In this episode — Part 2 of Italy series — I sit down with my friend Shiho, who’s currently doing her master’s in architecture in Italy.

We talk about how design is taught in Europe, the differences we’ve noticed compared to Japan, and the creative freedom (or lack of it) we’ve each experienced in school and in practice.

From studio life to government jobs, from model-making by hand to designing for a world shaped by natural disasters, this conversation gets personal — and a little bit frustrated. We reflect on what it really means to stay creative when the real world expects practicality, cost-efficiency, and control.

If you’ve ever felt torn between your artistic vision and the reality of working in design — this one’s for you.

Music by @lofimusic_bts - Mood in Dm via @hellothematic

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In this episode, I’m joined by my very first guest on Waters Meet — my dear friend from architecture school. We talk about her new beginnings in Italy, how her flatmates helped her settle in, and the little surprises and struggles that come with moving abroad.

If you’re curious about life in Italy or thinking of studying abroad, this one’s for you.

Music by @lofimusic_bts - Drafting Me via @hellothematic

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Got tips for the UK, Netherlands, Belgium… or anywhere in Europe?

If you’ve traveled to the UK, Netherlands, Belgium (or live there!), I’d love to hear:

— your go-to spots

— safety tips

— what to pack

— what not to do 😂

DM me your favorites — I’m collecting ideas!

🌍 Europe Was Another Life Ago

This episode is a little travel time machine.

— My first solo trip to Holland at age 12 (thanks, Dad 😭)

— Visiting Ireland alone in high school (thanks, Dad 😭)

— Studying landscape architecture in Budapest

— Visiting all 7 countries surrounding Hungary

— Accidentally biking into Belgium

— Planning my next trip to Denmark

— Launching a collaborative map project: the Waters Meet Atlas 💧

🗺️ My maps:

📍 Waters Meet Atlas (UK, NL, BE – let’s build it together):

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNGdMxAYYQBCZVcF7

📍 France – Landscape Urbanism map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vs54i9QG5tqaNrgCA

📍 Denmark trip pins:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PQ6EbJJsnRktkDPJ7

Feel free to check them out — or even add a pin 💙

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

📺 Also on YouTube now! (Just trying things out 😄)

Music by @haha_sound_ - Acoustic Rock via @hellothematic

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Pearl returns with a quiet letter from Japan’s rainy season — filled with plum rituals, hydrangeas, baby sparrows, and the soft glow of fireflies. 🌧️🍑🍃

It’s a gentle wander through the small things that make this season magical, with a sneak peek into something new: a birth chart reading that stirred more than expected.

Slow down, listen close — and let the rain tell the story.

Music by Aixie - Waterfall Roads - https://thmatc.co/?l=4A3FFAC7

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In this episode, I reflect on my experience at Podcast Lab Fukuoka — what it was like to meet other podcasters in person for the first time, how I connected with Murasaki-san and discovered ガムトーク, and how that inspired me to try recording in Japanese.

The truth is… I tried.

And I kind of froze.

I share how speaking Japanese feels more emotionally loaded for me. But I still want Japanese-speaking listeners to feel included — so I’m trying to figure out how to do both.

And to wrap things up, I pull a ガムトーク card and talk about “popular names” — including a sweet story about a new friend named Yuki.

It’s short, honest, and still unfolding.

I hope you enjoy!

DOJO15分‘

https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/dojo15%E5%88%86-dash/id1783374286

Gum Talk https://amzn.asia/d/dmAuftT

P.S.

I didn’t mention this in the episode, but I think part of why speaking Japanese felt harder is because… I simply have more acquaintances in Japan.

Family, former classmates, old bosses — it feels like there’s more risk of being misunderstood or talked about.

That adds pressure I don’t always feel in English.

Just something I realized afterward.

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In this episode, I invite you to sit with me—by the river, so to speak—and just listen. Like a quiet conversation flowing gently downstream, I talk about what life’s been like lately: long nights of work, moments of healing, YouTube laughter, Portuguese lyrics, and my ever-growing dream to visit Brazil. It’s one of those slow, honest catch-up episodes—like we’re just watching the water and letting the stories flow.

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In this episode of Waters Meet, I’m sharing reflections on my recent trip to Kagoshima, where I reconnected with nature’s calm—from climbing Mt. Kaimon to watching wild horses and birds in their natural harmony. But coming back to Tokyo was a whirlwind, complete with a very Tokyo experience of being packed on a train for hours—talk about a shock after all that peace!

I’ll also dive into some new habits I’ve been building this year, from preparing homemade bento and snacks to embracing self-care with my fresh haircut from Ai-san (which I love). Plus, I’m excited to share my newfound fascination with birds—thanks to the 朝の小鳥 podcast—and my plans to visit the Yokohama Strawberry Festival (because who doesn’t love strawberries, right?).

Life’s been busy, and I’ll be off the mic until mid-March, but I hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired to find balance in your own life. Thanks for listening, and I’ll talk to you soon!

🎵Music by @bluesirensmusic - Mourning Birds via @hellothematic

🐦‍⬛https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/%E6%9C%9D%E3%81%AE%E5%B0%8F%E9%B3%A5/id1546520948

📗https://amzn.to/3WSoXkc

🍓https://my.ebook5.net/yokohama-akarenga-event/StrawberryFestival2025/

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Join me as I talk about my recovery from an unexpected holiday sickness, reconnecting with friends, and special birthday surprises—like a heartfelt message from a dear friend in Ireland. 

I also share about my recent trip to Kagoshima and Miyazaki, from experiencing the serene beauty of Cape Toi’s wild horses to the tropical vibes of Cape Sata, this journey was filled with unforgettable moments.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, stick around till the end for travel recommendations in Kagoshima, including Yakushima, Tanegashima, and Amami Ōshima—three islands I hope to visit someday!

Let’s dive into this blend of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.

Music by @drewrichmondmusic - High Sea vis @hellothematic

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In this episode of Waters Meet, I take you along for a heartwarming reflection on fleeting moments that leave deep imprints on our lives. I recently reconnected with a dear friend from junior high - someone I lost touch with for years but was lucky enough to meet again. We spent a magical day together, brunching at Urth Caffe in Daikanyama and celebrating Christmas in Shinjuku, reminiscing about the good old days when High School Musical was our anthem and afternoons were spent dancing and laughing. 

From teenage crushes to performing at Aeon Mall, this episode is a tribute to those moments of pure joy that stay with us, even when life takes us in different directions. I'll also share how reconnecting with her brought back memories of our ESS club days, the mischief we got into, and the pride I felt seeing her shine in her career now. 

Tune in as I reflect on how friendships, no matter how far apart, can pick up right there where they left off - a reminder that all waters eventually meet again. 

Music by @goose.taf - Wrapping Paper via @hellothematic

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In this episode of Waters Meet, we dive into the profound impact of language on our identity, culture, and worldview. Join Pearl as she explores how each language we speak carries its own unique rhythm, history, and perspective, shaping the way we connect with others and see the world. From personal anecdotes to global insights, this episode celebrates the beauty of multilingualism and the irreplaceable role every language plays in the tapestry of human communication. Whether you're a polyglot or someone curious about the power of words, this conversation will inspire you to cherish the languages in your life.

Music by Arden Records, sagun - like a river (Mount Rainier)
Precipice (Acadia) @ hellothematic

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