Voices in Japan

Dec 28/2023

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanThis week Ben, Burke and Matt record an episode in the park to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms (or lack of) during Golden Week.They give advice to people who are planning to visit Japan during one of the craziest times of the year for traveling[...]
Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanIn this episode the boys talk about Burke's jujitsu competition plus a night out in Osaka. Matt takes a closer look the Mariko Aoki Phenomenon. What is it?? And Ben goes over some Japanese words that you might know..but do you know the origins? All this[...]
Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanThe guys discuss current news and events including the 100 Demon Night Parade in Kyoto, new tourism records in Japan, an update on Shohei Otani, and more. Enjoy!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese[...]
The boys take a closer look at the prefecture of Kagoshima. Get the true story behind the real 'Last Samurai'! Plus they discuss the must see island of Yakushima. They also talk about the mighty Sakurajima, one of Japans most active volcanoes. Other sightseeing spots not to miss and what unique foods to try in[...]
Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanDive Into the Wild Heart of Hokkaido with Greg Bruyere, a Canadian expat with a passion for the great outdoors! He joins Ben and Burke to talk about his journey of coming to Japan on a working holiday visa, and then gaining permanent residency through his[...]
Burke and Ben discuss some of the ways to save money while traveling in Japan. They talk about the best reasons to visit 100 yen shops, best places to shop, where to get cheap food, cheap accommodation and much much more.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese[...]
Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBen and Burke explore the reasons for why Japanese people become very stressed on airplanes and why less Japanese people are traveling overseas these days. They also review the success that a few Japan-related films achieved this week at the Academy Awards, the ongoing conflict in[...]
Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanIn this episode, Ben, Burke and Matt talk about some interesting facts about tattoos in Japan, such as the thousand year history, the cultural significance in Hokkaido and Okinawa, association with the criminals and much much more.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s[...]
Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBen, Matt, and Burke discuss the Japanese foods they've grown fond of since moving to the country, the Japanese foods they eat regularly, and the foods they refuse to try or dislike! Matt also talks about his luxury sushi experience and the fancy knives used[...]
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Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanWith the Sakura season just around the corner, Ben, Burke, and Matt talk about the Unko Museum’s cherry blossom festival in Tokyo. Other news the guys discuss is Asahi Breweries announcing that they will no longer launch chuhai (Canned fizzy cocktails) with alcohol content of 8%[...]
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Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanEpisode summary: Ben and Burke take a look at special pricing for tourists and residents that could be coming soon to Kyoto, a years-long Uniqlo crime spree committed by some foreigners here in Japan, anti-foreigner sentiment in the country, and changes to the technical intern[...]
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Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanFrom the ski slopes of Hokkaido to climbing Mt. Fuji, Ben, Burke and Matt talk about overtourism in Japan plus other news that have made headlines! Burke and Matt relive their experiences climbing Mt. Fuji, and Ben talks about some shocking news. Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything[...]
Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanEpisode summary: A recent victory in the Miss Japan beauty pageant by Ukranian-born Carolina Shiino has many Japanese people very upset. Also, the movie "Oppenheimer" finally gets a release date (March 29) in Japan after internet memes with atomic bomb themes promoting the movie last[...]
During this episode, Ben and Matt talk about the latest news hitting Japan. This includes a look at bad influencers, airline troubles, finding a cheap lunch, salarymen plus a lot more! Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the[...]
Ben, Burke, and Matt talk about the January 1st Earthquake in Ishikawa prefecture and the Japan Airlines crash at Haneda Airport the following day.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery,[...]
Once again Ben and Burke go head to head with Matt as the referee as we recap the year in Japan for 2023! How do you score against these two rising sun titans? What stories have headlined in Japan this year? Have a Happy and Safe New Year, from everyone at Voices in Japan!!!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site[...]
Ben, Burke and Matt discuss some important things to think about when planning your trip to Japan.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke try to discover the truth about well-known rumors related to everyday life in Japan. The country is renowned for its safety, cleanliness and distinctive customs, but what are the true reasons behind how Japanese society functions. Listen to find out now!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an[...]
Ben, Burke and Matt talk about some popular drinking games that Japanese people may play at parties or snack bars (bars with hostesses).Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and[...]
Ben, Matt and Burke discuss ten Japanese cultural practices that could significantly enhance life in other countries. From the deep respect for others' experiences to simple yet impactful customs, listen now to explore these fascinating insights and consider their potential in your own country!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one,[...]
Burke quizzes Ben and Matt on the top 15 souvenirs to buy in Japan, Ben explains his favorite Japanese topic to Google, and Matt reveals where he likes to go to experience real Japanese culture.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to[...]
In this special episode, Ben, Burke and Matt take a look at Halloween in Japan and recap Halloween 2023! We explore scary Japanese myths and creepy urban legends and folklore. Take a listen if you dare!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim[...]
Ben and Matt discuss the results of an annual online survey ranking Japan’s "attractive prefectures” conducted by Brand Research Institute, a private research company. The survey conducted in June and July received around 34,000 valid responses.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim[...]
When is it safe to answer the telephone in Japan, and when is it a very bad idea? Various phone scams have been on the rise, including calls from unlisted numbers, text messages, and Whatsapp messages. They all lead to a dubious end. The guys discuss scams they've experienced, overseas tourists getting into car accidents[...]
The guys discuss Japan recent struggles with nature, bullet train promo campaigns, and deceit at Japanese temples.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can[...]
Rugby has gained immense popularity in Japan, especially after hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Many aspiring players from around the world dream of representing Japan on the international stage. But how can one become eligible to don the famous cherry blossoms jersey? Ben and Burke explore what it takes for foreigners to become eligible[...]
In Japan, even the way you dress or the scent of your perfume can mark you as a foreign tourist. From gender interactions to surprising greetings, Matt and Burke discuss the subtle nuances of Japanese culture and social norms that often catch foreigners off-guard.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one,[...]
Special guest Yumi joins Ben and Matt on the podcast to talk about the captivating world of Katakana words! We'll explore how Katakana is used for loanwords, and foreign names, providing insights into how it enriches the Japanese language. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner, this episode will help you understand and appreciate[...]
Join Ben, Burke, and Matt as we venture into the world of solo travel through the captivating landscapes of Japan. From sipping coffee on high-speed bullet trains to indulging in private ramen dining at Ichiran, we explore how solo travelers can immerse themselves in Japan's unique experiences. From historical insights in Hiroshima to racing Mario[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke say good-bye to the summer fun of the Susukino Festival and Beer Garden with another in-depth quiz about Japan's famous alcohol brands (Sapporo, Kirin, Suntory, and Asahi). Then they introduce Autumn Festa, which is an enormous food festival starting soon in downtown Sapporo with over 300 food booths run by restaurants[...]
Special guest Marty joins the pod to talk about cycling around Hokkaido. We talk about some of the cultural wonders that await every bend of Hokkaido’s coastline. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or simply curious about the beauty of Japan's northern paradise, this episode will inspire you to hop on your bike and embark on[...]
This is the 200th episode of the podcast! Ben, Matt, and Burke celebrated by recording at the Beer Garden in Odori Park, which is in the middle of Sapporo City, along with a couple of friends who came to show their support. The group discussed their favorite aspects of living in Japan, including festivals, the[...]
In this episode, we venture beyond the well-trodden paths to reveal the quirky, artistic, and awe-inspiring side of Japan. Join us for an episode that celebrates Japan's boundless creativity, showcasing the Unko Museum's humorous charm, the natural marvel of the Blue Pond, the awe-inspiring miniatures at Small Worlds Tokyo, and much more.Check out this link to[...]
Ben and Burke explore the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine by taking a close look at 9 bizarre food combinations, including wasabi beer and unagi (eel) cola. They also give an update on the massive police hunt for the culprit of a shocking and gruesome Sapporo love hotel murder, discuss the defacing of a 1,200-year-old[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke discuss a shocking crime that recently occurred in Sapporo, and the culprit is still on the loose! They also look at the reasons for why they have chosen to stay in Japan long-term, discuss Japan's decision to start releasing the treated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the legend of[...]
Japan is one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourists. However, foreign travelers face a number of challenges while visiting according to a survey conducted by the Japanese travel website Good Luck Trip. Listen now to find out the best solutions to the top 10 inconveniences you will face if you visit[...]
Ben, Burke and Matt delve into the enigmatic oddities that make Japan truly unique.Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the remarkable and unconventional aspects that set this country apart. From love hotels to outlandish pizza toppings, Japan offers a world unlike any other. We talk about mesmerizing traditions, astonishing inventions, and immerse ourselves in[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke discuss 9 sustainable habits from this article that are practiced by the Japanese. These habits include minimalism, appreciating imperfections, upcycling, recycling, energy conservation, and more. The Japanese have embraced these habits as a way to minimize their environmental impact and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance[...]
Ben Burke, and Matt embark on an exciting journey through the maze of renting accommodation in Japan. Join us as we uncover insider tips, share personal experiences, and provide valuable advice on navigating the unique intricacies of finding a place to live. This episode will equip you with the knowledge and insights to find your[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke test the responses from ChatGPT about preparing for life in Japan, including visa requirements and cultural differences that foreigners will have the most trouble adjusting to after moving to the country. Listen now to find out if the responses provide reliable information!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway[...]
Ben and Matt talk about the new COVID rules in Japan, promotional ideas to grow bullet train (Shinkansen) users, and some very interesting things about the Japanese Emperor that most people don’t know.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range[...]
This episode provides an extensive look at Burke's recent family trip to Fukuoka (a large metropolitan city in Kyushu) and Beppu (a top hot spring destination in Japan), and Ben explains details about working at a male host club (bars and nightclubs that provide male companionship and entertainment to women in exchange for money.)Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated[...]
With Burke away on holiday (again!), Ben and Matt hold down the fort and discuss the most dangerous animals living in Japan that visitors (and residents) should be wary of when travelling around Japan. Stay safe!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers.[...]
With the fast development of ChatGPT-4 and AI, Ben, Burke, and Matt discuss the issues that Japan face. Other news talked about in today's include a bar maid being fired for doing something weird to a drink, and the bungled assassination "attempt" of Japan's Prime Minster Kishida. Enjoy!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from[...]
It's been a while, but Matt, Ben, and Burke are all back recording together on this episode! After some omiyage (souvenir) gift giving from Matt's trip to Australia, they look at seven ways that Japanese and Westerners are complete opposites as described in an article from Live Japan.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from[...]
With Ben away on vacation, Matt takes the opportunity to educate Burke on the top-10 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan because, well, the activity of cherry blossom viewing rules the news at this time of year. Also in the news, very loud and impolite political campaigning for current elections, and also a new (and[...]
While Matt is still on vacation, Ben and Burke look at the news about flying taxis, a strange new dish from Domino’s Pizza in Japan that is covered with an egg sauce, and Coca-Cola's newest alcoholic drink in Japan, an official Jack and Coke. Then, they dive deep into the most enjoyed hobbies by Japanese[...]
Ben and Burke catch up on the latest developments in the ongoing saga of sushi terrorists versus "kaiten zushi" (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants in Japan. Arrests have been made, AI cameras have been installed, and the service level has dropped. Ben and Burke also discuss their recent visits to some chain sushi restaurants in Japan[...]
Special guest and friend Danny joins Ben and Matt on the podcast to break down and discuss one of Akira Kurosawa's lesser known but still great movies, High and Low. WARNING: there are spoilers!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke discover a space balloon tourism company in their very own city of Sapporo! Meanwhile, Matt recently visited one of Hokkaido's most popular festivals in the port city of Otaru and calms Ben's fears of any possible fire hazards at the festival. Then Ben dives deep into understanding why Japanese people continue[...]
Ben, Matt, and Burke review the best Japanese words and phrases for traveling and daily life in Japan. They also go over some rules related to photography in Japan, hear about an epic snowboarding trip on Kurodake (one of Hokkaido's tallest mountains), and discuss a Yale professor's comments that seemed to suggest elderly people in[...]
Matt, Ben, and Burke discuss useful phrases for meeting Japanese people based on an article from Jobs in Japan. They also review the recently completed 73rd Sapporo Snow Festival, gross crimes occurring at conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan, and Japanese crime bosses living in the Philippine jail system.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance[...]
Special guest Miyoko returns to the pod. We discuss the current issues facing Japan such as the shrinking population, resistance to change, the Japanese youth, and much much more. Enjoy!Miyoko's previous episode:What do Japanese people think of Japanese stereotypesSponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made[...]
Ben and Matt talk about the 10 best things to experience in Japan.Check out the previous episodes mentioned in the show:Can Sumo Wrestling make a ComebackBecoming a Japanese Tea Ceremony MasterSponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular[...]
Ben and Matt talk about what they did for New Year's and discuss 10 things that Japanese do at this special time.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers[...]
Burke is back with Ben and Matt for the annual Japan quiz. Can you do better than Ben or Burke? Let us know! Enjoy the show and Happy New Year!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and[...]
Special guest Matt Cotter, a lecturer from New Zealand who teaches Indigenous studies including Ainu and Maori culture joins Ben and Matt and the show. We talk about Matt’s Maori heritage, how he became interested in Ainu culture, learning Ainu language, what the Japanese Government are doing for the Ainu, and much much more.If you want[...]
Ben gives Matt a quiz to test his knowledge about Japanese Onsens. Play along and see if you can do better than Matt. Enjoy the show!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic[...]
Ben and Matt talk about the best 10 ski resorts in Japan.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking[...]
Ben and Matt discuss some ways to save money when visiting or living in Japan. These include using the 100 yen shops, making use of point cards, eating cheaply, and much more.Help support us at:https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanSponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A[...]
Ben and Matt discuss some of important things to consider before you come to Japan. Those include masks, vegans having trouble finding vegan food, intimidating toilets and much more.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique[...]
On this Halloween special , Ben and Matt discuss some of the scariest places in Japan. Some of these places can be visited if you dare. You can read more about them by clicking here. Ben also shares some famous ghost stories from Japan (one of which our recording mysteriously stopped halfway through...) plus much[...]
Ben and Matt talk about the Ainu, Japan's indigenous people. They discuss their past struggles, being finally recognized as an indigenous people by the Japanese government in 2019, places in Hokkaido with Ainu names, and much more.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled[...]
