdrop of protests and negative public sentiment. There will be a lot of unique takeaways from Tokyo 2020, and Ben and Burke share their thoughts on what they've been enjoying about the Olympics thus far, the positives that might come from the games, and also Ben's overall disappointment in the government's decision not to cancel the games. Enjoy the show!

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. 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, free pick up available from the bus stop, 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. 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. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
Get in touch:
[email protected]

Support the show

Ben and Burke talk about shopping in Japan. If you are visiting Sapporo or Japan, this could be helpful when looking to buy souvenirs, suits and clothes, electronics, furniture, and much much more. All of the stores we mention are available, not only in Sapporo, but pretty much, all over Japan. Enjoy the show!

Previous episodes mentioned in the show:
Zoos, Aquariums, and Pet Life in Japan

Sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar

Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are  variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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

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

Get in touch: 

[email protected]

Support the show

On this episode, Ben and Burke take a look at how their lives have changed since marrying Japanese women. Were there any surprises after they got married? What are some of the difficult life choices foreign guys might face if they marry a Japanese woman? What do Ben and Burke think will help an international marriage be successful within various cultural differences? Listen to find out as the guys compare their own situations to those of other foreign men married to Japanese women, as described in an article from Live Japan.

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. 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, free pick up available from the bus stop, 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. 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. 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://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
Get in touch:
[email protected]

Support the show