Voices in Japan

By Voices in JapanComedy Society & Culture Places & Travel

Voices in Japan episodes

June 27, 2019The Fake Plastic Bonsai of Hospitality
Japan’s hospitality has the reputation of being second to none, but is this really true? Can Japanese service staff go that extra mile for consumers? What are some of the things that people find disturbing about Japanese hospitality? Listen now for a balanced deconstruction of Japan’s world renowned hospitality!
Japanese airlines have amazing hospitality.
Restaurant staff in Japan are very efficient and polite, but not particularly friendly.
The hosts’ expectations of service are much higher because of what they are used to in Japan.
Shop staff in Japan do not chat amongst themselves when customers are present.
It’s difficult and uncommon to return goods to a store in Japan.
Japanese service staff cannot deviate from protocol or think on their feet.
Burke shares the arduous process of applying for tickets for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The slogan for the Tokyo Olympics is “Omotenashi”, meaning great hospitality, but do the Japanese really connect with customers?
Why do some people find Japanese hospitality disturbing?
The customer is “God” in Japan whereas the customer is “King” in other countries.
There are never heated confrontations between customer and staff in Japan. The staff always accepts responsibility.
Japanese service staff take insults and abuse from complaining customers, even if the customer is in the wrong.
Word of the day: “Namara”, a word from Hokkaido meaning “very”.
People with tattoos are not allowed in onsens/hotsprings/public baths in Japan.
Ben’s friend gets kicked out of an onsen because he had a tattoo.
Onsens may become more lenient towards tattoos during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The hosts talk about getting tattoos.
Burke talks about his fraternity brothers getting branded (ouch!).

With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, Japan’s hospitality has come into question. Their slogan, “Omotenashi” which means great hospitality, has been criticised in the press, https://metropolisjapan.com/omotenashi/ because, as the hosts can testify, the Japanese cannot deviate from protocol, which at times can be very frustrating to the customer. However, compared to Western countries, these are only small grimes to an almost perfect system. You won’t find a waiter abusing a customer for not leaving a tip in Japan!
Japanese hospitality is about 85% there, and they are definitely improving, and by putting a little more effort into considering consumer needs they will surely be the undisputed world champions of hospitality!

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43 min
June 19, 2019Hired as a Teacher, Living like a Rockstar!
Japan imports a variety of essentials for modern living, including native English speakers to teach them the language. Some actually arrive into Narita or Haneda Airport with the proper credentials for the job, while others may only be searching for a unique adventure in a foreign land for one or two years. What are the realities that they all end up facing on the job, and what drew Jon and our podcast hosts into staying in Japan, specifically Sapporo, for much longer than they originally intended? Listen now for a very entertaining take on the notorious career of English teaching in Japan!

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Conversation highlights:
Ben encounters a guy bedazzled by how long some people stay in Japan
The Yosakoi Soran Festival that takes place in June in Sapporo
The addiction to the Hokkaido lifestyle
Living overseas in a country like Japan is a great resume booster
What was Jon’s original intention for coming to Japan?
Why is there a stigma attached to teaching English?
What are the basic requirements for teaching English in Japan?
Ben and Jon disagree on whether the majority of English teachers enjoy their job
The very gratifying lifestyle that teaching English allows
The frustrations that experienced teachers may face when teaching English in Japan
Which job feels more meaningful: teaching in conversation schools or public schools?
Burke compares his experience on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program to that of teaching in a large conversation school
Why do schools in Japan prefer to hire teachers with little experience?
Comparing the large conversation schools during the English boom to today
The negative effect of teachers with little commitment to the Job
A famous comic strip in Japan, Charisma Man, which humorously captures the celebrity status that foreign men often enjoy in Japan
How did Jon become an English teacher in the US?
How did Jon find teaching in the very same high school he attended as a teenager?
How do the attitudes of students in the US compare with their Japanese counterparts?
Ben explains why he enjoys being a teacher, and also the best level of students to teach
A video filmed by students in Japan that illustrates very well the level of respect that teachers in Japan command in their schools
Jon tells his own story of having to discipline a model student to ensure other students understood what type of behavior is acceptable
The best way to avoid the risk of losing work as a university teacher
Ben explains his professional background, which is completely unrelated to education
The best large conversation school to work for, and some of the bizarre training programs at other conversations schools

Even though Japanese teachers definitely have struggles at work, they seem to have a much better situation than teachers overseas - more respect, better pay, and tame students. However, if you are looking for the best avenue to enjoy a cruisy lifestyle, few careers can beat teaching English in Japan as a foreigner. To learn about our podcasters’ and Jon’s experience, the good and the bad, and also some advice they have for people considering a career as an English teacher in Japan, listen now!
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37 min
June 12, 2019 Is Japan REALLY That Safe?
Jon Mott is a long time resident of Japan, part time musician and snowboarding enthusiast. He shares his thoughts about safety in Japan and. Is Japan REALLY as safe as everyone thinks it is? The guys compare the different public perceptions of the police between Japan and their home countries (the U.S. and the U.K.), and discuss the respective policing practices. Conversation highlights: A bit on Jon’s background Have the guys felt in danger in Japan? Japan being zero tolerance to drink and drive public perception of the police in Japan. cops stopping Ben on his bicycle. a SWAT team being called to a convenience store. Policing overkill. Police officers never using their guns. Jon and Burke talk about their families owning guns. How long can the Police detain a suspect without charge? Jon tells a story of a foreigner almost being arrested. Why is the conviction rate of Japan 99%? Suspects being convicted for crimes they didn’t commit. Police methods being based on cultural standards. Japanese people are not used to standing up to authority. The mass stabbing of elementary school students. A high level bureaucrat stabbing his recluse son to death. Jon and our podcasters all agree that Japan is the safest country that they have ever been too, and between them, they have visited a lot of countries. A big sign of the safeness of Japan is the police. There are a lot of police out on the streets, usually in groups, stopping suspected bicycle thieves, and these are not people who have stolen expensive, rare bikes as you would expect, but the ubiquitous mamachari (short for mama chariot), aka cheap happy shopper, which most people do not even care if their’s was stolen. A big part of safety are imbedded cultural deterrents like very low poverty, almost 100% literacy, very low unemployment, and a reasonably even distribution of wealth. That, and that the country is 98.5% all Japanese. This homogeneity acts like a glue that is, compared to other cultures, self policing. Another interesting fact is the high conviction rate in Japan being 99%. This is a controversial issue as it has been found that the Japanese police employ intimidation tactics to get confessions from suspects, which has led to wrongful convictions. The police can hold a suspect for up to 23 days, without charge! But, why do suspects confess to a crime they did not commit? Could this be a cultural issue? In spite of this, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with an extremely low crime rate, so you can feel safe that your wallet will not be stolen, even if it is sticking out of your back pocket! 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]
41 min
June 05, 2019The Weird World of Apartment Hunting and Buying in Japan
If you are coming to Japan, are you already set up with a nice living space? Or are you already living in Japan, and have you ever searched for an apartment on your own? What kinds of challenges did you face? Were you treated differently because you were a foreigner?

Our podcasters have lived in multiple apartments over their combined 28 years of being in Japan - convenient spots arranged through their companies, apartments haunted by fatalities in the past (a.k.a. jiko bukken), and Burke has recently gone through the process of purchasing his own place. Apartment hunting is one of the most daunting tasks for life in Japan but probably unavoidable if you plan on being here for more than one or two years. Listen now to learn about some of the pitfalls and mistakes that are often made by foreigners during the process, and also the requirements for securing a loan in an environment that some are worried might be heading towards a real estate bubble.

Conversation Highlights:
What types of apartments do schools set up for foreigners teaching English?
Why do renters, both Japanese and foreign, need guarantors?
What options do renters have for guarantors?
Before signing a lease, what do renters need to be very careful about?
What are some of the upfront costs, such as "reikin" (礼金) and "shikikin" (敷金)?
What did one "kanrigaisha" (管理会社), or management company, try to charge Ben for when he was moving out?
What damage costs was Burke able to avoid when moving out simply because he had rented with his Japanese wife?
Do foreigners face discrimination when renting in Japan? Is it justified?
What sales techniques do real estate agents use to convince renters to choose an apartment?
What spooky discovery did Ben make about one of his apartments?
How do Japanese people deal with a problematic neighbor?
What are the current mortgage rates in Japan for residents and non-residents?
What requirements do banks have for approving loans, particularly for foreigners?
What is more important to qualify for a bank loan, income level or job security?
What are the requirements for the "atamakin" (頭金) or loan down payment?

