Unpacking Japan

Meet Shawn, a master shakuhachi player, who sits down to talk to us about the history and cultural significance of one of Japan's most ubiquitous, yet paradoxically unknown instruments.Shawn teaches us about the challenges of learning shakuhachi as well as his thoughts on the recent popularity of the instrument in the west. Stay tuned for a beautiful performance from Shawn at the end of the episode!Follow Shawn:https://www.youtube.com/@TairyuShakuhachihttps://www.shawnheadmusic.com/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Today we are joined by Sunshine, a Rakugo storyteller who dives into the world of Rakugo and what it's like being one of the only foreigners to take on this role. We talk about the tradition of Rakugo storytelling, the apprentice-master dynamic, and the overall apprenticeship experience in the journey to becoming a Rakugo storyteller.Follow Sunshine:https://www.rakugo.lolhttps://www.instagram.com/katsurasunshinehttps://www.youtube.com/user/KatsuraSunshinehttps://www.facebook.com/KatsuraSunshinehttps://www.sunshinedenimkimono.comFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Joining us today is Nury, a trade and agricultural attaché to the Embassy of Chile, who shares what it's like to bring new products from Chile to Japanese markets and how to navigate trade relations with Japan and all of it's meticulous business practices.Follow Nury:https://jp.linkedin.com/in/nury-disegni-gili-90750754https://www.chile.gob.cl/japon/enFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanInterested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Today we talk with Capsule Bunny, a content creator and fashion designer who makes content about Japanese fashion and it's subcultures in Japan. In this episode we take a dive into the world of J fashion and talk about Tenshi Kaiwai, designing clothes, and other unique aspects of Japan's fashion culture.Follow Capsule Bunny:https://www.instagram.com/CapsuleBunnyhttps://www.youtube.com/c/CapsuleBunnyhttps://www.x.com/capsulebutthttps://www.capsulebunny.blogspot.jpCheck out her designs:https://www.instagram.com/mumu__internationalhttps://www.instagram.com/mumu_mugenmusohttps://mumu-official.stores.jpFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Today we are joined by Sergio, an American welder living and working in Japan. He shares his inspiring journey from U.S. shipyards to becoming the first foreign employee at a Japanese manufacturing company. We talk about his path to learning Japanese, getting the Specified Skilled Worker visa, adapting to life in Japan, and his thoughts on Japanese work culture, language, and society.Follow Sergio and learn about his work:https://www.instagram.com/sergsplurgehttps://wakita-develop.com/wakita/wp/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Meet Nikhil, a content creator from India, who sits down to talk to us about his journey to Japan, becoming fluent in Japanese, and the anime that started it all.Follow Nikhil and his channel:https://www.youtube.com/@Nikhil_kunhttps://www.instagram.com/nikhil__kunJoin Nikhil Kun's WhatsApp Japanese Learning Group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/LggWDlqIVyS52jYGVYFbttFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Meet Dino, a car enthusiast, journalist and vlogger based in Japan, who sits down to talk to us about his journey into the Japanese car scene, why it's so diverse, and how foreigners can participate in Japan's unique car culture.Follow Dino:https://www.youtube.com/@dino_dchttps://dinodc.co/https://www.instagram.com/dino_dalle_carbonarehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Dino-DCFollow us on our social media:https://anchor.fm/s/103c3f63c/podcast/rsshttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Meet Chinyere, cyber security expert and personal finance consultant. She talks about Japan being extremely behind in cyber security knowledge and other topics.Follow Chinyere:https://thesistafund.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7UdPuAihqNSIv8-Eupfjywhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chinyere-okoli-816b2b64https://www.facebook.com/thesistafund/Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/

Meet Mickael, a half Japanese, half Philippino vlogger, who makes content about life in Japan in Tagalog. He sits down with us to share his story of growing up hafu in Japan, before rediscovering his roots in the Philippines.Follow Mickael on social media:https://www.tiktok.com/@mikasan__https://www.youtube.com/@mikasan_https://www.instagram.com/mickaelshimizu_https://www.facebook.com/mikasaninosaka/Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Justin, a foreigner who has been studying the ancient art of shigin for more than 10 years, after accidentally discovering it one day while living in the Japanese countryside. He sits down with us to share his story of moving to Japan and falling in love with this beautiful, yet incredibly difficult, traditional art form.Follow Justinhttps://youtube.com/@theshigingaijin1985 https://www.instagram.com/shigin_gaijin/https://www.x.com/shigin_gaijinhttps://youtube.com@Orthodox_In_Japan  Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Joe Allam, a British filmmaker and a photographer who was fascinated by Japan so much that he decided to move to Osaka and restart his entire life in Japan.Follow Joe Allam:https://joeallam.co.uk/about/https://www.youtube.com/AllamJoehttps://www.instagram.com/joeallamhttp://facebook.com/JoeAllamLtdhttp://twitter.com/joeallamFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today we are joined by Ananya, who shares her unique perspective on living in Japan as a content creator. Ananya makes both educational content to help teach Japanese, and also comedic skits that reflect her personal experiences in Japan.Follow Ananya:https://www.instagram.com/hiananyaa_https://www.youtube.com/@hiananyaahttps://x.com/hiananyaahttps://www.tiktok.com/@hiananyaCheck out Ananya's Japanese course:https://japanese.hiananya.com/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Join us today with Felicity, a filmmaker who explores topics of identity in here documentaries. We explore the recent social climate in Japan in regards to progressive topics such as multiculturalism and queer awareness. Follow Felicity's work:https://www.instagram.com/wherenextjapanhttps://www.wherenextjapan.comFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet AV star June Lovejoy, who joins us today to break down all the misconceptions about the Japanese porn industry and explore what life is like for workers in this profession. June shares their own personal experiences, their thoughts on the good and bad sides of the industry, and the ways in which it continues to change.Follow June Lovejoy:https://www.instagram.com/junelovejoyyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5o8__B2BXoqFf0Et1fMSrQhttps://x.com/june__lovejoyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@junelovejoyhttps://www.facebook.com/junelovejoyy/https://www.reddit.com/user/JuneLovejoy/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today on the podcast we are joined by actress and singer Donna Burke, who has voice acted and sang theme songs in games like Metal Gear, Silent Hill, as well as shows like Tokyo Ghoul, and most famously the voice of the Shinkansen! She'll talk about what it's like embodying some of these roles, as well as her journey as an entrepreneur!Follow Donna:https://www.donnaburke.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl3O6yIEVSY49XwOS1QTpAhttps://www.instagram.com/thedonnaburkehttps://www.x.com/TheDonnaBurkehttps://www.facebook.com/donnaburkesingerListen to her music:https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EhrRmObU0r0A8dzkRShpR?si=0l82ZibCRDqxqUlU-9xWVwhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/donna-burke/73212349Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

This week, Jheadear sits down to talk to us about life as a technical trainee from the Philippines. We discuss her daily routines and workflow, her challenges in adapting to Japanese culture and work environment, as well as her work as an influencer helping her fellow Filipinos secure work placements in Japan.Follow Jheadearhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeadelosreyes3720https://www.tiktok.com/@jeadelosreyesFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Joining us is Jad, cofounder of Integral AI which works on the development of a system called universal simulations, in order to help advance AGI (artificial general intelligence). We talk about the future of AI and how we can develop it in a way that benefits us while without becoming a detriment to our society.Follow Jad & Intergral AIhttps://www.x.com/jad_tarifihttps://www.integral.aiFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

AV star June Lovejoy joins us today to talk about all the misconceptions about the Japanese porn industry, and explains what it's really like behind the scenes for workers in this profession. Listen to their experiences and get a glimpse of the good and the bad of Japanese AV industry, and how it is continuing to change.Follow June Lovejoy:https://www.instagram.com/junelovejoyyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5o8__B2BXoqFf0Et1fMSrQhttps://x.com/june__lovejoyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@junelovejoyhttps://www.facebook.com/junelovejoyy/https://www.reddit.com/user/JuneLovejoy/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Joining us this week is RicchaadoTV, a content creator from the UK who creates comedic skits based on his experiences in Japan as a foreigner. We talk about the inspirations behind his famous characters Momo-chan and Mr. Hashimoto, his other business endeavors, the effects of his impressions on his viewers, and a lot more.Follow RicchaadoTV:https://www.instagram.com/ricchaadotvhttps://www.youtube.com/@RicchaadoTVhttps://www.x.com/ricchaadohttps://www.facebook.com/Ricchaado-104619474570861https://www.snapchat.com/add/ricchaadoRicchaado Academy & Spring 2025 Japan Road Trip:https://mailchi.mp/racademy/ufxwxa0h64https://www.cognitoforms.com/RicchaadoAcademy/RealityTravelExperienceFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Our guest today, Dr. Miaka, is a veterinarian at the Kobe Animal Kingdom -- a zoo that recreates the natural habitats of it's animals. Today we'll discuss what it's like taking care of a wide variety of animals at a zoo, as well as discuss animal rights and how we can study them in an ethical and helpful way.Follow Dr. Miaka and the Kobe Animal Kingdom:https://www.instagram.com/@zoovetjapanhttps://www.kobe-oukoku.com/enFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

For our 100th episode we are joined by one of Japan's most recognizable foreign content creators, pitch accent specialist, and writer, Dogen! In this long awaited interview, Dogen talks about his creative process, inspirations, and challenges he has faced through his journey in Japan, in creative writing, and content creation.Follow Dogen:https://www.youtube.com/@Dogenhttps://www.x.com/dogenhttps://www.patreon.com/dogenFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today Luna, a maid witch at Afilia Magic Kingdom, joins us today to reveal what it's really like to work at a witch themed maid cafe in Akihabara!Follow Luna:https://kasamatsu-farms.com/https://www.instagram.com/kasamatsufarmshttps://www.x.com/luna_afiliahttps://www.tiktok.com/@luna_afiliahttps://www.youtube.com/@luna_afiliaCheck out Afilia Magic KingdomEN: https://linktr.ee/afilia.kingdomJP: https://linktr.ee/afilia_kingdomFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Byron, founder of Kasamatsu Farms, shares with us his journey of going from salary man in Tokyo to a farmer in the countryside of Japan practicing permaculture and taking on sustainable agricultural projects.Follow Byron:https://kasamatsu-farms.com/https://www.instagram.com/kasamatsufarmsFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today founder of Japan Remotely, Nick, tells us about what it's like working with clients to find the perfect living situation in Japan, and gives insight about the challenges and solutions in turning Japan into a long term home.Follow Nick:https://japanremotely.comhttps://www.instagram.com/japanremotely/Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today content creator Mr. Nippon joins us to talk about what it's like being half Japanese and half German while doing YouTube in Japan. He shares his experiences interviewing Germans on how and why they have settled in like Japan.Follow Mr. Nippon:https://www.mrnippon.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@MrNipponhttps://www.instagram.com/misuta_nipponhttps://www.discord.com/invite/KmXZENZJejFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Rob, an engineer for open source environmental data project Safecast, who sits down to talk to us about his work on the Fukushima disaster cleanup, as well as his own sustainable living in the mountains of Nara.Check out Rob's work:https://bgeigiezen.safecast.jphttps://about.me/roboudenFollow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Joining us today is Fanny, A.K.A Nynyhon, a model who has lived in Japan for 10 years and has found success as a streamer and content creator. We'll explore the intricacies of work as a model in Japan, and whether or not it is as advantageous as it seems.Follow Fanny:https://www.twitch.tv/nynyhonhttps://www.instagram.com/nynyhonhttps://www.youtube.com/@Nynyhonhttps://x.com/Nynyhon_https://www.boutiquenynyhon.com/Follow us on our social media:@unpackingjapanshorts  https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.instagram.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today we are joined by Marc, Consul General at the Osaka Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who talks about what we can expect to see at the Dutch pavilion during next year's highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka. Learn about all the hard work and themes that are being put into it's development.Follow Marc and the Consulate:https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/japanhttps://www.instagram.com/nlinjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@NLinJapanhttps://www.facebook.com/NLinJapanhttps://www.facebook.com/OrandainJapanhttps://www.x.com/NLinJapanhttps://www.x.com/OrandainJapanFollow us on our social media:@unpackingjapanshorts https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa    / unpackingjapan  https://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapan  Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

This week we sit with the world's leading non-Japanese sake expert John Gauntner as he describes the intricacies of sake and the industry behind Japan's famous alcohol. Follow John Gaunter:https://www.instagram.com/johngauntner/https://x.com/johngauntnerhttps://sake-world.com/https://sake-world.com/store/books/Follow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Join us today as we talk with videographer and creative director of Future Collective, Julian, about working with clients ranging from Japan's biggest Youtubers to huge companies like Netflix.Follow Julian & Future Collective:https://www.instagram.com/kantanjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/c/KantanJapanhttps://x.com/kantan_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/kantanjapanhttps://www.juliandomanski.comhttps://futurecollective.jpFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Join us today for a discussion with Dennis, the General Secretary of the General Union in Japan, as he shares what role the General Union serves, the challenges the Japanese work force faces, and how it is changing as the years pass.Follow Dennis & the  General Union:https://www.instagram.com/jpenonlinehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN861GtRXgWEyn7qE3jAMCAhttps://x.com/jpenonlinehttps://www.facebook.com/jpenonlinehttps://generalunion.orghttps://www.jpen.onlineFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today we sit down with Heidi from Japanese underground idol group Merkmal Mermal, who talks to us about the origins of Japan's idol culture, as well as her own unique challenges as a foreigner in the idol scene. Follow Heidi & her group Merkmal Mermal:https://www.instagram.com/heidichandesuhttps://www.youtube.com/@heidichandesuhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heidichandesuhttps://x.com/MERMALHEIDIhttps://www.showroom-live.com/r/HEIDI_HAIBARAhttps://www.merkmalmermal.com/https://x.com/MERKMALMERMALFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today, German native  Billy shares with us her story to becoming a Kimono expert and licensed teacher. Prepare to be shocked to learn about some of the nuances in crafting kimonos, the culture and history around it, and many misconceptions people have. Follow Billy:https://www.internationalwafuku.comhttps://www.youtube.com/c/BillyMatsunagahttps://www.instagram.com/biriinyanhttps://www.x.com/biriinyanhttps://www.ameblo.jp/biriinyanhttps://www.kumakimonokoi.wordpress.comFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Mr. Yabatan has become an beloved personality on social media amongst Japanese locals. Today we find out how he made a name for himself, what insights he has on Japanese comedy and culture, and the differences between comedy in Japan vs the West.Follow Mr. Yabatan:https://www.instagram.com/mr_yabatanhttps://www.youtube.com/mryabatanhttp://www.tiktok.com/@mr_yabatanhttps://www.twitch.tv/mr_yabatanhttps://www.facebook.com/MrYabatanhttps://www.x.com/mr_yabatanFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Cathy Cat, beloved actress, reporter, and overall media personality in Japan who explains the struggles and what to expect as a foreigner when navigating a career on social media and television Japan.Follow Cathy Cat:https://cathy-cat.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@Cathy_Cathttps://www.youtube.com/@CathyCat_TVhttps://www.instagram.com/cathycat_tvhttps://www.twitch.tv/cathycat_tvhttps://www.x.com/CathyCat_TVFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today we're joined by one of Japan's most loved foreigners, Ladybeard, who talks to us about industry insight and how he rose to fame as a singer and wrestler after over a decade long unexpected journey.Follow Ladybeard:https://www.ladybeard.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ladybeard_japanhttps://www.instagram.com/babybeard_japanhttps://x.com/Ladybeard_Japanhttps://x.com/babybeard_japanFollow us on our social media:‪‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Today we're joined by Jean Francois, who talks to us about what it's like working for the French Chamber of Commerce, and how his journey in Japan has taught him valuable insights on surviving Japanese business culture.Follow Jean Francois:https://www.ccifj.or.jp/https://www.instagram.com/jeanfrancoisrauch/https://www.instagram.com/cci_france_japon/https://x.com/cci_francejaponFollow us on our social media:‪@unpackingjapanshorts‬https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416  / unpacking_japa@ucx3xoy5gyypvce4fdwdfjqa  / unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japan  / unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapanyoutube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Zaya, a multi-business entrepreneur who joins us to give insight on introducing Mongolian culture to Japan through her import company and popular Mongolian cafe in Osaka.Follow Zaya:https://mongorusei.co.jphttps://www.instagram.com/mongoruseihttps://x.com/bigmangashttps://www.facebook.com/MONGORUSEIhttps://www.facebook.com/cafemongoliaFollow us on our social media:youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japa@UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Nick, half of Manzai comedy duo Time Bomb, who sits down to talk to us about his Japanese comedy career, and his transition to entrepreneur and content creator.Follow Nick:youtube.com/@nikkuniisan  https://www.instagram.com/nickniisan/https://x.com/TIMEBOMBGEININyoutube.com/@atsueigo  Follow us on our social media:youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japa@UCx3XoY5gyyPvCe4FdwdFJQAhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Oliver, a Japan-North Korea relations researcher based in Kyoto, who sat down with us to talk about politics, kidnappings, and North Korean schools in Japan.Follow Oliver:https://www.foreignperspectives.net/https://twitter.com/OliverJia1014Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Stephanie, owner of Burmese restaurant 95Yooya in Shibuya, who sits down to talk with us about her challenges immigrating to Japan and opening a halal restaurant in such a homogeneous country.Check out 95Yooya:https://www.instagram.com/95yooya/https://www.facebook.com/people/95Yooya/61551720519731/Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Brad, a representative for Japanese knife company Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide, who sits down to talk with us about Japanese steel, tradition, business, and everything to do with Japanese knives.--Follow Sakai Ichimonji:https://global.ichimonji.co.jp/https://youtube.com@ichimonji-jp  https://www.instagram.com/ichimonji.jphttps://x.com/ichimonji_jphttps://www.tiktok.com/@ichimonji.jpFollow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Ryan is a commercial filmmaker who founded Cutters Studios in Tokyo and making high production value commercials for Japanese domestic and international brands.Follow Ryan:https://cuttersstudiostokyo.com/Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Beebo, a live streamer who is walking across Japan and streaming on twitch his journey from Kagoshima to Sapporo. He is bound to walk more than 2500 km. Join our conversation to know how it all started. Follow Beebo:https://www.twitch.tv/beebohttps://www.instagram.com/beebojapanFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Giulia is a sake brewer and a somellier working and living in Japan. She wants to revive and popularize this ancient tradition of sake brewing and share it with the world.--Follow Giulia:https://www.jijisake.com/https://www.instagram.com/jijisake/Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Dr. Felix Moesner, the Swiss consul to Japan and the CEO of Swissnex. The Swiss consul, located in Osaka, promotes science, and technology, with the goal of connecting Japan and Switzerland through innovation.Follow Dr. Moesner:https://youtube.com@SwissnexJapanOsaka  https://jp.linkedin.com/in/felixmoesnerhttps://swissnex.org/japan/https://x.com/FelixMoesnerFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortsThis podcast is produced by https://zenstudio.osakaSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Gretchen, she is running a buddhis temple, she is a grief educaror and a retreat  coordinator. She lives in Akita prefecture and dedicates her life to the temple there.--Follow Gretchen:https://www.dairyuji-oga.com/https://www.dairyuji-oga.com/reserve/retreat/registration/dairyujihttps://sarah-furuya-coaching.mykajabi.com/lighthouse-circleFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet James, a professional storm chaser based in Japan, who sits down to talk to us about the thrill and danger of storm chasing, and how his work has changed over the past 20 years.Follow James:https://www.youtube.com/@EarthUncutTV  https://www.earthuncut.tv/https://www.x.com/EarthUncutTVhttps://www.instagram.com/earthuncuttv/https://www.facebook.com/EarthUncutTV/Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet HarriBoi, the mind behind numerous viral street interviews from the Japanese nightlife, asking about their life and dreams, as well as views on controversial topics like sex, cheating and prostitution. We sat down with Harri to learn about his interview process, as well as his day job as a data scientist in Tokyo.Follow HarriBoi:https://www.instagram.com/harri_boi_/https://www.tiktok.com/@harriboi5https://twitter.com/harri_boi_JPNFollow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Janna, a factory machinist and TikToker living in Nagano, who moved to Japan 5 years ago to pay off her family's debts. We sat down with Janna to hear about her experiences as an immigrant laborer, and how her sudden TikTok success has changed her life.Follow Janna:https://www.tiktok.com/@jannajapandiarieshttps://www.facebook.com/p/Janna-Japan-Diaries-61550997789235/Follow us on our social media:https://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!youtube.com/@unpackingjapan

Meet Anton, a fashion model and home renovation expert living in Tokyo, who sits down to talk with us about his work with Japanese akiya, and the challenges of buying and renovating old and damaged properties.Interested in Japanese housing? Tobi recommends our interview with real estate agent Tokyo Portfolio: https://youtu.be/6awVGa1xpZ0Follow Anton:https://www.youtube.com/@ANTONINJAPANhttps://www.instagram.com/anton.injapan/?hl=enhttps://www.houseintokyo.com/https://www.anton.jp/ Follow us on our social media:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158416https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshorts Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!youtube.com/@unpackingjapan