Just Japan Podcast

In this episode, Kevin chats with one of the original Japan YouTubers (jvloggers), Kurt Bell, aka, Softypapa. In the early days of YouTube, Kurt made fascinating videos about his life in rural Shizuoka and brought us along on countless hiking adventures in the deep forests and mountains. We explored abandoned villages and learned about long forgotten shines with Kurt. After 10 years in Japan, he returned to America. After 10 years in California, Kurt is on the verge of retirement and will return to Japan to continue his rural adventures. Learn more about his amazing story in this episode! Kurt on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@softypapa Kurt on “X’: https://twitter.com/softypapa Socials: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev https://instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

In this Episode, Kevin chats with Tokyo-based entrepreneur, Gregorio. Gregorio is an American who came to Japan in 2008 as a university student and worked for years working in various industries. During the pandemic, he started Monsta Sweets, a cookie company! He made cookies and sold them at pop-ups in Tokyo. He has now opened a full-time brick-and-mortar “Monsta Sweets” shop in Tokyo. Listen to his fascinating story about starting a business from scratch in Tokyo. Follow Monsta Sweets: X: https://twitter.com/Monsta_Sweets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monsta_sweets Check out our website! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter if you'd like to receive it! https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Support the Podcasts on Patreon: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Socials: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

In this episode, Kevin chats with Japanese pop culture expert, Matt Alt. Matt is a Tokyo-based writer who writes extensively about how Japanese pop culture has impacted the world. He has written books about Japanese folklore with his wife, Hiroko Yoda, and worked extensively as a translator and localization expert for the Japanese gaming industry. They talk about Japanese toys, pop culture, folklore, and a lot more. Matt also talks about his latest book, “Pure Invention” all about many of the Japanese inventions that had huge impacts on the rest of the world. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Support my podcasts and other creative endeavors on Patreon: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Follow all the things Matt Alt does: https://www.mattalt.com/ Check out Matt Alt’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Matt-Alt/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AMatt+Alt Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Japan Night Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode Kevin shares an amazing conversation with James Reynolds, a British extreme weather and natural events filmmaker based in Tokyo, Japan. James has been traveling the world for almost 20 years filming volcanoes, typhoons, and the aftermaths of earthquakes and tsunamis. James has arguably the most exciting job in Japan! His job stalled during the cover years, but he is now back in the full swing of things. Kevin later shares some listener requests tales of odd transportation events in Japan. This interview originally aired on the Just Asia Podcast in 2023. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast James on X: https://twitter.com/EarthUncutTV EarthuncutTV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/earthuncuttv Support the Podcasts on Patreon: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Japan Night Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin O'Shea chats with his friend Kevin Tarpey about exploring rural Japan on foot. Kevin Tarpey lives in rural Shimane Prefecture and is an epic hiker and walker. He has taken many walking adventures such as Shikoku’s 88 Temples Pilgrimage and he writes a regular column for a local newspaper about his walking adventures in Japan. Kevin sees Japan in a way many expats and travelers do. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow Kevin Tarpey's rural Japan adventurers: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof Support the Podcasts on Patreon: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (Japanese night shots and toys): https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

Kevin chats with Hiroshima-based Sustainable Travel Consultant, JJ Walsh, in this episode. Joy has lived in Japan since the 1990s and is an entrepreneur, content creator, consultant, and very inspirational person. She helps businesses as well as individuals lead more sustainable lives in Japan. They talk about her “Japan origin story” and the Seek Sustainable Podcast. They also chat about being a travel guide in Japan and buying and renovating old homes. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Seek Sustainable Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seek-sustainable-japan/id1520832272 Joy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbjRdeieOLGes008y_I9y5Q Support the Podcasts on Patreon: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

In this episode we chat with Jason, the man behind napajapan.com. NapaJapan is one of the best places online to buy Japanese snacks, candy, drinks, and other delicious treats. Jason first appeared on the podcast in 2015. We catch up and learn all about how Jason started his snack business in Japan, how he weathered the cover storm as an online retailer, and a lot more. There's also a big treat, if you use the code “justjapan20” at checkout, you can get a 20% discount on an order from napajapan.com! ALSO….support our NEW Patreon campaign! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Do some amazing Japanese snack shopping today: https://www.napajapan.com/ (Discount code: justjapan20) NapaJapan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/napajapan/ NapaJapan on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/napaJapan/ SUPPORT the new pattern campaign: patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin TikTok: @busankevin2

In this episode, we are back with Jim Mullins, an expat resident of Japan for 33 years. We catch up on his life lately and chat about inflation in Japan. Is it as noticeable as in other countries? Mully also tells us about what he’s been up to lately. The conversation even turns to shaving and shaving supplies in Japan! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin TikTok: @busankevin2

We are back and we chatted with Pee Jay about teaching at universities in Japan. Pee Jay talked about this topic in episode 27 in August of 2014. A lot has changed since then and we learn a little about this long-term expat in Japan and how to get a job teaching at universities in Japan. What is it like to find work? What are the conditions like once you start working in a university? If you are considering working in Japan, this might be the episode for you! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow Pee Jay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kansai_pee_jay/⁠ Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin TikTok: @busankevin2