On this episode we are joined by local Sapporo business owner, Gareth. We discuss how to go about starting your own business in Japan, how to start out and some of the do's and don'ts! We also talk about what it's like to run a bar and the good points and bad points of owning[...]
Ben and Matt talk about the controversy surrounding former Prime minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral and why many Japanese are not happy about it. They also discuss Japan opening up its borders to tourists from October 11, 2022. Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft[...]
In this episode we are joined by special guest, Jon. Together we chat about what it's like to teach at a Japanese high school. We offer insight into the differences between Japanese high schools and high schools back in our own countries. We look at club activities, high school uniforms, bullying, discipline, plus a lot[...]
Ben and Matt talk about some of the best places, off the beaten track, to visit in Hokkaido. These include Erimo, Notsuke, Rausu, Mizunashi Kaihin hot spring and more!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique[...]
On this episode, Ben and Matt discuss the annual Obon event. The visitation of spirits coming home. What do people typically do during this time? And why do people avoid the ocean during Obon? They also discuss the good times and bad times of the increasing popularity of glamping! Plus the government trying to get[...]
On today’s episode Ben, Burke and Matt discuss the good and bad points about working at an Eikaiwa (English conversation school) in Japan.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available.[...]
Ben and Burke (Matt is away somewhere searching for truffles) talk about some trends that visitors may notice when coming to Japan in 2022. These include men's short pants (or trousers), oatmeal, canned sweets, truffle flavoured everything, and more.Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made[...]
This is the first episode we'll be releasing in a series about teaching English in Japan - a very popular subject! In this episode, we give an overview of the different English teaching jobs that are available (JET Program, eikaiwa, private ALT companies, university teaching, etc.), the most popular and recommended teaching organizations and companies,[...]
On this episode, we talk about the shocking assassination of Japan's former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, who was arguably still Japan's most powerful political figure. While new details continue to emerge regarding the motive of the man who shot Mr. Abe, Tetsuya Yamagami, we look at the information that was available at the time of[...]
The effeminate style of young men seen in Japan and other Asian countries these days was not something that Matt, Ben, and Burke would see when they were in their home countries. Since last year, Beijing has started cracking down on effeminate male performers in China's entertainment industry, attributing the rise of "unmanly men" on[...]
Despite Japan being the best place to live in the world, there are some negatives, and perhaps part of the most infamous of those is all the red tape and cumbersome processes that one is certain to encounter multiple times per year. Matt details the very exciting experience (sarcasm intended) of renewing his drivers license[...]
Summers in Japan equal festival season, and after a 2-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, many events have restarted from this year. Matt, Ben, and Burke take a look at some of the popular festivals in Sapporo city that have already taken place or are currently underway, including the Yosakoi Festival, Hokkaido University Festival,[...]
Prices for as many as 10,000 food items in Japan will be going up an average of 13% this year! Matt, Ben, and Burke take a look at the affected items they buy in their daily lives, the "shrinkflation" tricks food establishments are relying on to survive, and the ways their eating and drinking habits[...]
Starting from June 10th, overseas tourists will be allowed back into Japan!!! Well ... kind of. A very limited number of groups chaperoned under very specific schedules will be able to enjoy tightly controlled tour packages. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan was throwing all its weight into reaching a lofty goal of having 60 million[...]
Boom! The podcast is back for its second season, with a little surprise! The boys start off by catching up on what they've been up to, including a Friday the 13th visit to a haunted school in Bibai, Hokkaido - ranked as one of Japan's Top 10 haunted locations. They pay respect to Kane Tanaka[...]
Matt joins Ben and Burke for the season finale. He shares his horrid experience of being injured on a ski slope. The guys also discuss some recent news topics which include foreign residents being stopped by the police, the Fuji Rock festival returning after a 2 year lay off, and much more.We thank everyone so[...]
Ben's friend Miyoko joins the podcast to have a look at some stereotypes about Japanese people that many Japanese hate! Are all Japanese people polite? Are Japanese women subservient and docile? Do all Japanese students study hard? And are Japanese people hiding their true feelings? Listen to the opinions of Ben, Burke, and Miyoko on[...]
There was a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, on March 16, that hit the same area as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Therefore, we thought it would be a good time to talk about preparing for the next earthquake in Japan. Ben and Burke share some useful resources and phone numbers, what items to stockpile at[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke take a look at things people thought were true about Japan and then found out weren't. Japan Today recently asked this as a question on their Facebook page, and people expressed surprise at things related to technology, food quality, treatment of foreigners and each other, and much more!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated[...]
There are many things that are well-known about Japan. For example, trains are the most punctual in the world, the country has one of the highest proportions of elderly people, Japanese people are interested in your blood type, just to name a few. However, there are some things that many people are not aware about.[...]
Ben and Burke discuss a number of symbolic animals in Japanese culture, including butterflies ("cho-cho"), frogs ("kaeru"), cranes ("tsuru"), turtles ("kame"), cats ("neko"), and many others! To their surprise, only a portion of the symbolism was known by the Japanese people they checked with. Listen now to find out more about which animals symbolize luck,[...]
Back in December 2021, Macdonald’s restaurant in Japan suspended sales of all French fry orders except smalls due to a problem with its potato imports. Japan get their fries imported from the U.S. and Covid-19 has resulted in supply issues. Following this other competitors such as Freshness Burger and Mos Burger got in on the[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke attempt to figure out how nuance in used in the Japanese language. Unfortunately, despite their best attempts, they might have been more confused about how words are used in Japanese by the end of the episode. Listen to hear how they struggle with understanding nuance as they try to[...]
A recent survey was conducted asking 500 married Japanese men and women what they missed most about being single. Ben and Burke discuss some of the reasons why they missed single life compared to being married. Enjoy the show!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made[...]
Japan has been getting slammed with winter weather across the country since the beginning of the new year, and over two hundred people in Tokyo went to the hospital last week with injuries related to the snow and ice. Ben and Burke take a look at what it takes to survive the winter weather in[...]
Special Host Matt joins Ben and Burke for the annual end of year Japan quiz. Matt hits Ben and Burke with questions about events and incidents that occurred in 2021. Join in and see if you can do better than the podcast hosts. It’s the first episode since the pandemic for the guys to record in[...]
It's that time of year again when expats in Japan do their best to recreate the Christmas spirit if they are stuck here for the holidays. Given that another Covid wave has started to kick up across the globe, chances are many foreigners will not be celebrating with their extended families in their home countries.[...]
It’s Bonenkai season and time to go drinking with friends and co-workers. Due to Covid, last year’s end of the year party season was cancelled, but things have much improved in Japan, so small groups are heading back into the bars. If you visit Japan, you will be surprised with the drinking culture here. Ben[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke take a close look at whether or not living expenses in Japan are higher than in other countries. Japan certainly seems to have a reputation of being an expensive country, and in one of the articles the guys look at, Americans say that they were surprised at how much[...]
Why in a country where gambling and prostitution is illegal will you often see horse racing events on TV, or bright pink fluorescent lights offering “love parlours”? The Japanese are notorious for finding loopholes to avoid breaking any laws, and Ben and Burke do a deep dive into how some industries manage this. Previous Episodes[...]
As the year 2021 winds down, nominations have been released in Japan for newly coined expressions and trendy slang words from various sources. Ben and Burke review some of the top nominations. While they recognize some of the words related to popular TV shows and social issues, they were seeing many of them for the[...]
Following the horrific incident in Tokyo on Halloween night, when a guy dressed up as the joker, Batman's nemesis, attacked people with a knife and set alight a fire in a subway, Ben thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss some notable crimes that have happened in Japan. It's kind of a bleak[...]
It's always best to know some of the local customs and laws if you are traveling or moving to another country. But what about laws that are so strange you wonder if they can actually be true or are ever enforced? With Japan now introducing new guidelines for residents to enjoy going out to restaurants[...]
October 14 was the day that restrictions were lifted in restaurants and bars, so people can finally go out to eat and get lashed again !No more drinking until 7pm and going home at 9 o clock. Hoooray! But, you still gotta wear a mask!When going to restaurants in Japan, you will come across some[...]
Fan favorite Matt (from Australia) joins Ben and Burke to discuss his recent motorbike trip around Hokkaido. Despite the trip being cut short by bad weather and a modeling gig that came up, he describes some amazing spots he was able to see in eastern Hokkaido, and then gives details on the strange things that[...]
Sadly, it's officially the end of summer. However, the good news is we are coming into one of our favourite seasons in Japan, so we thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss the best and worst times to visit this country. We talk about golden week, Autumn Fest, Halloween, winter around Japan, the[...]
Anywhere you live in the world will have its negative points, and Japan is no exception. Ben and Burke review things about Japan that tourists, new residents, and perhaps even long-term residents might have issues with. Those include cultural differences in eating habits, natural disasters and regional instability, ever-present English problems, toilet troubles, gaijin enemies,[...]
It is coming up to Burke's 20th year of living in Japan. That's almost half of his life, and for me, I have just passed the 14 year mark, so we thought that it would be the perfect time to talk about the main reasons that have kept us in Japan for such a long[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke closely look at a few different Japanese behaviors and customs, including the proper way of eating white rice, being mindful of others and not disturbing them on public transportation, the difference between shrines and temples, and much more. They discuss these topics while reviewing an article on Japan Wonder[...]
Are you visiting or have just moved to Sapporo? Ben and Burke talk about some of the best spots to visit in the city, from the perspective of locals (i.e. Ben and Burke), so the places mentioned in this episode are not the usual recommendations that you would find on the web, so hopefully some[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke look at the Japanese versions of some of their favorite foods from back home. An interesting one that often comes up amongst foreigners in Japan is Japanese pizza, but they also discuss Japanese curry versus Indian curry, Chinese food in Japan, various cheeses are that aren't quite cheese, American[...]
The summer is here and it has been one of the hottest summers yet. There was a crazy two week heatwave with daily temperatures of over 30 degrees that has just ended in spectacular fashion with a 10 degree temperature drop down to around 20 degrees with non-stop heavy rain. The weather is very strange[...]
The Tokyo Olympics are now in their second week after getting started under a large cloud of multiple controversies, most notable being Japan going ahead with the games despite a worsening local situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, there has been a lot of excitement on the ground, albeit somewhat muted against a backdrop of[...]
Ben and Burke talk about shopping in Japan. If you are visiting Sapporo or Japan, this could be helpful when looking to buy souvenirs, suits and clothes, electronics, furniture, and much much more. All of the stores we mention are available, not only in Sapporo, but pretty much, all over Japan. Enjoy the show!Previous episodes[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke take a look at how their lives have changed since marrying Japanese women. Were there any surprises after they got married? What are some of the difficult life choices foreign guys might face if they marry a Japanese woman? What do Ben and Burke think will help an international[...]
Japan is hopefully starting to open up to tourism, now that Japan's vaccination program is under way, so if you are planning to visit in the near or not too distant future, there will be some unique challenges that you may come across. The following examples we discuss may help to prepare you for some[...]
On this episode Ben and Burke discuss Japanese superstitions that are weird and eerie, and also ones related to love and romance. Do you know what happens in Japanese culture if you cut your fingernails at night or even whistle at night? Or, what specific locations in Japan can mean the end of your relationship[...]
Matt joins Ben and Burke on the podcast again to talk about drinking in Japan and what differences you can expect compared to your home country when going on a night out. We talk about having a drink whilst bartending, all you can drink plans (nomihodai), being invited for drinks with bosses and co-workers, hostess[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke look at five common sense etiquette in Japan as described in an article from WOW! JAPAN. Those include whether or not you should touch food that is being sold at supermarkets and bakeries, how eating while walking might get you arrested in certain cities, leaving food uneaten at restaurants,[...]
On today’s show Burke and I discuss some rules of etiquette and manners that foreigners should be aware of when working in Japan.Some of the ones we talk about are how to deal with Meishi or business card, what shoes to wear and when, accepting invitations from colleagues, taking holidays, and much much more.Enjoy the[...]
Japanese hot spring baths ("onsen") are one of the best parts of Japanese culture. If you live here in the country or ever plan to visit, enjoying an onsen is a must. On this episode Ben and Burke discuss the top 5 things to keep in mind when you go to an onsen, including proper[...]
Chris Carlier, a British writer/illustrator in Tokyo who blogs about Japanese mascot characters joins Ben and Burke on the podcast. He has appeared in articles and interviews for CNN, Vice, GQ magazine, The BBC, and The New York Times, just to name a few.We delve deep into this unique world where there are some very[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke discuss the ways that living in Japan has changed them while reviewing the opinions in an article by TimeOut Tokyo. Everyone's English seems to change to some degree by living in Japan, especially if you work for any amount of time as an English teacher, but how about alcohol[...]
Dreux Richard, author of the book Every Human Intention, joins us on the show. He is an American writer, journalist, and literary translator. From 2011 to 2016, he covered Japan’s African community for The Japan Times, mainly befriending and following Nigerians in Tokyo. Richard talks about the people he met, their way of life working[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke explore the friendships they have formed with Japanese people over their combined 33 years in the country. They compare their experiences with the opinions in a JapanToday article that laments about five reasons foreigners find it hard to become friends with Japanese people. Some of those reasons include always[...]
Ben and Burke talk about the unique outlook that the Japanese have on dating. What are some things to expect when dating a Japanese person and how can you avoid conflict? We cover the amount of messaging each other, frequency of dates, preferring couple time over group gatherings, meeting the parents, and much much more.Previous[...]
Ben and Burke discuss the myriad laws for bicycling in Japan, which very few people know well, and almost everyone ignores. How many of the laws do you know, and are you aware of the very stiff penalties (including jail time!) that can be applied? Do you agree with the reasons for why Ben and[...]
Robin joins the show to talk about Japanese cinema. He did a masters in Japanese Culture Studies and wrote his thesis on the style of Japanese cinema and we get into all of that and much much more in this episode. He also writes a blog, Japanese Cinema Archives, reviewing Japanese movies and anime, which[...]
Jayne Nakata from New Zealand joins this episode, which coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disasters. Jayne has lived and worked in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture for nearly 20 years, and she details her experience of being in Iwaki when those disasters occurred in[...]
Canadian Randy Channell Soei, a Japanese tea master, joins the podcast. He is based in Kyoto and has been a master in tea ceremony for over 20 years. He was also featured in an article for CNN and Youtube about Japanese traditions leading to intercultural exchange. If you want to learn about Japanese tea check[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke review Japanese words and concepts that almost anyone can relate to as mentioned in an article by Time Out Tokyo. Some of the words you might hear daily in Japan like "shouganai" (a phrase meaning "it can't be helped") and "otsukare" (a greeting or farewell[...]
Maneesh, the founder of Atha Yoga joins the podcast to talk about all things Yoga and shares his experience of the corporate world in Japan. Maneesh worked for Goldman Sachs in Tokyo and Hong Kong. He then left for India to pursue further studies in yoga. He returned to Japan in 2009 and has since[...]
On this very fun episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke look at Japan’s most popular snacks as voted on by 14,000 Japanese citizens on a special TV program broadcasted in July 2020. The voters were asked to choose their favorite snacks amongst 4,500 products, and the results were tabulated to show the top[...]
Have you been living in Japan for a while? On today’s show we talk about the things you do without thinking or that seem so natural to you, because you have been living in Japan for a while now, that you don’t think twice about them. It's only when you go for a visit back[...]
Kayoko Mitsumatsu joins Ben and Burke to share her experiences working as a producer and director at NHK (Japan's national broadcaster) and at the Embassy of Japan in London, and to also share the very encouraging and inspirational story behind the mission of Yoga Gives Back. It is a non-profit organization that Kayoko founded in[...]
Ben and Burke discuss five ridiculous misconceptions that foreigners have about Japan. For example, all Japanese live in wooden houses and there are still samurai warriors and geisha everywhere in Japan. Other things that the hosts talk about include going to Round 1 (a popular sports and entertainment centre in Japan) to tackle the ninja[...]
Alexander Bennett from Kyoto joins Ben and Burke to share the wisdom he has gained about Japanese culture, and also himself, after having lived in the country for over 30 years. Alex is a professor at Kansai University, holds two PhDs in bushido-related subjects, has appeared in an NHK documentary on Miyamoto Musashi, and has[...]
Special guest Matt returns on the podcast to congratulate Ben and Burke on their 100th episode! For this special show, Matt made a quiz to test the hosts' knowledge of the year 2020 in Japan. Some of the questions asked were; When was the first reported COVID case in Japan? How old was the oldest[...]
David McNeill joins Ben and Burke to introduce Expat Empire - a company he created that is focused on inspiring people to live abroad and showing them how they can do it. Before moving abroad, David developed in his career first to enable more working options once he made it to countries outside of the[...]
Dr. Ken Atchity is an American movie and TV producer, writer, author, columnist, and has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Yale University. He has had nearly 50 years experience in publishing, and 25 years in entertainment. His passion in life is to find great storytellers and turn them into bestselling authors and screenwriters. One of[...]
Back by popular demand, Yumi joins Ben and Burke to discuss things you might only see in Japan. The conversation starts off innocent enough covering overpriced fruit and a hideous crime recently committed against such fruit. But it quickly devolves into a discussion about monster-sized shochu jugs, "kitchen drunks," the appeal of maid cafes and[...]
Tomoko, a manager at BearFoot Bar in downtown Sapporo, where we also recorded this episode, joins us on the podcast to talk about some stereotypes of Japanese women, such as wearing makeup from an early age, knowing how to cook, wearing short skirts in winter, and more. Tomoko is originally from Ibaraki, lived and worked[...]
Albert Weiland (aka @aruchansensei on TikTok) is a comedian with Yoshimoto Kogyo - a major entertainment conglomerate and the employer of most of Japan's popular comedy talent. Albert was able to join Yoshimoto after winning a series of comedy competitions in Sapporo, and in this episode he enlightens Ben and Burke about life as an[...]
There are a lot interesting words and phrases in the Japanese language that don't really exist in the English language. For example, "Koyo", which is a word to mean the autumn leaves changing colour. The Japanese also like to create words that represent sounds and emotions, called Onomatopoeia (Jiyongo / gidaigo) that for non-native Japanese[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke review Tsunagu Japan's list of recommended activities people should do while visiting Japan. That includes visiting temples, shrines, castles, doing purikura, riding bullet trains, eating conveyor belt sushi, karaoke, and much more, along with specific activities for Sapporo, such as Shiroi Koibito Park.Thanks to our[...]
Ben and Burke discuss some of the interesting types of Japanese people that foreigners may come across while living in Japan. They only really account for about 10% of the population so are rare, but when they do appear, it leaves a memorable impression. Some of these types include The Gaijin Hunter, the Helpful Hito,[...]
How do you convince timid Japanese customers to become regulars at an international pub? Mike, the manager of Bearfoot Bar in Sapporo, joins Ben and Burke to share the trials and successes he and the staff at the bar have had in attracting the domestic Japanese crowd, which is basically the only customer base available[...]
What are some of the benefits of being foreign when living or visiting Japan? Ben and Burke talk about some of the things that foreigners can get away with, such as not working overtime, being able to shirk Japanese social responsibilities, making rude and stupid remarks to Japanese people, having much younger or older partners,[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke look back at things that surprised them when they arrived in Japan, as well as things that are still surprising to them today. Some of those are fashion trends, such as high school girls getting frost burn on their legs from wearing short skirts in the dead of winter[...]
Lawrie from Scotland, a Karate practioner, joins Ben and Burke on the podcast to talk about martial arts. We talk about Karate, wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jujitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, Kendo, what got the guys into martial arts, Lawrie doing Karate as a kid in Scotland, Burke wrestling in the US, Burke meeting Royce Gracie as a[...]
Author Michael Howard joins Voices in Japan again following the release of the hysterically funny manga version of The Salaryman available at thesalarymanbook.com. The digital comic book is a collaboration between Mike and Reina (a Japanese illustrator) that highlights Mike's experiences living in Japan and working as a businessman in the Japanese corporate world. Needless[...]
Damian "Hippy" Keyte joins Ben and Burke on the podcast. Originally trained as a Manufacturing Jeweller and designer, Damian (or Hippy, as he is known to his friends), has spent the past two and-a-half decades continuously retraining himself in a wide variety of creative trades. From an underwater film maker, to a carpenter and plasterer in[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan we are joined by Jenifer, owner of Reza Wood Designs, a company that takes recycled whiskey barrels from Scotland’s great distilleries and transforms them into gifts and furniture.Get 15% off any product available in Reza Wood Designs online shop, using the promo code: VOICESINJAPAN valid for 1 month[...]
On this episode, Japanese Comedian Meshida gives Ben and Burke a lesson on the different levels of sex establishments in Japan. Meshida quit his job at an Internet company several years ago to start honing is comedic skills in the United Kingdom, and he is now back in Japan doing stand-up comedy and producing a[...]
Ben and Burke are joined by Sapporo local Aaron, who owns and runs a car dealership called Ace Auto Japan based in Ebetsu, Hokkaido.We talk about many things, including how he got into the car dealing business and starting his own company, Ben’s short experience of working in the Japanese car export business, Japanese car[...]
