This is not your run-of-the-mill "Cool Japan" podcast. I want to explore the side of Japan outside of sushi & sumo ; anime & video games. People from all walks of life living in Japan sharing their stories, their trials and tribulations and their successes. People who are hungry for making it and People who have made it. This podcast is about my conversations with them.
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Ep. 73– Tatsumi Kyo, Freelance Artist and the pursuit of the Manga Career
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To be or not to be, that is the way of the “Manga-ka” or Manga artist. I’m back diving deep into the business of what it means to strive as a successful Manga artist. Meet Tatsumi, whom at a young age found passion and with his talent which caught the attention of the giants of the manga publishing world. I was grateful he took time to come and cha…
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Ep. 72–Made (and Served) in Japan— Davido, head brewer and owner of Yggdrasil Brewing
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On this episode, let’s head out to a quaint but comfortable beach town of Hiratsuka, Japan. About ninety minutes southwest of central Tokyo, lies a craft beer bar/brewery blasting heavy metal on some days and showing matches of its local soccer club on other days. Converging different types of crowds in one place for the love of craft beer and supp…
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What do you get when you mix punk rock, Emperor Go-Daigo and the rise of abandoned property in rural Japan? Meet Matt, co-founder of AKIYAZ, a real estate brokerage and Akiya lifestyle services firm helping clients purchase an Akiya (abandoned property) in Japan’s countryside as well as helping connect to the local community to ensure a seamless in…
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Ep. 70– Hiroe Foster, OG “Kikokushijo”: So you wanna be a Japanese Interpreter?
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I’m back and this time the sensei has become the student about life inside and away from Japan. Meet Hiroe, a “Kikokushijo”, or commonly in English, a returnee. Hiroe belongs to the first wave of Japanese children that relocated overseas due to orders from their parents’ companies during the 1970’s. Her story is a unique personal lens to life going…
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Ep. 69 Made (and Served) in Japan - Jeremy Freeman, co-owner & pitmaster of Freeman Shokudo
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Warning: Do not listen to this episode on an empty stomach. Meet Jeremy, a born and raised New Yorker, reggae head, and former Brooklyn based record store owner. Along with his wife Maiko, opened “Freeman Shokudo” in a quaint yet hip neighborhood in Shibuya city ward. Specializing in barbecue, pastrami sandwiches, falafel and whatever Jeremy feels …
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Ep.68– Thomas Kim, chef & co-owner of Coaster Tokyo/ Kaigan Brewery
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Welcome to the first episode of my series, “Made (and Served) in Japan”, which I will showcase restaurateurs, cafe/bar owners and any small business establishment in the hospitality industry in Japan. To kick off, meet Thomas, chef and co-owner to a popular bar/brewery in the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Coaster Tokyo attracts both …
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Ep.67– Felisia Gunawan, Content Creator/ Unapologetic Motivator
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Mel finally sits down with one of the most intriguing and unabashed guests of this podcast. Meet Felisia, who’s been creating content based on her ever-evolving journey of life with and without Japan. As an outlet, her platform quickly became a conduit for her fans to embrace self-acceptance. Felisia is a testament for those seeking a life outside …
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Ep. 66– Lisa Knight, Photographer/Videographer
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Fire fights fire, iron sharpens iron and in our darkest hour, talent has the potential to be unleashed. Meet Lisa, a recent transplant to Japan who didn’t waste a moment during the outbreak of Covid to capture through photos what the average Japanophile dream to encapsulate life in the streets and nature of Japan. Currently the Digital Content Dire…
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It’s been awhile MIJ listeners! After attending the 15th anniversary of the Nakameguro taproom , I decided to revisit one of my first episodes of this podcast to give it a little polish and have new listeners know about Baird Beer, one of the pioneers of Japan based craft beer. It’s still one of my favorite chats I’ve had on this pod and for new li…
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Ep. 65– DTD, Artist/Illustrator/Apparel Designer
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“It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle. His quick strides into the local community brought my attention to his art and most importantly his passion. I appreciate DJ taking his time to share his story as he…
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Ep. 64– Ryuta & Nao Kato, a reunion with my first Tokyoite Friends
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When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community. Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta. He was one of my first students I’ve taught in Japan that soon became my brother from a Nihon-Jin mother. Ryuta, his wife Nao, along w…
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Dear Listeners, Season 4 is a wrap. Thank you all for sticking around and listening! Stay tuned. To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page. To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree.
