Finding Japan

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A audio and video podcast blog about learning and living in Japan started by a then late-20s IT and international business professional. As his career grows, so does his experiences and friends. As he enters his 40s, Christopher then shares the stage with his close friend Terrance to continue the jo…

Christopher S.

  • Jan 22, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
  • infrequent NEW EPISODES
  • 26m AVG DURATION
  • 105 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Finding Japan

Black Passenger Crossing the Bridge

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 101:26


Please excuse the episode’s long intro; I’ve been up to things and I talk about them. This one gets heated in the best possible way as Stefhen and I discuss Black/African identity vis a vis Japan and what it means to live a biracial/multicultural life and so on. Stefhen’s done some cool things, so check … Continue reading "Black Passenger Crossing the Bridge"

Episode 88 – Omoide-banashi (Reminiscing) with the Boys

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 81:32


Another day, another ep! This one is some rough and easy (just how I like it?) Japan talk with good friends Simon and Gus from San Francisco about our numerous adventures in Japan. Drinking competitions, jail, girls, more jail… enjoy! Please forgive my vocals. Due to technical difficulties, Simon and Gus sound fantabulous but my … Continue reading "Episode 88 – Omoide-banashi (Reminiscing) with the Boys"

Episode 87 – Startin’ Up, Movin’ Up with Tim Andersen

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 48:51


Tim Andersen is back to talk more startup in Japan. We get the update on what happened to his startup project Musby. Spoiler, it didn’t go as planned. However, it’s all good. Tim has no quit and continues to apply lessons learned as a project manager at Edocode. If you didn’t get a chance to … Continue reading "Episode 87 – Startin’ Up, Movin’ Up with Tim Andersen"

Episode 86 – Terri Goes Akogare on Wakayama Tomisaburo

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2020 92:15


Excited to have my akogare (we talk about this word) Terri MacMillian on the show. We talk about her music management experience (Pizzicato Five?!), life in Japan in general, her favorite actor (super cool), and of course we get a touch ornery about Black Lives Matter.

FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – BLM in Nihongo

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 6:58


A quick primer on ways to say Black Lives Matter in Japanese. [Kokujin no inochi wa taisetu] – Black Lives Matter (are important with no implied too) [Kokujin no inochi koso taisetu] – It is Black Lives that Matter, Black Lives Matter! (Indeed!), more so than others [Kokujin no inochi mo taisetu] – Black Lives … Continue reading "FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – BLM in Nihongo"

Episode 85 – For Relaxing Times, Don’t Make It Corona Times

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2020 64:39


Thank you to those of you who have been listening to the shorter quickiesodes. More are coming but for now, here’s a full-length episode! Host emeritus Chris is back with me (socially distantly) to discuss these unusual times with comparisons between the US and Japan. And everyone’s favorite bovine friend gets a mention.

FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – Natto

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 14:56


Eew wee, indeed. Today’s episode is about natto or fermented soybeans! Get some more smelly, slimy, and stringy info here!

FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – Almost Transparent Blue Bedtime Eyes

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 9:41


This time its the racial sexually amped duo of Bedtime Eyes and Almost Transparent Blue.

FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – The Woman in the Dunes

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 11:33


Another quick episode for these Corona times… the 1962 classic novel The Woman in the Dunes .

FJ Quickie Quickie Eew Wee – The Naked Island

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 8:21


A quick episode for these Corona times… the 1960 classic film The Naked Island.

Episode 84 – Konechikatto Chatto

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2019 64:55


Join Terrance and Christopher for a conversational reconnect as Terrance braves the wintry tundra of Connecticut for a long overdue in-person recording from our two hosts. Get some insight on what residency in Tokyo feels like after many years and the challenges that returning to the United States presents after many years in Asia. Special … Continue reading "Episode 84 – Konechikatto Chatto"

Episode 83 – Snow Country

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2018 72:29


It’s been a long time in the making, but we’re finally reviewing one of Japan’s most famous novels: Kawabata Yasunari’s, “Snow Country”. As one of Terrance’s absolute favorite books and only recently read by Christopher, we discuss the finer points of the novel, its context, and what we make of the imagery and plot.

Episode 82 – Takao-san

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2018 39:34


Join Terrance and Christopher with dualing audio as they journey to the summit of Mount Takao, a small mountain just west of Tokyo. This sound-seeing (sound scene) tour includes some lively discussion on Japanese films, accents, future nature sabbaticals, and disaster scenarios. What more could you ask for?

Episode 81 – Tim Puts the Pieces Together with Musby

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2017


On this episode Terrance sits down with a Kobe friend, Tim Andersen to talk about his startup Musby. They catch up a little and go over their common background of being halfies growing up in Japan. They talk Musby’s goal of bringing language learning together with other interests – it really is a great idea … Continue reading "Episode 81 – Tim Puts the Pieces Together with Musby"

Episode 80 – Todd Always Stands His Ground

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2017 105:00


It’s Finding Japan’s 80th show! Terrance is joined in celebration with his friend and veteran Japan raconteur Todd Rucynski. Todd’s been in Japan for a long time has done everything from the good ol’ gaijin mainstay of teaching English to owning video stores (wuh?) to appearing on Japanese TV. They sat down at his secret … Continue reading "Episode 80 – Todd Always Stands His Ground"

Episode 79 – Three Moves Ahead with Shaka Haynes

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2016


It’s been awhile but we’re excited about this episode. Terrance’s guest is the always hungry, always charismatic Shaka Haynes. Shaka works with Terrance at the world famous fruit shop. More importantly, he’s making moves in the world of entertainment bringing his experience producing and promoting artists to the Japan scene. They talk about how he … Continue reading "Episode 79 – Three Moves Ahead with Shaka Haynes"

Episode 78 – I Ain’t Ever Been To Jail

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2016


This is a very personal and special episode in which Terrance talks about his experiences in the Japanese slammer. Many of you may know what happened but just to make things clear, the matter is settled, he’s ok, he doesn’t have a record, and technically it was detention, not imprisonment. Chris Rock has a joke … Continue reading "Episode 78 – I Ain’t Ever Been To Jail"

Episode 77 – The Finding Continues

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2016


It’s been awhile but the Godfather of Finding Japan, Chris, is back in the land! Chris and Terrance have teamed up to continue bringing our discoveries and observations of this sometimes mystifying, almost always interesting country. In this episode we get you caught up with what’s been going on with our lives, as well as … Continue reading "Episode 77 – The Finding Continues"

Episode 76 – Artistic Mr. Mertens and His Ladies

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2014


The co-host on today’s show is the Artistic Mr. Mertens. Craig and Terrance talk about the Oscars, do a bit of a detour into the LGBT situation in Japan and in general, and most importantly pimp his current art exhibition Ladies First. If you’re in the Osaka area check out Ladies First at Cafe Absinthe: … Continue reading "Episode 76 – Artistic Mr. Mertens and His Ladies"

Episode 75 – DJ Brian J Bringin’ It Chilled Out at Freestyle

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2014


Another day, another episode. This time it’s a laid back interview over wine and cheese with Brian J. at Freestyle in Shibuya. Brian’s had a few adventures around the world and we talk about how came he from Italy to the US and then to Japan and how music shaped his journey.

Episode 74 – Caped Crime Preventer Tom Schmid

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2014


Finally, a long-awaited (probably only by the host himself) interview episode. My inaugural interview guest is Tom Schmid, licensed attorney and linguistic advisor at the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI). Whoof… that’s a mouthful. Still doesn’t change the fact that Tom is … Continue reading "Episode 74 – Caped Crime Preventer Tom Schmid"

Episode 73 – Ha! F U Hafu

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2013


Here we go! Finally another episode of the most inconsistent relaunch in podcast history. But it’s all good as I talk about the documentary Hafu and read a poem to honor Mandela’s passing without properly explaining why I’m reading said poem. It was the poem that gave him strength while he was imprisoned. Takes two … Continue reading "Episode 73 – Ha! F U Hafu"

Episode 72 – Don’t Call It a Kaerizaki

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2013


Yes, a new episode of Finding Japan is finally here. It’s a bit rough around the edges and I’m still developing where I want to take the show so bear with me. On this ep I have my good friend David on as co-host and we discuss a variety of things about Japan, mostly in … Continue reading "Episode 72 – Don’t Call It a Kaerizaki"

Episode 71 – Prelude: Passing of the T-Bone

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2013


Hello, Finding Japan listeners! The show will go on. Host emeritus Christopher has passed the show on to Terrance and everyone’s favorite bovine personality T-Bone Taro from the former Kobe Beef Show (if you have no idea who T-Bone is just nod for now). In this episode I introduce myself a little, talk about future … Continue reading "Episode 71 – Prelude: Passing of the T-Bone"

Episode 70 – Fred and Terrance Visit Tokyo

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2010 39:38


Before Fred and Terrance left Tokyo, we managed a round-table wrap-up of the weekend’s activities. Though the weekend did not go as planned, we still had a great time and summed up the weekend’s adventures along with Fred’s thoughts on Japan after returning after 5 years for a visit. Listen below!

Episode 69 – Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2010 5:16


Recently, Linda, Fred, Terrance and I made the trek up to the base of Mount Fuji to see the Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival. This festival marks the closing of the hiking trails for Fuji-san. The carrying of the mikoshi through town along with the noise is said to try to appease the goddess of Mt. … Continue reading "Episode 69 – Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival"

Episode 68 – The Pachinko Experience

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2010 24:41


Fred joins in this episode to discuss the ever classic Japan pachinko parlor experience. After coming home from a round of yakitori, we enjoy a few beers on the way back to my apartment to chat about our experience. Listen to us get distracted by the ultrasonic teenage repellers down in Tsukiji.

Episode 67 – Awesome Beer Pour

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2010 1:34


So I sat down this evening to get my Logic setup all ready for another podcast, and I just couldn’t sit down and belt out some audio tonight. So instead, we do a video. A co-worker join myself and Linda for dinner the other night at a fabulous german beer hall restaurant in Hamamatsu-chou on … Continue reading "Episode 67 – Awesome Beer Pour"

Episode 66 – Video Coffee Machine

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2010 2:28


You can be in Japan for many years and still see something new every day. This was the case when Linda and I recently noticed a new type of coffee machine at our local hospital here. Apparently this coffee machine shows a multi-angle live video feed of how your coffee is being prepared inside the … Continue reading "Episode 66 – Video Coffee Machine"

Episode 65 – Long Overdue Update

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2010


Hey everyone. Thanks for writing and for all of the comments and support. I figured it was well overdue and time for me to provide an update for what has been going on. In this episode, I take some time to address the gaps, give a brief update on our lives and adventures, and explain … Continue reading "Episode 65 – Long Overdue Update"

Episode 64 – Final Episode

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2009


Well, its that time. Time again for another, and final, Finding Japan episode by yours truly. It took a while but in this episode, I say goodbye to Japan and all of the fun times that we had. At nearly two hours long, this episode highlights some of my favorite parts of Japan by revisiting … Continue reading "Episode 64 – Final Episode"

Episode 63 – Wrapping It Up

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2008 25:05


Photo taken at the Panasonic Center in Ariake, Tokyo, Japan. Cardboard dinosaurs rule! Ok, well not really wrapping it up quite yet. Just some thoughts on paying my last rent payment here in Tokyo, a small request to all listeners, answering a letter to my future self, and more. Che-ch-che-ch-checka-check it out! Show Notes: Paying … Continue reading "Episode 63 – Wrapping It Up"

Episode 62 – Thoughts During Lunch

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2008 28:03


Hello everyone. Just a few thoughts I’m tossing out as a catch up episode. Join me for lunch on the bay as we sit, chat, and do a little catching up. Also, in this podcast, I was joined by a special feline guest. Tune in here. Show Notes (none because I am lazy tonight)

Episode 61 – All Sound Tour

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2008 34:26


You asked for it, you got it. Straight from my (old) studio to your ears. This episode is 100% sound tour. Put on a pair of nice headphones and sit back to relax to the sounds of the Japan. The following sounds have been recorded during the last year or so and have been collected … Continue reading "Episode 61 – All Sound Tour"

Episode 60 – Lunch in Ariake

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2008 27:13


I feel like its quiet time. Join me for lunch in Ariake as I talk about what’s been going on with me over the past few weeks. Show Notes: Intro – my favorite 7-11 guy Quick Overview of What’s Been Up Some Hakone ropeway / cable car Audio Sounds like a spaceship docking bay, for … Continue reading "Episode 60 – Lunch in Ariake"

Episode 59 – Saxophone Train

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2008


You’ll have to wait until the end to get to the saxophone train on this one. No cheating and no fastforwarding. If so you’ll miss plenty, including some catch up chat, thoughts on what’s been keeping me so busy, and a beer review.

