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INTjAPANEpisode 40. A Message to Tourists in JapanOvertourism is becoming a serious problem in Japan.
Many Japanese are bothered by the sudden influx of tourists, especially when you take into account that there were almost none during the pandemic. Restaurants and public transportation companies are not equipped to handle this problem, and being a country made up of mostly introverts, this change is unsettling. Imagine yourself as an introvert, coming home from a long day at work, to find a surprise party at your house, 30 strangers coming to talk to you, congratulating you, then asking you to make a toast or something. Only, it...
2024-05-0512 minINTjAPANEpisode 39. Japan, The Perfect Country
最近出会った引用があります–どこで見たか覚えていませんが、この状況にふさわしいと思います。「あなたは誰かの完璧さに恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが恋に落ちるのは、彼らの欠点です。」–そして、それは少なくとも私には、強く響きました。そしてそれは真実です。例えば食べ物について言えば、あなたが誕生日に行ったその5つ星のフランス料理店の完璧な食べ物に恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが良い思い出を結びつける食べ物が好きです。例えば、あなたの母のラザニアのように。それは完璧ではないかもしれませんが、あなたはそれを渇望します。マクドナルドに人々が群がる理由があります、彼らが最高のバーガーを作るわけではありませんが。それはあなたがマクドナルドを訪れ続ける子供時代の思い出です。または、彼らがこっそりとパティに入れるクラックかもしれません。誰が知ってるでしょう。
私は完璧な社会に住みたいから日本に住んでいるのではありません。日本が独自の方法でユニークであるから好きです。ここでたくさんの思い出を作りました。それら全てが素晴らしいわけではありませんが、成長するのに役立ちました。
2024-03-1109 minINTjAPANEpisode 38. The Emperor of Japan and The Imperial Family
Since today is Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, I thought I’d talk about the Imperial Family in this episode. I’ve never paid much attention to them because they don’t really cause spectacles like Harry and Megan. They tend to keep out of the public eye most of the time.
The Imperial family is very special to the people of Japan. The Emperor of Japan is at the center of this family, and people look up to him with great respect. Some are indifferent of course. It's mostly the older generation who still reveres the family...
2024-02-2311 minINTjAPANEpisode 37. Japan's Baby DilemmaAs we know, Japan's got a serious problem and it’s not just this year’s unusually warm and short winter. The country is facing a declining birthrate that's causing all sorts of headaches, from shrinking populations to economic slowdowns. Imagine walking through Shibuya, only to find it getting quieter and quieter each year. That's what's happening in Japan, and it's a big deal for everyone living there and for people watching from other countries too.
So, what's going on? Well, for starters, fewer babies are being born in Japan than ever before. This isn't a new tren...
2024-02-1810 minINTjAPANEpisode 36. Earthquakes in JapanMany of us have heard of the earthquake that struck Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day. Ishikawa Prefecture received the largest damage with a death toll of over 200 people and counting. Many are still missing, trapped under debris of collapsed buildings and other infrastructures. The 7.6 earthquake struck the region at 4 PM. It was a grim reminder of the Tohoku earthquake that struck Fukushima region back in 2011. Around 20,000 people died in that disaster.
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This episode was produced using AI by cloning my voice. I can't help but feel impressed by how much better AI vo...
2024-01-1514 minINTjAPANEpisode 35. Why Can't Many Japanese Speak English?We've all been there. We come to Japan, expecting everyone to speak English just like in any other countries we have been to. To our surprise, many of them shake their head instead.
Considering Japan is supposed to be a first-world country, why is English proficiency still so low?
#japan
#intjapan
#japaneseculture
#english
2024-01-0216 minINTjAPANEpisode 34. Wrapping Up 2023 and New Year in JapanSince its officially 2024, let’s talk about everything that has happened in Japan in 2023. Some are not that interesting, some are just dead strange.
Happy New Year!
2024-01-0114 minINTjAPANEpisode 33. Merry Christmas from Japan!Christmas was first introduced to Japan by Christian missionaries in the 16th century. However, it didn't gain much traction until the Meiji Era, around the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite the long, dark history, Christmas in Japan isn't celebrated for its religious significance. In fact, less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. Christmas is more of a commercial and cultural event.
Have a lovely Christmas, everyone!
2023-12-1613 minINTjAPANEpisode 32. Gender Inequality in Japan
Japan has often been in the spotlight for its gender inequality issues. While the nation has made significant advancements in various sectors, the gender gap remains a stubborn challenge. The problem was put under the spotlight…again… when it was revealed that no women were appointed among vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries in the recent Cabinet formation, a first since the LDP's return to power in 2012. While Prime Minister Kishida appointed a record-tying five women as Cabinet ministers, This makes only 7% of the Cabinet, vice ministers, and parliamentary secretaries being women.
...
2023-10-2819 minINTjAPANEpisode 31. Mental Health Issues in JapanIn episode 33 of the INTjAPAN podcast, I delve into the critical issue of mental health in Japan. I begin by noting the rapid passage of time in 2023 and set the stage for a discussion on why mental health awareness lags behind in Japan despite its technological advancements and social development.
I highlight the alarming increase in teachers leaving their jobs due to mental health reasons, emphasizing the role of long working hours in contributing to this trend. I also explore the rising prevalence of depression and suicide among Japanese teenagers, attributing it to academic stress and societal...
2023-10-0617 minINTjAPANEpisode 30 - Why are Spring and Autumn Special in Japan and the Concept of "Mono no Aware"Japan as a country experiences a range of weather extremes, from typhoons to snowstorms. Discussing the weather is not just small talk, but can also be a practical discussion for planning and preparation. If you ask any Japanese person, they would most likely say that either spring or autumn is their favorite season. In spring, people usually talk about hanami or in English, cherry-blossom viewing picnic. They also have a special calendar to track the blooming time of cherry blossoms in different regions.
So, what gives?
instagram: @intjapan
2023-09-3014 minINTjAPANEpisode 29 - The Anime that Teaches You about Life: xxxHOLIC"xxxHolic" is a manga series written by the team CLAMP. The story revolves around Watanuki's experiences working in Yūko's shop. Throughout the series, customers come in with various supernatural problems or wishes, and Yūko offers a solution, usually with a price. While serving Yūko, Watanuki encounters various supernatural beings and learns lessons about human nature, desire, and the consequences of one's actions. "xxxHolic" has been adapted into various formats, including an anime, OVAs, and a live-action drama. The series is well-known for its unique art style, deep themes, and the way it beautifully weaves the supernatural wit...
2023-09-2511 minINTjAPANEpisode 28. The Host and Hostesses Club of LoveHey, everyone! I'm back after a long hiatus. Sorry for the wait.
On today's episode...
Host and hostess clubs are unique nightlife establishments primarily found in Japan, where patrons pay to engage in conversation and spend time with professional "hosts" or "hostesses". They make sure you stay entertained throughout the evening and spend a lot of money in their bars. If you have a lot of extra cash to spend, why not visit one of these establishments? Enter at your own caution, though!
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@intjapan
2023-09-1817 minINTjAPANEpisode 27. Homeless Issue in JapanHomelessness in Japan is a multifaceted issue characterized by hidden homelessness, a lack of affordable housing, and economic and social factors. Many individuals find temporary shelter in internet cafes or fast food restaurants. The shortage of affordable housing, coupled with low wages and precarious employment, makes it challenging for low-income individuals to secure stable housing. Social factors like family breakdown, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse can contribute to homelessness. Limited social welfare support and societal stigma further compound the problem. The Japanese government has implemented initiatives, but the complexity of the issue poses ongoing challenges in...
2023-07-1719 minINTjAPANEpisode 26. Gackt - The Dark Prince of J-RockGackt is a renowned Japanese artist known for his versatile talent as a singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained popularity as the vocalist of the visual kei rock band, Malice Mizer, before embarking on a successful solo career. With his captivating stage presence, unique fashion style, and powerful vocals, Gackt has captivated audiences both in Japan and internationally.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let me know!
instagram: @intjapan
LINE: khyue9
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2023-07-0722 minINTjAPANEpisode 25. The Dark Side of Japanese Pet ShopsIn Japan, there are still a high number of pet shops. Most of these shops offer purebred dogs and cats at astronomical prices. Some go as high as 2 million yen. These animals go through stringent DNA testing and very selective breeding. Ones that don’t make the cut, go out. While there have been laws enacted to protect the rights of these poor animals, pet shop businesses have found ways around it. As a result, animals continue to be killed for profit.
One of the most common questions when it comes to pet shop industry is… what happ...
2023-06-2218 minINTjAPANEpisode 24. The Suicide Forest "Aokigahara"TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains topics about mental health issues, suicide and death.
In Aokigahara, you can expect to be enveloped by many ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and the tranquil whispers of the wind. These elements evoke a sense of spiritual connectedness and make you contemplate your own existence. This is also why Aokigahara is a popular spot among psychics, mediums and people who are generally interested in the paranormal.
Many who walk into the forest have no intention of ever coming back out. Here, many people choose to disappear forever. At the entrance to t...
2023-06-1421 minINTjAPANEpisode 23. To Teach or not to Teach in JapanFor those of you who don't know, being an English teacher is probably the easiest way to get your foot in the door if you've dreamed about coming to Japan for a long time. You don't really need a teaching qualification or experience. As long as you are good with people and have a pretty good communication skill, you should get the job. That is of course if you are planning to work for an eikaiwa. Teaching at a Japanese high school or university is a completely different story. They usually look for someone with more experience and relevant...
2023-06-0513 minINTjAPANEpisode 22: Scams in Japan: "Ore Ore Sagi" and "Romansu Sagi"Scams can occur in any country, including Japan. While Japan is generally considered a safe country with a low crime rate, the number of scams reported keeps increasing at an alarming rate.
The notorious "Ore Ore Sagi" scam has cost Japan millions in damages, while "Romansu Sagi" or "Romance Scam" has left a lot of hopefuls disappointed.
What kind of people are targeted by scammers anyway? Is there a way to guard ourselves?
instagram: @intjapan
2023-05-1819 min
INTjAPANEpisode 21. Is Japan Truly Safe?Overall, Japan is considered to be a safe country. It consistently ranks highly in global safety rankings, and the crime rate is generally low compared to many other countries. However, like any country, there are still some risks to be aware of, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons, etc.), pickpocketing, and some instances of violent crime. Or more recently, random knife attacks.
Follow me / Message me on Instagram: @intjapan
2023-05-0922 min
INTjAPANEpisode 20. Yakuza: The Necessary EvilYakuza refers to a criminal organization that is primarily based in Japan. It originated as a group of gamblers and merchants in the 17th century and evolved into a powerful organized crime syndicate involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. Yakuza members have a strict hierarchy and follow a code of conduct known as the "ninkyo," which emphasizes loyalty, honor, and respect. The yakuza have been the subject of numerous books, films, and other forms of media, and have played a significant role in Japanese society and culture.
2023-05-0126 min
INTjAPANEpisode 19. Uniqlo: The Clothes that Destroyed HarajukuUniqlo is a Japanese fashion brand founded by Tadashi Yanai in 1940s. Its success changed the entire landscape of fashion. Harajuku, which used to be the center of fashion, was quickly overtaken by Uniqlo's minimalist style. It is a type of fashion that is "made for all".
-INTjAPAN
2023-04-2515 min
INTjAPANEpisode 18. Sailormoon: The Magical Girl PowerSailor Moon is a popular Japanese media franchise that originated as a manga (comic book) created by Naoko Takeuchi. The story follows a teenage girl named Usagi Tsukino, who transforms into the titular character Sailor Moon to fight against various villains and protect the world from evil forces.
Sailor Moon was first serialized in Japan in 1991 and later adapted into an anime (animated TV series) that aired from 1992 to 1997. The series gained a huge following both in Japan and internationally, and has since been adapted into various spin-off manga, anime, movies, and merchandise.
The franchise...
2023-04-1713 min
INTjAPANEpisode 17. What's the Deal with Shibuya Anyway?Shibuya is a bustling commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo, Japan, known for its iconic pedestrian scramble crossing, fashionable shopping areas, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to numerous department stores, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and is particularly popular with young people. Shibuya is also a major transportation hub, with multiple train and subway lines connecting it to other parts of Tokyo and beyond.
instagram: @introvertjapanpod
Message me if you have any suggestions or requests!
2023-04-1012 min
INTjAPANEpisode 16. Ryuichi Sakamoto, Japan's Legendary ComposerOn March 28th, 2023... Japan's beloved composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto, passed away at the age of 71.
He had been making music all his life and his music had inspired many. He made a significant contributions to the music world and popularized electronic music.
R.I.P. Mr. Sakamoto. The world is a better place with your music in it.
2023-04-0509 min
INTjAPANEpisode 15. Japan's Abandoned Homes: "Akiya"The fate of Akiyas and rural areas in Japan continue to be tested. With Japan losing a chunk of its population and more and more young people choosing to live in the city, villages and small towns are rapidly disappearing. Many houses stand empty and dilapidated for years on end.
The government is now taking steps to counter the issue before things gets any worse....
Message me on instagram if you have any questions!
@introvertjapanpod
2023-03-2813 min
INTjAPANEpisode 14. Japan's Wonder Kid: Shohei OhtaniCongratulations for winning the World Baseball Classic for the third time, Japan! Today was truly a historical moment in baseball. The tension was there and the ending was so dramatic everyone was calling it a "movie-like moment".
Shohei Ohtani won the MVP award in this championship and he well deserved it. Dubbed the "once-in-a-century" talent, Shohei Ohtani has revived many people's interest in baseball--including me!
I'm looking forward to see him attain his goal. That is: to make baseball the most popular sport in the world.
Go Team Japan!
2023-03-2210 min
INTjAPANEpisode 13. Japan's High Standard of BeautyJapan has a fairly straightforward description when it comes to beauty. Some of the traditional ideas of beauty still applies until today, especially when it comes to skin complexion. There are subcultures that try to go against this norm, but they fail to dominate the beauty industry.
Follow me on instagram: @introvertjapanpod
2023-03-1816 min
INTjAPANEpisode 12. Why Foreigners Leave JapanIn this episode, I will talk about why many foreigners choose to leave Japan after a year or two. There are many reasons for it, and it's not entirely on Japan. What I've learned is that cultural differences in Japan can be greater than other countries, and it's difficult for many foreigners to adjust.
Follow me on instagram: @introvertjapanpod
#japan #society #culture
2023-03-1314 min
INTjAPANEpisode 11. Cyberbullying in JapanCyberbullying case is on the rise. In Japan, it has led a 22-year-old young start to take her own life. Hana Kimura had a promising future ahead of her as a pro wrestler. Her appearance in the Japanese reality TV show "Terrace House" showed her as a passionate and empathetic woman who knew what she wanted. After a series of insults flooded her social media, Hana Kimura's mental health started to deteriorate.
Jun Maeda, the writer of CLANNAD, is the recent target of these attacks. The comments were so harsh that he decided to deactivate his Twitter a...
2023-03-0810 min
INTjAPANEpisode 10. Clannad: The True Meaning of HappinessCLANNAD is known to be one of the saddest anime ever made--and for a good reason. The anime is all about love, friendship, family and forgiveness. Tomoya Okazaki was held back by his hatred for his father for the longest time. Because of this, he forgot how to live his life and move on. By befriending his classmates and understanding their struggles, Tomoya was able to confront his past, too.
Nagisa Furukawa is one of his greatest motivator. Through her kindness and support, Tomoya was able to finally appreciate life itself.
CLANNAD is a moving ta...
2023-03-0613 min
INTjAPANEpisode 9. The Art of Being Polite in JapanJapanese people are known for being polite. During the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Japan drew the world's attention when fans started cleaning up after themselves after the game.
So, where does this etiquette come from? Why are they so strict when it comes to social interactions?
Recently, a few media outlets have expressed concerns about Japan's politeness. What appears to be the perfect etiquette may have some flaws after all.
By the way, if you hear my dogs barking in the background, please ignore them!
#introvert
#japan
#podc...
2023-03-0214 min
INTjAPANEpisode 8. Hay Fever, the Bane of Japanese SpringEverybody living in Japan will be familiar with Hay Fever. Most likely, you know someone or many people who suffer from this allergy. Caused mostly by pollen from cedar and cypress trees, this allergy had not always existed in Japan. After the war, the government was desperate to restore the forests that were destroyed during the war. Demands for housing and construction increased, and so the government introduced a reforestation policy. Unfortunately, they chose the wrong kind of trees...
日本に住む誰もが知っている花粉症。 ほとんどの場合、このアレルギーに苦しんでいる人または多くの人を知っています。 主にスギやヒノキの花粉が原因で、このアレルギーは日本では常に存在していたわけではありません。 戦後、政府は戦争で破壊された森林の再生に必死でした。 住宅と建設の需要が高まったため、政府は植林政策を導入しました。 残念ながら、彼らは間違った種類の木を選びました...
#japan #日本
Instagram: @introvertjapanpod
2023-02-2611 min
INTjAPANEpisode 7. Japan's Deadliest Cult: Aum ShinrikyoJapan hasn’t had a lot of terrorist attacks, but one changed history. Aum Shinrikyo, labeled Japanese deadliest cult, is responsible for a lot of crimes. Their most famous crime being the Tokyo sarin gas attack in March of 1995 where over 5000 people were injured. Under the leadership of Asahara Shoko, the notorious cult managed to gather a lot of followers. His followers were very devoted to Asahara, effectively committing murders for Asahara’s sake.
This turned out longer than I intended and I wasn't able to include all information. I'm still considering whether I shou...
2023-02-2321 min
INTjAPANEpisode 6. Behind the Legendary Anime: Dragon BallDragon Ball is well-known all over the world. Since its release almost 4 decades ago, Dragon Ball continues to inspire a lot of anime that follows after it like Naruto, Hunter x Hunter and even One Piece. Akira Toriyama didn't expect Dragon Ball to succeed the way it did, but his passion, creativity and imagination catapulted Dragon Ball into stardom. How did it start? Was Toriyama simply a genius? Who inspired Toriyama?
2023-02-1915 min
INTjAPANEpisode 5. The Dangers of Smartphone-walkingJapan is on high alert regarding smartphone-walking. In Japanese, they call it "arukisumaho". More and more people are not watching where they're going because they are too focused on their phones. As a result, lives are lost and people get injured. Accidents and crimes related to smartphones are rising and the government is desperate to stop these from happening.
Why are smartphones so addictive? Why do we depend on them so much?
If you have any question or requests, feel free to message me on instagram!
2023-02-1514 min
INTjAPANEpisode 4. Love Letters from JapanIn today's episode, we will talk about the love letter campaign held in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. As everyone knows by now, Japan is becoming an aging society. The population is shrinking fast as the number of couples and children are diminishing. Miyazaki government decided to get a little creative and go back to the good old days. People are encouraged to write love letters to each other! They believe that writing letters is a better way to make people fall in love than online dating.
Do you agree or disagree?
2023-02-1210 min
INTjAPANEpisode 3. The Orphans of JapanTalks about adoptions and orphans are still uncommon in Japan. Most people have never considered adoption and they are unfamiliar with how the system works. Unlike in other advanced countries, Japan also doesn't have a typical adoption process and its foster care system is limited at best.
Why are adoptions so rare in Japan? Why do they care so much about preserving their bloodline? What are the options for people who want children but cannot have any?
養子縁組や孤児についての話は、日本ではまだ珍しい. ほとんどの人は養子縁組について考えたことがなく、システムの仕組みに慣れていません。 他の先進国とは異なり、日本にも典型的な養子縁組プロセスはなく、里親制度はせいぜい限られています。
なぜ日本では養子縁組が非常にまれなのですか？ なぜ彼らは自分たちの血統を守ることにそれほど関心があるのでしょうか? 子供が欲しいのに子供が出来ない人への選択肢とは？
2023-02-1012 min
INTjAPANEpisode 2. For the Love of Disney, Japan!Japan has been obsessed with Disney for a long time. Disney animation is quickly becoming more popular than Japanese animation. In this episode, we will talk about the background of Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea, some of the popular characters and the reason behind Disney's success in Japan.
2023-02-0712 min
INTjAPANEpisode 1. The Tales of Junji ItoJunji Ito is a famous Japanese horror manga-ka. People often describe his works as "grotesque" and "spine-chilling" because of the themes he chooses. Unlike most horror writers, he doesn't deal much with ghosts. More accurately, he likes to play with people's fear. As a fan of horror, I feel that his works deserve more recognition globally. His imagination is definitely one of a kind. They are guaranteed to make you question reality!
If you have any requests, you can message me on Instagram!
Instagram: @introvertjapanpod
2023-02-0411 min