In the Fall of 2023, Tony Dot Vega walked the entire Tokaido Road. He walked 500 km from Kyoto to Tokyo. This would be an amazing and challenging adventure for anyone, but Tony’s journey was even more incredible because he did it sol and he’s legally blind. Listen to Tony’s amazing Japan story. Kevin chats with Tony about how he learned to speak Japanese, how he originally came to Japan, and how he took on the Tokaido Road Challenge and shared it with the world on social media. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Tony online: JapanKyo.com https://japankyo.com The Tokaido Challenge YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq Tony on X: https://twitter.com/thevegatony Check out the episode of Japan Station where Tony interviewed me: https://www.japankyo.com/2021/02/japan-china-covid19-experience/ Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

We are back with another fantastic conversation about Japan. Kevin chats with Dave in Osaka, one of the original Japan live-streamers. If you’re interested in seeing Maiko in Kyoto or festivals throughout Japan, Dave’s YouTube and Twitter are the places to be. He started back in the days of Periscope and continues to create great content with amazing cultural and travel connections. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow Dave in Osaka: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveInOsaka YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveinOsaka Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

Have you ever heard of Chikara Ishi 力石 or Strength Stones in Japan? Probably not. Kevin chats with Osaka-based strength athlete, David Dunlap about the history of stone lifting in Japan. Now, an almost lost sport, Chikara Ishi was once renowned and revered around Japan. Today, strength athletes such as David and the World’s Strongest Man, Martins Licis are trying to put the sport back on the map in Japan. Learn more about this fascinating piece of Japanese history. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow David on YouTube (Nobei Power): https://www.youtube.com/@nonbei_power Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonbei.power Check out the Strength Unknown video with Martins Licis and David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CEjK9haKSQ Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin

In this episode, Kevin chats with Jim Mullins, aka, Mully. Jim has called Japan home for 32 years and appeared on the Just Japan Podcast more than 20 times. Kevin and Jim catch up on life and talk about Jim’s years as a content creator in Japan. They also chat about what has kept Mully in Japan for so long and even about his Podcast, the Mully’s Place Podcast. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Check out the Supernatural Japan Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Bluesky: @madformaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

Kevin has a fantastic chat with television producer and Japan-based personality, Riki Ohkanda. Riki has a passion for celebrating the Japanese kimono and other aspects of traditional living in Japan. She can often be seen on Twitter sharing her impressive kimono knowledge and fashion and was recently featured on an NHK World television program about the iconic traveler, Isabella Bird. She talks about how she arrived in Japan, became interested in the culture, and uses Twitter (X) to share positivity and a love of Japan. (This interview was originally part of the Just Asia Podcast in Spring 2023) Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl) on X: https://twitter.com/PaprikaGirl_JP Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Bluesky: @madformaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

We are back! Are you still out there listening? In this episode, we chat with Casey Bean, an American living in Ishikawa Prefecture 石川県. He talks about how he found his way to Japan, life in a slower-paced area of Japan, and his podcasts, The Bean Pod, and Ishikawa Summit to Sea. We also talk about forest gardening, chickens, and recording original music, and Casey advises listeners seeking the slow life in rural Japan. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin Casey’s Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TBeanpod The Bean Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-beanpod-podcast/id1466025228 Ishikawa Summit to Sea: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ishikawa-summit-to-sea/id1528933719 Casey’s original music: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/casey-bean/1651202917?l=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1S3zduDWaH7xzmwbuP3t8p?si=C52ld3tPTlmsp83-ewfImQ&nd=1 Bandcamp Album Links: https://caseybean.bandcamp.com/album/black-white https://caseybean.bandcamp.com/album/before-dark

International educator and podcaster, Kevin O’Shea brings you some interesting takes on a long life living abroad in Asia. The Just Asia Podcast profiles fascinating expats living across Asia doing amazing things. He talks to people in Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia and more. Listen to their stories and be inspired by the lives they lead. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-asia/id1674193428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qBwXhrGswVKwd7HlwwP8E Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/daa3e5dd-7705-459a-8232-cc887772e096/just-asia Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1071669 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kYjViZjUwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw © Kevin O'Shea 2023

International educator and podcaster, Kevin O’Shea brings you some interesting takes on a long life living abroad in Asia. From the quirky facets of life in Japan to living under covid restrictions in China. Kevin talks about food, travel, raising 3rd culture kids, gardening, teaching at international schools, and a lot more. International living has a lot of ups and sometimes downs. Next stop…Malaysia for even more food, travel, and life adventures! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-asia/id1674193428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qBwXhrGswVKwd7HlwwP8E

It’s been almost 3 years and we are back! Just Japan Podcast host stops by to say, “Hello” with his son Kai. They give some life updates and talk about his new podcast! The Supernatural Japan Podcast has a little something for every Japan enthusiast! SUBSCRIBE today! Supernatural Japan on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy84ZGE0YTI0NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Anchor: https://anchor.fm/supernatural-japan The Supernatural Japan podcast is now on Amazon Music! https://music.amazon.com/.../dedb712b.../supernatural-japan Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/supernatural-japan Follow Supernatural Japan on Instagram: http://instagram.com/supernaturaljapan JOIN the Supernatural Japan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan

After several years working as a reporter for NHK news, returning guest, Adam Walsh will return to Canada to continue his journalism career there. Adam talks about some of the highlights of his time covering Japan as a journalist and what its like to live and work Japan. Home of the podcast: https://justjapanstuff.com/ Twitter: @madformaple Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff

200 episodes! Past guests join Kevin to chat about 200 episodes of the Just Japan Podcast! Join in the fun! Trivia and silliness are the order of the day! Podcast page: http://justjapanstuff.com Twitter: @madformaple Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff