Raw Urban Mobile Podcast

Episode 98: Lia Camargo, Global Business Manager for Fermata Inc., joins the podcast to talk about the company's three-day Femtech conference in Tokyo which centers on women's health and wellness. This women's health innovation conference, titled Femtech Fes! 2021, is the first in Asia at this scale with a specific focus on emerging companies, showcasing the latest developments in direct-to-consumer products and medical devices that aim to improve the health conditions of women in various stages of their lives. Tokyo Speak's guest host for this episode is Ingrid Saito Maciel. Ingrid is an educator at Ashinaga Foundation, youth ambassador at the Health and Global Policy Institute, and an activist for Internal Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP).   This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   Learn more about Fermata Inc.  For more information on the upcoming Femtech Fes! (October 22-24) click here   Follow Lia Camargo on Instagram   Follow Ingrid Saito Maciel on Instagram

Episode 97: In this episode, we feature Yuuki Nakao and Mahi Patki of WomEnpowered International (WE Int.). Yuuki, Co-founder of WE Int., and member Mahi, talk to us about the following: The mission and vision of WE Int. Their affiliation with University of Tokyo Awareness of gender disparity in Japan The group's bottom-up management style We Int.'s six-part event series on menstruation (virtual) This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   Learn more at https://www.womenpoweredint.org/   Guest host: Seralyn Campbell   [Support Tokyo Speaks via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 96: Kani Munidasa is CEO & Co-Founder of Code Chrysalis. Along with CTO & Co-Founder, Yan Fan, the pair founded this startup with a mission to not only change the way Japan trains software engineers, but to help people acquire the necessary soft skills (or what they call “success skills”) to be leaders in their respective careers. We discuss the following: The need for more software engineers in Japan Challenges of founding a startup in Japan Code Chrysalis courses and admission process What kind of people attend Code Chrysalis Coding bootcamps vs self-studying The Butterfly Fund Scholarship Part-time Immersive Bootcamp  This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   [Support Tokyo Speaks via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 95: Yuna Maekawa is founder and CEO of kelluna. which is a fitness apparel made in Sri Lanka for Japanese women. Yuna shares the brand's story and how it bridges two cultures with a foundation of self-love. We discuss the following: The women of Sri Lanka who inspired her to launch a fitness apparel   Beauty standards in Japan and the power of self-love Her personal struggles with her body and weight Adapting to Sri Lankan culture The future of kelluna. This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   Learn more at kelluna.com   [Support Tokyo Speaks via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 94: Dr. Jackie F. Steele (PhD) is a trilingual political scientist, author, and CEO & founder of consulting firm Enjoi D&I Consulting. In her practitioner-consultant role, she supports seniors leaders in Japan with high level D&I (Diversity and Innovation) business strategies on diverse talent mobilization and cutting edge corporate policy designs that drive innovation, competitive edge and inclusive corporate cultures. In this episode, we discuss the following: Enjoi D&I Consulting's mission and services Growing up with supportive parents Her introduction to Japanese culture Experiences in academia and public policy Working with local government in Nagano, Japan Empowering men and women in Japan This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   Learn more at en-joi.com   [Support Tokyo Speaks via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 93: Menya Hinga is Founder & CEO of MH Health Coaching and Co-Founder of SOGO Fitness and Co-Fit Movement. After 18 months of working as an English teaching assistant in Nagoya, Japan, Menya moved to Tokyo and transitioned to a career in fitness.  In this episode, we chat about Menya co-founding one of the biggest fitness communities in Tokyo, and his passion to help people from all over the world learn the skills and develop the habits necessary to achieve their fitness goals and create sustainable health. This is the last episode of this year - more to come in 2021!    This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   menyahinga.com SOGO Fitness   [Follow Tokyo Speaks] Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 92: Amina Sugimoto is co-founder and CEO of fermata, Inc. Amina leads a community and start-up support ecosystem aimed to accelerate the access to knowledge and technologies developed for diversifying and liberating women's wellness. In this episode, we delve into the following topics: fermata's vision/mission Taboos related to women's health An emerging, global Femtech market  Growing up in Tanzania/being educated abroad Health policy in Japan fermata's future goals & new store in Tokyo This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis - change your life and learn how to code!   Featured guest: Amina Sugimoto (Co-founder/CEO of fermata Inc.) fermata, Inc.   Guest host: Yan Fan (Co-founder/CTO of Code Chrysalis) @yanarchy   [Follow Tokyo Speaks] Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 91: Married couple, Henry Moreland Seals and Sasha Lee Hague-Seals, met in Tokyo and are longtime residents of Japan. Henry is a HR professional and recently became the first foreign-born member of the Human Rights Commission in Nagareyama city. Sasha's home-based food company, Yumm Cupcakery, makes cupcakes, cakes, cookies and now cake mix products that you can easily enjoy with your family. In this episode, we learn how these two lovebirds met and all about their love for helping others and building community.    This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    Follow Sasha's yummcupcakery Follow Henry Moreland Seals on LinkedIn and check out his book "Making It In Japan: An Insider's Journey to Success"    [Follow Tokyo Speaks] Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 90: Quynh Trang Ho Thi (Campus Director) and Emoh Justina (Trainers and Judges Coordinator) serve on the Hult Prize Organization Committee at Waseda University. The Hult Prize is an annual and global student competition with a focus on social entreprenuership and social impact. This year's theme is "Food For Good." In this episode, Trang and Justina talk about their upcoming event for the 2021 Hult Prize Challenge. Trang and Justina also tell us why they decided to study in Japan and what sparked their interest in sustainable development and tackling social issues.   This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    Quynh Trang Ho Thi @bq.trang Emoh Justina @emoh_justina Hult Prize at Waseda University   [Follow Tokyo Speaks] Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 89: Singer Crystal Kay released her debut single "Eternal Memories" at 13 years old and went on to make nine top-10 albums (including compilations) over the span of two decades. July of this year marked her 21st Anniversary in the music industry and Crystal joins us on Tokyo Speaks to talk about her life and career, as well as her goals going forward. We discuss the following topics: Starting her music career at 13 years old Collaborations with Japanese Hip Hop group, M-Flo Pursuing a music career in the U.S.   Finding herself in NYC & returning to Japan  Interviewing Alicia Keys & Janet Jackson Black Lives Matter Tokyo & Naomi Osaka This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    [Crystal Kay] @crystalkayofficial Check out music by Crystal Kay here   [Guest host: J'Nique Nicole]  Check out music by J'Nique Nicole here   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 88: Angela Ortiz is the founder of the volunteer-led nonprofit, Place to Grow, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Senior Manager at Adidas Japan. In this episode, we discuss the following topics with Angela: Growing up in Japan's countryside as a Colombian-American with her parents and 10 siblings Becoming a mother at 19 years old Finding impetus in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011. Pursuing a career in social impact Creating her nonprofit Place to Grow Writing her first book on social impact This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    [Place to Grow] https://placetogrow-ngo.org/   Place to Grow: 8 principles that will make you an effective leader in social impact by Angela Ortiz   [Guest host: Oulimata Gueye]  @lasenegarujin   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 87: In 2016, Arthell Isom and his twin brother, Darnell Isom, founded D'ART Shtajio Inc. - the first foreign-owned anime studio in Japan. Arthell and his studio has worked on projects for Netflix, Grammy Award-winning music artist, The Weeknd, and was recently featured in Pharrell and Jay-Z's "Entrepreneur" music video. In this episode we discuss the following topics: Arthell's love for illustration and background painting for anime Studying at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco Black culture & anime Working on projects for The Weeknd Being featured in Pharrell and Jay-Z's music video Working for Ghost in the Shell Art Director, Hiromasa Ogura Founding in his own anime studio in Japan This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    [Follow D'ART Shtajio] https://dartshtajio.com/   [Guest host: Danté Carver]  @dantecarverofficial   [Guest host: Mega Robinson] @megadesu_   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 86: Sibyl Kane (lawyer), Christopher Key (engineer), and Elisa Ovalles (student) share their personal stories of how they were affected by Japan's COVID-19 travel ban.    [Follow Elisa Ovalles] @simplekyotolife Read Trapped in Japan by Elisa Ovalles   This episode is sponsored by Code Chrysalis.    [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 85: Sierra Todd and Jaime Smith are organizers of the Black Lives Matter Tokyo Peaceful March. On June 14, 2020, Sierra and Jaime—along with the rest of their team—put on Tokyo's largest Black Lives Matter event, which drew more than 2,000 attendees. In this episode, we discuss the follow topics: How Black Lives Matter Tokyo started Preparing for the peaceful march Post-march reflections (challenges and lessons learned) Sierra and Jaime's backgrounds  Being Black and Queer   [Follow Black Lives Matter Tokyo] https://blacklivesmattertokyo.carrd.co/   [Follow Sierra Todd] @frokyo   [Follow Jaime Smith] @jaime.in.japan   [Guest host: Thalia Harris] @ladyscribe21   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 84: Marina Yoshimura is the Founder and President of PERIOD@Tokyo, which is a chapter of the parent organization PERIOD. In this episode, Marina tells us why she decided to start a chapter of PERIOD in Japan. We'll also discuss various aspects of menstruation (periods) such as deep-rooted stigma, education, health, first-time experiences, and accessibility of period products.  Guest host, Chalice Davis (also known as singer/songwriter Afrodyty), gives this episode another level of depth by sharing a horrific menstrual experience and condition that undermined her health in 2019.  [Follow Period@Tokyo] @tokyoperiod PERIOD@Tokyo recently partnered with Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) and launched a campaign called #GiveLove to donate period products to asylum seekers and refugees in Japan. Donate here!   [Listen to Afrodyty's Music]  Apple Music Spotify   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 83: Steffie Harner is a Software Engineer at Code Chrysalis; Co-Founder of Startup Lady Japan; and Cyberpunk content creator/influencer. Steffie came to Japan simply to fulfill her childhood dreams, but a series of events led her to co-founding a nonprofit organization for female entrepreneurs and a new career in software engineering. In this episode, we chat with Steffie about the following: Co-founding Startup Lady Japan Becoming a software engineer Her life and career in Silicon Valley Her love for Cyberpunk and digital content creation   [Follow Steffie Harner] http://steffieharner.netlify.com/   [Co-host] Yan Fan - @yanarchy   [Code Chrysalis] https://www.codechrysalis.io/ Want to learn how to code? Sign up for Code Chrysalis' Foundations course by August 31 and mention "Tokyo Speaks" for a 15% discount!   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 82: Returning guests, Robin Lewis, Kayoko Hirano, and Yan Fan, join Tokyo Speaks remotely to talk about how they're adjusting to this new reality caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we all are dealing with a global pandemic that has impacted every aspect of our lives, Robin, Kayako, and Yan share some ways that we can still be productive, healthy, and helpful to others in their time of need.   Read these helpful blog posts by Robin, Kayoko, and Yan on Medium: 10 Ways to Support Coronavirus Relief in Japan by Robin Lewis (Co-Founder of Social Innovation Japan & mymizu)   5 Ways to Support Your Immune System During the Pandemic by Kayoko Hirano (Certified Obesity Prevention Health Coach)   Job Hunting in a Global Pandemic and Recession by Yan Fan (Co-Founder and CTO of Code Chrysalis)   [Special Shout Outs] Thanks to Guidable for featuring Tokyo Speaks! Check out Guidable Jobs and Guidable Media.  Episode 82 background music by Rhyming Gaijin    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 81: Amber Chook is Co-founder of Zebra Global and Founder of TEDxRoppongi (an independently-organized TEDx event in Tokyo). Amber moved to Mie, Japan from Harbin, China at the age of 15, and she was placed in a high school that had low expectations for its graduates. Instead of following the standard path for women in the area, getting married and becoming a housewife, Amber pushed aside her high school responsibilities and religiously studied English on her own; then eventually pursued her college education at Hosei University in Tokyo.  In this episode, we discuss topics such as: Growing up in China and Japan Her interest and career in Blockchain technology Women empowerment in the tech/fin-tech sector Her passion for social impact   [Follow Amber Chook] Facebook | LinkedIn   [Amber Chook's Book Recommendations] The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  The Alchemist   [Co-host] Jasmine Griner a.k.a Enlightize - @enlightize   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 80: The featured guests are Machine Learning Tokyo (MLT) members Suzana Ilić (co-founder), Dimitris Katsios, and Asir Saeed. MLT is a Tokyo-based nonprofit organization dedicated to democratizing Machine Learning (ML). They are a team of engineers and researchers--now with a community of 5,000 people--and the winner of the Rakuten Technology & Innovation Silver Award 2019.  In this episode, we discuss the following topics:  What is Machine Learning   What kind of knowledge base is needed to excel in Machine Learning How to participate in MLT study sessions and events Diversity, inclusion and ethics in Machine Learning Future career opportunities    [Guests' Social Links] Machine Learning Tokyo - MLT Website | Facebook | Meetup.com | Twitter   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [News] Tokyo Speaks was recently featured on the Guidable Japan website! Also check out Guidable Jobs for jobs in Japan.   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks            

Episode 79: Ebony Norwood-Brown and Barbara Kobayashi are teachers and moms residing in Tokyo. This episode is all about their experiences of motherhood - more specifically, motherhood from the perspective of two foreign (American) women. We discuss topics such as: Prenatal care in Japan Family/spousal relationships Work-life balance Japanese traditions related to pregnancy and birth Raising biracial and multiracial kids in a homogenous society   [Resource] Tokyo Mothers Group     [Special thanks]    Monica, Nydia, and Tara   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 78: This is more of an announcement than the usual guest-featured chat about life in Japan. Raw Urban Mobile Podcast has been rebranded to the name Tokyo Speaks. In this short episode, Cliff explains how this podcast got started and why the name changed. This podcast will resume its regular episode schedule--every other Tuesday--on Tuesday, March 10th. Episode length: 7 minutes.   [Special thanks] Graphic Designer, Jennifer Piatkowski: Jennifer is the designer of the Tokyo Speaks logo.   [Music Credit] Background music for this episode by Rapper/Producer, Rhyming Gaijin.   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 77: Madeleine Abdel-Jalil Umewaka is author of the book and autobiography The Noh Master’s Wife: A Journey From Lebanon to Japan. In this episode, Madeleine shares her experience of leaving her home country during the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), and integrating into Japanese culture, as well as the close-knit society of Noh theatre.  Madeleine details what it was like being married to Japanese Noh actor, Naohiko Umewaka, who comes from a prestigious six hundred year-old Noh lineage. Noh is the oldest surviving form of Japanese theater. Buy The Noh Master's Wife: A Journey From Lebanon to Japan (レバノンから来た能楽師の妻) by Madeleine Abdel-Jalil Umewaka here! (Japanese version) [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks        

Episode 76: Sachiko Ishikawa is a project manager in the video game industry. She is also an intersectional feminist, who speaks out about issues concerning women in society. In this episode, we chat with Sachiko about a monthly protest in Japan called the Flower Demo. She shares her own personal experience of sexual assault and explains three conditions of sexual consent. [Episode length: 52 minutes] Join the next Flower Demo in Tokyo on Tuesday evening, February 11 at Tokyo Station. Click here to learn about more event locations in Japan. [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Featured Guest] Sachiko Ishikawa - @Ishikawa_Sachi   [Co-host] Nina Cataldo - @ninalalala    [Related Articles] Japan's Flower Demo: A Report from the Scene  In Japan Rape Cases, 'No' Still Means No Conviction, and Protests Are Growing   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 75: Kayoko Hirano is a certified obesity prevention health coach and founder of YakuZen Therapy. After returning to Japan from New York, where she held a corporate job for 6 years, Kayoko experienced weight fluctuation for years; that led her to develop her own weight loss protocol. She then deepened her knowledge at the Japan Obesity Prevention Society Institute. In this episode, we chat with Kayoko about the concept of yakuzen (food therapy), misconceptions about Japanese food, and her childhood interest in the English language, which inspired her to experience life outside of Japan. [Episode length: 56 minutes]  **Farewell Shockolate Buddha** This is the last episode recorded with Raw Urban Mobile Podcast original co-host Shockolate Buddha. The podcast will also have a location change after two years of recording inside the mobile man cave. Stay locked in for more informative and entertaining conversations with locals in Japan, including occasional guest co-hosts.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Featured guest] Kayoko Hirano - LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 74: Erika Bulach and Fahreen Budhwani met in 2018 while attending Sophia University in Tokyo. After realizing they shared similar interests, Erika and Fahreen teamed up and created the Super Smash Hoes Podcast. On the podcast they discuss societal issues concerning gender inequality, women's rights, feminism, the LGBTQ+ community and more; in the context of Japanese society.   In this episode, Erika, who was raised in Japan, shares her experiences with sexual harassment and assault. We also discuss the safety and overall well-being of women in Japan. Fahreen could not physically join us; however, this episode includes an audio summation of her dissertation "Why Womenomics Isn't Working in Japan", which adds another layer of depth to this informative chat.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Featured guest] Super Smash Hoes (Erika & Fahreen) - Anchor | Instagram: @supersmashhoespodcast   [Resource] "Why Womenomics Isn't Working in Japan"  by Fahreen Budhwani   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks      

Episode 73: We celebrate our podcast anniversaries with our pod brothers Mega and Late of the Mega Late Show. At the heart of both podcasts is a focus on the international community in the Greater Tokyo Area. In the last episode of 2019, we recap this year's highlights and recognize many of the awesome guests we featured on our respective podcasts. Learn about some of the talented folks in entertainment and music production, plus leaders in technology, marketing/advertising, and environmental activism.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 72: Ed Thompson is a marketing consultant active in Japan and Asia-Pacific, who started his own Tokyo-based company in 2000 called Concept Design. Ed is frequently called upon by global executives to assist them with coaching and training programs to build stronger teams that can compete in global markets. He's also a lead lecturer in continuing education programs at Temple University and New York University (Japan campuses) targeting working professionals in Tokyo. In this episode, Ed shares some of the key things he's learned throughout his professional career in Japan, including one of the simplest and most powerful ways to leverage your passion to achieve opportunities that may be waiting just around the corner.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Guest's Social Links] Ed Thompson - LinkedIn | About Me Concept Design - Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 71 (Part 2 of 2): This episode is a continuation from Episode 70 featuring Ghanaian-Japanese brothers, Sena and Pele Voncujovi. In this episode, Sena (a Vodu priest) and Pele (a Vodu practitioner) give us insights into the West African spiritual and herbal practice of Vodu (also spelled Voodoo or Vodun).  The influence of Christianity and Islam in the African continent has long been apparent. Subsequently, Vodu has been demonized globally. Many Ghanaians and other West Africans have denounced it as "satanic" and there are fewer and fewer priests and practitioners today. Through their social media platform "ReVodution", Sena and Pele's mission is to destigmatize Vodu and restore a lost pride among Africans. [Episode length: 36 minutes] [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Guests' Social Links]  ReVodution    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks      

Episode 70 (Part 1 of 2): Sena and Pele Voncujovi are Ghanaian-Japanese brothers, who relocated to Japan from their home country of Ghana. Sena is a Career Development Coordinator at Ashinaga and Pele is a Marketing Analyst at Rakuten Mobile. Both Sena and Pele, along with Oulimata Gueye, are co-founders of the group and community event called Jaspora. Jaspora aims to facilitate networking, learning and collaborating among people of the African diaspora (as well as their allies) with the purpose of accelerating contributions to the development of Africa. In this episode, we chat with Sena and Pele about their educational background, biracial identity, and cultural experiences in both Ghana and Japan. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation (Episode 71) next Tuesday!  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Guests' Social Links] @Jaspora  (Facebook) @Jaspora  (Instagram)   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks        

Episode 69: Robin Lewis and Mariko McTier are co-founders of MyMizu, Japan's first free water refill app. In this episode, we chat with Robin and Mariko about Japan's excessive use of PET bottles and learn how the MyMizu app is one simple step to help tackle a major environmental issue for Japan and many other countries.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Guests' Social Links] mymizu app: iOS version | Android version Follow mymizu - Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 68: Miho Tanaka is a former public relations manager, who recently established her own company Startup Japan. Startup Japan's mission is to support foreign entrepreneurs with starting businesses in Japan. In this episode, Miho tells us what you should consider before starting your own business in Japan. We talk about different types of visas, legal advice, company bank accounts, and picking a location (city) to start your own company. [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Miho Tanaka - LinkedIn | Facebook Startup Japan - Website    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 67: Tutti Quintella is the Director of Women Who Code Tokyo; a branch of the global non-profit organization Women Who Code. Tutti is also an engineering manager at the Japanese e-commerce company Mercari. In this episode, we discuss Women Who Code Tokyo's efforts to inspire and help women advance in the field of software engineering and other tech-related fields.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Women Who Code Tokyo - Facebook | Twitter | Meetup.com | Website   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 66: Ryan Aynz is a marketing & advertising executive for the data analytics company Nielsen; author of the blog Advertising in Asia; and founder of Tokyo Digital Marketing Bootcamp and Japan Advertising & Marketing community (JAM!) Ryan has appeared as a marketing analyst on both Fox Business and Bloomberg News. He’s a seasoned entrepreneur, who has created six companies in the last 15 years. In episode 66, Ryan shares personal stories of career success and failure, and tells us his purpose for coming to Japan.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Advertising in Asia - https://www.meetup.com/Tokyo-Marketing-Meetup/   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 65: Ocean Evers-Peete, also known by his music artist name, Dot.Kai, returns to the podcast to share a personal story about dealing with police and Japan's legal system. Ocean takes us through the details of what was suppose to be a fun night out with friends, but turned into a horrific year-long drama which includes being interrogated. He also shares a few lessons learned from this bad experience, which can be helpful for foreigners visiting and living in Japan.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Dot.Kai - Instagram  Check out Dot.Kai on Dosing's latest album titled "Dreaming of Sleeping".   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks

Episode 64: Brett Bull is the founder and chief editor/writer of the Tokyo Reporter; an English news site that offers salacious news bites on crime and culture in Japan. Japan is known as a relatively safe country with low crime rates (in comparison to other major countries). But heinous crimes and corruption exist more than one might imagine and Brett has highlighted the under side of Japan since 2008. His site has been featured inside a number of publications, including The Washington Post, CNN and Time Out Tokyo.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Brett Bull (Tokyo Reporter) - Website | Twitter    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 63: Seralyn Campbell is Chief Executive Officer of VReS Inc., a Japanese tech startup company. She is also a photographer and former talent manager of Bangladeshi-Japanese model, TV personality, singer and actress, Rola. In this episode, Seralyn details her social transition as a trans woman, which she decided to begin in Japan rather than in the U.S. We also briefly chat about her career as Rola's manager in Japan's entertainment industry. [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Seralyn Campbell - @seralyncampbell | @seralyncampbellphotography   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks  

Episode 62: Glen Wood is a 49-year-old Canadian and single father, who had been working as an Equity Sales Manager at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co. (MUMSS). He filed a claim against the Japan-based brokerage, asserting that he had been the victim of "paternity harassment" initiated in 2015. He asked the Tokyo District Court to order the firm to reverse its decision to put him on unpaid leave (then fired him) and recognize his rights as a father.The case has drawn considerable attention, both internationally and in Japan. It shines a harsh spotlight on one of the long-standing traditions of Japanese corporate society: harassment of employees, particularly those who become parents.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Visit Glen's website: patahara.com   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks              

Episode 61: Chalice and Bri, both American women and Tokyo residents for 5 plus years, spill the tea about dating in Tokyo. We discuss their preferences in men, and dating Japanese men versus foreign men.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Chalice - @afrodyty88 Bri - @tokyoburi   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 60: Originally from Osaka, Mai relocated to Tokyo for a new job and to experience what the big city has to offer. In this episode, we chat with Mai about her experiences of being ostracized and bullied for not behaving and thinking like most Japanese. She details her internal struggles, stemming from a broken relationship with her mother, which also led to long-lasting suicidal thoughts and a deep need for self-validation. [Episode length: 53 minutes] [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 59: Dr. Harriet Ocharo is a Research Scientist for a Japanese multinational conglomerate company, and she is also a single parent. Prior to moving to Tokyo, Dr. Harriet relocated from Kenya to rural Japan to study for a PhD in Information Science at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST).  Studying abroad is quite common; what is not common is doing this while raising a child in a foreign country. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Harriet about her life in Japan as a single parent.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]    Dr. Harriet Ocharo - Blog | Instagram | Twitter    [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 58: Rochelle Kopp is a management consultant, columnist and author. She specializes in cross-cultural communication, human resources, leadership and organization development; working with Japanese companies doing business globally and global companies doing business in Japan. Rochelle writes for publications in Japan and the U.S., including ongoing columns in the Asahi Shimbun, Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, the Newsweek Japan website, and U.S. Frontline News. She is also the author of 37 books, including her most recent work--written in Japanese--titled "外国人と働き方" (How to Work with Foreigners). [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]    Rochelle Kopp - Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 57: Tokyo Kink Society (TKS) is an alternative performance arts group for like-minded individuals interested in sensual and artistic performances; and dressing up in cutting-edge fashion. The group creates a safe "fantasy space" that features various types of artistic expression through BDSM and fetish-style entertainment.  In this episode, we chat with Charm, a TKS producer and original member, about TKS events and the art of Japanese rope bondage (referred to as "Kinbaku" or "Shibari"). Charm also studied this art under the tutelage of Go Arisue - one of the world's top rope bondage masters.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Tokyo Kink Society - Website | Facebook    [Guest hosts] Ayana and Ebony   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks        

Episode 56: Chioma Anyalewechi is Founder and Director of An-yal, a digital marketing company in Tokyo, Japan. In this episode, we have a fun chat with Chioma about backpacking in 23 countries, teaching English at prestigious Japanese companies, and starting her own company.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   An-yal - Website | Instagram | Facebook   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 55: Thom Peace is a consultant, English teacher, and owner of DC English. Lloyd Peace is a consultant, English teacher, and seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of sales and program management experience.  Lloyd (father) and Thom (son) have a dynamic personal and professional relationship, as father-and-son business partners. In this episode, we discuss their combined 25 years in the Education industry and their companies DC English and Peace Works Japan.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Peace Works Japan | DC English   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 54: Mega and Late, hosts of the Mega Late Show, teamed up several years ago to create a platform that highlights local and traveling music artists, producers, and talented individuals in Tokyo's Hip-Hop community. This dynamic podcast duo has interviewed notable music artists and producers such as Hip-Hop legend Marly Marl, N'Dea Davenport, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge of the band "The Midnight Hour" (who are also members of the legendary Hip Hop group A Tribe Called Quest) to name a few. In this episode, we chat with Mega and Late about their podcast and various things related to Hip Hop culture in Tokyo.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Mega Late Show - Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks    

Episode 53: Bukky Odejobi is Founder and Creative Director of Awa'Tori. Awa'Tori's mission is to bridge gaps in creative industries between African and Asian markets. Serah Alabi is a fashion graduate and freelance photographer. Serah will have her first photo exhibition in Tokyo on July 26. Both Bukky (Nigerian-Canadian) and Serah (Nigerian-German) were born in Nigeria but emigrated to different countries. We bring these ladies together for a chat about their Nigerian roots, growing up in Canada and Germany, and their endeavors in Japan. Serah and Bukky didn't know each other prior to this podcast. [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Bukky Odejobi - Website | Instagram  Serah Alabi - Website | Instagram   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks                          

Episode 52: In her early 20s, Jasmine Griner (a.k.a Enlightize), worked at the World Bank Group, which she said was her dream job; however, Jasmine reached a point when she decided to move on—leaving behind a lucrative career—to follow in the footsteps of her grandma. In this episode, we learn how her grandma (and parents) influenced her journey at a young age.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Jasmine Griner (a.k.a Enlightize) - Website | Instagram   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks          

Episode 51: Dosing (short for Dreaming of Sleeping) are a Tokyo-based collective of artists and musicians creating forward-thinking art and music. We chat with three members of the crew—Steffen Yoshiki, Calumecs, and Dot.Kai—about the group’s music, individual projects, and the underground music scenes in Tokyo and Asia.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Dosing - Website | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks              

Episode 50: Award-winning Filmmaker, Pablo Absento, has gained global recognition for her horror short films at multiple festivals all around the world; also getting the attention of Academy Award-winning Director Guillermo del Toro ("Master of Horror"), who generously retweeted one of her works. Pablo joins us on the podcast to talk about her love for Japanese folklore and making horror films in Japan. She also shares some bizarre and horrific experiences while making those films.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Pablo Absento - YouTube | Instagram | Facebook   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks      

Episode 49: Ebony Bowens is a Japanese fashion enthusiast, who works in the entertainment sector as a singer/performer. Ebony joins us to talk about girly fashion styles from Japan; the importance for women of color to be given equal opportunity and positive representation in Japanese society; and inspiring women to embrace their femininity. She details her experiences in the U.S. and Japan in regards to the aforementioned subjects.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   Ebony Bowens - Instagram | Twitter | Facebook   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks          

Episode 48: Icon Andre Mizrahi, Founding Father of the House of Mizrahi, is one of the most notable figures of underground ballroom culture, which was started in NYC by the Black and Hispanic LGBT community. Not only has he achieved the highest status of "Icon" for his fierce competitiveness, awards, and leadership; Andre has inspired others around the world, including Konomi Shishido, who's better known as the Legendary Mother Koppi Mizrahi.  [Raw Urban Mobile Podcast rebranded to Tokyo Speaks Podcast on Mar 7, 2020]   [Social Links & RSS] RSS Feed: https://www.tokyospeaks.com/feed.xml Instagram: @tokyospeaks_ Twitter: @tokyospeaks_   [Support via Ko-fi] https://ko-fi.com/tokyospeaks