Podcasts about Japanese

7. The Devastating Aftermath The firebombing results in 105,000 deaths, surpassing the destruction in Dresden and Hamburg. LeMay's success validates his tactical gamble, leading to the systematic burning of other Japanese cities throughout the summer. Scott notes that this conventional campaign had already crippled Japan before the atomic bomb. (16)1946 TOKYO

Splendid Smarch weather! This month, a farewell to the Xbox; a sneaky consent form; the soporific return of Alex's Dream Corner; the ongoing audio saga; the Virtual Boy is back and redder than ever; the new version of a game called Yakuza and Japanese cancel criteria; Paranormasight 2 in your area (if you're Alex), and the boys disagree about remakes (again)! Listeners of this podcast are cleared for preboarding!  ====MUSIC====  Hidenori Iwasaki - Mocking Bop

Dr. Al Grauer hosts. Dr. Albert D. Grauer ( @Nmcanopus ) is an observational asteroid hunting astronomer. Dr. Grauer retired from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2006. travelersinthenight.org From August 2025. Today's 2 topics: - Big Bear Solar Observatory is a unique facility operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Its 1.6 meter Goode Solar Telescope is located on the north side of Big Bear Lake at an elevation of 6,760 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Being surrounded by cold water at high altitude provides the site with exceptional atmospheric stability and thus the possibility of extremely high quality solar images. It is hard to predict the value of basic research, however, work like this will eventually enable scientists to better understand how solar flares and other activity in the Sun's atmosphere effect astronauts, communications systems, auroras, radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms, satellites, power grids, and more on our home planet.   - Recently, using data from the Japanese infrared telescope AKARI, Dr. Amos Y.A. Chen and his collaborators published a paper in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia which predicts the approximate positions of two massive Planet 9 candidates. To arrive at their conclusions this team carefully searched the AKARI observations for objects which over the course of months change their positions relative to distant stars and galaxies. Further observations are required to determine if either of these move like a Planet 9 or if instead they are some other type of distant astronomical object.     We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

In this episode, we speak with historian Jack Bowsher about his remarkable new book Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945, which tells the extraordinary story of the final battles of the Burma Campaign in the Second World War. While most histories end with the famous victories at Imphal and Kohima, the dramatic reconquest of Burma in 1945 is often dismissed as little more than “mopping up.” In reality, it was the culmination of years of hard-earned experience by the British and Indian armies, fighting in one of the most challenging environments of the war and without the lavish resources seen in other theatres. At the heart of the story is the stunning armoured thrust on the Japanese supply hub at Meiktila—an all-arms blitz of tanks, motorised infantry, artillery, and air power that shattered the Japanese Burma Area Army. It is one of the most remarkable victories of the war, and yet remains one of its least-known battles.   Jack'sBook can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4u8xSNs 

Num 10:1-11:23, Mark 14:1-21, Ps 51:1-19, Pr 10:31-32

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Inspiration: A Cherry Blossom Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-03-08-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の訪れは美しい。En: The arrival of spring is beautiful.Ja: 奈良の桜農場は、満開の桜で彩られていた。En: The Nara cherry blossom farm was colored with cherry blossoms in full bloom.Ja: 花の香りが微かに漂い、地面はピンクの花びらで覆われている。En: The faint scent of flowers wafted in the air, and the ground was covered with pink petals.Ja: この静かな場所で、人々は春の訪れを楽しんでいた。En: In this quiet place, people were enjoying the arrival of spring.Ja: ケンタとユキは、桜を見に旅行に来た。En: Kenta and Yuki had come on a trip to see the cherry blossoms.Ja: ケンタは画家。En: Kenta is a painter.Ja: 最近、彼は新しい絵のインスピレーションを探していた。En: Recently, he had been searching for new inspiration for his paintings.Ja: 彼の心には、桜の儚い美しさを描きたいという願いがあった。En: In his heart, he longed to depict the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.Ja: だが、彼は迷っていた。En: However, he was hesitating.Ja: 「何度も見たこの桜に、まだインスピレーションを見つけられるだろうか？」En: "Can I still find inspiration in these cherry blossoms, which I have seen so many times?"Ja: ユキはケンタの幼なじみだ。いつも彼を励まし、冒険心をくれる友人である。En: Yuki is Kenta's childhood friend, a friend who always encourages him and gives him a sense of adventure.Ja: 「新しい場所へ行こう、あきらめないで！」とユキはケンタに言った。En: "Let's go to a new place, don't give up!" Yuki said to Kenta.Ja: 二人は桜農場を歩いていた。そこに、地元のガイド、アイコが現れた。En: The two were walking around the cherry blossom farm when a local guide, Aiko, appeared.Ja: 彼女は桜について詳しい。En: She is knowledgeable about the cherry blossoms.Ja: 「ここから見る桜は、特別な景色ですよ」と微笑みながら言った。En: "The view of the cherry blossoms from here is a special sight," she said with a smile.Ja: アイコの案内で、ケンタたちは農場の奥へと進んだ。En: With Aiko's guidance, Kenta and the others proceeded deeper into the farm.Ja: そこは、ケンタがこれまで訪れたことのない場所だった。En: It was a place Kenta had never visited before.Ja: ユキとアイコのおかげで、新しい道を見つけたケンタは、少しずつ自信を取り戻し始めていた。En: Thanks to Yuki and Aiko, who helped find a new path, Kenta slowly began to regain his confidence.Ja: そして、夕日が西に沈み始めるころ、ケンタはふと立ち止まった。En: Then, as the sunset began to fade in the west, Kenta suddenly stopped.Ja: そこには、隠れた森があった。En: There was a hidden forest.Ja: 黄金色の光が桜を照らし、幻想的な光景が広がっていた。En: Golden light illuminated the cherry blossoms, creating a mystical scene.Ja: ケンタはその美しさに心を奪われ、思わず息を飲んだ。En: Kenta was captivated by the beauty and involuntarily held his breath.Ja: 「ここだ…」ケンタは静かに呟いた。En: "Here it is..." Kenta murmured quietly.Ja: 彼の心に火がついたように、短い時間でスケッチを始めた。En: As if a fire had been lit in his heart, he began sketching in a short period of time.Ja: ユキはそんな彼を見守りながら、微笑んでいた。En: Yuki watched him, smiling.Ja: 「ケンタ、見つけたね。」En: "Kenta, you found it."Ja: ケンタは創作のブロックを乗り越えた。En: Kenta overcame his creative block.Ja: この体験で、彼はどんなに見慣れた場所でも、新しい視点を持つことで驚きの発見があると気づいた。En: Through this experience, he realized that, even in familiar places, surprising discoveries can be made with a new perspective.Ja: 桜農場での旅は、彼にとってかけがえのないインスピレーションの源泉となった。En: The trip to the cherry blossom farm became an irreplaceable source of inspiration for him.Ja: そして、夜が静かに訪れるころ、ケンタたちは満足感に包まれて農場を後にした。En: And as night quietly approached, Kenta and his companions left the farm wrapped in a sense of satisfaction.Ja: 春風に揺れる桜のように、ケンタの心は軽やかだった。En: Like the cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, Kenta's heart felt light.Ja: ユキもまた、友人と共に素晴らしい時を過ごせた喜びで胸がいっぱいだった。En: Yuki, too, was filled with joy from sharing a wonderful time with her friend. Vocabulary Words:arrival: 訪れblossom: 満開faint: 微かwafted: 漂いdepict: 描きたいhesitating: 迷っていたadventure: 冒険心guidance: 案内confidenc: 自信captivated: 心を奪われinvoluntary: 思わずsketching: スケッチperspective: 視点discovery: 発見satisfaction: 満足感irreplaceable: かけがえのないmystical: 幻想的overcome: 乗り越えたinspiration: インスピレーションcompanion: 友人fleeting: 儚いswaying: 揺れるfarewell: 後にしたillumined: 照らしinfuse: 火がついたbreeze: 春風adventure: 冒険心golden: 黄金色unveiled: 現れたcherished: 満足感

Irish actor Jessie Buckley is nominated for an Oscar for her starring role as Shakespeare's wife in ‘Hamnet.' She talks about the film and how motherhood has changed her. “The thing this story offered me that brought me into this next chapter of my life as a mother was tenderness.” Also, documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville tells us about his new documentary, ‘Man on the Run,' which focuses on Paul McCartney's life and music after the break-up of The Beatles. John Powers reviews ‘Kokuho,' a Japanese film about a gangster's son who dreams of being a star in Kabuki theater.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week we begin by looking at an in-depth piece by an astute Japanese observer about China’s current bargaining strategy with the US, balancing Iran and its own internal struggles (3:51), followed by a more cynical view from China hawk Gordon Chang (19:53). Then, after taking a break to look at one aspect of China’s current real-estate troubles (24:57), I try to explain the motivation behind all that China does (or does not do) in the world (40:25). Lastly, we look at all of the Pray for China cities for the coming week (48:18). Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Feel free to write anytime: chinacompass@privacyport.com. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Book Recommendation: “I'm currently reading [The Millionaire Missionary] and am really enjoying it. What a powerful story of radical obedience and sacrifice. I'm planning to recommend it to the young men I'm currently mobilizing for the 10/40 Window—I think Borden's example will be incredibly inspiring for them as they consider their own call to the unreached.” The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) Why Xi Can’t Say No To Trump Despite Iran Strikes (Paywall) https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-why-xi-can-t-say-no-to-trump-visit-despite-the-iran-strikes Gordon Chang is (Mostly) Right This Time https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/gordon-chang-urges-us-treat-china-enemy-combatant-warns-subs-operating-very-close-us I Miss China’s Cheap Apartments https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/03/03/cheap-apartments-spawn-retire-early-trend-amid-chinas-slowing-economy/ Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-mar-8-14-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more! Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

Stijn Schmitz welcomes Martin Armstrong to the show. Martin Armstrong is CEO & Chairman of Armstrong Economics Ltd. In this wide-ranging interview, Armstrong provides deep insights into global geopolitical and economic dynamics, focusing on current international tensions, monetary systems, and future economic trends. Armstrong argues that the current geopolitical landscape is far more complex than many analysts understand, particularly regarding conflicts in the Middle East and potential global tensions. He emphasizes that the neoconservative movement has significantly influenced US foreign policy, often without fully comprehending the long-term consequences of their actions. He specifically critiques interventions in Iraq, Iran, and other regions, suggesting that these actions frequently create more instability than they resolve. Regarding the global monetary system, Armstrong believes significant changes are coming. He suggests that gold is increasingly being viewed as a neutral asset by countries like China, who are accumulating it as a hedge against potential conflicts. While he doesn’t anticipate a traditional gold standard, he sees gold playing a crucial role in international trade settlements, potentially rising to $10,000 by 2032. Armstrong is particularly critical of current government debt strategies, predicting a potential sovereign debt crisis. He argues that governments historically default through various mechanisms, including war, currency devaluation, or simply refusing to honor previous debt. The United States’ reserve currency status, he explains, stems not just from government policy but from its robust consumer economy and deep financial markets. Looking forward, Armstrong sees continued geopolitical uncertainty, rising oil prices, and potential conflicts, particularly involving Russia and China. He warns that sanctions and current diplomatic strategies are counterproductive and that true global peace requires economic integration rather than isolation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:05 – Decade-Long Economic Trends 00:02:29 – Neocon Endless Wars 00:03:42 – Sovereign Debt Crisis 00:04:17 – Gold’s Rise Factors 00:04:53 – Forecasting Model History 00:08:51 – Pre-War Capital Flows 00:09:57 – Middle East Religious Risks 00:21:00 – Short-Term Oil Outlook 00:22:57 – Gold’s Geopolitical Role 00:30:46 – US Dollar Future 00:37:28 – Sovereign Default Mechanics 00:44:25 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Website: https://armstrongeconomics.com X: https://x.com/strongeconomics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.armstrong.167 Amazon Book: https://tinyurl.com/ybtrslr9 Martin Armstrong is the Owner and Researcher for the website Armstrong Economics. He is the former chairman of Princeton Economics International Ltd. He is best known for his economic predictions based on the Economic Confidence Model, which he developed. At age 13, Armstrong began working at a coin and stamp dealership in Pennsauken, New Jersey. After buying a bag of rare Canadian pennies, he became a millionaire in 1965 at the age of 15. He continued to work on weekends through high school, finding the real-world exciting, for this was the beginning of the collapse of the gold standard. Martin became captivated by this shocking revelation that there were not just booms and busts, but also peaks and valleys that would last centuries. Armstrong progressed from gold coin investments to following commodity prices for precious metals. In 1973, he began publishing commodity market predictions as a hobby, and in 1983 Armstrong began accepting paid subscriptions for a forecast newsletter. “In Armstrong’s view of the world where boom-bust cycles occur like clockwork every 8.6 years, what matters is his record as a forecaster. He called Russia’s financial collapse in 1998, using a model that also pointed to a peak just before the Japanese stock market crashed in 1989. These days, as the European sovereign-debt crisis roils markets worldwide, he reminds readers of his October 1997 prediction that the creation of the euro “will merely transform currency speculation into bond speculation,” leading to the system’s eventual collapse.” His Website Armstrong Economics offers a unique perspective intended to educate the public and organizations on the global economic and political environment’s underlying trends. Their mission is to research historical cyclical trends.

Send a textJun Fujita was a pioneering Japanese-born photographer who made his way to Chicago to become widely regarded as the first Japanese American photojournalist. Hear more about Fujita's life in Chicago from Graham Harrison Lee, Fujita's great-nephew and author of the book Jun Fujita: Behind the Camera.Preorder a copy of the second printing of the book from the publisher (and save $10):https://hatandbeard.com/products/jun-fujita-behind-the-camera-by-graham-harrison-lee-002Follow author Graham Lee on Instagram.Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! Buy more than one and get a personalized video thank you.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistoryLeave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.comUp your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1kAnything purchased through the links below may generate a small commission for this podcast at no cost to you and help offset production costs.Jun Fujita: Tanka and Other Verse by Jun Fujitahttps://amzn.to/4ujXgA4 (Paperback)https://amzn.to/4cyqaWK (Kindle Edition)You can read this book FREE with Kindle Unlimited. Not an Unlimited subscriber? Get a free 30-day trial here:  https://amzn.to/2WsP1GHWant better sleep? Try the most delicious alternative to melatonin and sleeping pills that helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. MoonBrew. Use the code below for 15% off.https://moonbrew.co/TOMMYHENRYNeed music for YOUR projects? Audiio has got you covered. Try a free trial here:https://audiio.com/pricing?oid=1&affid=481Send me an email - Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod AT gmail.com)Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)Support the show

Num 8:1-9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Ps 50:1-23, Pr 10:29-30

Community Prayer and Encouragement

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial.

Drift into an ancient Japanese forest in this immersive Kintsugi-inspired sleep story designed to calm the mind and support deep rest. In this guided meditation, you walk along moss-covered stepping stones worn by countless seasons and countless footsteps. Bamboo sways beneath towering cedar trees. A distant temple bell echoes through the woods. In a hidden clearing, you discover a broken porcelain cup resting in the moss and begin a symbolic journey of restoration through the art of Kintsugi, the Japanese practice of repairing pottery with gold. Perfect for listeners seeking: • A guided sleep story for adults • A Japanese forest meditation • A healing sleep meditation • A relaxing bedtime story • Emotional restoration and resilience • Calming sleep narration If this episode helps you relax, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your listening platform. Those small actions make a meaningful difference and help this independent show grow. Your Sleep Guru is created, written, recorded, and produced entirely by me, Clara. If you would like to support my work and access ad-free listening and exclusive guided sleep stories, meditations, soundscapes, and more, you can download the Your Sleep Guru app from the app store. Thank you for being here.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Mystery on the Bridge: Blossoms, Art, and Unspoken Love Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-03-07-23-34-00-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春のうららかな日、上野公園は桜の花びらで満たされていました。En: On a lovely spring day, Ueno Park was filled with cherry blossom petals.Ja: ピンクと白の花のシャワーが風に揺れ、公園には花見を楽しむ人々が溢れていました。En: The pink and white flowers swayed in the wind, and the park was bustling with people enjoying hanami.Ja: 家族の楽しげな声があちこちから聞こえてきます。En: The joyous voices of families could be heard from all directions.Ja: そんな中、一つの橋に突然現れた絵がみんなの注目を集めていました。En: Amidst this scene, a painting that suddenly appeared on a bridge captured everyone's attention.Ja: その絵は鮮やかで、どこからともなく現れた謎の作品でした。En: The painting was vivid, a mysterious work that had appeared out of nowhere.Ja: 絵を見つめる人々は、いったい誰がこんな美しいものを描いたのか、不思議に思っていました。En: People staring at it wondered who could have painted such a beautiful piece.Ja: 美術学生の雪子もその絵を見に来ました。En: Bijutsu student Yukiko also came to see the painting.Ja: 彼女は卒業プロジェクトのアイデアを探していたのです。En: She was searching for ideas for her graduation project.Ja: 同時に、彼女の幼なじみの浩志が大阪から遊びに来ていました。En: At the same time, her childhood friend Koji was visiting from Osaka.Ja: 浩志は、雪子に密かに恋心を抱いていましたが、その気持ちを打ち明ける勇気はありませんでした。En: Koji secretly harbored feelings for Yukiko but lacked the courage to confess them.Ja: 「雪子、あの絵、すごいよな？」浩志は興奮した声で言いました。En: "Yukiko, that painting is amazing, isn't it?" Koji said excitedly.Ja: 「うん、本当にすごい。でも誰が描いたのかな？」雪子はあたりを見渡しました。En: "Yeah, it's really amazing. But I wonder who painted it?" Yukiko looked around.Ja: すると、近くにいた露店の店主、恵美が近づいてきました。En: Just then, a nearby stall owner, Emi, approached them.Ja: 「昨夜、怪しい人影が橋のそばで何かしているのを見たわ」と彼女はぽつりと言いました。En: "Last night, I saw a suspicious figure doing something near the bridge," she said quietly.Ja: でも、詳しいことは教えてくれませんでした。En: But she didn't provide any more details.Ja: 雪子はもっと知りたかったので、恵美さんに質問をしましたが、恵美さんは頑なに口を閉ざしました。En: Yukiko wanted to know more, so she asked Emi questions, but Emi remained stubbornly silent.Ja: 一方で浩志は、恵美さんをあまり急かさないように雪子に言いましたが、雪子はどうしても知りたくて、さらに質問を続けました。En: Meanwhile, Koji advised Yukiko not to press Emi too hard, but Yukiko was determined to find out and continued with her questions.Ja: そこへ、突然激しい雨が降ってきました。En: Suddenly, a heavy rain began to pour.Ja: 絵が雨で流されそうになり、雪子は慌てて抱えていた傘を広げ、絵を守りました。En: The painting was in danger of being washed away, so Yukiko hastily opened the umbrella she was carrying to protect it.Ja: その姿を見て、恵美さんはゆっくりと口を開きました。En: Seeing this, Emi slowly began to speak.Ja: 「あの絵を描いたのは、あなたのクラスメートの田中くんよ。」と。En: "The one who painted that picture is your classmate, Tanaka-kun."Ja: その言葉を聞いて、雪子は驚きました。En: Hearing those words, Yukiko was astonished.Ja: 田中くんはとても内向的で、こんな大胆な場所に絵を描くとは想像もしませんでした。En: Tanaka-kun was very introverted, and she never imagined he would create such a bold painting in a public place.Ja: しかし、その意外な事実が彼女の心を刺激し、新しいインスピレーションを与えました。En: However, this unexpected fact stimulated her imagination and gave her new inspiration.Ja: そして、雨が止んだあと、浩志は決心しました。En: After the rain stopped, Koji made a decision.Ja: 「雪子、実は、ずっと君が好きだったんだ。」En: "Yukiko, actually, I've always liked you."Ja: 雪子は驚きつつも、その告白に嬉しさを感じました。En: Yukiko, surprised, felt happiness at his confession.Ja: 彼女は絵と浩志から、新しい道を見出しました。En: She discovered a new path through the painting and Koji.Ja: プロジェクトにインスパイアされただけでなく、浩志との関係も新しい一歩を踏み出しました。En: Not only was she inspired for her project, but she also took a new step forward in her relationship with Koji.Ja: その橋の絵は、ただの謎ではなく、雪子にとって大切な春の思い出となりました。En: The painting on the bridge was not just a mystery but became a cherished spring memory for Yukiko.Ja: 彼女は、これからも思いがけないところからインスピレーションを受け入れ、個人的な成長と芸術的追求の両立を図ることを決心しました。En: She decided to embrace inspiration from unexpected places, striving for both personal growth and artistic pursuit. Vocabulary Words:lovely: うららかなfilled: 満たされていましたpetals: 花びらswayed: 揺れjoyous: 楽しげなamidst: そんな中vivid: 鮮やかmysterious: 謎のfascinated: 不思議に思ってgraduation: 卒業project: プロジェクトharbored: 抱いてlack: ありませんでしたconfess: 打ち明けるsuspicious: 怪しいstubbornly: 頑なにpress: 急かさないastonished: 驚きましたintroverted: 内向的bold: 大胆なunexpected: 意外なstimulated: 刺激しcourage: 勇気cherished: 大切なembrace: 受け入れpursuit: 追求blossom: 花見splendid: すごいdetermined: 決心cherish: 大切に

"this job is really primarily a people job" "if you get the right people, you don't have to spend a lot of time micromanaging; get out of their way and let them do their thing" "you have to be the type of boss that people are not afraid to bring bad news" "you all have everything you need to be successful at Dow" "if you treat Japanese people with integrity, trust, respect, like you would want to be treated like anywhere else in the world, you're going to be fine" Brief Bio Peter Jennings is President of Dow in Japan and Korea, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar business and thousands of employees across both markets. He joined Dow as an attorney and spent twenty-seven years in legal roles before being unexpectedly tapped for senior business leadership. Before moving to Japan in 2012, he served in Hong Kong as general counsel for Dow Asia Pacific and later returned to the United States for several senior assignments. His transition from legal counsel to country president reflects a career shaped by adaptability, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong people-first philosophy. In Japan, he became Dow's longest-serving president in the market's history, leading cultural renewal, leadership development, diversity initiatives, and a more open, internationally minded operating model inside a long-established Japanese organisation. Peter Jennings presents a compelling case that leadership success in Japan does not begin with technical mastery, perfect language, or rigid adherence to stereotype. It begins with trust. When he arrived in Japan in 2012, one year after the Tohoku earthquake, he came not as a traditional commercial operator but as a long-serving Dow lawyer with deep corporate knowledge and international experience. That unusual path could easily have created distance between him and a highly experienced Japanese leadership team. Instead, it became an advantage because he did not arrive pretending to know everything. He arrived listening. His early approach was simple and disciplined. He met leaders individually, asked about their biggest issues, wrote everything down, and focused on how he could help. In a market where nemawashi, ringi-sho, consensus-building, and careful internal alignment still shape decision-making, that restraint mattered. Rather than impose a foreign leadership template, Jennings worked to understand how trust and respect are earned locally. He recognised that formal authority in Japan means little unless people feel safe enough to speak candidly. Over time, the proof of progress was behavioural. Senior staff started challenging him privately after meetings. Employees began dropping by for coffee or lunch. More importantly, people brought bad news earlier. For Jennings, that was a decisive signal of culture change. He argues that if people fear punishment, information gets buried. In a high uncertainty avoidance environment, leaders must reduce the interpersonal risk of honesty before they can improve decision quality. That is where leadership and decision intelligence meet: better outcomes come from better information flow, not louder authority. He also reshaped the leadership bench. Over several years, Dow Japan moved from a more traditional senior male model towards a younger, more diverse, bilingual, bicultural team. Jennings takes particular satisfaction not in personal advancement but in seeing talented people, especially women, promoted into larger roles. He frames leadership as removing obstacles, securing resources, and backing capable people rather than controlling them. That is a significant shift away from hierarchical supervision and towards empowerment. Another major insight concerns engagement. Rather than accept low survey scores as a fixed Japan problem, Jennings replaced abstract annual questionnaires with thirty small-group focus sessions built around four direct questions. This surfaced practical barriers that a standardised survey missed. In effect, he moved from broad sentiment tracking to grounded organisational sensing. That approach resembles a more human version of modern management tools such as digital twins or data-led diagnostic systems: the aim is not data volume, but usable insight. Jennings remains optimistic about Japan's future because he sees a new generation less constrained by inherited conventions. He believes many younger professionals want accelerated careers, global exposure, flexibility, and merit-based opportunity. His lesson is clear: leadership in Japan works best when it combines respect for consensus with encouragement for initiative, local sensitivity with global openness, and humility with conviction. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? Leadership in Japan is shaped by context more than cliché. Jennings suggests the distinctive challenge is not that Japanese teams are uniquely difficult, but that trust must be earned carefully and consistently. Consensus matters, and leaders must respect the logic behind nemawashi and ringi-sho rather than dismiss them as slow. People observe behaviour closely before deciding whether a leader is safe, credible, and worth following. Titles alone do not create followership. In practice, leadership in Japan requires patience, consistency, and a visible commitment to fairness. Why do global executives struggle? Many global executives struggle because they arrive overconfident or over-programmed. Jennings argues that outsiders often assume prior Asia experience transfers automatically into Japan. It does not. Japan requires a different cadence, especially around rapport, internal alignment, and decision support. Executives also fail when they underestimate how long trust-building takes. Jennings says it took two to three years before he felt his influence had truly taken root. Leaders who expect quick wins often misread silence as agreement and hierarchy as commitment. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Jennings does not deny caution exists, but he reframes the issue as uncertainty rather than simple risk aversion. In environments with strong uncertainty avoidance, employees can hesitate because the social cost of error feels high. That does not mean they lack ambition or imagination. It means leadership must lower the penalty for speaking up, experimenting, and surfacing problems. When employees believe bad news will be handled constructively, innovation becomes more possible. The issue is less about national character and more about psychological safety. What leadership style actually works? The style that works is people-centred, transparent, and supportive. Jennings repeatedly returns to one principle: leadership is a people job. He believes leaders should ask good questions, listen well, help teams secure resources, and avoid micromanagement. They should also model openness by welcoming challenge and by rewarding honesty instead of punishing it. This style aligns well with consensus cultures because it does not destroy harmony; it strengthens it through trust. Effective leaders also create points of light by visibly backing talented people into bigger roles. How can technology help? Technology can support leadership, but it cannot replace human judgment. Jennings' critique of standard engagement surveys shows that data without context often misleads. Better systems should improve signal quality, not merely produce dashboards. In that sense, tools associated with decision intelligence, workforce analytics, or even digital twins of organisational processes can help leaders identify bottlenecks, bias, and friction. Yet Jennings' own example shows the real breakthrough came from direct conversation. Technology is most useful when it sharpens listening rather than substitutes for it. Does language proficiency matter? Language proficiency helps, but Jennings suggests it is not decisive. He openly acknowledges not speaking Japanese, yet built credibility through authenticity, gratitude, and respectful conduct. He believes leaders can succeed without perfect language if they behave with integrity, remain accessible, and work through strong local talent. Language matters less than whether people believe the leader is genuine, fair, and willing to learn. Cultural arrogance is far more damaging than imperfect fluency. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? The ultimate lesson is that people rise when leaders combine belief with opportunity. Jennings insists that employees already possess the education and ability to succeed; what often separates performance is confidence, encouragement, and the chance to act. Great leadership in Japan is therefore not about overpowering culture but about unlocking potential within it. When leaders blend respect, transparency, empowerment, and resilience, they create an organisation where people are willing to speak, grow, and lead. Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

In honor of "Back to the Future" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle "What if" scenarios: What if Boeing built motorcycles? What if Harley-Davidson abandoned "heritage" for "cutting-edge"? How would a different World War II outcome have changed German and Japanese engineering? What does a truly safe motorcycle look like? If gas motorcycles were banned tomorrow, would the community survive on electric and hydrogen alone? Plus, Zack analyzes his actual Alpinestars airbag crash data, comparing his 65-mph highside to Marc Marquez's infamous tumbles. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Link Up w/The Morning Sickness Digitally All Over:Instagram: @hms_98_official, @bosskupd, @bretvesely, @dickToledoX/Twitter: @HMSon98, @DickToledo, @bretveselyFacebook: @HMSKUPDYouTube: @hmspodcast9320, @98kupdRequest/Call in/Wakeup Song line:(IN AZ) 585.9800More HMS: holmbergpodcast.com, 98kupd.comEmail: dtoledo@98kupd.com, bvesely@98kupd.com, bbogen@98kupd.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: a Toyota-affiliated auto parts supplier makes a takeover bid for a Japanese chipmaker. And the Securities and Exchange Commission drops its fraud case against crypto billionaire and Trump donor Justin Sun. Danny Lewis hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 6th 2026. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and the Louisville Bats have announced a multi-year partnership, Heaven Hill has 2 new releases, and Pursuit Spirits has the new Sakura Bloom Bourbon.Show Notes: Whiskey Thief and Louisville Bats partner to debut home plate speakeasy and stadium club Give 270 announces 20/20 Unicorn raffle featuring 1988 vintage Old Rip Van Winkle Hotel Distil launches Peerless Distilling Suite featuring historical artifacts and immersive tastings Pursuit Spirits debuts Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon finished in Japanese cherry wood Burnt Church Distillery celebrates fifth anniversary with 100% Seashore Black Rye Whiskey Bulleit releases Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon as its first permanent rye-free expression Barrell Craft Spirits adds 12-Year Toasted American Oak Finish to premium Red Label Series Larrikin Bourbon Co. unveils 2026 Rosewater Bourbon proofed with house-brewed botanical water Heaven Hill launches Deatsville 13-Year-Old as first entry in commemorative site tribute series Heaven Hill Heritage Collection returns with 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at barrel proof Jack Daniel's and McLaren F1 debut 86-proof limited edition for 1000th Grand Prix milestone Log Still Distillery and Archdiocese of Louisville release second annual Bishop's Blend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Notes Join our Patreon for early access and bonus episodes and help support the show! Get exclusive Japanese horror merchandise and join the Discord! Four terrifying tales from Japan of deadly, horrifying, bizarre, and unforgettable encounters with the other side. BGM thanks to Myuuji, Kevin MacLeod and CO.AG. Sound effects thanks to Free Sound and freeSFX. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Support Kowabana: 'True' Japanese scary stories from around the internet by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/kowabana

This week, we're tackling the most legendary samurai in Japanese history: Miyamoto Musashi. Why is he so famous, what do we actually know about him, and why is there such a big gap between the story most are familiar with and what our actual sources have to say? Show notes here.     

