Finding Japan

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, I get the podcasting done while commuting back home after a long day of work on Monday. Since time is short, its time to find creative ways to squeeze in the content. I think this format works and if you can get over the cell phone quality, I think its a keeper! … Continue reading "Episode 44 – The Multitasking Episode"

This show is a little heavy. I talk about culture and learning about what my responsibility to my country might be. A little retrospective, a little forward looking, and a little bit of Oni Koroshi sake for the show. I also throw in an audio bit from the redubbed GI Joe PSAs that I love. … Continue reading "Episode 43 – My Responsibility"

I’m in a funk, there are no two ways around it. Well, actually just been really busy and have been enjoying the relaxing with the little free time I have. I do manage to bang out a few topics. Hope it works. Here we go. Show Notes: Japanese school boys Thanks for the 作文 feedback … Continue reading "Episode 42 – Worst Podcast Ever!"

Alex and I do a quick drink review, I reflect on my life for a hot second, and I attempt to talk about Japanese schoolboys but don’t quite get to it. Banging out the podcasts in less than an hour now, get this episode while its fresh! Show Notes Genki Intro Audio Clip from Monday … Continue reading "Episode 41 – Drink Review"

Scott Lockman’s latest episode beat me to the punch on the sumo update, but his update on sumo was much more informative than mine so go check it out. If you want audio from sumo, you can get that in this next episode. Recorded right after I was able to get my cord fixed last … Continue reading "Episode 40 – Sumo Zombies"

On my way to Akiba (Akihabara), I speak on a few topics after discovering a huge fire hazard in my apartment. Find out more by listening below. Show Notes: Walking to Akihabara Crazy thing with my power adapter A little gear-talk School starts on October 1st for me – skipping a level, suicide? Politics Too … Continue reading "Episode 39 – Fire Hazard"

Seems like this turned out to be the review episode. A Kanji dictionary, a great g4 video podcast to share, and some podcasting software review action. Is this podcast really about Japan?! And why do I mention sheep being on the radio? Find out if you listen here. Let’s go! Show Notes: Intro Getting motivated … Continue reading "Episode 37 – Dictionary Games"

Alex joins in for the conversation about our Mt. Fuji experiences. We get sidetracked a little bit first with a few random topics: movie theaters in Asakusa, and the saga of our washing machine. I originally thought this would be a multi-topic episode including the review of the Nintendo DS dictionary and Ubercaster, but alas … Continue reading "Episode 36 – Movies and Mt Fuji"

I think this is one of the longest episodes to date. Chock full o’ music and my limited insight, I think this episode also clocks in at one of the finest sounding episodes to date. Sweet sounds and tender music, you get this episode at a slightly higher quality (due to the high music content) … Continue reading "Episode 33 – Music and Carbonation"

I’m BACK in the saddle again! I’m BACK!!! I’ve had that song stuck in my head all day. Get whatever song you have stuck in your head right out by listening to this next episode and me making excuses why I’ve been gone so long. I semi-experiment with new podcasting software that will “hopefully” make … Continue reading "Episode 32 – Back in Tokyo"

Just a brief update before Fuji-san. We’re heading out today but I wanted to get a quick response to the last episode out, talk briefly about Disneyland, and just say hi. Having lots of fun here in Tokyo and surrounding areas. For Fuji-san, we will be taking some audio at each stop so you all … Continue reading "Episode 31 – Update Before Fuji-san"

Having fun without a bike, find out why in today’s episode. Also, I talk a little bit about Tanabata and share some audio from the Tanabata parade in Asakusa from about 3 weeks ago. Lots has been going on but we’ll keep the episodes coming out. Enjoy. Show Notes: Playing Battlefield 2142 A few more … Continue reading "Episode 30 – Bikeless / Tanabata"

Its coffee time again. Join me for round two of my discussion with Fred on the finer points of Japanese coffee. If you’re not sick of hearing the word “coffee” yet, you will be after this episode. Grab a cup and enjoy! Show Notes: Milk teas, bubble teas, what’s going on here? Fred thinks Doutor … Continue reading "Episode 29 – Coffee Episode II"

Its been 8 days, what’s wrong with me?! Find out more by tuning in here. I share a little bit of my personal life and plans for the next few days, talk about some scary little Japanese girl, answer questions about Japan and more. 行きましょう！ Show Notes Quick update Short story about Harajuku girls Planning … Continue reading "Episode 27 – Attempt #3"

Show Notes: Quick Updates Catching up with school because of Hashika Been in Japan over 90 days! Japanese rain, its different, for real! Preparing for summer vacation Matsuri How I got involved in this matsuri Photos from the Sanja Matsuri Outfits / Tabi / Happi Photos from the matsuri I was in Mikoshi What I … Continue reading "Episode 26 – Matsuri"