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Ep. 63– Chloe Kibble, Neo Tokyo Soul and Jazz Singer/Songwriter
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It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene. Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with. Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an international neo-soul and experimental jazz quintet, they are making waves in their scene domestic and inte…
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Ep. 62– Frank Striegl, founder of 5am Ramen and Tokyo Ramen Tours
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Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば)has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well as a charming, sought-after Tokyo ramen tour guide. Frank has built enough street cred to bring tourists …
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Ep. 61– BJ Beatty Jr, Retired Defensive End of Obic Seagulls
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Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic Seagulls, one of Japan’s top pro football teams in the X…
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Ep.60– Eli T’Amo, Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer
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Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway collection, Eli sat down and had a chat with me about her st…
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Ep. 59– Ken Tanaka aka Kenfrog, Japanese Artist
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On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely resembles Inca tattoo designs. Ken was gracious enough to …
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Ep. 58– Mina Shimizu, Japanese Film & TV Actor
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Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and talk about her career in the (at-times) constricting Jap…
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Ep. 57– Ace of Shaq, British YouTuber: New Beginnings, New Homeland
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One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese culture and the language. After his study abroad progra…
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Ep-56 Swazönd, Crusted Black Metal band from Tokyo
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This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it comes to living and breathing within the Japan underground metal scene and has the chops to make an impressiona…
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Ep. 55– Mimi, Embroidery Artist of Mimi Hana Threads
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Spring is upon us! How fitting it would be to have an episode showcasing my friend Miko, who is a self taught embroidery artist handcrafting unique and customizable 3D embroidered accessories and jewelry. When I learned that she will be having her first gallery exhibition this month at the Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku, I knew I had to whip up a…
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Ep. 54– Kei Katsuno, MD, MPH, Senior Director at the GHIT Fund
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Hi! Made in Japan Podcast year four kicks off with the smartest and the most insightful person I know in Japan. Meet my old friend Kei. He’s the Senior Director of Investment Strategy & Business Development at the GHIT Fund.The Japan-based GHIT ( Global Health Innovative Technology ) Fund is an international public-private partnership fund for glob…
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To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcastEmail: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com
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Episode 53– Sach, radio DJ at LoveFM Fukuoka
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Let’s take a trip to southwest Japan to a city with a name that could literally be translated to “blessed hill”. Fukuoka City is the second largest port city that’s probably not on your to-go visit list but it ought to be. Meet Sach, a Fukuoka native, established radio DJ and vocal coach. She’s graced her presence to come on the mic with me to shar…
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Episode 52 — Rachel Ferguson, co-founder of Ryozan Park, writer, singer & voice artist
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Community is Everything. Meet Rachel, a mother of many talents. Along with her husband, they’ve built and grew a share house project called RYOZAN PARK which empowers families in Tokyo to build a community with workspaces, accommodation and childcare. It is one of Tokyo’s first ever integrated urban communities of this decade. However, this concept…
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Episode 51 — Brandon & Mari Wash, Rising Shutterbugs in Japan
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Japan is one of the most sought after places in the world to snap a photo or capture a video. This episode focuses on two individuals from completely different paths merging in pursuit for that perfect shot.I highly recommend to check out and if you’re re looking for a collaboration with Brandon (@smallworldphotovideo) and Mari (@mari.wash) on Inst…
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I’ve been waiting to tell this story of a man that has truly Made it in Japan. He was also my mentor when it came to the unglamorous yet self-sacrificing job; an ESL teacher in Japan. I dedicate this 50th episode to him, Douglas Forrester. If you are interested in becoming an English Language teacher, check out this website: https://esllibrary.com …