Let's Talk in Japanese!の番外編。むずかしすぎない、でもしぜんなこどもの日本語です！もちろんおとなが聞いてもだいじょうぶ！※友も話していますが、話し方は少し子ども向けになってます。レベルがN2になってますが、難しい文法は使われてません。が、子供の話し方はわからいにくいのと、ことばが難しいというか、教科書には出てこないものが多いのでわかりにくいのとでN2になってます。ちなみに今年は午年(うまどし)でした。[Special Series: Kids' Edition]This episode features a native Japanese child speaking naturally, recorded with parental supervision for Japanese learners.⚠️ Please note:To protect the child's privacy, please refrain from asking for personal details or sharing speculation in comments or on social media.As this is natural speech by a child,you may hear grammatical mistakes or unclear pronunciation.--------------------------------------------------------------------コーヒー1杯ぶん、応援してもらえたらうれしいです ☕スクリプト・メンバーシップ・トピックのリクエストもこちら。For scripts, membership, and topic requests:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ruby-s.net/support/⁠⁠⁠Your support helps me keep creating “just-right” Japanese episodes.

TNA Hall of Famer, Mickie James joins the show to talk about her recent encounters with Ash by Elegance, taking the TNA Knockout's Championship into the Royal Rumble, Music & @highlight   Special Thank you to Tommy Fierro & Dan Lehman    Powered by Twisted Shamrock Studio & Spa    As Always The BCP is brought to you by our FAVORITE store, Funkenstein Wrestling Superstore located in The Englishtown Flea Market (NJ) from 8 am -3pm Sat & Sunday and online. Get your favorite wrestling merch, retro games, ninja turtles, Ghostbusters, and so much more!!   Please welcome in our NEW sponsor, MANIA CLUB . Established in 2015, MANIA CLUB is a WWE recognized community for fans with an eclectic love for both the world of professional wrestling and raising money for Connors Cure. During WrestleMania weekend, we host the official Tailgate of WrestleMania while also celebrating Connor Michalek. They are the single largest donor within the V Foundation for Connors Cure with over $150K raised! Please donate and join the Facebook group at MANIA CLUB   The BCP is also sponsored by The No Gimmicks Podcast !! The Pro Wrestling podcast that keeps it 100% real, 100% of the time!! The No Gimmicks Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. The No Gimmicks Podcast   WRESTLING ALL DAY ALL NIGHT is the best wrestling discussion group on Facebook! We provide more of a community feel here, and have wrestling fans introduce other fans to something they may not have seen before, such as old school wrestling, indie wrestling, Japanese wrestling, and more! We also strive to be a source of information regarding upcoming wrestler meet & greets and signings. And remember, we're open 24/7. All Day. All Night! Be sure to follow on socials and join the group on Facebook at Wrestling All Day All Night   Sweet Chin Musings is the creation of the reigning, rarely defending, highly disputed champion of wrestling podcasts, “Mr. Perfect” Mike Mueller, and his tag team partner in crime, Luke Kudialis. SCM focuses on the in-ring product of WWE and AEW (no dirt sheet rumors here), as well as backstage news, predictions and analysis of characters, storylines, and major pay per views. Old school fans, don't worry, we have you covered too, with a look back on classic matches, top 10 lists, and interactive tournaments that let the fans decide who is truly the best of all time. You can find us on Facebook at Sweet Chin Musings , and check out the podcast at https://linktr.ee/SweetChinMusings   Please welcome in our returning pod sponsor for the show GPW Productions !! GPW provides your promotion or event with TOP TIER video, audio, production, live streaming, and more!! I can personally vouch for them in saying they are hands down THE BEST Production company I have ever worked with as they have and continue to work with the likes of AEW, GCW, Starrcast, MLW, not to mention the majority of the local independent Promotions in the tri-state area. They can even help you film a vignette or promo for your persona/gimmick. And guess what? GPW doesn't just work in wrestling. They cover MMA, boxing, basketball, or any other sporting event as well!! On a personal note I'd like to thank Michael James Sesko , Frank León , Oneil Andrews & the team for giving me multiple opportunities to work with them and some of the best talent in the world. BOOK GPW for your promotion or event today at contact@gpwproductions.com   ISPW Wrestling brings the Independent Superstars of Wrestling to the Parsipanny PAL February 13th!! Get your tickets now at ISPWWrestling.com   Please welcome in our newest podcast sponsor ISPW Weekly featuring host Totowa Tom Mele as he interviews the stars of the ring, uncover their stories, rivalries, and electrifying action that defines ISPW. Catch ISPW Weekly on The ISPW Facebook Page every week!! ISPW Wrestling Looking to press play on feeling good again? Twisted Shamrock Studios & Spa —Delaware County's Retro Recovery Rebels—are here to rewind time and reboot the way you heal. From therapeutic massage and assisted stretch therapy to glow-up facials and energy work—this is where function meets feel-good. Perfect for athletes, overachievers, and everyday Joes & Janes who need real relief with a vintage twist. Reboot your body. Recharge your soul. Rock the retro vibe. Call or text 484-574-8868 And follow us for pop-up events, retro inspo, and more!   Please welcome back our returning pod sponsor, Jay Adam Photography !! Jay provides quality, artistic, innovative photography with quick turnaround. Be sure to check out his latest pics from the top promotions here in the northeast and much more stellar content. Contact Jay at Jay Vogel for promo shots at events or off site, match photos, and much more!! Thank you Jay!! Jay Vogel   Please welcome in our new pod sponsor for 2025 the @Ropes N Riffs Podcast featuring maestro John Kiernan speaking with the Stars of professional wrestling about in ring, tunage, gear, and more!! Check out John's interviews with the likes of Lince Dorado, Mercedes Martinez, and more!! Find the Ropes N Riffs Podcast on all major Podcast platforms!! @Ropes N Riffs Podcast   USDN Podcast is run by USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds. We bring you all the latest news and rumors from the World of Nerds and consolidate it right here at USDN. USDN is for the people, by the people and of the people. https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds USDN Podcast   Warriors Of Wrestling (W.O.W) returns to Brooklyn NY with TNA Stars Alicia & Eddie Edwards Saturday January 10th!! Get your tickets now at WarriorsofWrestling.com   Please welcome in our new podcast sponsor EM Collectibles featuring Live Signings, Collectibles, toys and more!! Be sure to follow them on Facebook and stay tuned for upcoming events: UPCOMING EVENTS!! March 28-29, 2026 Syracuse Collectors Con with Mr. Anderson, American Gladiators Malibu, Diamond, Blaze, and one more name TBA May 2, 2026- New England Fan Fest with Adam Bomb, Harvey Whippleman, The Headbangers and Powers of Pain! Be sure to follow EM Collectibles on Facebook!   Please welcome back our returning podcast sponsor, From the Left Side Get hit From the Left Side with all the wrestling and sports news you can handle!! Thank you FTLS for sponsoring the BCP!!

The Top Independent Wrestler on the Planet Richard Holliday on his Recent Momentum, MJF, the mustache, Goals, Gold & More!!   Powered by Twisted Shamrock Studios & Spa    As Always The BCP is brought to you by our FAVORITE store, Funkenstein Wrestling Superstore located in The Englishtown Flea Market (NJ) from 8 am -3pm Sat & Sunday and online. Get your favorite wrestling merch, retro games, ninja turtles, Ghostbusters, and so much more!!   Please welcome in our NEW sponsor, MANIA CLUB . Established in 2015, MANIA CLUB is a WWE recognized community for fans with an eclectic love for both the world of professional wrestling and raising money for Connors Cure. During WrestleMania weekend, we host the official Tailgate of WrestleMania while also celebrating Connor Michalek. They are the single largest donor within the V Foundation for Connors Cure with over $150K raised! Please donate and join the Facebook group at MANIA CLUB   The BCP is also sponsored by The No Gimmicks Podcast !! The Pro Wrestling podcast that keeps it 100% real, 100% of the time!! The No Gimmicks Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. The No Gimmicks Podcast   WRESTLING ALL DAY ALL NIGHT is the best wrestling discussion group on Facebook! We provide more of a community feel here, and have wrestling fans introduce other fans to something they may not have seen before, such as old school wrestling, indie wrestling, Japanese wrestling, and more! We also strive to be a source of information regarding upcoming wrestler meet & greets and signings. And remember, we're open 24/7. All Day. All Night! Be sure to follow on socials and join the group on Facebook at Wrestling All Day All Night   Sweet Chin Musings is the creation of the reigning, rarely defending, highly disputed champion of wrestling podcasts, “Mr. Perfect” Mike Mueller, and his tag team partner in crime, Luke Kudialis. SCM focuses on the in-ring product of WWE and AEW (no dirt sheet rumors here), as well as backstage news, predictions and analysis of characters, storylines, and major pay per views. Old school fans, don't worry, we have you covered too, with a look back on classic matches, top 10 lists, and interactive tournaments that let the fans decide who is truly the best of all time. You can find us on Facebook at Sweet Chin Musings , and check out the podcast at https://linktr.ee/SweetChinMusings   Please welcome in our returning pod sponsor for the show GPW Productions !! GPW provides your promotion or event with TOP TIER video, audio, production, live streaming, and more!! I can personally vouch for them in saying they are hands down THE BEST Production company I have ever worked with as they have and continue to work with the likes of AEW, GCW, Starrcast, MLW, not to mention the majority of the local independent Promotions in the tri-state area. They can even help you film a vignette or promo for your persona/gimmick. And guess what? GPW doesn't just work in wrestling. They cover MMA, boxing, basketball, or any other sporting event as well!! On a personal note I'd like to thank Michael James Sesko , Frank León , Oneil Andrews & the team for giving me multiple opportunities to work with them and some of the best talent in the world. BOOK GPW for your promotion or event today at contact@gpwproductions.com   ISPW Wrestling brings the Independent Superstars of Wrestling to the Parsipanny PAL February 13th!! Get your tickets now at ISPWWrestling.com   Please welcome in our newest podcast sponsor ISPW Weekly featuring host Totowa Tom Mele as he interviews the stars of the ring, uncover their stories, rivalries, and electrifying action that defines ISPW. Catch ISPW Weekly on The ISPW Facebook Page every week!! ISPW Wrestling Looking to press play on feeling good again? Twisted Shamrock Studios & Spa —Delaware County's Retro Recovery Rebels—are here to rewind time and reboot the way you heal. From therapeutic massage and assisted stretch therapy to glow-up facials and energy work—this is where function meets feel-good. Perfect for athletes, overachievers, and everyday Joes & Janes who need real relief with a vintage twist. Reboot your body. Recharge your soul. Rock the retro vibe. Call or text 484-574-8868 And follow us for pop-up events, retro inspo, and more!   Please welcome back our returning pod sponsor, Jay Adam Photography !! Jay provides quality, artistic, innovative photography with quick turnaround. Be sure to check out his latest pics from the top promotions here in the northeast and much more stellar content. Contact Jay at Jay Vogel for promo shots at events or off site, match photos, and much more!! Thank you Jay!! Jay Vogel   Please welcome in our new pod sponsor for 2025 the @Ropes N Riffs Podcast featuring maestro John Kiernan speaking with the Stars of professional wrestling about in ring, tunage, gear, and more!! Check out John's interviews with the likes of Lince Dorado, Mercedes Martinez, and more!! Find the Ropes N Riffs Podcast on all major Podcast platforms!! @Ropes N Riffs Podcast   USDN Podcast is run by USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds. We bring you all the latest news and rumors from the World of Nerds and consolidate it right here at USDN. USDN is for the people, by the people and of the people. https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds USDN Podcast   Please welcome in our new podcast sponsor EM Collectibles featuring Live Signings, Collectibles, toys and more!! Be sure to follow them on Facebook and stay tuned for upcoming events: UPCOMING EVENTS!! March 28-29, 2026 Syracuse Collectors Con with Mr. Anderson, American Gladiators Malibu, Diamond, Blaze, and one more name TBA May 2, 2026- New England Fan Fest with Adam Bomb, Harvey Whippleman, The Headbangers and Powers of Pain! Be sure to follow EM Collectibles on Facebook!   Please welcome back our returning podcast sponsor, From the Left Side Get hit From the Left Side with all the wrestling and sports news you can handle!! Thank you FTLS for sponsoring the BCP!!   Please welcome in our NEW podcast sponsor The SDN Podcast !! For in-depth WWE predictions, pay-per-view reviews, and insightful interviews with wrestling personalities, I highly recommend The SDN Podcast. They cover all the big events and give you expert analysis every week. Be sure to subscribe and stay updated on everything wrestling. Thank you S.D.N. Podcast for sponsoring the BCP! The SDN Podcast

Rebecca and Shaun are back with a classic HYDC catch-up episode—covering everything from creative ruts and tile inspiration to mattress upgrades and the strange ways we all unwind after long design days. If you've ever found yourself doom-scrolling design materials, obsessing over the perfect bed, or wondering why your brain suddenly works differently after 40… this one's for you.The hosts dive into tile sourcing adventures, experimenting with creative practices outside of work, and the surprising ways designers recharge. From Japanese-inspired tile showrooms to the economics of custom beds and the eternal quest for better sleep, this episode wanders delightfully through the real-life thoughts and distractions of running a design business while staying creatively inspired.In this episode they discuss:Shaun's hunt for Japanese-inspired tile and the unique glazes, textures, and shapes showing up in specialty tile linesHow experimenting with low-pressure creative practices (like sketching or figure drawing) can help reignite inspirationThe challenges of specifying custom furniture and understanding manufacturer pricing structuresWhy designers should deeply learn the product lines they specify to avoid costly mistakesThe surprising role beds, sleep setups, and nighttime routines play in maintaining creative energyHow trends like tobacco browns and layered neutrals are showing up in current design palettesThe hosts' evolving perspectives on aging, creativity, and the shifting priorities that come with experienceShaun's mission to finally get new headshots that better reflect his brand and personalityOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca's InstagramShaun's InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Episode 546: This week we review the third film in Studio Colorido's Netflix deal, the directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita which is a reimagining of a classic Japanese folk tale: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Based on the folk tale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter", this modern day take follows a girl who finds a baby in a utility pole who turns out to be Princess Kaguya!

Support NEStalgia directly by becoming a member of our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/Nestalgia  Members at the $5 and above level get access to our brand new show NEStalgia Bytes. A look at the famicom games you can play without any Japanese knowledge! For More NEStalgia, visit www.NEStalgiacast.com

A souvenir from the 1933 Worlds Fair that has survived. A unique piece of pottery that would have been bought by visitors to the World Fair. The style and craftsmanship has a history and story all to its own.

The Alliance for Civics in the Academy hosted "How Can Universities Strengthen Civic Education in K–12 Schools?" with Jennifer McNabb, Joshua Dunn, and Jenna Storey on March 4, 2026, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. PT. Universities are increasingly reexamining their role as incubators of effective citizenship. An essential yet often overlooked part of this work is strengthening K–12 civic education. This webinar explores how efforts within higher education can support civic learning in K–12 schools, with particular emphasis on the academy's role in training the next generation of educators. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Meira Levinson is a political theorist/philosopher of education who is working to start a global field of educational ethics that is philosophically rigorous, disciplinarily and experientially inclusive, and both relevant to and informed by educational policy and practice. In doing so, she draws upon scholarship from multiple disciplines as well as her eight years of experience teaching middle school humanities, civics, history, and English in the Atlanta and Boston Public Schools.  Meira has written or co-edited nine books, including Civic Contestation in Global Education and Educational Equity in a Global Context (both 2024, with Ellis Reid, Tatiana Geron, and Sara O'Brien), Instructional Moves for Powerful Teaching in Higher Education (2023, co-authored with Jeremy Murphy), Democratic Discord in Schools (2019, with Jacob Fay), winner of the 2020 AERA Moral Development and Education SIG Outstanding Book Award, and Dilemmas of Educational Ethics (2016, with Jacob Fay). Her book No Citizen Left Behind (2012) won awards in political science, philosophy, social studies, and education and has been translated into Chinese and Japanese. Meira shares educational ethics resources on JusticeinSchools.org, materials to support K-12 educators working in politically charged environments at Educational Values in Action, and resources for youth activists and teacher allies at YouthinFront.org. Each of these projects reflects Levinson's commitment to achieving productive cross-fertilization — without loss of rigor — among scholarship, policy, and practice. Meira earned a B.A. in philosophy from Yale and a D.Phil. in politics from Nuffield College, Oxford University. Her work has been supported by fellowships from Guggenheim, the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, and the National Academy of Education. Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, Meira taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Jennifer McNabb is Professor and Head of the Department of History at the University of Northern Iowa, where she teaches courses on early modern European history and the history of England. She was Co-Chair of UNI's Civic Education Task Force, which created UNI's Center for Civic Education, and she was Co-PI for a National Endowment for the Humanities Connections Grant that developed UNI's first civic education curriculum: "Civic Literacy, Engagement and the Humanities." McNabb is also a Co-PI of a national grant that will establish the Iowa Civic Educators Institute, providing professional development opportunities for in-service and pre-service social studies and history teachers throughout the state. McNabb has received several awards for her teaching and has completed four courses for The Teaching Company's The Great Courses on the Renaissance, witchcraft, sex, and marriage. She currently serves as a Councilor in the Professional Division of the American Historical Association and as president of the Midwest Conference on British Studies. Joshua Dunn (PhD, University of Virginia) serves as Executive Director of the Institute of American Civics at the Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research and teaching focus on constitutional law and history, education policy, federalism, and freedom of speech and religion. His books include Complex Justice: The Case of Missouri v. Jenkins (University of North Carolina Press), From Schoolhouse to Courthouse: The Judiciary's Role in American Education (Brookings Institution Press) and Passing on the Right: Conservative Professors in the Progressive University (Oxford University Press).  Moderator Jenna Silber Storey is the Ravenel Curry Chair in Civic Thought in the Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies Division of the American Enterprise Institute, and Co-Director of AEI's Center for the Future of the American University.  She is also an SNF Agora Fellow at Johns Hopkins University and a Research Fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.  She previously taught political philosophy at Furman University, where she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, and Executive Director of Furman's Tocqueville Program.  Her writing has appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, First Things, and The National Endowment for the Humanities flagship journal, Humanities.  Dr. Storey is the co-author, with her husband Ben, of Why We Are Restless:  On the Modern Quest for Contentment (Princeton University Press, 2021).  They are currently working on a book titled The Art of Choosing: How Liberal Education Should Prepare You for Life.

Num 6:1-7:89, Mark 12:38-13:13, Ps 49:1-20, Pr 10:27-28

  Where in the world am I? In San Diego today.   Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip to South Korea, now sharing my best travel ideas. I'm about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world.   Listener Story Spotlight   A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me about how she spent a lot of time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well worth it for her peace of mind.   Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: Where to find the best travel insurance for a long trip abroad.   1. Start with a neutral comparison engine and you can see this in the shownotes. Why use it first? Where to click Smart filters to enable Lets you price 30-day single-trip plans from dozens of underwriters side-by-side, then click through to the policy certificate in one step. Squaremouth (toggle "Comprehensive" or "Medical-only" to see apples-to-apples pricing). Squaremouth Travel Insurance Medical ≥ $100k, Evac ≥ $250k, "Cancel for Any Reason" if you want maximum flexibility. Gives you consumer-written claim reviews plus AM Best financial ratings right in the results grid. InsureMyTrip (same data feed as Squaremouth but different sort logic). Add "Pre-existing condition waiver" if relevant; check "Adventure sports" if you'll hike or dive. Pulls quotes from some insurers that don't feed aggregators (e.g., Allianz's higher-tier plans) and lists A.M. Best scores. TravelInsurance.com Use the "24/7 assistance" toggle; you'll see which plans outsource help lines. Skeptical check: All three make a commission; none of them has every carrier. Run your trip through at least two engines and see if the so-called "cheapest" plan really is. 2. Cross-reference with an independent ranking list ●      U.S. News "Best Travel Insurance Companies 2025" ranks plans by coverage and claim-paying history—not advertising spend. It's a fast way to see which names (Travelex, Allianz, Tin Leg, etc.) consistently show up in the top tier. U.S. News 3. See what other solo women say ●      SoloTravelerWorld.com keeps an updated "Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers" guide that spells out what to look for if you're traveling alone—single-supplement benefits, harassment coverage, and 24-hour crisis lines. Solo Traveler ●      AbsolutelyLucy.com lays out five red flags that matter disproportionately to women (e.g., personal-assault medical limits, emergency contraception exclusions). Absolutely Lucy Read these before you fall for glossy Instagram ads that treat "female-friendly" as a slogan. 4. Kick the tires on the insurer's own site If a plan looks good in a marketplace, open the policy certificate directly on the carrier's website (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, IMG, etc.). World Nomads publishes unfiltered claim reviews—useful for sniffing out chronic payout delays. World Nomads 5. Verify what your government will—or won't—do The U.S. State Department's Insurance Coverage Overseas page makes it crystal-clear that Uncle Sam does not pay your hospital bill or med-evac. It also links to the embassy medical resources for every country, which tells you how far the nearest trauma center is from your trekking trail. Travel.gov 6. Double-check your credit-card benefits Cards in your wallet may cover trip delay, baggage loss, or secondary car rental insurance. The Points Guy keeps a running tally of cards whose built-in coverage is worth something—and where the gaps are (e.g., no medical evacuation). How to use these resources efficiently Quote your exact dates (don't round your trip to a calendar month; excess days add cost). Filter for medical & evac first; those are the two benefits that can bankrupt you. Ignore marketing buzzwords like "explorer" or "adventure" until you've opened the PDF certificate and searched for the activity you actually plan to do. Run your final-four shortlist past recent claim reviews (Squaremouth, Trustpilot, Reddit r/solotravel) to see if the carrier ghosted people during COVID or the Israel–Gaza cancellations. Purchase directly from the insurer once you've chosen—that avoids aggregator change-fees if you need to modify dates. Stay curious, question every "Top 10" list's methodology, and you'll land the coverage that fits your risk profile—nothing more, nothing less.     60 second confidence challenge   3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select walkable neighborhoods with public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at a daylight time, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more of a challenge for you. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don't look like a target, either.     If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 1 of my book dives deeper—link in description."   See Book A for addressing all of these items. Find it on the website: 5 steps to solo travel.com or on Amazon. It's a series.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today's destination is:       South Korea   I visited South Korea last year and am going back this month.  I landed at Seoul's Inchon Airport. My Korean pronunciation is not good, so please bear with me as I describe my trip. I was excited to see the city through my friend Chris's eyes. We were whisked away to a hotpot dinner, then taken to the French neighborhood in Seoul, where we rested overnight. The next morning, we drove south to visit a town about 2 hours away and stayed in Wolbong-ro (Road), in Seobuk-gu, near SeongJeong.   South Korea is about the same size as the US state of Virginia, or compared to the size of the country of Hungary. If you look at the size of the entire peninsula, you would say it's the same size as Minnesota or the country of Great Britain.   I was only there for four days, but during this time, I was able to see a lot of Seoul and explore some places to share with you.   For example, the Seoul Noryangin Fisheries Wholesale Market is five stories tall and open to the public. It's worth seeing if you like seafood, and you can roam the aisles looking for your favorite fish delicacies.   I visited the Vovo Bidet company and met with the director and some of his team. Have you seen the #1 Bidet firm in Korea? They have retail and wholesale offices in the Los Angeles area as well. I liked the tour of the offices here in Seoul. They even have a Bidet to go. Think about that for a minute. That was in Daebang-dong or Seocho4-dong.   I visited retail stores such as Zara, one of my favorite fashion stores. I had Chinese, Japanese, and Fusion foods. I took subways, buses, taxis, and Ubers, plus trains. I went to Gwannghumun Square, the purple Station #9.   I went to the shopping mall called The Hyundai, and found stores like Zanmang Loopy, the Hyundai Present, and a great coffee and tea shop.   I learned about Hanguel, the Korean alphabet, and saw the statue of Sejong the Great. There was also another statue of Admiral YiSun Sin. The Bukchon Honok Village is a quiet residential area. Jogyasa Temple is where you will see Buddhism. Hongdae is the neighborhood for independent artists.   Yonsei University was a place I wanted to visit next time, as I was in the neighborhood and liked it a lot. Gangnam style, well, maybe next time. I tried new foods, such as mung bean pancakes and hotteok dessert. We had a wonderful dinner at Sushi-ya Shabu-ya, about an hour from Seoul, near Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan-si-Buldang1-dong.   Recommended: Relax in a tea house.     Smart Move and Slip-up pairings We arrived in     In Korea, we were unable to enter the building because we had insufficient funds on our transit cards. Instead, we had to see the office at the kiosk and pay for the train. It was not much, but it did take a few minutes. We arrived well ahead of the recommended 3 hours, so that was not an issue.     60-second confidence challenge   Do you or don't you tip? Not in South Korea. But it's always smart to ask. Be confident when you know the expectations.   Resources Roundup   If you are looking for more solo female travel resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls, such as paying the difference on the transit card when traveling long distances or knowing when to tip.   Take away mantra and goodbye.   When you get lost, don't get upset. Get found. You will be better off if you cool your brain down instead of heating it incorrectly. Chill, and you'll be found sooner. Dr. Travelbest's tip #760.   Thanks for listening.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Courage and Blossoms: A Tale of Hope and Tradition Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-03-06-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 山の中にある静かな神社では、春の訪れとともに桜が満開に咲き、華やかに祭りの雰囲気を盛り上げていました。En: In a quiet jinja nestled in the mountains, the arrival of spring was marked by the full bloom of cherry blossoms, which brightly enhanced the festival atmosphere.Ja: この神社での雛祭りは村人にとって特別な意味を持つものでした。En: The Hinamatsuri held at this shrine held special meaning for the villagers.Ja: 今年もその祭りが近づいていました。En: This year, the festival was approaching once again.Ja: 神社では、若い修行僧の春人が忙しく準備を進めていました。En: At the shrine, the young monk in training, Haruto, was busily making preparations.Ja: 春人は真面目で一生懸命な性格ですが、今まであまり認められることはありませんでした。En: Haruto was earnest and hardworking, but he hadn't received much recognition until now.Ja: しかし、今年の祭りを成功させることで村人の信頼を得たいと強く思っていました。En: However, he strongly wished to earn the villagers' trust by making this year's festival a success.Ja: 一方、村の農夫、雪は、心の中で桜に恋心を抱いていました。En: Meanwhile, Yuki, a farmer from the village, harbored a secret affection for Sakura, another villager.Ja: 桜はこの祭りの熱心な企画者で、今年も特別な祭りを計画していました。En: Sakura was an enthusiastic organizer of the festival and was planning something special for this year as well.Ja: 祭りの準備が順調に進む中、突然の悪い知らせが村に伝わります。En: As the festival preparations proceeded smoothly, suddenly bad news spread through the village.Ja: 誰かが神社の前に不吉な手紙を残していたのです。En: Someone had left an ominous letter in front of the shrine.Ja: 「祭りに来る者には蛇の呪いがかかる」という内容でした。En: It stated that those who attended the festival would be cursed by serpents.Ja: 村人たちは恐れて、祭り中止を求め始めました。En: The villagers, frightened, began to demand the festival be canceled.Ja: 春人は悩みました。En: Haruto was troubled.Ja: 祭りを中止するべきか。En: Should he cancel the festival?Ja: それとも、この呪いをなんとか解決して祭りを続行できる方法を探すべきか。En: Or should he find a way to lift the curse and continue with the festival?Ja: そんな中、春人は雪と桜と一緒に呪いの謎を解くことを決意しました。En: Amidst this dilemma, Haruto decided to solve the mystery of the curse together with Yuki and Sakura.Ja: 雪は村の古い言い伝えを知っており、桜は神社の歴史を詳しく調べました。En: Yuki knew the old legends of the village, and Sakura researched the history of the shrine in detail.Ja: すると、ある外部者が村を恨んで呪いの手紙を残したことが分かりました。En: They discovered that an outsider, holding a grudge against the village, had left the cursed letter.Ja: 祭りの前夜、村人たちは不安な様子でした。En: On the eve of the festival, the villagers were anxious.Ja: 神社の前に集まった村人たちは、祭りを告げる鐘が不自然に揺れているのを見ていました。En: Gathered before the shrine, they watched as the bell signaling the festival swung unnaturally.Ja: しかし、その時、春人が祭壇に登り、静かに語り始めました。En: However, at that moment, Haruto climbed onto the altar and began to speak calmly.Ja: 「この神社は私たちの思いとともにあります。En: "This shrine stands with our aspirations.Ja: 皆さんを守ります」と。En: It will protect everyone," he assured them.Ja: 雪と桜も村人に安心するように声をかけ、3人で神社の周りを厳かに祈りながら歩きました。En: Yuki and Sakura also encouraged the villagers to feel at ease, and the three of them solemnly walked around the shrine, praying.Ja: 村人たちの不安は次第に和らぎました。En: Gradually, the villagers' anxiety began to ease.Ja: 翌日、雛祭りは盛大に行われました。En: The next day, the Hinamatsuri was celebrated magnificently.Ja: 色とりどりの灯籠が神社を彩り、桜の花びらが舞う中、村人たちは笑顔で祭りを楽しみました。En: Colorful lanterns adorned the shrine, and amid the swirling cherry blossom petals, the villagers enjoyed the festival with smiles.Ja: 春人はついに村人たちからの信頼を得て、心の中で達成感を感じました。En: Haruto finally won the trust of the villagers and felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart.Ja: こうして、3人は力を合わせて、村を新たな絆で結びつけました。En: Thus, the three of them joined forces to bind the village together with a new bond.Ja: 春人の胸には、暖かい春の風が吹くような、温かい充実感が残りました。En: A warm sense of fulfillment, like the gentle spring breeze, lingered in Haruto's heart. Vocabulary Words:nestled: 抱かれたbloom: 開花earnest: 真面目recognition: 認めaffection: 恋心enthusiastic: 熱心proceeded: 進むominous: 不吉cursed: 呪いserpents: 蛇frightened: 恐れてtroubled: 悩みdilemma: ジレンマgrudge: 恨みanxious: 不安signal: 告げaltar: 祭壇protect: 守るsolemnly: 厳かにease: 和らぎmagnificently: 盛大にadorned: 彩りswirling: 舞うfulfillment: 充実感aspirations: 思いharbored: 抱いてbind: 結びつけbreeze: 風accomplishment: 達成感lurking: 潜む

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Petals and Friendship: A Stroll Through Kyoto's Path Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-03-06-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の京都。En: Spring in Kyoto.Ja: 哲学の道には、満開の桜が咲き誇っていました。En: The Philosopher's Path was adorned with cherry blossoms in full bloom.Ja: ピンク色の花びらが、ゆっくりと川に流れて、まるで美しい絵のようでした。En: The pink petals floated gently down the river, resembling a beautiful painting.Ja: ハルトは、A子と一緒にこの道を歩くのを楽しみにしていました。En: Haruto was looking forward to walking down this path with A-ko.Ja: しかし、ハルトには一つの秘密がありました。それは花粉症です。En: However, Haruto had one secret. He had hay fever.Ja: 桜の季節になると、くしゃみと涙が止まらなくなります。En: Once the cherry blossom season arrived, he couldn't stop sneezing and tearing up.Ja: A子はカメラを手に、楽しそうに写真を撮っていました。En: A-ko was happily taking photos with her camera.Ja: 「ハルト、こっち見て！」彼女は笑顔で手を振ります。En: "Look over here, Haruto!" she waved with a smile.Ja: ハルトも応えたいのですが、目がかゆくてたまりません。En: Haruto wanted to respond, but his eyes were unbearably itchy.Ja: 「今日はひな祭りですね。女の子のための特別な日です」とA子は話します。En: "Today is Hinamatsuri. It's a special day for girls," A-ko mentioned.Ja: 周りには雛人形の飾りも見えます。En: Around them, displays of hina dolls could be seen.Ja: ひな祭りは、女の子の健康と幸せを祝う日です。En: Hinamatsuri is a day to celebrate the health and happiness of girls.Ja: ハルトは、そんなA子の話を聞きながらも、鼻をこすります。くしゃみを我慢しています。En: Despite listening to A-ko's story, Haruto rubbed his nose, trying to suppress a sneeze.Ja: 彼はA子に心配をかけたくありませんでした。En: He didn't want to worry A-ko.Ja: しかし、哲学の道の頂上に近づくころ、ハルトはもう隠せません。En: However, as they approached the top of the Philosopher's Path, Haruto could no longer hide it.Ja: 目は真っ赤で、鼻水も止まりません。En: His eyes were red, and his nose was runny.Ja: 「ハルト、大丈夫？」と、A子は驚いて声をかけます。En: "Are you okay, Haruto?" A-ko asked in surprise.Ja: とうとう、ハルトは正直に話す決意をしました。En: Finally, Haruto decided to be honest.Ja: 「実は、僕は花粉症なんだ」と謝りました。En: "Actually, I have hay fever," he confessed with an apology.Ja: 「それなら早く言ってくれればいいのに！薬を買いに行こう」と、A子は近くの薬局を見つけてくれました。En: "If that's the case, you should have told me sooner! Let's go buy some medicine," A-ko said, finding a nearby pharmacy.Ja: 薬を飲んでしばらくすると、ハルトは落ち着きを取り戻しました。En: After taking the medicine, Haruto gradually regained his composure.Ja: 再び哲学の道に戻ると、ハルトは深呼吸しました。En: Returning to the Philosopher's Path, Haruto took a deep breath.Ja: 「ごめんね、心配かけて。でもありがとう」と素直に感謝の気持ちを伝えました。En: "I'm sorry for worrying you, but thank you," he expressed his gratitude sincerely.Ja: A子は微笑んで、再びカメラを構えました。En: A-ko smiled and once again poised her camera.Ja: 「友達だから気にしないよ。いつだって助けるからね」と優しく言いました。En: "Don't worry, we're friends, and I'll always help you," she said kindly.Ja: ふたりは、ゆっくり哲学の道を歩き続けました。En: The two of them continued to walk slowly along the Philosopher's Path.Ja: 桜の花びらを眺めながら、ハルトは本当の友情がどんなときも支え合えることを知りました。En: As he gazed at the cherry blossom petals, Haruto realized that true friendship supports each other through any situation.Ja: 終わり。En: The end. Vocabulary Words:adorned: 咲き誇っていましたpetals: 花びらresembling: ようでしたsecret: 秘密suppress: 我慢confessed: 謝りましたcomposure: 落ち着きgratitude: 感謝gazed: 眺めながらregained: 取り戻しましたsupports: 支え合えるunbearably: たまりませんitched: かゆくsurprise: 驚いてsneeze: くしゃみrunny: 止まりませんpharmacy: 薬局medicine: 薬realized: 知りましたriver: 川floated: 流れてpoised: 構えましたtearing up: 涙がhonest: 正直expressed: 伝えましたbloom: 満開health: 健康friends: 友達festivity: 祭りapologized: 謝りました

Meet Evie, a fashion model and content creator living in Tokyo. Evie sits down to talk to us about her interest in Japanese fashion, how Japanese styles are being taken overseas, and her own fashion and feminism content.--0:00 Intro0:44 Meet Evie5:44 Coming to Japan for fashion8:57 Where subcultures come from11:19 Foreign view on subcultures12:12 Moving to Japan16:35 Job hunting in Japan21:11 Start in content creation24:23 Is Japan safe for women?28:10 What does feminism mean to you?31:47 Feminism in content creation34:03 What's changed in Japan?39:04 Is it difficult to talk about Japan's problems?42:19 Evie's life in Japan now44:06 Do you feel responsibility as a creator?46:31 Working with Japanese brands as a creator51:57 Using her philosophy degree52:55 Mixing business and content creation54:24 Misconceptions about feminism in Japan--Follow Evie: @eviebunnie https://www.instagram.com/eviebunniex/https://www.tiktok.com/@eviebunnieFollow us:https://unpacking.jp/https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/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/

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana share their personal experiences as language learners. Even though they are English teachers, they also study second languages themselves. They talk about their history with languages like Japanese, German, and Korean, and discuss their favorite study methods and give advice on how to improve your skills.  They chat about some of the different ways they remember new vocabulary and why spending time with the language every day is so important. Finally, they also share some funny and unusual tips for practicing speaking without feeling embarrassed. Listen to the episode to find out which daily habits might work best for you. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free versio: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

Vivian Wilson became the talk of Milan Fashion Week when she seductively walked the runway of Demna's debut Gucci show in a floor-length white gown. The 21-year-old model said she was briefed by casting to embody Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Her path to the Gucci runway began with a casting tape filmed in her own driveway. She walked "like a crazy person, like 8 million times" until she had the perfect take. The result? She ended up positioned in the lineup between icons Kate Moss and Mariacarla Boscono. "When I found that out, I was shaking in my boots," she told Chloe Malle, cozy in a Paris hotel room, while recording today's episode of The Run Through. "We did it, though."Before all the fashion week glamour in Paris and Milan, there was a very different life. Wilson spent time studying Japanese at a university in Tokyo, with plans to earn her TEFL certificate and become an ESL teacher. A Teen Vogue cover changed everything. "It completely transformed my career," she said. Now she's in Paris, doing the model thing — castings every hour, NDAs on NDAs — and entirely at peace with the pivot. "I wanna see how big I can get,” she said. “We're just locking the fuck in."The conversation took a more serious turn when Malle raised the question of whether models look markedly thinner this season than even five years ago. Wilson didn't hesitate. "It's the Ozempic apocalypse, girl. I am so fucking over this." Off the catwalk, she reads gay fantasy fiction and has a passion for Excel spreadsheets. She is trans, a John Oliver devotee, and has genuine ambitions in voice acting. Her three wishes are to appear in Vogue, attend the Met Gala, and walk for Schiaparelli. She left the hotel room with a piece of the chocolate Eiffel Tower, having resolved to break off a piece from the middle so as "not to compromise its structural integrity."Also in the episode, Vogue editors share thoughts from the Balmain, Dries Van Noten and Saint Laurent shows at Paris Fashion Week.The Run-Through with Vogue is your go-to podcast where fashion meets culture. Hosted by Chloe Malle, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue U.S.; Chioma Nnadi, Head of British Vogue; and Nicole Phelps, Director of Vogue Runway, each episode features the latest fashion news and exclusive designer and celebrity interviews. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mauro Sambati, Partner – Gianni & Origoni Donato Romano, Partner – Gianni & Origoni Italy remains one of Europe's most attractive markets for foreign investment. But cross-border deals in Italy are shaped by regulatory scrutiny, strict labor laws, and unique cultural dynamics that many investors underestimate.  In this episode, Mauro Sambati and Donato Romano, Partners at Gianni & Origoni, explain what it truly takes to structure and close successful transactions in Italy. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Golden Power must be structured as a condition precedent before closing How strict Italian labor laws impact asset deals and post-closing restructuring The differences in negotiation styles between US, UK, Japanese, and Korean buyers How minority governance protections are typically structured in Italy The evolution from closing accounts to lockbox pricing mechanisms This episode offers a practical perspective for M&A leaders navigating complex decisions where clarity and conviction matter as much as valuation. Listen to the full episode to learn how strategic focus can define billion-dollar outcomes. _____________________ If you're structuring a cross-border deal in Europe, the Hub has practitioner-built playbooks and AI-assisted deal guidance to help you navigate regulatory clearance sequencing, minority governance, and founder transition dynamics. Become an M&A Scientist at www.mascience.com/membership _____________________ This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom DealRoom's State of M&A Report gives you data to back up your M&A priorities. The State of M&A Report reveals the gap between what teams think matters and where the real bottlenecks are. Download it now to get expert insights: https://hubs.ly/Q03ZxRvD0 ____________________ Episode Chapters  [00:02:59] Guest Backgrounds & Italian Legal Market – Introduction to the partners at GOP and how Italy's full-service law firms support cross-border buyers.  [00:08:47] Lessons from Early Cross-Border Deals – Why negotiation strategy, communication, and cultural awareness matter more than technical drafting.   [00:11:03] Golden Power Regulations Explained – How Italy's FDI regime works, what sectors trigger review, and how geopolitical shifts expanded scrutiny.   [00:17:40] Managing Regulatory Risk & Deal Timing – Practical steps for foreign buyers to navigate filings, conditions precedent, and approval timelines.   [00:21:54] Cultural Differences in Buyer Behavior – How Japanese, Korean, UK, and US acquirers differ in speed, hierarchy, and decision-making.   [00:29:46] Common Pitfalls for US Buyers in Italy – Employment law constraints, founder influence, and the risks of moving too fast post-acquisition.  [00:35:40] Deal Sourcing in Italy – The shift from investment bank–led processes to lawyer-driven origination and evolving private equity activity.   [00:42:20] Lockbox vs. Closing Accounts – How Italian deal structures have evolved, why private equity favors lockbox, and the mechanics behind each method.  [00:48:50] Earnouts & Governance Tensions – Structuring short-term earnouts, aligning incentives, and balancing control with seller protections.  [00:57:35] Labor Law & Retention Realities – Why layoffs are complex in Italy, union consultation requirements, and the cultural importance of employee continuity.   [01:03:08] The Craziest Thing in M&A – An Italian founder let employees vote on the preferred buyer, choosing cultural fit over a higher private equity offer.  

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Learn the expert-level English expression "turn the tables"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-the-tables--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

“I was a 23-year-old high school dropout dying of an overdose when I heard the voice that changed my geography forever.”   Do you have a "yes" problem? Most people settle for less because they're afraid to ask for more. This teaching is a roadmap for the dreamer who's been told they'll never amount to anything. We look at the lives of Moses, Paul, and fishermen who had no clue what God had in store for them, just like a firefighter who ended up overseeing missions in 50 nations. We're stripping away the "poverty mentality" and looking at the practical rules for protecting your dream from discouragement and lack of faith. You don't have to finance the vision; you just have to obey the One who gave it to you.   You were handcrafted for a purpose and bought at a price. Stop settling for "ordinary" and start walking in the "more" you were made for!   Featuring: Dr. Josh Peters, CEO of FIRE International   Click here to go to the official Revival Cry YouTube channel. To see the Revival Cry podcast on another streaming service, click here.   To support Revival Cry or find out more information, go to revivalcry.org Email us at info@revivalcry.org  Follow @RevivalCryInternational on Facebook and Instagram.   Eric's 30-Day Devotional Books:  ⏵ “How to Become a Burning Bush”, available in English and Italian ⏵ “Hearing God through His Creation”, available in English, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese

David Annandale and I walk back down Poverty Row just after the attack on Pearl Harbor to watch one of the most confusing and strange attempts at wartime propaganda a low budget studio could produce. BLACK DRAGONS (1942) has Bela Lugosi as a mysterious, menacing man who seems to be on a mission of revenge. But what does he have to do with the corpses that keep popping up on the steps of the Japanese embassy in Washington? Will FBI agent Clayton Moore be able to figure things out or will he spend his time chasing Joan Barclay around her uncle/father's house until all the characters are dead? And how does David find a way to link Christopher Nolan and Bela Lugosi? Listen and learn! BLACK DRAGONS is probably the oddest of the nine films Lugosi made for Poverty Row film producers and certainly the one with the most unintentionally funny dialog. Just as it was about to go into production the decision was made to shoehorn in topical plot elements ripped from the headlines. This means that the original reason behind events in the script has been lost leaving bits of their probable supernatural nature flapping around in the film. This is the only explanation I can imagine for the never addressed ability of Lugosi's Monsieur Colomb to seemingly teleport in and out of moving taxicabs! But David has an interesting take on the film as a bizarre treatise on the subject of ‘acting' both onscreen and within the structure of the story. His idea is a bold way to look at the picture as a whole and certainly makes it more entertaining as you try to figure out what the hell is happening at any point in the film's hourlong running time. Rarely has such a barely planned collection of quirks and gaffs been so mesmerizing! If you have any comments about this movie or any other film we've covered on the show thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Thank you for listening and we'll be back soon.

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.If you've ever wondered what it takes to bring a whole historical world to life on the page—without losing your reader in the weeds—this episode is for you.In today's conversation on The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I'm joined by author Sharon Curcio, and we're talking about her indie-published historical novel, Asayi: An Autistic Teen's Journey to Topola Shogun in Medieval Japan. Sharon shares how this book (volume one of a trilogy) has already earned four medallions of excellence and a historical fiction finalist award from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards—and why readers have been responding so strongly to it.Sharon takes us back to the unexpected origin of this story: her early years in the advertising world in New York, and a deep fascination with sumi-e art—the traditional Japanese black-ink painting practice that demands intense precision and presence. That discipline, Sharon explains, was part of what catalyzed her long-term “journey into Japan,” eventually including a visit in 2024.From there, we dig into one of the most compelling creative choices in Sharon's novel: writing an autistic teenage heroine. Sharon describes a moment of realization—she could paint Japanese symbols beautifully, but she wasn't literate in Japanese and didn't know what the characters meant. As she approached retirement, she began to ask: what kind of child might live inside that gap between skill and spoken understanding? Her answer became Asaii—an autistic teen whose strengths, perception, and determination shape the entire story.We also talk about history. Sharon explains what a shogun actually is (and why it's more than “a warlord with a gang”), touching on the bakufu, legal structures, and the fierce importance of land in Japan, where only a small percentage is arable. Then she shares the real historical anchor point that sparked her plot research: the assassination of Yoshinori Ashikaga in 1441, an event Sharon uses as a fixed historical milestone while weaving fictional characters into the true historical timeline.One of the craft highlights of our conversation is Sharon's approach to a mute protagonist. In the novel, Asaii understands language but cannot speak it—and Sharon describes the challenges (and opportunities) of building a character who communicates through expression, action, and rapid sketching. It's a fascinating look at how story can move powerfully without relying on dialogue.We also chat indie publishing realities: the cover design process (including the surprising agony of getting sizing right for upload), Sharon's decision to publish independently to avoid years-long waits, and the marketing maze—what worked, what didn't (including Amazon Ads), and how podcasts and legitimate book clubs helped her reach real readers.

Have you ever considered that the sports you are watching are fixed? This episode ois appointment listening for Sports fans, sports gamblers and concerned parents, and an eye-opening story for anyone interested in how pervasive organized crime has woven into our society. My guest this week is Declan Hill, Oxford-educated and author of The Fix. Declan is world-renowned as an investigative journalist who has infiltrated organized crime fixing rings to understand how the world of sports fixing actually works and why the extensive marketing efforts to encourage more people to gamble on sports have added more fuel to the fire.  Sports thrive on uncertainty. The drama, the underdog, the last-second miracle, the feeling that nobody knows what comes next. But what happens when that uncertainty gets hijacked — when outcomes are fixed not just in final scores, but in moments you barely notice? In this interview, we dig into match-fixing and spot-fixing, prop bets and micro-bets, and why Declan believes a major American sports league is heading toward an existential crisis within five years. We also talk about how that 'casino in your pocket' is affecting athletes, fans, and young people's psychology. What happens when you move from playing with fun money to your house money, or worse, when gambling becomes an addiction equal to tobacco, alcohol or heroin? Sports fans, sports gamblers, concerned parents and friends and true crime followers, Declan Hill will not disappoint.   Declan Hill is an investigative academic and journalist. He specializes in the study of organized crime and international issues. He was the first journalist to break the story of Asian match-fixing gangs linked to the multi-billion dollar gambling markets destroying international football in his book 'The Fix: Soccer & Organized Crime'. It has now become a best-seller in 21 languages. In 2013, he published the academic version 'The Insider's Guide to Match-Fixing' which is now available in English and Japanese.:  https://www.declanhill.com If you are concerned about sports gambling, Declan encourages you to visit: https://www.gamblingwithlives.org      

Today's podcast covers: こう — like this, in this way, thus This is a demonstrative adverb used to describe the manner of doing something, referring to something close to the speaker or something the speaker is about to demonstrate. It is often paired with verbs to show how an action is performed. Example: こうやって折り紙を折ります。 You fold origami like this. Vocabulary: こうやって — like this, in this manner 折り紙を — origami (object marker) 折ります — to fold (polite form) Become a Makoto+ member for bonus content: www.MakotoPlus.com

Num 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Ps 48:1-14, Pr 10:26

Doomscrollin hosted by Sam Tripoli and Midnight Mike Check out Sam Tripoli's new comic book "Chaos Twins!" 2nd issue is about to drop! Visit www.chaostwins.com to support Sam's family-friendly project! Check out Sam Tripoli's 3rd Crowd Work Special "Barbecued: Live From Kansas City" Sept 20th on Youtube.com/SamTripoliComedy Grab Tickets To Sam Tripoli's Live Shows At SamTripoli.com: Hollywood, CA: 2/10 Perryville, MD: 2/20 Pottstown, PA: 2/21 Las Vegas, NV: 2/28 Bakersfield, CA: 3/6 Yuma, AZ: 3/7 Hollywood, CA: 3/10 Batavia, IL: 3/26-3/28 Dallas, TX: 4/24 Fort Worth, TX: 4/25 Albuquerque, NM: 6/12-6/13 Austin, TX: 6/18 Lawerence, KS: 9/17-9/19 Tulsa, OK: 10/9-10/10 Austin, TX: Dec 11th-13th Watch Sam's comedy special here: www.youtube.com/samtripoli Please check out Sam Tripoli's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/samtripoli Please check out Midnight Mike's Internet: The OBDM Podcast Website: https://ourbigdumbmouth.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/obdmpod Check out the Naked Gardener's Band: The 3rd Pyramid Band - Topic https://bit.ly/4fpNMMr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is promoting tighter restrictions on mail-in ballots as well as passage of the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. UCLA professor Richard Hasen unpacks the ramifications.John Powers reviews the Oscar-nominated Japanese film ‘Kokuho.'To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you've been on the internet in the past few weeks, chances are you've seen him: a tiny gray-brown monkey dragging a big, stuffed orangutan around Japan's Ichikawa Zoo. His name? Punch-kun, or Punch for short. His story? Early abandonment by his mother, careful treatment from local zookeepers and instant social media fame. But are all the (human) primates jumping to Punch's defense justified? And what's normal for Japanese macaque society, anyway? To find out, NPR's Katia Riddle chats with psychology professor and animal expert Lauren Robinson.Interested in more animal science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy