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Japan By River CruiseOllie is in Tokyo and Fukuoka (and Hong Kong and KL and Brighton and London and Edinburgh...)Little message from Ollie to say that he's heading to Japan as part of his stand-up comedy tour. Tickets are available with a big JBRC discount if you use the promo code JBRC. https://tickets.olliehorn.com/tokyo - Friday May 5th @ Good Heavenshttps://tickets.olliehorn.com/fukuoka - Saturday May 6th @ Shimokitazawa- Tickets now on sale for Brighton Fringe previews and Edinburgh Fringe 2023 too!https://tickets.olliehorn.com/brighton - End of Mayhttps://tickets.olliehorn.com/edinburgh - All of AugustCheck Ollie's instagram f...2023-04-3003 minJapan By River CruiseTokyo, City of Dreams/Permissive Zoning Policy (w/Joe McReynolds)Joe McReynolds is co-author of a new book about how flexible micro-spaces create the spontaneity and vitality of Tokyo, and how so much the city is built on the often very niche dreams and passions of its citizens, and also slash-fan-fiction. Cruises to deal with inflation and heat stroke.Topics discussed on this episode include:What to remember about your successes or failures on the JLPTBobby's continuing BBQ tribulations and the experience of working together as husband and wifeThe challenges of mass producing sauceOllie's latest stand-up adventures and how things are finally looking up...2022-07-1059 minJapan By River CruiseBiden Time! (w/Michelle Ye Hee Lee)Joe Biden's Straight Talk Express comes to Asia! WaPo Bureau Chief Michelle Ye Hee Lee joins us to talk about what Biden took away from his time in Japan. If he's anything like most Americans, we're betting that list includes a Hello Kitty T-shirt and a fake sword.Ferris Wheel and Kintsugi River boats!Topics discussed on this episode include:How much we POTENTIALLY appreciate Elon MuskBobby's BBQ shop gets even closer to completionOllie rails against the propertied classBobby's kids make relationship milestonesOllie at the Brighton FringeThe highs and lows of performing live comedyWhy...2022-05-3149 minJapan By River CruiseMarching into April/Japanese Castles (w/Oleg Benesch)Japan Scholar Oleg Benesch joins us to to talk about the past, present, and future of Japanese castles,and break down the debates around them, proving that when it comes to historical Japanese strongholds, things aren't always black and shiro.Bobby and Ollie mourn the loss of some of their river cruise sponsors, and play catch up.Topics discussed on this episode include:Our new, hopefully temporary show formatUkraine, Covid, North Korea, #japantravelban and other topics we're really trying to avoidBobby's move to Karatsu, his girls' preschool graduation, and how being rich requires...2022-04-0858 minJapan By River CruiseImagining a Militarized Japan and then Laughing (w/Tom Phuong Le)Author of Japan's Aging Peace, Tom Le, stops in to talk about Japan's security concerns and help us think about an important hypothetical question. Ok, Japan, you CAN have a military. NOW WHAT?Ollie's river cruise recommendation is actually in Ukraine this week, but don't worry, if you wait long enough, it'll come to you.Bobby learned a little bit about haiku so he thinks he's better than you.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What you can expect from Disney's Japan exclusive content programmingA brief look at the crypto...2022-01-2830 minJapan By River CruiseLocked Out of our $500 Abandoned House (w/Alex Kerr)Author Alex Kerr may be single-handedly responsible for the current global spotlight on restoring old Japanese country homes, so we talk to him about how these homes may be at the forefront of a new style of Japan tourism... if tourism in Japan ever happens again.Ollie shows us how YOU can go home again, as long as you do it by river cruise. Bobby's pleased to see more Japanese river cruise companies adopting American business practices re:COVID-19.Topics discussed on this episode range from:New Japan Post policiesOur goals for...2022-01-2130 minJapan By River CruiseMarried to Our Research (w/Joy Hendry)Author of the new book, "An Affair with a Village" and leading UK expert on Japan, Joy Hendry joins us to discuss a whole variety of things, like MEXT Scholarships, marriage, and other things that end up letting us down.Ollie gets Scandinavian with it.Bobby is surprised to find out there are as many as two.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How the current entry ban is affecting AcademiaJoy's perspective on the situation as someone who's been doing fieldwork in Japan for 50 yearsAnother historical entry ban and it's effects...2021-12-1729 minJapan By River CruiseFumio, Fumio, Whatfore art thou, Fumio? (w/Tobias Harris)Abe-ographer (The Iconoclast) Tobias Harris stops by to break down the power dynamics in the LDP, speculate on whether or not Kishida's going to get a belated honeymoon (and whether or not his wife will have to stand during it), and discuss why what kills US, makes Kishida stronger.Ollie does what we in the media do best: gives a platform to bigots.Bobby discovers that the stuff he loves is now devoid of humor, but at least it's more expensive than it's ever been.Topics discussed on this episode range from:...2021-12-1030 minJapan By River CruiseKat(akana) Got Your Tongue? (w/Dr. Wes Robertson)Why do foreigners in Japan speak in Katakana? Well, Bobby does it because the TV director told him it's funnier that way. But Dr. Wes Robertson has actual NON-anecdotal research into writing system/pronoun choices and how calling yourself ORE isn't conveying what you think it is.Ollie reminds us that loose lips sink ships.Bobby comes to terms. Topics discussed on this episode range from:Brian getting himself into some hot water.Scholars of the sakoku-jidaiThe New Entry Ban and the online twitter reactionsHow the Entry Ban is going to affect...2021-12-0329 minJapan By River CruiseAll in the Same Boat, But We're in Steerage (w/Thalia Harris)Thalia Harris stops by to talk about second-class citizenship in Japan during the pandemic, and also has such an interesting story about the Titanic that we had NO CHOICE but to actually talk about a cruise ship.Ollie recommends a ship that will have to change its name now.Bobby thinks Maezawa Yuusaku is wasting his money.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The Netflix Cobbo Beebo Remake, and how, boy, oh boy, it sure is something.Brian's prospects How Thalia got involved with Unseen JapanThe way Unseen Japan is placed w...2021-11-2630 minJapan By River CruiseNeed a Leader? Try Kishida! (w/Motoko Rich)NYT Tokyo Bureau Chief Motoko Rich gets onboard to talk about Kishida's first month in office. What has he done so far? What does his administration mean for Japan? And the most important test of a Japanese government official: how well can the man mull?Ollie recommends a river cruise that succeeds, but at what cost? No cost.Bobby makes a point about the secularization of Christmas that no one has ever made before. Topics discussed on this episode range from:How the time has never been better for the Conbini Boys t...2021-11-1930 minJapan By River CruiseBurakku Purin: The UK-Japan Trade Deal (w/Pernille Rudlin)Business consultant Pernille Rudlin helps us look back on the largely disappointing post-Brexit trade deal between Japan and the UK, which may have only been signed because Japan is sympathetic when it comes to saving face.Ollie remembers that people used to be shorter. Bobby gets an exclusive Aso Taro hot take on the silver lining of the death of the planet.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Bobby's NEW BBQ BUSINESSBrian's Time OffPooey RiversBritish Values and the massive post-Brexit successPernille's time living in Japan, and the surprising connections between Japan a...2021-10-2928 minJapan By River CruiseThe Hair Police (w/Anne Crescini)Anne Crescini talks about how Japanese schools don't have the resources to properly combat bullying, because those resources get used on student hair color and fingernail length.Ollie FINALLY starts studying Japanese again. Wait, wow WAS Bobby looking at the Holocaust before?Topics discussed on this episode range from:Brian's BirthdayThe HELL that is the PTA and how her experiences with it affected Anne's Japan-facing online personaHow horrible it is to have to join a line group chatThe reactions Anne's received so far since she's shifted into slightly more Japan-critical territoryThe Praise-Japan-for-pay c...2021-10-1530 minJapan By River CruiseHow Many Nobel Prizes Does it Take to Make You Japanese? (w/Mary Kobayashi)Syukuro Manabe and some other people win the Nobel Prize, illustrating a lot about how and why Japan claims people as Japanese. We talk to Mary Kobayashi about how she defines her Japanese identity, and how media representation works to define "Japanese..." as sexy, anime robot.The average age of Ollie's friends is getting lower.Bobby recycles.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Brian's back!Performance anxiety and the introvert/performer paradoxSyukuro Manabe's Nobel Prize Win How Japan latches on to successful members of the diaspora even when they've leftJapanese pe...2021-10-0828 minJapan By River CruiseThe Secret Ingredient is Entitlement (w/Marc Matsumoto)Japan's likely new Prime Minister, Marc Matsumoto talks about how to wield Japanese recipes responsibly, and more.Ollie's doing another podcast's work for them.Bobby looks at the new, very strict, tourist entry dress code .Topics discussed on this episode range from:NO PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE FROM BRIANA question that is decidedly outside of Marc's expertiseSuccessful predictionsMarc's technique driven food contentDemystifying Japanese cookingJapanese chefs hoarding secretsThe Clarissa Wei post about claiming mastery of Asian stuffWhat Marc thinks about the idea of Culinary Cultural AppropriationThe cross-pollination that lead to what we think of as...2021-10-0129 minJapan By River CruiseJapan's Ready-For-Prime-Time Players (w/Derek Wessman)Who will be Japan's next Prime Minister? Japanese Margaret Thatcher? The often shaken AND stirred Kono, TARO Kono? Mr. Speak-softly-and carry-no-nukes? Or Woman woman? Former Diet Aide Derek Wessman tells us "the thing" about each of the four candidates.Ollie's disappointed that the new boat doesn't work with the old charger.Bobby is tired of Japan asking him if he's cold.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How hard we all tried to avoid this.Something that's been weighing on BrianPodcast guest scheduling issuesHow Derek...2021-09-2432 minJapan By River CruiseA Delhi-cate Predicament (w/Dr. Megha Wadhwa)Ollie's going to eat both of those pizzas by himself, but HEY, it's his birthday.Bobby looks at the river cruise unions ALLS-WELL-THAT-ENDS-WELL philosophy.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The "rulebook for integration" in Japan, and why it's never been properly translated. The actual rulebooks that are actually made in an attempt to help non-Japanese integrate in the way Japanese people want. Ollie's black and white striped t-shirt The lowdown on the Indian community in Japan. The stereotypical Indian migrant, and how its changing. The effect on Covid-19 on your ability to get a...2021-09-1731 minJapan By River CruiseWorld Suicide Prevention Day (w/TELL outreach director Selena Hoy)Selena Hoy, outreach director from Suicide Prevention Lifeline, TELL, stops by to talk about the different cultural approaches to managing mental health, and why English-speakers in Japan can benefit from a service like TELL, in one of the rare episodes where we ask you to support something that ISN'T our riverboat.Ollie recommends a cruise that may have set their sights a little high.Bobby recommends a cruise that DEFINITELY did.SUPPORT THE JBRC TEAM in the STEP-UP CHALLENGE by GIVING MONEY HERETopics discussed on this episode range from:...2021-09-1029 minJapan By River CruiseThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (w/Hiromu Nagahara)Hiromu Nagahara talks about Princess Mako's engagement and upcoming move to New York and the split in Japanese public opinion, between nationalists, who are angry, and normal people, who don't care.Ollie pays close attention to the head chopping facilities list on this week's cruise recommendation.Bobby does NOT like that thing that you all like.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How sometimes it's okay to just do something to connectHiromu's recommendation for a way to enjoy studying Japanese historyAmy Stanley's book: Stranger in the Shogun's CityHow learning about...2021-09-0330 minJapan By River CruiseThe Big 97: Sometimes We Like Japan (w/Brian)An hour-long celebration of JBRC's 97th episode! We take a moment to catch up and make sure Ollie is actually surviving, roast some headlines, and have an extremely rare discussion about some things we love about life in Japan.Ollie recommends a river cruise that thinks you should quit nursing that beer, pussy.Bobby tells a group of people how they can get what they deserve.Topics discussed on this episode range from:A service that provides MORE than everything you need to do nothingOllie's fringe fiasco, and how he's benefitting...2021-08-271h 01Japan By River CruiseLand of the Rising Floodwaters (w/ Dr. Wesley Cheek)After the unprecedented rain and landslides in western Japan, disaster sociologist Dr. Wes Cheek talks about the country's future, and how facing the climate crisis may require never-before-seen levels of "shikata-ga-nai."Ollie recommends a climate change simulating cruise that is ALREADY behind the times.Bobby throws some classic comedic misdirection in your face.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Whatever happened to all those RAINBOW HATS?Updates with Ollie's continuing run of terrible luck at the Fringe, and how he's discovered that his pain is funnyWes's wild journey from bourgeoise JET ALT...2021-08-2030 minJapan By River CruiseParalimited Access (w/Mark Bookman)Disability activist and historian Mark Bookman talks about how accessibility progress is bolstered by the international spotlight of the Paralympics but hampered by the lack of accessibility at the policy-making table.Ollie interrogates the patriarchy.Bobby seems pretty consumed by his anxiety about how much time we have left.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Ollie's disastrous start to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and how a Brian intervened to save the DayHow AirBNB does in terms of accessibilityHow Japan travel accommodations do with accessibility overallWhat Mark's work as a disability activist...2021-08-1630 minJapan By River CruiseVax Passports: Valid in Participating Locations ONLY (w/Magdalena Osumi)Japan Times Journalist Magdalena Osumi updates us on Japan's border entry sitch, and outlines Japan's new "vaccine passport" system, which could help lift some restrictions when entering certain countries (Not Japan, tho).Ollie is MIA and Bobby won't even watch the pirated stuff. Topics discussed on this episode range from:Brian's big debutWhat happened with the Belarusian Olympic sprinter who criticized her coaches on InstagramDifferences in public reactions to the above story and the story of the Ugandan athlete who absconded from the Olympic villageJapan's fishy attitudes towards asylum grantingHow Japan's entry/re-entry situation...2021-08-0629 minJapan By River CruiseStairy Stories (w/Lindsay Nelson)What's that awful groaning sound?? Nope, it's not us talking about the Olympics, it's Japanese horror!Lindsay Nelson tells us all about the world of scary Japanese movies, and seven days later, we die.Ollie recommends a battery powered river cruise that has run into a familiar problem. Bobby used to like that quote about how on a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero, but now he's worried that the long enough timeline isn't long enough.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Bobby and Ollie's...2021-07-3029 minJapan By River CruiseBursting the Press Bubble (w/Oscar Boyd)The Olympics have begun, but more importantly, the MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE OLYMPICS HAS BEGUN! Officially accredited press person Oscar Boyd tells us about all of the rules the press are ignoring, and why he's rooting for American Samoa.Ollie recommends an Amazon sponsored river cruise that helps teach you how to save the planet, while having one foot out the backdoor.Bobby cleans up some poop.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How Oscar broke both his armsThe stress of being a gaijin while injured at a hospitalOllie's fast approaching...2021-07-2327 minJapan By River CruiseThe Spectatorless, Segregated, Chinese Olympics (w/Meshida)Japanese comedian Meshida talks what it's like to be a Japanese resident of Tokyo during the ramp up to the Olympics, and how yeah, we're "witnessing history," but so were Black Death survivors.Ollie recommends a cruise that accidentally discovers what's more popular than "canal."Bobby gets into the rainy season cruise spirit.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What Anti-Japanese Groups actually think about the OlympicsHow Brian's Eikaiwa work is goingBach-kaicho calling the Japanese, "Chinese"What Meshida thinks is the MOST racist thing you can say to a Japanese personWhy...2021-07-1631 minJapan By River Cruise"Sustainable Japan Comedy," or "Recycling Content" (w/Dogen)Dogen drops by to talk about keeping professional and personal separate, how to mine the same old Japan for new jokes, and to settle the issue of whether or not sarcasm exists in Japan, which is great, because NO ONE ELSE has EVER had ANYTHING to say about it.Ollie recommends a River Cruise that teaches the traditional Japanese custom of "commercialism."Bobby finds out what's gonna happen to all of those bafflingly useless technological marvels from SoftBank.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Dogen's views on our recent vial tweet...2021-07-0229 minJapan By River CruiseSummer Sonic Lineup Lines Up for a Visa (w/Unseen Japan's Noah Oskow)Unseen Japan's new manager Noah Oskow stops by to talk social media social justice, how Summer Sonic's hopes to skip the visa application line up for THEIR lineup, and how Olympic Fever is on the rise, starting with the Ugandan Team...Ollie talks about the harder to get delicacies available aboard the Olympic Athlete's Dining Cruise.Bobby has news about GariGari-kun doing something VERY GROSS and VERY ON BRAND.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Noah's beef with a "Kosher" Kobe River CruiseSome super-meta Brian shitThe growth of UnseenJapan, its goals...2021-06-2531 minJapan By River CruiseJapan in the Golden Age of Consent (w/Dr. Alexandra Hambleton)A 50-yr-old Japanese lawmaker says it would be "absurd" if he got arrested for sleeping with a 14-yr-old. The fascinating, funny Dr. Alexandra Hambleton talks about the issues surrounding this story, and also demonstrates how to deny consent when she refuses to let us scan her zairyuu card.Ollie continues to be British.Bobby continues to think way too highly of his parenting abilities.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What every father really wants for father's dayWe finally find out how to pronounce BRIANHow the response to our tweets this...2021-06-1830 minJapan By River CruiseA Japan Less Traveled (w/Alisha Ivelich)Japan's closed borders mean that foreign production crews can't get in to produce Japan travel features, so creator Alisha Ivelich is taking the opportunity to fill the demand with a Japan travel series that actually cares about Japan.Ollie recommends a privacy-focused cruise that, due to the ToS, we are not allowed to tell you about.Bobby looks at how our favorite indoor river cruise, "It's a Small World," is getting a little smaller.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Naomi Osaka's press conference decision, and how it highlights a new...2021-06-1130 minJapan By River CruiseLocalized Pain (w/translator Sarah Moon)Sarah Moon, anime and game translator, talks about her journey from "weeb suspicious of translation," to "translator that weebs are suspicious of," in the great anime circle of waifu.Ollie recommends a cruise for animal lovers but not loved animals.Bobby looks at how one river cruise company is leveraging the power and lack of power of petitions.Topics discussed on this episode range from:This Nike Japan Commercial: New Girl, New PlayWhat to do you if you want to do stuff, but you have a vaginaWhat the show COULD have been...2021-06-0430 minJapan By River CruiseJapan's Gay Ideal: Macho Matcha Man? (w/Dr. Thomas Baudinette)Author of "Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo," Dr. Thomas Baudinette talks about Japan's young gay men and the emotional damage done by the pressure to act out their gayness in an unfortunate way, namely emulating straight dudes. Ollie's recommendation is pretty worthless this week, because there's NO WAY you don't already know about it.Bobby greats ready for Pride on a river boat and sets some google alerts for Hashimoto Kotoe and Sugita Mio.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Rochelle Kopp's Petition to stop...2021-05-2829 minJapan By River CruiseFive Rings That Rule Us All (w/Matt Alt)Author of "PURE INVENTION," (sorry) Matt Alt takes us through his latest for the New Yorker on "Japan's Olympic Sized Problem."If you want to find out just WHAT exactly that Olympic-sized problem is, you'll have to listen to the show.Ollie recommends a cruise that features a very traditional brand of online-connectivity. Bobby seeks adventure on the high... rivers.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Ollie's continued transformation into man who lives in his mum's basementKono Taro's omurice tweetingBeing disconcerted over older politicians acting like instagram influencersWhat Chicken Rice...2021-05-2130 minJapan By River CruiseWhat is Visual Kei? (w/Sarahphina)Music industry and Visual Kei Insider Sarahphina teaches Bobby and Ollie about stuff they're totally unfamiliar with, like X Japan, Japanese rock fandom and humility.Ollie looks into a river cruise dating service for vaccinated singles. All ten of them.Bobby organizes the kind of tourist activities HE wants the foreign Olympic athletes to experience.Topics discussed on this episode include:This TweetOllie's lack of decoration and decorumSarahphina's amazing cottage core interior designSarahphina's efforts to connect and protect the modeling/talent community in Tokyo and why it's sadly necessarySome uncharacteristic positivity re...2021-05-0731 minJapan By River CruiseGames Japan ACTUALLY Wants (w/Stephen Case)Co-founder of Tanuki Games, Stephen Case talks about the relationship between community building and quality of life abroad and how the rhythms of Japan expat experience have changed during the past year. (They're f***ed.)Ollie recommends a river cruise that's partnered with Elon Musk, so you know it's got its priorities in line.Bobby does a quick self-exam to make sure we're not liable for fraud.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How many memberships Brian should buyHow Comedy Fukuoka got startedWhat Curling isOllie's various failings but what ultimately makes...2021-04-3030 minJapan By River CruiseHiroshima's First Annual PCR-Palooza (w/JJ Walsh)Sustainable travel consultant JJ Walsh (and everyone else in Hiroshima) gets a free PCR test! Here's hoping this saliva-filled undertaking amounts to more than just spitting into the wind.Ollie recommends our first ever Fukushima based river cruise, with some pretty interesting side effects.Bobby recommends a Ramadan cruise that should make things WAYYYYY easier for all of our practicing Muslim listeners.