Episode 58 – Let’s Tokyu Hands

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2008 55:23


Ever wonder what its like to sit in someone’s pocket as they walk around Tokyo?? Now is your chance to find out! In this episode, I take a commute to Tokyu Hands leaving the recorder on for the full monty. I also talk about two fairly interesting topics. If you’re into sound tours, you’ll enjoy … Continue reading "Episode 58 – Let’s Tokyu Hands"

Episode 57 – Japan Makes You Busy

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2008 31:44


Let’s get deep again. I tried to mix it up with some pleasant thoughts, some interesting sights, and of course, always deep deep riveting commentary from yours truly (sarcasm goes to 11, you know). Show Notes: Some thoughts about Saizeriya Topic: Japan Makes You Busy A bit about my lifestyle Spending my time on the … Continue reading "Episode 57 – Japan Makes You Busy"

Episode 56 – Yuri-Pole Position

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2008 2:03


Another short video post. This time, lets ride the Yurikamome 8-bit style! Enjoy!

Episode 55 – Snow Day Alcohol Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2008 31:02


It’s snowing in Tokyo, so what better way to spend it than bring you all with me on a trip to McDonalds for breakfast. In this episode, I tough it out through the muck and power-line slush bombs to chat about Japanese people and alcohol consumption. This episode is not very organized but there’s plenty … Continue reading "Episode 55 – Snow Day Alcohol Talk"

Episode 54 – Another Zen Moment

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2008 2:55


See, the great thing about only having work now is that I have time to do stuff like this. This video is from the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest in the world according to their website. In this clip, we get a good view of the main tank for a few moments while I … Continue reading "Episode 54 – Another Zen Moment"

Episode 53 – Finding Guitar Hero

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2008 35:12


Probably the fast episode I have ever put together, but a good one at that. I’ve got two main chunks of goodness in this episode. First, I talk a little about the CEO at my company and how I see Japanese companies changing. Second, we go on a sound tour of arcades in Ikebukuro looking … Continue reading "Episode 53 – Finding Guitar Hero"

Episode 52 – The Overcoat

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2008 34:59


A little different approach today. I take a stab at story telling and answer a letter from my future self. It finally came today! Show Notes: School’s out! Well almost Answering a letter to my future self The Overcoat Dan Carlin’s website WNYC Radio Lab website Brief comment about the awards thing

Episode 51 – Awards and Haircuts (Redo)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2008 29:37


This is for all of you who have had trouble downloading the latest episode. I put a link in the blog post itself as well, which I think confused Feedburner. So because of that, here’s a quick repost. If you’ve already downloaded, I apologize but I wanted to make sure the people who were having … Continue reading "Episode 51 – Awards and Haircuts (Redo)"

Episode 51 – Awards and Haircuts

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2008 29:37


Perhaps I should have accepted an award for the worst haircut-cast ever. At any rate, we’ve got two topics for you this time around. A bit about the award discussion from the previous blog post but even more from the center of cheap haircuts in Japan, QB House. Show Notes: Leopard upgrade completed Throat hurts … Continue reading "Episode 51 – Awards and Haircuts"

Episode 50 – Back in Japan

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2008 27:38


I’m back in Japan finally. After a wonderfully great time with my family and friends, I’m back to the grind here in Tokyo. A quick update of my travels and some brief impressions after leaving and then returning to this country. Enjoy! Show Notes: Arrived back in Japan Been up for 22 and 1/2 hours … Continue reading "Episode 50 – Back in Japan"

Episode 49 – Holiday Message

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2007 2:00


Nothing fancy, just a quick holiday message to all of you. Happy Holidays!

Episode 48 – Coffee Episode III

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2007 47:42


Can you believe it, another coffee episode already!!! This time recorded completely live over Skype, warts and all. Joined by the illustrious Fred, we talk about his new coffee machine as well as do a short sound tour of some places to drink coffee in Japan. Come along for the ride with us and grab … Continue reading "Episode 48 – Coffee Episode III"

Episode 47 – Tokyo Game Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2007 2:52


Short video clip from the Tokyo Game Show. I only had my cell phone on me that day so I was only able to get some small video. No narration or commentary, just some sights from the show. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 46 – Communication

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2007 21:28


Another cell phone cast recorded last week sometime, maybe even two weeks ago. I spend some time talking about learning how to communicate and the purpose of language learning. Show Notes Walking back from Kamata A lot of talk about “communication” and “communicating” Check out Rich Pav’s Japlish Podcast

Episode 45 – Drink Review II

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2007 37:10


Alex and I had an impromptu drink review session after returning from Asakusa last week to grab some yaki-niku. Listen as we bring you through ears through a journey of thirst quenching Chu-Hi’s from both Suntory and Kirin. Some non-serious topics to lighten me up after this crazy week of studying and exams. Enjoy! Show … Continue reading "Episode 45 – Drink Review II"

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