Ben and Burke take on the controversial topic of zoos, aquariums, and pet life in Japan. Yes, neither one of these clowns is an expert on the subject by any measure, and their home countries (especially the US) definitely cannot serve as models that Japan should follow. However, in general, there seems to be a[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke discuss the Obon holiday in Japan and all things related to this special occasion.They start off by chatting about Ben’s stay at Furukawa Onsen in Jozankei using the GoTo Travel campaign, and also Burke’s visit to Takino Suzuran park. Then they move on to talk about traditional Obon customs,[...]
Ben and Burke are joined again by Matt, who first made an appearance on the very early episode "Lights, Camera, Action!" about breaking into the entertainment industry in Japan. The discussions on this episode cover road rage, accidents, annoying behaviors on the road, getting your motorcycle license in Japan, and much much more!Support the showUse[...]
On today's show, Ben and Burke discuss the GoTo Travel campaign that the government has introduced to encourage domestic travel and help boost local businesses due to the Corona virus pandemic. The Japanese government will provide subsidies of up to 50 percent on costs for hotels, transportations, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions within Japan. The guys[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke are joined by Ido Gabay, who is the founder of Hokkaido Nature Tours. They are a Sapporo-based award winning company that specializes in private tours in Japan's largest prefecture, Hokkaido. Our conversation with Ido provides an intimate look at his background starting from the time[...]
On today’s show we are joined by the author of The Salaryman, Michael Howard. It’s a very humorous and entertaining book about Michael’s experiences and observations of working at a number of Japanese companies over 9 years. We talk about some of the things from the book such as, the interview process, interesting colleagues, fooling[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Bryan from Tokyo joins Ben and Burke to talk about his experience of living in Japan for over 20 years, with the majority of his time spent in Tokyo. Bryan first came to Japan as a missionary for his church, then as a college student in Fukui on[...]
Today, we are joined by Yuka, who shares her experiences of living in America, Tokyo, and Sapporo. We talk about the things she likes and dislikes about each place, strangers talking to her in supermarkets in America, working in a bakery in Michigan, seeing and approaching celebrities in Japan, being able to visit restaurants in[...]
Merrick from Los Angeles joins Ben and Burke to discuss the ebook that he has created, Hacking Tokyo - the definitive "Quick Start Guide" to Tokyo and Japan in English, no language classes required! Merrick details what brought him to Tokyo, the advantages he enjoyed working in a unique tech company, and the reasons why[...]
Ben and Burke are joined again by Gareth, who owns a few businesses in Hokkaido, to discuss new habits and lifestyle changes in Sapporo that will remain as Japan starts to ease the restrictions that were introduced due to coronavirus. What new hygiene and daily habits have the boys picked up? What is Ben's new[...]
Today, we are joined by Matt from America. He shares his story of coming to Japan and living in Sapporo, which he did for a few years, before heading back to the US for graduate school to study law, and then returning to Japan, Tokyo to work as a lawyer, after which he moved back[...]
Sam from England joins Ben and Burke to compare her experiences as an English teacher in the early 2000s and as a mother being pressured in recent years by her Japanese in-laws on how she should be raising her children. The two periods of her life have varied greatly despite both being connected to Japan[...]
Today, special guest Keiko joins Ben and Burke on the podcast. She talks about the #kutoo movement, which was about women opposing the need for wearing high heels in the work place, and happened towards the end of 2019. She shares her insights into the impact that #kutoo has had on the working environment for[...]
On this episode of the Voices in Japan podcast, Ben and Burke are joined for a second time by Harry, who is an interpreter with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo - a J1 professional football (soccer) club in Japan. Harry details how the club started to learn about the coronavirus as they were just getting started with[...]
Today we talk about Japanese gadgets. Now, many people who have never been to japan have this image that japan has all these wacky gadgets. If you search the internet you’ll often come across sites showing all these weird looking contraptions. But, in reality, Japanese people don’t use hardly any of them, especially the ones[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke are joined by a listener in Vancouver, Peter Ahluwalia, who has traveled to Japan five times for vacation. He provides a lot of helpful tips for planning a trip to Japan (using the subreddit about Japan travel), choosing accommodations (HostelWorld), finding food choices (Gurunavi and[...]
On todays show we have three special guests. Eric, who has joined us twice before, in the episodes talking about Halloween in Japan and theme parks in Japan. Also, Matt who was on the podcast to talk about his modelling and entertainment career, and finally Gareth. It’s his first time to join us and he[...]
On this episode of the Voices in Japan podcast, our hosts Ben and Burke take a look at some of the positives in their lives that have resulted from situation that has been created by the coronavirus.Topics include Ben's improved cooking of Japanese food thanks to a cooking YouTube channel he has been learning from,[...]
Burke and Ben share some of their gripes, annoyances, and frustrating experiences of living in Japan. They talk about being annoyed with certain foods, such as how the Japanese have ruined pizza with tuna, sweetcorn, and other toppings that should never be allowed anywhere near a pizza. Ben shares a story of his only confrontation,[...]
On this episode of the Voices in Japan podcast, Ben and Burke discuss some of the behaviors of Japanese people that you would normally not see in Western countries. Why do people loiter in the magazine section of convenience stores freely reading the magazines? With Japan having a very trustworthy culture, is it rude to[...]
Today, Ben and Burke share some fun and interesting facts about Japan. We found a list of 40 facts about Japan and the Japanese, and selected some that we thought would be interesting to chat about. We talk about the suicide forest, ghosts, the number of people aged over 100 years old, train delay times,[...]
On this episode of the podcast, Ben and Burke take a look at some common myths about Japan. Is it easy for overseas visitors to travel around the country? Is the world-famous Kobe beef the best and most delicious beef in the country? Is the very popular cherry blossom season the ideal time to visit[...]
Mike from New Zealand and Tomoko from Japan join the podcast for the second time. On today's show they talk about their 6 month trip, in 2019, through all 47 prefectures in Japan. We talk about the amazing free campsites that they found online, working at a hotel for 2 months, favourite places they visited,[...]
On this episode of the Voices in Japan podcast, Ben and Burke are joined by Mike from New Zealand and Tomoko from Japan. While neither one of them is originally from Hokkaido, they are managing the Rusutsu Lodges (a pension-style accommodation at the Rusutsu Ski Resort.) Mike and Tomoko introduce the area, which is one[...]
Yuki joins us again to talk about the senpai-kohai system. This senior-junior culture, underlies practically all relationships in Japanese society such as schools, offices, clubs, organizations and almost any other setting where groups are involved. Who is the senpai and who is the kohai is determined by the time you enter an organization. It is[...]
After the governor of Hokkaido announces a state of emergency in the prefecture due to the worsening situation with the novel coronavirus, Ben and Burke take a look at the actual reaction they are seeing from the people in Sapporo, and the way that the virus has been affecting Japan overall. Who knew toilet paper[...]
Do Japanese people eat sushi every day? Do they all enjoy eating whale meat and dolphins? Does everyone in Japan know martial arts? On this episode, Ben and Burke are joined by Yuki to discuss several stereotypes about Japanese people, and to look at some of the stereotypes that Japanese people have about foreigners based[...]