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What Ollie did to pay his respects for Prince Philip's PassingJJ's super prolific content production schedule, and how she manages time differencesOllie finally...2021-04-1629 minJapan By River CruiseThe Children are the Mirai (w/Jason Mitchell from Nihongodomo)Jason Mitchell, from Nihongodomo, a resource for parents "raising kids in Japanese," stops by to talk about how his parenting process is basically the opposite of Bobby's, by which we assume he means, HE'S doing a GOOD job.Ollie makes the most of an online resource to gather river cruise recommendations, while he still can.Bobby is on the worst trip ever, and it's affecting his ability to make light parody.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Brian's kidsJason and his family dealing with the pandemic in the StatesWhy Jason wanted...2021-04-0930 minJapan By River CruiseJapan Stories: More Wack, Less Fact? (w/David A McNeill)David McNeill explains why sometimes the ancient art of jya-narizamu intersects with the even more ancient art of bullshitto, and how exoticizing foreign countries meant the British newspaper industry died a little slower than it could have done. Ollie recommends a cruise that maritime insurers hate. Bobby explores which Covid variants will form part of the Olympic boating legacy. Topics discussed on this episode range from:What 'soap talk' means and how much of a thing it's become. Slips of the tongue in Japanese, and how David explained why he was bringing s...2021-04-0230 minJapan By River CruiseOlympick Your Battles (with Rochelle Kopp)Rochelle Kopp tackles the question of whether or not Japan has finally crossed the Rubicon when it comes to going forward with the Olympics? If they have, we hope they checked out the really nice Rubicon River Cruise while they were in the area.Ollie takes a river cruise that lets you play the second most dangerous game.Bobby withdraws his name from consideration for something that he probably wasn't being considered for.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How to Get in Shape to reintegrate into Japanese work societyWhat Rochelle...2021-03-2631 minJapan By River CruiseLate Night Snacks (the Japanese kind) (w/Alice)Former-idol, former-hostess, and current maid Alice talks about how the pandemic has devastated nightlife businesses, and how the fact that that they might never bounce back could be a blessing in disguise, if the disguise is a really sparkly cocktail dress.(We’re assuming that you know "idol," "hostess," and "maid" are words we are using in English to describe things that are RADICALLY different when used in Japanese. If you didn't know, then listen to the show!)Ollie looks back on the first and only Coyote Ugly river boat voyage, and proves that hindsight might be...2021-03-1931 minJapan By River CruiseGo Virtually Everywhere in Japan (w/Nick Szasz)Long time editor of "Fukuoka Now" Nick Szasz brings his inbound expertise to bear on the proliferation of virtual tourism in Japan, a trend in which regional tourist destinations all over Japan try to learn how to use the internet.Ollie recommends a cruise that's currently booking for next year, which is still gonna be too early.Bobby has a new river cruise segment which will probably not be as popular as its namesake.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What you can do to help make the Tokyo Olympics feel...2021-03-1231 minJapan By River CruiseCosplay for Pay (w/Kat "Mystik" Gunn, Reika)Pro-cosplayers Kat Gunn and Reika talk to us about Japan's recent attention to the rules around copyrighted character cosplay. We'll look at why cosplay is okay if you're only fans, but not okay if you're ON OnlyFans.Ollie recommends a boba boat.Bobby tries out a sink or swim fitness regimen.Topics discussed on this episode range from:A law firm in need of a good law firmKat being our first ever guest who's never been to Japan... except for that time she won the All Japan Dead or Alive 4 River Boat...2021-02-2629 minJapan By River CruiseYou Can't Fire Me! (w/lawyer Atsuro Tsujino)Attn: Non-Japanese employees in Japan who are likely to be fired! Atsuro Tsujino, member of the Japan Lawyers Network for Foreigners tells us how two wrongs might not make a right, but YOUR rights might make your termination wrongful. Everything you need to know about your rights under Japanese law, and what to do if you find yourself the victim of harassment or wrongful termination in Japan.Ollie uses the skills he picked up bankrupting hedge funds to help you get cheaper river cruise tickets.Bobby showcases a River Cruise chain that can do some...2021-02-1930 minJapan By River CruiseCoal, Mori, and Other Fossils (w/Stephen Stapczynski)Bloomberg journalist Stephen Stapczynksi talks about Japan's renewable energy goals, its nuclear power plants, and its dependence on fossil fuels. Oh and speaking of wastes of energy, Tokyo Olympics chief Mori comes up too.Ollie gets into the renewable spirit of the show by recycling the contents of THIS EPISODE into this week's river cruise recommendation.Bobby tries out a Clubhouse inspired river cruise company, then ends up endlessly switching boats because of FOMO.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Who to turn to when you need a Japanese apology, but...2021-02-1228 minJapan By River CruiseWoke Dad Japan (w/Daniel Yoder)Co-host of "The Konnichiwa Podcast" Dan Yoder trades tips with Bobby on how to raise the perfect multicultural, well-rounded, native-level bilingual children in an episode that might AGE HORRIBLY. Listen now, then check back in 10-15 years to find out.Ollie recommends a river cruise that maybe should have been included on our vaccine ep with Lisa Du.Bobby looks at a how the JET Programme's first foray into the River Cruise industry is more of the same from them.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The best childcare gear brand...2021-02-0530 minJapan By River CruiseJapan's Vaccination Vacillation (w/Lisa Du, Brian)Lisa Du from Bloomberg tells us what she's learned on the Corona vaccine beat in Japan, which yeah, if you go by rollout DATE, Japan is behind the West, but if you go by mortality figures, you could say they're ahead?Ollie recommends a river cruise that reminds us not to take the Disney Navy lightly.Bobby looks at a Ninja Cruise that might have to rebrand as a CATCH 22 Cruise.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What kind of jigsaw puzzle Ollie's Nan is doingBrief thanks to all the latest...2021-01-2931 minJapan By River Cruise♪ I Think I'm Learning Japanese ♪ (w/Loretta Scott AKA KemushiChan)YouTuber KemushiChan, AKA Loretta Scott, shares lessons from her 20-year Japanese Odyssey, including her cheat codes and advice about the "genki plateau," specifically how to avoid falling from it to your death.Ollie recommends a cruise line that would benefit from a minimum wage hike... or would it? It would still be minimum. Join Bobby in a last minute review of the Japanese River Cruise Academy's entrance exam, so you don't get absolutely keelhauled by it again this year.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The Launch of the World's first s...2021-01-2230 minJapan By River CruiseA State of Emergency for Suga's Approval Numbers (w/Jake Adelstein)Outspoken LDP (& JBRC) critic Jake Adelstein updates his 100-day Suga progress report to include the State of Emergency soft reboot, and Suga's inability to commit to anything... except hosting the Olympics.Ollie recommends a cruise that got itself a recommendation as part of the negotiations.Bobby helps a couple of Guinness World Record Adjudicators rethink their life decisions.Topics discussed on this episode:A sponsored message from DoomScroll-kun: Don't just be helpless. Feel Helpless!America in the news, and how complicit we are in the systemPeople continuing to deny Bobby's JudaismInsurrection as...2021-01-1529 minJapan By River CruiseGet Your 2021 Japan Visas Here! (w/Ann Kilzer)Getting a work visa in Japan can seem like a daunting task, especially because it's currently IMPOSSIBLE. But just in case that changes, we talk to Ann Kilzer about the ways to go about it and hear how she started from the bottom, now she's here.Ollie recommends a cruise that lets you be a part of Asahi Beer's brewing process, including some of its closest trade secrets. Bobby talks about how one river cruise company and their passengers are getting into New Year's fukubukuro lucky bags, literally.Note: we talk about stuff i...2021-01-0830 minJapan By River CruiseFamous(?) Foreign(?) Faces (w/Black Samurai)Japanese Comedian Go Takeuchi, AKA Black Samurai, joins us to talk about the changing media landscape in Japan and how it could affect the level of diversity in entertainment. Also, what do you really have to do to make it big in Japan, and why haven't any of us done it yet?Ollie's river cruise recommendation starts off so close, and ends up so far.Bobby isn't letting that Google/YouTube outage last week get in the way of him BEING CONSTANTLY ONLINE, producing mediocre content, and just generally living his best life....2020-12-1830 minJapan By River CruiseNike Wins the Race... Debate (w/Baye McNeil)Some Japanese folks are telling foreigners not to bring their racial problems into Japan. Baye McNeil joins us in wondering if by "racial problems" they mean that new Nike commercial, or our children. Ollie recommends an email scam. Bobby looks at how Osaka River Cruises do it, and by "it," he means, "nothing."Topics discussed on this episode range from:How you too can learn Japanese design fundamentalsHow nice it is to be able to welcome Baye when something nice is going onBaye's new Tokyo digsBaye's audiobook, and comparable audiobooks, like Obama'sWhy Samuel...2020-12-1129 minJapan By River CruiseTariff-ic News for Japan (w/Katsuhiko Hara)What does a Biden Administration mean for Japan's economy? Will the US keep the pressure on China? Will the US get back on board the SS TPP? Nikkei Asia's Katsuhiko Hara talks all this plus, more importantly, how it will effect Bobby's investment portfolio.Ollie recommends a River Cruise that lets you ride with people who share your tastes in music, and distaste for each other.Bobby gives Aso Taro enough rope to hang us all.Topics discussed on this episode range from:A New Way to Take advantage of Cram SchoolsThe...2020-12-0429 minJapan By River CruiseDesperation is the Mother of Unnecessary Invention (w/Rochelle Kopp)As Japan gets back into full-on Corona mode, the flailing Japanese business sector gets weird with it.Intercultural business consultant Rochelle Kopp looks at outside-the-box ideas to help us pick out the winners, the losers, and the RENTAL FERRIS WHEELS.Ollie recommends a man-powered cruise in which the galley might have bitten off more river than they can chew, without loosening their dentures.Bobby checks out a river cruise business model that's equal parts savvy and sadism.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Seasons GreetingsWhy Rochelle is doing the...2020-11-2728 minJapan By River CruiseVERY CROSS Cultural Communication (w/Tutti Quintella)Misinformation about foreign communities going viral goes viral in foreign communities due to misinformation. Mercari's Diversity and Inclusion manager, director of Women Who Code: Tokyo and SpeakHer co-founder Tutti Quintella helps us puzzle through the whole Corona Gaijin mess on TV and Twitter.Ollie recommends a cruise that ticked the "innovation box" and not much else. Bobby puts on his NO RIVER CRUISE, NO LIFE t-shirt and gets angry at a list, AGAIN.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How to tell whether or not YOUR opinion is valid, and how t...2020-11-2030 minJapan By River CruiseWhy Japan Voted Trump (w/Saku Yanagawa)Chicago based stand-up comedian Saku Yanagawa talks performing comedy in a country on the verge of civil war, and why some Japanese people think Trump is good for them. Ollie recommends a cruise that we only used because it was factory installed. Bobby hits the rivers of Hokkaido and catches fall foliage fever. It's a low-grade one that lasts for longer than three days.Topics discussed on this episode range from:An important tip about how you can avoid one of the major causes of seasonal depression, brought to you by StarbucksThe t...2020-11-1329 minJapan By River CruiseDemon-strably Profitable (w/Matt Schley)Everyone and their mother are getting into the animated series "Kimetsu no Yaiba," in which demons brutally slaughter... everyone and their mother. Film critic Matt Schley tells us why the series resonates and, more importantly, sells.Ollie recommends a cruise that gives a 25% half discount. Bobby congratulates a cruise on making history and violating boat capacity restrictions.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Why Japan Doesn't Hire Native Speakers to Check their English, and what you can do about itMatt's experiences at the Tokyo International Film Festival, and how it's very v...2020-11-0629 minJapan By River CruiseWasei-Eigo Wide Show (w/Anne Crescini)Anne Crescini, the authority on Wasei-Eigo (Japanese words coined from English ones), helps us guess what pandemic related English-y terms will be popping up on this year's Trendy Word List. Will "Host Club Cluster" make the cut? Listen to find out.Ollie recommends a cruise line that could use some positive feedback. Bobby sees boats full of dead people.Topics discussed on this episode range from:That place that looks like a really nice cafe but is actually a beauty salonBeing asked to explain the US election on TVHow to talk about A...2020-10-3030 minJapan By River CruiseBullshido (w/Oleg Benesch)We ask author and scholar Oleg Benesch if the "samurai spirit" is the reason for Japan's voluntary compliance with corona guidelines, and should he fail in his duty to answer, we expect him to choose the only honorable way to deal with the shame.Ollie recommends a cruise line even though it could stand to show a little more compassion. Bobby talks about how EDM artists who profit off of the Japanese river cruise industry are actually harming it, and not just because they're producing EDM.Topics discussed on this episode range from:2020-10-2329 minJapan By River CruiseA List of Women (w/Yan Fan)Yan Fan talks about the need for SpeakHer, the database of female experts in Japan, and what it says about society that something as simple as a list of women is not only necessary, but newsworthy. Ollie recommends Chiba’s “Soup’s On! River Cruise buffet,” and explains how exactly WHAT the soup is on, depends on the day’s river conditions. Bobby looks into the benefits of a new ANTI-TECH movement in the industry and gets a free tinfoil hat.Topics discussed on this episode range from:All of the ways you can enjoy...2020-10-1629 minJapan By River CruiseThe Worst Ways to Visit Japan (w/ JJ Walsh)As Japan gets ready to reopen to tourism, sustainable travel consultant JJ Walsh thinks we should rethink harmful modes of travel like *koff koff* cruises even though, historically speaking, big old boats have proven their worth when it comes to opening Japan.Ollie apologizes for falling for the PR spin of a river boat company who has, quite literally burned bridges.Bobby tracks down a group of riverboat dwellers, which they are very grateful for, because they were drifting away.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Celebrating the glorious milestone that...2020-10-0929 minJapan By River CruiseLet's War! (w/Jesse Johnson)Is armed conflict in Asia inevitable? Would China ever really invade Japan? What does North Korea want? Japan Times senior editor Jesse Johnson tries to navigate the tortured landscape of Bobby and Ollie's jokes about these questions.Ollie's river cruise recommendation is SO GOOD that Bobby is mad that he didn't think of making this... river cruise recommendation first.Bobby looks into how a Japanese River Cruise court case demonstrates Japan's legal dedication to the people who really matter.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What to do with old, defunct...2020-10-0230 minJapan By River CruiseSuper Suga Special! (w/Jake Adelstein and Derek Wessman)Former pumpkin farmer Jake Adelstein and amateur firefighter Derek Wessman fill us in on everything you ever wanted to know about Japan's new Prime Minister, but he didn't allow you to ask. For real though, Derek worked as an aide to a member of the Japanese diet, and Jake is Jake, so they were perfect for walking us through all of the stuff that Bobby and Ollie should really have already been at least somewhat aware of.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Prime Minister Abe's resignationJake's "two minute" summary of Japanese politics...2020-09-1856 minJapan By River CruiseDon't be a Bad Influencer (w/CurrentlyHannah)YouTube Creator and Instagrammer CurrentlyHannah drops in to give her perspective on the challenges, responsibilities, and realities of travel influencers, for a conversation that will inspire all of our parents to say "Wait, so WHAT do you ACTUALLY DO for your JOB?"Ollie ignores the fact that he spent his time in Japan at McDonald's to shit on a Hard Rock Cafe River Cruise, and Bobby puts his ability to read the news headlines (and only the headlines) to take a crack at the Shinzo Abe Boat story.Topics discussed on this episode range from:...2020-09-0429 minJapan By River CruiseStay Home, Japan, You're Drunk! (w/ Matthew Boynton)Craft Beer Pioneer Matthew Boynton of Sakamichi Brewing talks about starting an alcohol business in the new, smoke-free, covid-filled landscape of Japan, a country so steeped in drinking "culture" that it probably shouldn't drive.Plus, Ollie recommends a cruise for passengers who want to be prepared for the worst, and, you know what? Bobby DID wake up in a bath tub full of ice on his last river cruise, but he honestly can't tell whether or not anything is missing.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How we're toasting the end of...2020-08-2828 minJapan By River CruiseFeeling hot, hot, hot! (w/Oscar Boyd)Japan Times Journalist and host of the Japan Times podcast that was ranked #1 in a Japan Times article entitled "The best podcasts about Japan" Oscar Boyd has bad news for anybody who plans to continue living on planet Earth for more than 12 more years. Plus, Ollie recommends two river cruise courses that might kill you, and Bobby shares his favourite river cruise related podcasts according to the jingles he likes the most—his favourite being a high quality horn that the podcast host toots themselves. Topics discussed on this episode range from:Why Ollie th...2020-08-2130 minJapan By River CruiseSour Korean Grapes and Idol Chatter (w/Amina Dujean)Former Japanese idol Amina Dujean joins the buoys to talk Johnny's Jimusho and why its boy bands can't compete globally like Korea can? What do you think? Is it the lack of English ability or the fact that they're awful?Ollie recommends the river cruises with the only amenity that matters right now, and Bobby continues down the path to his dream of captaining a riverboat, this week taking one step forward and 1,000 metric tons back.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The female fandom of Japanese idolsThe two ways male idol fans...2020-08-1430 minJapan By River CruiseHas-Been Hamster Turns to Politics (w/Matt Alt)Author Matt Alt walks us through his new book "Pure Invention," especially as it relates to a democracy loving hamster, and all the times when MAGA actually stands for Man with Anime Girl Avatar.Ollie recommends a river cruise simulator that lets you see turtles, all the way down. Bobby talks about the difference between paying passage and paying toll.Topics discussed on this episode range from:The Japanese cultural artifacts that we grew up withHow they shaped our ideas of what Japan was when we were littleHow the various iterations of Godzilla rank...2020-08-0730 minJapan By River CruiseGovernment-Subsidized Infection (w/Phoebe Amoroso)NHK-World business reporter and first-class gourmet Phoebe Amoroso breaks down the will-they won't-they drama around Japan's Go To campaigns, including questions like "Won't they reconsider?" and "Will they kill us all?" Ollie recommends a river cruise that does what it can to prevent the robots from taking over... the window seats. Bobby talks about a river boat discount that comes with a little extra something special.Topics discussed on this episode range from:SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE A WHILE BACKSchool rivalries that don't matterWhat Japan has to offer the world post...2020-07-3129 minJapan By River CruiseYou (Legally) Can't Go Home Again(w/Rochelle Kopp)Author Rochelle Kopp shares what she learned interviewing people affected by Japan's re-entry ban for the Japan Times, and probably credits the buoys for getting Abe to lift that ban. Ollie recommends a river boat business that might not stop for you unless you hold up a sign that says "Nihongo OK." Bobby asks hard questions about a boat that is taking a weird approach to a subsequent wave. Topics discussed on this episode range from:Our favorite way to find out when other gaijin we hate are leavingWhy Ollie is getting extra value...2020-07-2429 minJapan By River CruiseThe Happiest Place to Die (w/Yumi Nagashima)Vancouver-based Japanese comic Yumi Nagashima joins the boys to talk about a Japanese company in the US that has "no brand," and also "no money," plus explain how sometimes, the purest form of love is worth dying for. Ollie recommends a cruise that hearkens back to Mickey Mouse's earliest boat piloting roots, and the Disney tradition of profiting off of someone else's creativity. Bobby reports back on a river cruise innovation that simultaneously offers a sleeping chamber and a night soil foot bath.This week's Japan Foundation advertisement features voice work by the exceptional Saku Yanagawa.2020-07-1730 minJapan By River CruiseWhen It Rains, It Pours (w/Angela Ortiz)In the wake of devastating flooding, author, speaker, and expert in both Disaster Relief/Recovery and Corporate Social Responsibility, Angela Ortiz joins the boys to talk about the real sustainability question "Would we like to be alive in 20 yrs?" and Japan's go-to response "We'll get back to you on that." Ollie recommends a cruise for Christian cosplayers, and Bobby explores the natural, sometimes sudden processes that turn riverboats into driftwood. Topics discussed on this episode range from:Ulterior Motives for booking guestsHow Angela went from first responder during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake/Tsunami to an...2020-07-1030 minJapan By River CruiseNot Clear For Re-entry (w/Magdalena Osumi)Japan Times journalist Magdalena Osumi joins the buoys to talk about Japan's priorities in reopening international travel, which can be summed up as "Let the money in, keep the foreigners out.," even though, typically, it's the money that carries more germs. Ollie recommends a river cruise that shows you how the sausage is made, literally. Bobby considers a law suit for false advertising.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How Tokyo is doing as it prepares to engage with the second wave of the pandemicWhich is greater 6ft or 40 km?The current working practices for...2020-07-0330 minJapan By River CruiseBad News For People Who Want to Mainline Alcohol (w/Brian Ashcraft)Kotaku journalist and author of "The Japanese Sake Bible," among other Japan-focused books, BRIAN (!!!) Ashcraft, joins Ollie to break the disappointing news that Strong Zero is going off the market to our mostly alcoholic expat listenership. Plus, Ollie recommends a River Cruise that will give you an English menu and ask you to make your boat selection while you're still at the back of the line, and Bobby barely conceals his resentment for the actor who beat him out for the part of "Guy riding motorcycle on long bridge" in some Karaoke stock footage.Topics discussed on...2020-06-2630 min
Bobby Crane"Don't Like Me" - Bobby Crane & Ollie Joseph & DrewmatHere's a new one I made with Ollie Joseph and Drewmat.
I made this beat pretty quickly with Ollie in the room, then I laid down the first verse, Ollie the second, and we decided to put Drewmat on the bridge! Hope you like :)
Everywhere: @imbobbycrane2020-06-2503 minJapan By River CruiseIn a way, NHK SUCCEEDS in Explaining Racism (w/Baye McNeil)Author, columnist, speaker, and activist Baye McNeil joins the boys to discuss how we're all so offended by the NHK's racist cartoon that we are continuing to not pay our NHK bills in protest. Also, Ollie recommends a river cruise that thinks honesty is the best policy when it comes to fleecing newlyweds. Plus, Bobby shares how a simple facebook foray forces us all to confront some dark, dark river cruise realities.Topics discussed on this episode range from:How NHK could potentially DOUBLE DOWN on its racismWhere there is left to go after...2020-06-1930 minJapan By River CruiseThe Wizarding World of Disaster Prevention (w/Greg Lane)Tokyo Cheapo Co-founder Greg Lane joins the boys to talk about a new Harry Potter theme park plus unmanned convenience stores. BTW, did you hear? JK Rowling says that just because they're "unmanned" doesn't make them women. Also, Ollie recommends a river cruise that, on the one hand, is profiting off of racism, but on the other hand, has gathered a bunch of racists in one, pretty vulnerable location. Just saying. Plus, Bobby lets a bunch of angry river cruise shachos yell at Greg for 25 minutes.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Tourism...2020-06-1230 minJapan By River CruiseSocial Activism and Decoy Panties (w/Phil Wang)In this week's episode Phil Wang joins us for conversation about the 54-year old Okayama man who was caught with 2700 pairs of women's undergarments etc, and the police brutality protests in Shibuya, that lasts for 30 mins, AND EXACTLY 30-fucking minutes, TIM. Not forgetting, Ollie recommends a river cruise that has been instrumental in fixing America, and Bobby talks about the essential role Japanese river cruises are playing in curing the nation's covid-malaise.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Why we chose to do this this week, when really, we are kind of broken...2020-06-0530 minJapan By River CruiseSmall Foreign Paper takes on the Olympics; Loses (w/Jake Adelstein)Investigative journalist, author, and all around terrible human being Jake Adelstein actually shows up to settle his very contentious beef with the boys, and also breakdown the David and Goliath story that is the FCCJ's battle over its Covid-19 Olympic Logo parody. Spoiler alert: Goliath has more money.Plus, Ollie recommends a river cruise that might be just what the admiral ordered, and Bobby talks about the enormous (medical) advantages Japan's riverboats have over ocean liners.Topics discussed on this episode range from:Tourism plummeting 99.9 percent in Japan Who the 0.01% areWhy tourism is better w...2020-05-2929 minJapan By River CruiseJAPLANDEMIC: Japan Covid Theories (w/Rochelle Kopp)Rochelle Kopp is back to tell the boys why the political opinions of Japanese celebrities are culturally important, and to take a much-needed analytical look at the crackpot theories about Japan's low-Covid mortality rate, most of which *SPOILER ALERT* are true. Plus, Ollie recommends a river cruise company that is using cutting edge technology to overcome financial setbacks during the pandemic, and Bobby passes on a lengthy "THANKS/SORRY/YOU'RE NOT GETTING YOUR MONEY BACK" message.Topics discussed on this episode range from:What's cooler than being cool? (Other than "Ice Cold.")All right all...2020-05-2229 minJapan By River CruiseThe Golden Week That Never Was (w/Andy Curtain)Topics discussed on this episode range from:A great option for those looking to brand their content in an eye-catching, yet quietly racist wayOllie's investigation into legal resources for comics who've experienced joke theftThe reason no one came to Ollie's show in TokyoJim Gaffigan, Dave Chappelle and Ollie Horn's Tokyo performances, ranked in terms of qualityThe defense of Okamura Takashi's infamous sex-work comments, and whether or not it does qualify as "a joke" in a culture that's more accepting of "adolescent humor."How his comments could have been worse.Farts(I'm sorry but) Farts.the reopening of Japanese...2020-05-0828 minJapan By River CruiseBest of Pandemic ProfiteeringOn this week's JBRC, the boys discuss how comedian Okamura Takashi put his foot in his mouth, and how they hope that the experience of putting something that he would rather not have in his mouth, in his mouth, might make him a little more sympathetic to the people he's been making light of.Plus, if you've purchased a home PCR test from a woman who was exposed years ago for pretending to have a medical degree, well, then... Why did you do that? All this, plus Ollie recommends a cruise that is exactly what i...2020-05-0130 minJapan By River CruiseGive Me Pachinko AND Give Me Death! (w/Ayana Wyse)On this week's episode, "Black Creatives Japan" founder and Osaka-based river photographer Ayana Wyse joins the boys to discuss the ritualized Japanese social etiquette that has developed under social distancing (ie placing a customers loose change into a ceremonial tray) and the kinds of social pressures applied to those who breach said etiquette (ie punching them in their ceremonial face), as well as how Prime Minister Abe continues to flub his way through his two-mask debacle. If he ever gets so embarrassed that he can't show his face in public, I know where he can pick up a pair...2020-04-2428 minJapan By River CruiseJapan Loses a Comedy Icon to Covid-19 (not Ollie), Plus Embarrassing Places to get Infected (w/Derek Wessman)On this episode, the boys are joined by translator, consultant, and suspected riverboat restaurant arsonist, Derek Wessman (@dwvcd), to discuss all of the latest Covid-19 developments, including:
The passing of comedy legend Shimura Ken and how it has affected the optics on the pandemic, people who have been caught (by the virus) in the MOST cliched ways possible, and also 14 Fun Lockdown hacks that that you can do with just two surgical masks!
Plus, Ollie recommends a Kobe Cruise that has gone all in on the government math, and Bobby had a really awkward conversation with the Morita Estate.
Message...2020-04-0329 minJapan By River CruiseBobby Gets Tested for Covid-19 (like, actually); Olympics Gets PostponedOn this episode, the boys discuss Japan's decision to postpone the Olympics, which was clearly a decision that they totally arrived at on their own because it was the responsible thing to do, and not because their hand was forced or anything like that.
Also, speaking of responsible things to do, Bobby talks about how he got tested for Covid-19 FOR REAL, and how doing so has pretty much ruined his life.
Plus, Ollie recommends a river cruise that is doing some timely rebranding to let passengers experience what it's like to be a foreigner on public transportation in Japan...2020-03-2731 minJapan By River CruiseInkan't believe Japan still uses stamps to transfer money to river cruise operatorsBobby and Ollie discuss how one Japanese bank is trying to move away from the use of hanko rubber stamps, concluding setting up a bank in Japan is only advised if you have a short Japanese name and don't plan to use the services that the bank provides.
Also, Ollie has a river cruise recomendation for government officials with a generous expense account, and Bobby has good news for anybody worried that the river cruise industry are not playing their part in stopping the COVID-19 virus.
We reluctantly read every message we receive, and since the quality of the messages...2020-02-2832 minJapan By River CruiseAinu This Was Gonna Be a Terrible Pun.On today's show, Ollie and Bobby demonstrate how woefully ill-equipped they are to discuss the issues surrounding the Ainu people and the opening of their new culture complex in Hokkaido, plus discuss the spread of Bobby's viral tweet, which, quite frankly, is putting the download numbers of a certain podcast to SHAME.
This week's recommended river cruise will finally help young creatives make use of all of that "exposure" they've been trying to live off of, and in our River Cruise news, we end up getting pretty unreasonably angry at indifferent children.
Find our message box at japanbyrivercruise.com2020-02-0732 minJapan By River CruiseSeason 2 Hits the WaterJBRC is BACK after a winter hiatus which was dedicated almost entirely to Japanese River Cruise research.
In this episode, we catch up with Ollie and Bobby, touch on the coronavirus (hopefully not long enough for transmission), give props to the first ever Japanese chef working in France to earn a three-star Michelin rating.
Also, Ollie recommends a river cruise that hasn't yet shown any symptoms, plus Bobby gives you a long, literal look into the best river cruise adjacent onsen.
Message us at http://japanbyrivercruise.com.2020-01-3156 minJapan By River CruiseSadly, Sawajiri Erika's Guest Appearance has been Canceled. We're Not Sure Why.On today's episode, Bobby and Ollie discuss Sawajiri Erika's drug arrest, and ask the question, is drug use really a crime if you're just talking about recreational pot, ecstasy, acid, and cocaine? Who are we, nay, who are YOU to pass judgment? Oh, you're the Japanese police? Cool, nevermind.
Also Ollie continues his streak of micro-niche River Cruise recommendations, and Bobby tells you about a Hokkaido river cruise that, had it sailed 60 years ago, would have ended in cannibalism FOR SURE!
All that plus updates on our lives in Japan adjacent comedy.
