Voices in Japan

On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke discuss overtourism in Japan.

Tourism in Japan has boomed in recent years. In 2017, it had the highest growth in tourist arrivals, outpacing Vietnam, Chile, and Thailand, with the Chinese being the largest group of visitors. This large influx of travellers has brought some positives to the country, but it has also caused a lot of problems. This episode covers the annoying things that tourists do, complaints from locals (especially of Chinese visitors), what Japan is doing to increase tourism, what local communities can do to benefit, and what not to do when holidaying in Japan.

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On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke discuss Carlos Ghosn's escape from what he has referred to as Japan's "hostage justice system."  In what can only be described as a spectacular fall from the highest level of business fame in Japan over two decades, Mr. Ghosn was out on bail, living in Tokyo, and awaiting trial for allegations of financial misconduct before fleeing the country to Lebanon in a dramatic escape last December by sneaking out of the country inside of a large box for musical equipment on board a private plane.  This episode covers the claims of an inside plot between Nissan and the Japan government to oust Mr. Ghosn from power, the ridiculous circumstances that allowed him to escape, and the scrutiny that Japan's legal system has been under for its treatment of suspects.

Please check out the video of the recording of this episode that will be uploaded soon to our YouTube channel and also our new website!

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https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

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WARNING!: This episode contains content of a sexual nature. Parental guidance is advised.

Sadly, this week Ben’s co-host Burke caught a virus and has lost his voice, so he is absent. However, Ben is joined by special guest, Yumi, who has been on the podcast before in the episode, “Yumi shares the truth about fitness and the mindset of Japanese women”. 

On today’s show, Ben and Yumi have a very entertaining conversation about the things that turn women on. They also talk about the lack of sex education in Japan, Japanese women and orgasms, advice on dating Japanese women, and much much more. Enjoy the show!

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https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

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Toshi from Tokyo (and now a Sapporo resident) joins Ben and Burke again to discuss growing up in Japan, including spending a year as a "Ronin" student, and the various jobs that he has had during his life.  Working as a salaryman or company employee did not fit him, so he has experienced the construction industry, working as a driver for health delivery services (hmmm...what is that?), and many other jobs that break the mold of the typical Japanese man!  Enjoy the show!

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On this episode, Ben and Burke discuss the way that Christmas is celebrated in Japan, including food (Kentucky Fried Chicken and Christmas cakes), Christmas being an event for lovers more so than families, working on Christmas day, Christmas lights and illuminations around the city, and much much more!

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Special guest Toshi joins the podcast to discuss some of the reasons for why Japanese people are struggling to find a life partner, such as social attitudes and economic pressures.  Topics that are covered include "parasite singles" (those who stay at home and live off of their parents' income until getting married), gokon (drinking parties where groups of people can meet each other), omiai (parents introducing their children to each other for the purpose of marriage), aisekiya (restaurants where you can share a table with strangers for some conversation), and much much more!

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Burke and Ben talk about the new Japanese Emperor, Naruhito, and some of the controversies surrounding him and his family. We discuss The Emperor's enthronement, which was on October 22, 2019, and some issues that the royal family have encountered, such as the next heir to the throne, the debate about having a female Empress, princess Masako’s previous health problems, Princess Mako's wedding postponement, the Emperor’s “feud” with his brother, and much much more!

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Our podcasters, Ben and Burke, discuss celebrity scandals that have made the news in Japan recently and drug use in the country.  The news stories include the recent murder of a high ranking Yakuza gang member, a famous comedian on the popular Netflix show Terrace House getting in trouble for tax evasion, the arrest of actress Sawajiri Erika for possession of MDMA, and the death of Goo Hara from the popular K-POP group Kara.  Also, the podcasters look at drug use in Japan, especially the heavy use of methamphetamine by business people, and also the strict laws against marijuana and the long history of hemp in Japanese culture.

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Website:

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Between the two hosts, Ben and Burke, they have pretty much tried and tested every kind of Japanese food there is.

On today's show we talk about some of the strangest and most unique food that Japan has to offer, such as Natto (fermented bean curd), whale meat, raw chicken, fugu (blow fish), and much much more.

Check out the episode Benefits of the Japanese Diet where we were joined by special guest, the amazing Yuki, which we mentioned in the episode.

If you enjoy the show please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Support the show

Website:

http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com

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https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan

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Have you lived in Japan for a long time and still find it difficult to get used to some mannerisms or characteristics that are part of the culture?  Our podcasters, Ben and Burke, discuss some of those that they may never become comfortable with no matter how long they live here, including behavior around the office and schools, the senpai/kouhai (senior/junior) relationship, and much much more!

Support the show

Website:

http://podcast.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