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Episode 49– Mayowa, The next Black J-POP singer
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Here’s a story of a person riding a tornado on a road less travelled. Not only does he have one of the coolest names, but brings a voice that will make waves in the J-Pop scene. Meet Mayowa. If you haven’t yet, you’ll surely will. Ariana Grande might have something to do with it. You can check out Mayowa here:Instagram: @mayowasenseiYouTube: https:…
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Episode 48– Hiro Umetani, Kyomai Japanese Traditional Dancer
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On this episode we’re gonna examine a notable Japanese traditional dance that is often peformed by the Geisha and Maiko. Meet Hiro, (or her stage name, “Zuiou Shinozuka”). She is a traditional Japanese dancer/instructor trained from the oldest Kyomai dance school in Kyoto. She is currently an ambassador to promote her art form as well as collaborat…
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To quote J.R.R. Tolkien, “He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away…” Meet Tim, a Yamabushi; a Shinto ascetic mountain monk who aims to share the values of what the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture offers. I want to help him open up an ancient custom that he has dedicated his life …
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Episode 46– Divafresh Yuri, Japanese Songwriter/Artist/Singer
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Yuri caught my attention not only by her flawless control in her singing but also her tasteful approach in crafting songs through respecting musicianship. Although our paths crossed in an unexpected way, the power of strong music appreciation will overcome any genre, label and culture. You can listen, follow or contact Yuri here: YouTube: https://y…
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Episode 45– Allie Sakakibara, Professional Weirdo, Digital Content Creator
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What do you get when you genetically mutate a wedding MC, Bill Nye, Bear Gryllis and a model together? You’ll soon learn that the person’s name is Allie. From Google Japan, Discovery Channel Japan and her own YouTube Channel, Allie has carved out her own piece of the Social Media Pie. However, I didn’t bring her on this podcast to solely focus on h…
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Episode 44– Akil, Ki, Walter: A catch-up with an OG Tokyo Trifecta
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On this episode, I thought it’d be a nice switch up to reconnect and reunite three former guests of my podcast. Ki (ep. 5 & 6), Akil (ep. 12) and Walter (ep.20) graced the mics and indulged me on what was going on in their lives during this pandemic. Albeit, it was my excuse to have them on again because I enjoy their company. We discuss what have …
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Episode 42– Eto, Reggaeton Rapper, Singer & Producer
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I am back with another musical guest that hails from the island of Puerto Rico yet is making a big splash here in Japan within the past year. Eto has been involved in many musical ensembles in Japan for the past decade. However, the pandemic has constricted him to start a solo project that showcases his cultural heritage of Reggaeton; a Latin Urban…
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Episode 41– Flavio Parisi, Italian language trainer for Opera and Italian Translator.
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At some point with this podcast, I’ve wanted to sit down and talk shop with another language instructor that doesn’t teach English in Japan. How fortunate I was to network with Flavio whom not only teaches Italian but specifically to Japanese opera singers! Very Rad. Anyways, for those of you who haven’t been immersed in the passion of Italian Oper…
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Episode 40– Katheryn Gronauer, Founder of Thrive Tokyo, Executive Trainer & Coach
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For foreigners working in Japan, sometimes we need a bit of help with “adulting”, as Katheryn puts it. Starting out as a health coach, her passion to help others smoothly adjust into a company providing culture programs in the Japanese business setting or daily necessities. However, what’s more impressive than her career accomplishments is her comp…
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Episode 39– Liam Ramshaw & Nick Narigon of Tokyo Weekender
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Japan’s oldest English publication has weathered many storms over the years and prevailed. 2020 was Tokyo Weekender’s 50th anniversary and the magazine has now adapted to the new era in Japan. Recently, TW has done a rebranding; an upgrade yet keeping to its roots in building and informing the foreign community in Japan. I sat down with Liam, the c…
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The final episode this year. How fitting it ends with a former student of mine just returning to Japan a month ago. Ayako Tanaka was one of my students who’s always yearned for a life outside Japan. Most often I’d teach students who need to prepare for their overseas position, pursuing their MBA or university degree abroad. I’d put Ayako in the gro…
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Episode 37– Ben & Burke, Co-hosts of Voices in Japan Podcast
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On the sixth and finale in my series of talks with Japan-based podcasters, I virtually travelled to Hokkaido and had a chat with two Jujitsu-schooled, snowboarding crazed fellas that created a Sapporo-based podcast showcasing the locals on the “Ezo” frontlines. Aside from these charming hosts expressing their love of the Northern lands of Japan the…
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Episode 36– David and Matt of Japan 2.0 Podcast
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On the fifth installment of my chats with Japan-based podcasters, we...barely talk about Japan! But don’t skip this episode dear listeners. Japan 2.0 is a Kansai based-podcast that paints another shade of Japanese underground culture that David & Matt cherishes dearly and shares to all of you Japanophiles that hasn’t grasp the lowdown on the street…
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Episode 35 – Terrence Holden aka Cliff, Host of Tokyo Speaks
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In the fourth installment of my chat with Japan based Podcasters brings us back to what I would say is “essential” podcast listening when we talk about the foreigner community in the Tokyo area of Japan. Cliff showcases the honest and real international voices that have integrated in the international community here in Tokyo. If it’s one podcast in…
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Ep. 34– Thersa Matsuura, host of Uncanny Japan Podcast
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On the third installment of my chats with other Japan-based podcasters, I step into Japanese myths and fables that are explained by Thersa, a fiction writer and long time Japan resident, who created Uncanny Japan Podcast. While doing research for her own publications, she has stumbled upon many cultural oddities and folklore that displays the rich,…
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Episode 33- Alicia Clow, co-host of +81 Podcast
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Continuing with my series of chatting with other Japan-based podcasters, I want to push an up and coming podcast that cuts deep into Japanese politics and social commentary. Alicia, along with her co-host Mizuki have started +81 podcast with the drive to investigate what is going down with the state of affairs in current Japanese politics. They als…
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Episode 32– Tim Romero, Disrupting Japan Podcast & Head of Google for Startups Japan
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Here’s the first of my series of conversations with other Japan-based podcasters. Tim Romero needs no introduction: when it comes to one of the most reputable and popular Japan based podcasts dealing with entrepreneurs and innovation in Japan, Disrupting Japan is at the forefront in telling those stories. Having founded several startups in Japan fo…
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Hi folks. Here’s what I’m cooking up for my next few episodes.
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You’re never too old to pick up and learn a musical instrument. All it takes is practice. But if I could turn back time, I’d like to pick up drumsticks and start wailing on a drum kit as a toddler. I think it’s one of the most difficult instruments that can take decades to master. Here’s a man that’s used his time wisely to fulfill his dream. Yuji …
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Episode 30-- Coco Yano, Founder of CALN-online
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Usually the things we take for granted are the things we can't live without during alarming moments in our lives. All over the world, education is being tested to halt. Meet Coco who has built her company around these kind of moments. She also happens to be in the same field of work that I've ended up being in (and thoroughly enjoy doing) over my y…
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Episode 29-- Rieko Aiba, Activation Coach
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In Western Culture, compliments are often given to one's characteristics or possessions through speech while inversely the Japanese give "subtle" compliments based on one's ability or work ethic. Rarely do the younger Japanese receive vocal praise or appreciation from their seniors in the workplace. However it's slowly changing as the future genera…
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Episode 28-- Junko Takashima & Eiko Ishikawa: JJ Kitchen in Tokyo
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Japanese cuisine is no doubt one of the attractive lures to visit this country. For every Japanophile, there will always be a glorification for one’s favorite ramen bowl, sushi bite or okonomiyaki plate. We all hold these experiences so dearly. However most visitors and foreign residents often miss out on the chance to cook and eat home cooked “Was…
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Episode 27 -- Kou Ebisawa, Sales Manager of Sanyo Corp. of America
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"Kikokushijo" is a Japanese word referring to a child born outside the country but returns back to Japan. It also coincides with the child of a Japanese expatriate who receives a part of their education outside Japan. The latter term is often held in high esteem within the Japanese society however the child undoubtedly attracts the weight of jealou…
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