Hit us up on the old Brian Box...2019-11-2128 minJapan By River CruiseRiver Cruise Employees Will No Longer Be Required to Wear Wet T-shirts at Work (w/JJ Wakrat)Ollie and Bobby are joined by Tokyo Roast Battle founder and RC Weed sommelier JJ Wakrat to discuss the changes to corporate culture in Japan, like reduced hour work weeks, and the constants in corporate culture, like requiring women to be sex objects.
Plus, Ollie has your river cruise recommendation, if he has the time.
And Bobby will tell you how one river cruise is letting its passengers earn a little extra AND help bring closure to grieving families.
Hit us up on the message box: http://japanbyrivercruise.com 2019-11-1433 minJapan By River CruiseRivers are Ever Changing, Radiation Levels are NotOllie and Bobby try their best not to cry over spilt radioactive waste.
Also, Bobby's week consisted of turning 36, getting a letter from Japan's Minister of Finance, and somehow ending up a straight white male diversity hire.
Plus Ollie recommends a cruse for English people that may never happen, and Bobby explains why you might have to travel back to 1992 to appreciate Japan's efforts to catch up with the rest of the industrialized world.2019-11-0729 minJapan By River CruiseFriends with Benefits, where "benefits" means discounted River Cruise Tickets (w/Matt Davies)Bobby and Ollie are joined by internationally traveling comedian and Assistant Director of the Bayankhongor River Yacht Club Matt Davies to discuss some bad beef and answer the question "Is a Bath Friend REALLY any different from a Standard Sex friend, if getting in the bath is just an excuse to have sex?"
(SPOILER ALERT: Yes, but mostly in terms of how clean you are after.)
Also, Ollie recommends a convoluted new gambling river cruise, that will NEVER EVER CATCH ON, and JRBC makes some MAJOR updates to its Autumn River Cruise Guide. Japan will never be the same.
Shout...2019-10-2531 minJapan By River CruiseThe Only Hazing on This River Cruise is Due to Inclement Weather (no refunds)"The boys" discuss a hazing incident involving out of control school teachers, and Bobby meets some progressive dinosaurs. Also, Ollie uses a story about harrasment to remind us that he went to Oxford.
Not forgetting that this week Ollie recommends a great Cruise for JLPT takers who want to practice their Mandarin, and Bobby gets his Oricon chart statistics a little confused.2019-10-1728 minJapan By River CruiseSadly, The Potentially Deadly Typhoon May Delay your Japanese River CruiseToday, Ollie continues his Southeast Asian comedy of errors and becomes a record-holding comedy pioneer in Jakarta, the guys continue their miraculous two-message per show streak, and we talk typhoon-destruction and technology-based stalking.
In our regular segments, Ollie recommends a throwback cruise that might be a little TOO committed to historical accuracy, and Bobby tries to crowdfund some River Cruise related bribery.
As always, please look at our message box on japanbyrivercruise.com and consider carefully what you should and shouldn't do.2019-10-1036 minJapan By River CruiseAll Non-Tokyo River Cruises are Garbage. Here's the order in which they are garbage.In this episode we talk a look at the recent ranking of which Japanese cities you can settle for, if you're not good enough for Tokyo, and Ollie and Bobby talk about the difficulties of performing with a certain type of Japanese entertainer, and dealing with being boxed in as a foreigner, especially linguistically.
Plus Ollie recommends a river cruise that really illustrates the greatest paradox of "Ninja Tourism," and Bobby tells us how this year's River Cruise Mascot Character Design Contest is really going overboard to promote River Cruise Safety.2019-09-2126 minJapan By River CruiseBeat the Heat (before you die) on a Japanese River Cruise!Plush "Yuru-kyara" mascots are super hot in Japan right now, mostly because the temperatures are well up into heat stroke range. What does the lethal heat wave look like on the ground and how is Japan dealing/not dealing with it?
Also, Bobby has stopped drinking alcohol! Message us via Japanbyrivercruise.com to place your bets on how long you think it'll last!
Ollie recommends a themed river cruise that once again showcases how skilled Japan is when it comes to capturing the essence of a foreign country, and Bobby cracks the river cruise history books, for a look at...2019-08-0928 minJapan By River CruiseIt's like the Olympics of River Cruises, Except without the River Cruises... So Just the OlympicsYour #1 source for River Cruise-related Japan travel info. In this episode, we discuss the Japan 2020 Olympic Ticket Lottery, and why we both couldn't care less about the Olympics, unless it would help us get a job, in which case, we're aficionados. Also, Bobby climbed a mountain twice, and Ollie alienated the UK comedy community (and not just with his jokes).
Plus, Ollie recommends a River Cruise that, let's be honest, is probably generating electricity for brothels, and Bobby takes a look at why you should always double check to see that you got handed a boarding ticket and not a...2019-07-2633 minJapan By River CruiseBrought to you by Kim Kardashian's "River Cruise" (Trademark Pending)Your #1 source for River Cruise-related Japan Travel Info and News. In this Episode, Ollie gets to put his extensive background in Japan-related copyright law into practice for the first (and likely only) time EVER, as we discuss that whole Kim Kardashian kimono #kimohno thing that you've already forgotten about, plus Bobby finds himself involuntarily caught up in the WORST part of a company night out.
Also, Ollie's got the scoop on a Tokyo-adjacent River Cruise that the terrorists have really missed the boat on, and Bobby basically gives you a cheat sheet for this year's JLPT N1, by explaining all...2019-07-1931 minJapan By River CruiseThe First Ever Japan By River Cruise!Japan By River Cruise is your number one source for River Cruise-related Japan Travel Info and News. In this Episode, you'll meet your hosts Bobby and Ollie (non-Japanese stand-ups with extensive experience in both the River Cruise, and Japanese entertainment industry), and hear their thoughts on just one of the latest kimono marketing disasters. We discuss why a 2016 ad campaign has recently popped up on the Japanese social justice radar, and larger issues surrounding cultural and gender identity in Japan at large.
Plus, Ollie's got a river cruise recommendation for the frugal couple who doesn't want to share a toothbrush...2019-06-2831 min
Listen to Trending Full Audiobooks in History, The AmericasAmerican Will: The Forgotten Choices That Changed Our Republic by Bobby JindalPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/245264 to listen full audiobooks. Title: American Will: The Forgotten Choices That Changed Our Republic Author: Bobby Jindal Narrator: Kirby Heyborne Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 9 hours 29 minutes Release date: October 20, 2015 Genres: The Americas Publisher's Summary: Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, a much-talked-about 2016 presidential candidate, offers fourteen lessons from our nation’s past and discusses how they can be used to restore American courage, faith, and wisdom. Nearly forty-five years ago, Bobby Jindal’s parents left their home in rural India—a place with no electricity or running water—to build a new life in the Unit...2015-10-2003 min
Listen to Trending Full Audiobooks in History, The AmericasBobby Fischer Goes to War: The True Story of How the Soviets Lost t by John Eidinow, David EdmondsPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/240630 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Bobby Fischer Goes to War: The True Story of How the Soviets Lost t Author: John Eidinow, David Edmonds Narrator: Sam Tsoutsouvas Format: Abridged Audiobook Length: 11 hours 57 minutes Release date: March 9, 2004 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3.5 of Total 2 Ratings of Narrator: 5 of Total 1 Genres: The Americas Publisher's Summary: In the summer of 1972, with a presidential crisis stirring in the United States and the cold war at a pivotal point, two men -- the Soviet world chess champion Boris Spassky and his American challenger Bobby Fischer -- met in the...2004-03-0905 min