Voices in Japan

Japan is hopefully starting to open up to tourism, now that Japan's vaccination program is under way, so if you are planning to visit in the near or not too distant future, there will be some unique challenges that you may come across. The following examples we discuss may help to prepare you for some typical problems that visitors face. We talk about looking for restaurants and bars, people having difficulty understanding your Japanese, English not working, being rude on the train without knowing it, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

Previous episodes mentioned:

Things to Know When Drinking in Japan
Benefits of the Japanese Diet
Don't Do THAT on the Subway!

Thanks to our 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 discuss Japanese superstitions that are weird and eerie, and also ones related to love and romance. Do you know what happens in Japanese culture if you cut your fingernails at night or even whistle at night? Or, what specific locations in Japan can mean the end of your relationship with your significant other, and what places or events bring good luck to a  relationship? Listen now to find out about these and other superstitions covered in articles by Live Japan and Tokyo Weekender.

Previous Voices in Japan episodes that are mentioned: Quirky Japan: Face Masks, Monster Crows, and Ghosts

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

Matt joins Ben and Burke on the podcast again to talk about drinking in Japan and what differences you can expect compared to your home country when going on a night out. We talk about having a drink whilst bartending, all you can drink plans (nomihodai), being invited for drinks with bosses and co-workers, hostess bars and snack bars, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

Thanks to our 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 five common sense etiquette in Japan as described in an article from WOW! JAPAN. Those include whether or not you should touch food that is being sold at supermarkets and bakeries, how eating while walking might get you arrested in certain cities, leaving food uneaten at restaurants, and more! We compare our own experience of living in Sapporo with what is described in the article, and things seem to be a little different where we live...

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

On today’s show Burke and I discuss some rules of etiquette and manners that foreigners should be aware of when working in Japan.

Some of the ones we talk about are how to deal with Meishi or business card, what shoes to wear and when, accepting invitations from colleagues, taking holidays, and much much more.

Enjoy the show!

Previous episodes mentioned in the show:

Michael Howard: Author of the Highly Entertaining Novel The Salarymany

Bearfoot Bar
12 different types of Japanese made craft beers, both bottles and on tap. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Tapas style menu and burgers. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Open 7 days a week. 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, 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

Japanese hot spring baths ("onsen") are one of the best parts of Japanese culture. If you live here in the country or ever plan to visit, enjoying an onsen is a must. On this episode Ben and Burke discuss the top 5 things to keep in mind when you go to an onsen, including proper etiquette, some surprises you might run into, some items to try out at the facilities, our favorite onsen here in Hokkaido, and much much more!

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

Chris Carlier, a British writer/illustrator in Tokyo who blogs about Japanese mascot characters joins Ben and Burke on the podcast. He has appeared in articles and interviews for CNN, Vice, GQ magazine, The BBC, and The New York Times, just to name a few.

We delve deep into this unique world where there are some very wacky mascots. A good example is Marimokkori, a popular character in Hokkaido. Marimo is the word for the green algae that grows in some of the lakes in Hokkaido, while mokkori is Japanese slang for erection.

Chris also talks about some of the strangest characters he has seen, the annual best mascot competition, the positive impact a good mascot can have on a city, some mascot scandals, and much much more! Enjoy the show!

Check out Chris' website and Twitter page for more information and photos.

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, 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. 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

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

On this episode, Ben and  Burke discuss the ways that living in Japan has changed them while reviewing the opinions in an article by TimeOut Tokyo. Everyone's English seems to change to some degree by living in Japan, especially if you work for any amount of time as an English teacher, but how about alcohol drinking habits, places that you choose to travel, social etiquette, and appreciation for the four seasons? If you've lived in Japan or still do, would you agree that what the article and guys say is accurate? Let us know your thoughts by writing a review on Apple Podcasts! Thank you and 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

Dreux Richard, author of the book Every Human Intention, joins us on the show. He is an American writer, journalist, and literary translator. From 2011 to 2016, he covered Japan’s African community for The Japan Times, mainly befriending and following Nigerians in Tokyo. Richard talks about the people he met, their way of life working in Tokyo’s night life industry, their struggles with a hostile immigration system, and much much more. It’s a fascinating conversation that provides a deeper understanding of this unique community. 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, 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. 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 explore the friendships they have formed with Japanese people over their combined 33 years in the country. They compare their experiences with the opinions in a JapanToday article that laments about five reasons foreigners find it hard to become friends with Japanese people. Some of those reasons include always being treated as a "gaijin" (or foreigner), backhanded compliments for using basic Japanese or chopsticks, indirect communication in Japanese culture, and much more. Do Ben and Burke agree with the opinions of the article?? Listen to find out now!

Past episodes mentioned:
- Japanese Dating Culture
- Difficulty Finding a Life Partner

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