Ben and Burke discuss the rules for a first date based on articles written by Japanese people, a survey of Japanese women, and their own personal experiences with dating in Japan. Topics covered include best locations for a first date, can you expect a kiss, when do things become official, and when do people normally[...]
Wasei-eigo are English words (but not really), and could also be referred to as Japlish. They are words created in Japan, and are therefore only really understood by Japanese people (unless you learn them!). However, Japanese people think they are authentic English words, even the ones that are borrowed from other languages. So be careful.[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke discuss overtourism in Japan.Tourism in Japan has boomed in recent years. In 2017, it had the highest growth in tourist arrivals, outpacing Vietnam, Chile, and Thailand, with the Chinese being the largest group of visitors. This large influx of travellers has brought some positives to[...]
On this episode of Voices in Japan, Ben and Burke discuss Carlos Ghosn's escape from what he has referred to as Japan's "hostage justice system." In what can only be described as a spectacular fall from the highest level of business fame in Japan over two decades, Mr. Ghosn was out on bail, living in[...]
WARNING!: This episode contains content of a sexual nature. Parental guidance is advised.Sadly, this week Ben’s co-host Burke caught a virus and has lost his voice, so he is absent. However, Ben is joined by special guest, Yumi, who has been on the podcast before in the episode, “Yumi shares the truth about fitness and[...]
Toshi from Tokyo (and now a Sapporo resident) joins Ben and Burke again to discuss growing up in Japan, including spending a year as a "Ronin" student, and the various jobs that he has had during his life. Working as a salaryman or company employee did not fit him, so he has experienced the construction[...]
On this episode, Ben and Burke discuss the way that Christmas is celebrated in Japan, including food (Kentucky Fried Chicken and Christmas cakes), Christmas being an event for lovers more so than families, working on Christmas day, Christmas lights and illuminations around the city, and much much more!Support the showWebsite:http://podcast.voicesinjapan.comFollow us and check out our[...]
Special guest Toshi joins the podcast to discuss some of the reasons for why Japanese people are struggling to find a life partner, such as social attitudes and economic pressures. Topics that are covered include "parasite singles" (those who stay at home and live off of their parents' income until getting married), gokon (drinking parties[...]
Burke and Ben talk about the new Japanese Emperor, Naruhito, and some of the controversies surrounding him and his family. We discuss The Emperor's enthronement, which was on October 22, 2019, and some issues that the royal family have encountered, such as the next heir to the throne, the debate about having a female Empress,[...]
Our podcasters, Ben and Burke, discuss celebrity scandals that have made the news in Japan recently and drug use in the country. The news stories include the recent murder of a high ranking Yakuza gang member, a famous comedian on the popular Netflix show Terrace House getting in trouble for tax evasion, the arrest of[...]
Between the two hosts, Ben and Burke, they have pretty much tried and tested every kind of Japanese food there is. On today's show we talk about some of the strangest and most unique food that Japan has to offer, such as Natto (fermented bean curd), whale meat, raw chicken, fugu (blow fish), and much[...]
Have you lived in Japan for a long time and still find it difficult to get used to some mannerisms or characteristics that are part of the culture? Our podcasters, Ben and Burke, discuss some of those that they may never become comfortable with no matter how long they live here, including behavior around the[...]
Alex from England and avid fan of sumo wrestling joins your hosts, Ben and Burke, on the show today. We talk about many things such as the rules of the sport, salary and pay, scandals, the popularity of the sport, and much much much more!As mentioned in today’s show, there is a documentary, by the[...]
Alex from England joins Ben and Burke to discuss all things related to Japanese music. He is a musician and a fan of various types of Japanese music, and in this episode, we cover Japanese pop music, rock music, concerts and rock festivals in Japan, song lyrics, karaoke, snack bars, and much much more! Check[...]
We welcome back Eric, who was our special guest on the Halloween episode and a long time resident of Sapporo, Japan. Theme parks are very popular in Japan for families and couples, even good for date spots, if you are that way inclined. We share our experiences of visiting some of the major amusement parks in[...]
With October coming to a close, the atmosphere in Japan is building up to one of the favorite events for adults in the country - Halloween! While it is very rare to see kids trick-or-treating in the streets, adults in Japan can enjoy costume parties at clubs in the city and even in the streets. [...]
There’s been a lot of confusion as the tax on some goods have increased to 10% but some have not. Also, some companies have decided to absorb the tax increase into their pricing, while other companies have used the timing of the tax increase to significantly raise their own prices, such as Japan Rail Hokkaido. [...]
On this episode, our podcasters discuss funerals in Japan, including the expenses incurred, influence of Buddhism, the common custom of cremations at Japanese funerals, and much much more. Enjoy the show!Support the showWebsite:http://podcast.voicesinjapan.comFollow us and check out our other content:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/Get in touch: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
The Japanese are world renowned to be very kind and helpful, but are they really? This is what we discuss in today’s episode. We share some of our experiences and observations of Japanese people being unkind and rude.We also talk about some common scams that happen, some of which can happen to tourists too, so[...]
Japan has some of the strictest garbage separation rules in the world - all for the sake of recycling. Or...so it seems. Japan's method of recycling plastic does not exactly align with what other countries consider to be recycling, and we explore that difference in this episode, along with the unbelievable level of plastic usage[...]
Yuki joins us on the podcast again to share her insights about the Japanese diet. We compare Japanese and Western diets, talk about home cooking, and how the Japanese diet is becoming less healthy.We also discuss the five biggest differences between Japanese and Western diets. Enjoy the show!Support the podcast by making a donation.Website:http://podcast.voicesinjapan.comFollow us[...]
How does the purpose for a Japanese person going abroad affect their lifestyle while overseas? Do all Japanese people struggle with readjusting to their culture after returning to Japan? On this episode, our podcasters explore these topics with their good friend Yuki, who has lived in Canada, USA, and The Netherlands. Also, Ben and[...]
We conclude our conversation with Jamie Coventry about all things rugby in Japan. Among other things, we talk about the quality of Japanese rugby and how it has improved significantly over the years. We also get into an interesting chat about head trauma in rugby and other sports such as American football and MMA. Jamie[...]
Excitement continues to build in Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 20! Games will be held at 12 locations across the country, with the final match taking place on November 2 in Yokohama.Jamie Coventry from New Zealand joins the podcast in this two-part episode to give his insights on[...]
Jordan, a former resident of Sapporo and friend of the podcasters from California, joins this episode to interview four groups of young Japanese women at the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden – Japan’s largest outdoor beer garden taking place for one month during the summer with seats for 13,000 people! Listen now to find out the[...]
On today’s show we conclude the conversation we had with Harry Bissell about his life working as an interpreter for Japanese professional football club, Consadole Sapporo.We also go off on a bit of tangent and get into Harry’s experience in preparing for and fighting in amateur mixed martial arts and boxing in Japan. Enjoy the[...]
Harry is an interpreter for the J1 league football club Consadole Sapporo in Hokkaido. He gives us his insights on what life is like being part of a Japanese professional football team. Among the many things that we discuss, Harry shares with us the differences of football in the Japanese league compared to European leagues, how[...]
Japan is facing critical population-related problems. Most notably, it has an aging population due to a declining birth rate. As a result, people in the country are growing increasingly concerned about the future of Japan, the stability of its social insurance programs and, believe it or not, whether or not the Japanese race itself will[...]
Japan ranked 7th in the Bloomberg Health Care Efficiency Index in 2018. This index sought to rank countries that provided the most cost efficient medical care. Ben’s home country, the U.K., ranked 35th, whereas Burke’s, the U.S., was in 50th place. (Fees in Japan are controlled and set every two years based on negotiations between[...]
Over the years, there have been many TV dramas and movies about Yakuza (organized crime syndicates originating in Japan) that often times romanticize membership in the organizations. While Yakuza have a negative reputation in general, it is not uncommon to come to know a current or former member of one of the clans if you[...]
Dual nationality has been in the news lately. The professional tennis player, Naomi Osaka is about to reach her 22nd birthday, when she will have to decide (by Japanese law) which citizenship to have, Japanese or American. We have a very interesting, albeit sensitive, conversation about mixed race issues, citizenship, and national identity. Enjoy!Conversation highlights:A[...]
Japan is undoubtedly a leader when it comes to technology development, from high quality electronic devices to robots and machines that are widely used in manufacturing plants around the world. However, in everyday life in Japan, it is not uncommon to see certain technologies that one may remember from the 1990's or early 2000's in[...]
Japan’s hospitality has the reputation of being second to none, but is this really true? Can Japanese service staff go that extra mile for consumers? What are some of the things that people find disturbing about Japanese hospitality? Listen now for a balanced deconstruction of Japan’s world renowned hospitality!Japanese airlines have amazing hospitality.Restaurant staff in[...]
Japan imports a variety of essentials for modern living, including native English speakers to teach them the language. Some actually arrive into Narita or Haneda Airport with the proper credentials for the job, while others may only be searching for a unique adventure in a foreign land for one or two years. What are the[...]
If you are coming to Japan, are you already set up with a nice living space? Or are you already living in Japan, and have you ever searched for an apartment on your own? What kinds of challenges did you face? Were you treated differently because you were a foreigner?Our podcasters have lived in multiple[...]
There are many quirky things about Japan. On this episode we talk about three such things. You will see people wearing face masks everywhere in Japan. There are a number reasons such as preventing colds, keeping their faces warm, and women sometimes wear them when they cannot be bothered to wear makeup. Even Burke has[...]
If you were living in Japan, would you be interested in being a model or appearing on Japanese television? Do you meet the requirements to make the cut? Entertainment is one industry that foreigners in Japan can explore simply for the novelty of . . . being a foreigner! Listen to Matt explain his experience[...]
Do you know your blood type? Well, if you are visiting or living in Japan, you should. Knowing one’s blood type is common in Japan and the Japanese are very curious to know yours. There are four main types that most people fall into. The most common blood type in Japan is type A and[...]
Are there wedding bells in your future? Marriage is one of life’s most important decisions. While Japanese people celebrate the big day with their own unique traditions, some wedding ceremonies and receptions blend in a few fashionable aspects from western custom. Listen to find out how the bride and groom in Japan survive the grueling[...]
Special guest Yumi joins the guys again to talk about the special 10 day Golden Week holiday. Does she like Golden Week? The Heisei era ends on May 1st and a new emperor will be crowned, beginning the new Reiwa era. Listen to some interesting Golden Week stories in Hokkaido and opinions about the long[...]
Special guest Yumi joins the podcast to give the guys a new perspective on life in Japan. In this episode full of laughs, our podcasters learn about the growing exercise trends taking over the land of the rising sun, and also discover the great lengths to which Japanese women will go to avoid the wrath[...]
Drinking is such a big part of Japanese life. People drink to build relationships with colleagues and business clients, and of course to relieve stress or relax. Many people, especially businessmen, take full advantage of these drinking opportunities often ending the evening with a pavement pizza, and passing out on the streets. We see it[...]
Looking for a career in Japan? Get ready for the crazy welcome parties, off the cuff greetings and farewell speeches, morning stretches, meetings on top of meetings, and the possibility of literally working to death, aka karoshi! Can the government policies being introduced actually reform the challenges affecting Japan's labor force? Find out how our[...]
In uber fashion-conscious Japan, the styles of men and women continue to converge. Did you know that even men are wearing makeup and spending their yen on skincare products? What is driving these trends, and have our podcasters tested their masculinity by taking part? Conversation points:· Getting your forehead shaved at the hair salon[...]
Having lived in Japan for a combined 25 years, how much have our podcasters mastered Japanese? Find out now as they discuss overcoming the struggles of learning kanji, give great advice on studying techniques like finding a Japanese girlfriend or memorizing numerous conversations from textbooks, grinding it out to pass the Japanese proficiency tests, and[...]
Japanese students are mega busy. Many of them go to school 6 days a week! They join school clubs, go to cram school, AND they have homework. It’s not cruisy like their western counterparts.Get in Touch:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/email: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
How is Japan still trying to recover from the 9.0 megaquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant meltdown - a triple disaster that struck on March 11, 2011? Listen now to hear our hosts describe their experience, the ongoing suspicions about the disaster area, and much much more!Get in touch:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/email: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
In September 2018, Hokkaido was hit by the biggest earthquake ever recorded on the Northern Japanese island. 5 months later, another earthquake hits the same area. Burke and Ben share their experiences during those worrying times. Get in touch: https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/ https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/ email: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
The streets are filled with kimono, hakama, and drunk Japanese 20 year olds on Coming of Age Day. But many people question the meaning of this holiday. Find out why in this episode. Support the showWebsite:https://www.voicesinjapan.com/YouTubehttps://youtu.be/G78DxDtFl-wFollow us and check out our other content:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/Get in touch: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
What do you think annoys Japanese people on the subway? In Japan, there is a lot of things and some of them are not so obvious, such as doing make up. Ben bets with Burke that he can guess what the Japanese find most offensive when riding the subway. Who will win? Support the showWebsite:https://www.voicesinjapan.com/YouTubehttps://youtu.be/G78DxDtFl-wFollow us[...]
Discover the unique twist to how Japanese people celebrate February 14th, and enjoy hearing how these expats first encountered romance upon arriving in Japan. Support the showWebsite:https://www.voicesinjapan.com/YouTubehttps://youtu.be/G78DxDtFl-wFollow us and check out our other content:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/Get in touch: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the Show.
The Japanese mystique - what makes foreigners stay? There are myriad reasons, ranging from broad to highly specific. For Burke and Ben hot water surging from the earth, beautiful women, and universal access to clean toilets were three primary features to Japan’s allure. Support the showWebsite:https://www.voicesinjapan.com/YouTubehttps://youtu.be/G78DxDtFl-wFollow us and check out our other content:https://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/Get in touch: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport[...]

Discover what everyday life in Japan is REALLY like! Weekly podcast episodes with half-Japanese/half-American Burke (20 years in Japan), Ben from England (15 years in Japan), and Matt from Australia (18 years in Japan). All three of them are based in Hokkaido, which is Japan’s #1 domestic travel destination! These guys and their guests share their experiences with dating, marriage, working at Japanese companies, teaching at all education levels, traditions, martial arts, the struggles of life here, and the reasons why Japan is truly an amazing place to be living!

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