Real estate is booming these days in Japan, especially in major cities such as Sapporo. Extremely low mortgage rates have created a red hot buyers market, but is the country headed towards a bubble? How easy is it for foreigners to get a loan, and what are the requirements? Find out that information and more in this episode of the podcast!

Also if you enjoy the Voices in Japan podcast, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. It only takes a minute and we would really appreciate it. And of course, please share us with your friends.
Website:
http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com
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https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
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Get in touch:
[email protected]
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38 min
May 29, 2019Quirky Japan: Face Masks, Monster Crows, and Ghosts
There are many quirky things about Japan. On this episode we talk about three such things. You will see people wearing face masks everywhere in Japan. There are a number reasons such as preventing colds, keeping their faces warm, and women sometimes wear them when they cannot be bothered to wear makeup. Even Burke has worn a mask to hide his stubble at work!
Monster crows are everywhere in Japan. They are huge and quite frightening. They are very intelligent, so do not ever attack one because they will remember you! Be very wary around crows.
Many Japanese people believe in ghosts, more so that in the West, and actually, talking about ghosts is a bit of a taboo subject. However, your podcast hosts are more than happy to share their opinions and their creepy experiences in Japan.
Conversation Highlights:
When have our hosts worn face masks?
The reasons why Japanese people wear face masks.
Burke shares an amusing story concerning his work and face masks.
Do the podcasters believe face masks prevent colds?
Some women becoming more attractive when wearing face masks.
black “ninja” face masks.
designer face masks.
“monster” crows in Japan.
Burke thinking a crow was a baby.
Crows not being afraid of people anymore.
Crows are very intelligent and have good memories.
Why did the garbage bags in Japan change to yellow?
Most Japanese people believe in ghosts.
The hosts tell some stories of their experiences with ghosts.
Do our hosts believe in ghosts and the reasons why.
Has Burke seen a ghost?
Japanese TV ghost prank shows.
Ghost houses in Japan.
Watching horror movies.
Japanese words of the day: “Urusai” and “Irasshaimase”.

Japan definitely has many quirky and unique things, and in future episodes we hope to talk about many more. If there are any Japanese quirks you would like us to discuss, get in touch on social media or drop us a quick email.
Finally, if you enjoy the Voices in Japan podcast, it would really help us out f you could leave a rating and review on iTunes. It only takes a minute and we would really appreciate it. And of course, please share us with your friends.
Website:
http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com
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Get in touch:
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43 min
May 22, 2019Lights, Camera, Action! Breaking into the Japanese Entertainment Industry
If you were living in Japan, would you be interested in being a model or appearing on Japanese television? Do you meet the requirements to make the cut? Entertainment is one industry that foreigners in Japan can explore simply for the novelty of . . . being a foreigner! Listen to Matt explain his experience with fashion shoots, commercials, variety television shows, and being on the other side of the lens as a photographer himself (http://www.instagram.com/mattink919).
Also, are you considering a visit to Hokkaido and want to know the best spots for sightseeing? Do you live in Sapporo and need some ideas for a nice cafe, bar or restaurant to enjoy? Check out HokkaidoGuide.com (a tourism website that Matt is a part of) for all the information you need to learn about the food, nature, date spots, and adventures this paradise island has to offer!

Conversation highlights:
What are the requirements for being a model in Japan?
How was Matt recruited for modeling?
How many photo shoots and commercials has Matt done?
What is the environment like during a modeling shoot in Japan?
What famous Japanese comedian from Sapporo did Matt join on a variety show, and how did he find the experience of working with a famous TV personality?
Where has Ben seen that same famous person around Sapporo?
What are the guys’ impressions of the typical Japanese female model?
What is a great way to ensure that you can continue getting modeling work in Japan?
How did Matt get started in photography?
What projects is Matt working on now?
How long has Matt been producing content for Garreth’s website HokkaidoGuide.com?
What are three places that Matt recommends as must-see locations in Hokkaido?
Details on the first settlers of Hokkaido.
The black bear population in Japan.
What is the Sankebetsu Brown Bear Incident, upon which a movie is based?
What food does Japan eat more than any other country?
When did the Ezo wolf go extinct?
What was the first Japanese manga, and what year was it created?
While not for everyone, modeling can be a great way to make some extra yen while teaching or working in Japan. Listen now to find out if you would really want to try it! Our podcasters enjoyed a lot of laughs listening to Matt’s experience, and also failed miserably when quizzed about Hokkaido and Japan. Press play to listen, and thanks for tuning into the show!
Website:
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43 min
May 15, 2019The Importance of Blood Type in Japan
Do you know your blood type? Well, if you are visiting or living in Japan, you should. Knowing one’s blood type is common in Japan and the Japanese are very curious to know yours. There are four main types that most people fall into. The most common blood type in Japan is type A and is the most desired type to be. Why is that?
Similar to star signs from the Chinese Zodiac, the different blood types represent particular character and personality traits. There are also, supposedly, certain blood types that go well together, and others that are a complete disaster. Would you decide your partner based on their blood type?
Conversation highlights:
What are the main blood types and what character traits do they represent?
Percentage distribution of blood types in Japan, US and the UK.
Why most Japanese aspire to be blood type A.
What are Ben and Burke’s blood types?
Burke shares the story of finding out his blood type in Japan.
Blood type used for compatibility.
Why is blood type important to Japanese people?
Japanese words of the day.
Listener question: Why did Ben and Burke come to Japan?
What the hosts think of the TV show “You wa nani shi ni nippon eh?” (Why did you come to Japan).
In the past blood type has been used to judge people in Japan, in particular there were instances when Japanese companies would reject potential employees if their blood type was undesirable. This led to people lying about their blood types on their applications. Fortunately, now, blood type is not a requirement when job hunting. I wonder if there was ever an issue with star signs in western countries?
Although Japanese people are interested in knowing about blood types, many foreigners still don’t know theirs, and don’t really think it is important. It is necessary to know one’s blood type for medical operations, but when that happens the hospital can find out as and when without needing the patient to know. They should find out for themselves because the patient might even lie about their blood type to be more desirable!
If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review on iTunes. It only takes a minute! It would really help us get out there and we would really appreciate it.
Website:
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39 min
May 07, 2019 Do I or Don’t I get married in Japan?
Are there wedding bells in your future? Marriage is one of life’s most important decisions. While Japanese people celebrate the big day with their own unique traditions, some wedding ceremonies and receptions blend in a few fashionable aspects from western custom. Listen to find out how the bride and groom in Japan survive the grueling process that leads up to their finally becoming newlyweds!

Conversation highlights:
· What are the popular venues for weddings in Japan?
· What types of weddings have our podcasters had the opportunity to attend?
· What very important role did Ben play in Burke meeting his wife?
· What options drive up the cost of a wedding in Japan?
· Do Japanese people prefer traditional Japanese-style weddings or western weddings?
· Why does the planning process take so long?
· Why do people enjoy checking out possible locations for a wedding?
· What makes the Japanese wedding such a large production?
· In western cultures, guests give gifts to the newlywed couple, but in Japan, how do the guests contribute to the wedding?
· Why does the actual wedding day last from very early in the morning until well past midnight?
· What is so strange about the priest or minister at Japanese weddings?
· Why are the priests under so much pressure?
· Do couples really need to get married these days? Are there any real benefits?
· Should Ben get married?
· What reasons can drive foreigners to want to marry Japanese nationals?
· How can getting married completely change a person’s mentality in life.
Deciding whether or not to get married is tricky and difficult regardless of the culture, and being in Japan brings a whole new set of factors to consider. To begin with, Japanese weddings are a huge production that, as with most events in Japan, require a seemingly endless amount of planning. The end result is a beautiful, well-coordinated event for the guests to enjoy. If you ever have the chance to attend a wedding in Japan, or even just witness a wedding that might be taking place when you visit a Japanese Shinto shrine, it is a captivating event that should not be missed! Listen now to find out why!
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37 min
May 01, 2019Hokkaido Life: Ending the Heisei Era with a 10 day Golden Week Holiday
Special guest Yumi joins the guys again to talk about the special 10 day Golden Week holiday. Does she like Golden Week? The Heisei era ends on May 1st and a new emperor will be crowned, beginning the new Reiwa era. Listen to some interesting Golden Week stories in Hokkaido and opinions about the long holiday.

Conversation Highlights:
Why is Golden Week a 10 day holiday this year?
What do Japanese people think of the Emperor?
Japanese people stressing out about the long holiday
Ben shares his most memorable Golden Week holiday
The new Reiwa era and what the name means
People getting confused with the Japanese eras and calendar
The most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido
Barbecuing during Golden Week
Barbecuing on the beach during the summer time is a Hokkaido “thing”
Making the most out of sunny days.
Japanese words that became popular during the Heisei era
Golden week plans
Ben shares a memorable Golden week story about Burke
Yumi shares her worst Golden week holiday
The negatives of Golden Week
Yumi’s ideal Golden week would be to go to Okinawa
In Hokkaido, Golden Week is a bit different than the rest of Japan because the winter has just ended, meaning that it’s still a bit cold. However, this does not stop the locals from barbecuing down by the river and in the most popular spot, Maruyama Park. In fact, the purported reason for barbecuing in Maruyama park is for cherry blossom viewing, but because of the cold weather the cherry blossoms are not in full bloom, usually there are only a few trees with some level of bloomage. But Hokkaido people love to barbecue and come rain or shine, during Golden Week, it is guaranteed to be a party atmosphere in Maruyama Park. And to be honest, they don’t really care about the cherry blossoms! If you have a chance to visit Hokkaido during Golden Week, going to this park is a must!
It is the first time for the Golden Week holiday to be 10 days long. And, many people are actually complaining that the holiday is too long. Especially, families with young children become stressed and “over-worked” entertaining their kids for 10 days. Some people would actually rather go to work because they can at least relax for a few hours a day! Furthermore, Golden Week is a time when everyone in Japan is on holiday, therefore there are so many people traveling in, out, and around Japan and the prices for travel and accommodation double and sometimes triple! So, it can be a bit of a nightmare travelling during this time, with many many people, including Yumi and the Voices in Japan Podcast hosts preferring to stay home to avoid the crowds during this hectic time.

Website:
http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com
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43 min
April 24, 2019 Interview: Yumi shares the truth about fitness and the mindset of Japanese women!
Special guest Yumi joins the podcast to give the guys a new perspective on life in Japan. In this episode full of laughs, our podcasters learn about the growing exercise trends taking over the land of the rising sun, and also discover the great lengths to which Japanese women will go to avoid the wrath of their mothers-in-law, and even other women, as they struggle to maintain the image of being the perfect mother and wife. Also, why do Japanese girls and women find it easier to express their true feelings with foreign guys? Listen to the episode to find out now!
Conversation highlights:
• Is exercising at a sports gym popular in Japan like it is in western countries?
• What are the benefits of yoga versus the benefits of CrossFit?
• Why did Yumi decide that she wanted to join CrossFit?
• How are the bodies and mindset of the people in the gym different in Japan?
• Why are many Japanese guys intimidated by girls with athletic bodies?
• Why are the podcasters infatuated with the Japanese female body?
• Why do Japanese women feel so much pressure to be a perfect mother and perfect wife
• Why do wives in Japan feel like they need to ask for permission from their husbands just to go out with their girlfriends, or even hang out at a friend's house!?

• Why don't Japanese married couples share the responsibilities around the house?
• Why can Japanese women express themselves better with foreign guys?
• What is the best way to flirt with a Japanese girl at the bar? Is there a perfect pick-up line?
Believe it or not, even though many Japanese people appear to be much thinner than their western counterparts, working out in the gym has only recently started to grow in popularity. But are most Japanese people that you see walking down the street actually fit and in shape?
Also, shouldn’t Japanese women be happy that they can stay home with the kids and not work, and is there any real pressure that comes with being a housewife? Can Yumi keep her cool as she patiently tries to educate the guys on the difficulties of being a Japanese woman? Fortunately, the conversation remains very light-hearted while touching upon some fairly sensitive topics. Listen now to compare your own thoughts on what should be considered acceptable in this conservative yet evolving culture.

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41 min

About Voices in Japan

From the publisher's feed

Discover what everyday life in Japan is REALLY like! Weekly podcast episodes with half-Japanese/half-American Burke (20 years in Japan), Ben from England (15 years in Japan), and Matt from Australia…