Just Japan Podcast
Each week, host Kevin O'Shea interviews people about some of the most fascinating aspects of life in Japan. Topics such as culture, music, history, as well as living and working in Japan are covered. If you're interested in traveling or working in Japan or love anime, manga and want to know more about how cool Japan can be, than the Just Japan Podcast is for you.
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Just Japan Podcast - 217: Adventure in Japan -Softypapa 2.0 (with Kurt Bell)
04/19/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 217: Adventure in Japan -Softypapa 2.0 (with Kurt Bell)
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: Kurt on “X’: Socials: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 216: Starting a Business in Tokyo (Monsta Sweets)
04/03/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 216: Starting a Business in Tokyo (Monsta Sweets)
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: Instagram: Check out our website! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter if you'd like to receive it! Support the Podcasts on Patreon: Socials: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: X: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 215: Japanese Pop Culture with Matt Alt
03/22/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 215: Japanese Pop Culture with Matt Alt
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: Support my podcasts and other creative endeavors on Patreon: Follow all the things Matt Alt does: Check out Matt Alt’s books on Amazon: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): Japan Night Scenes: Email:
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Just Japan Podcast - 214: The Most Exciting Job in Japan
03/17/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 214: The Most Exciting Job in Japan
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: James on X: EarthuncutTV on YouTube: Support the Podcasts on Patreon: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): Japan Night Scenes: YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 213: Exploring Japan on Foot
03/09/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 213: Exploring Japan on Foot
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: Follow Kevin Tarpey's rural Japan adventurers: Instagram: Support the Podcasts on Patreon: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (Japanese night shots and toys): Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 212: Travel and Sustainability in Japan
02/23/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 212: Travel and Sustainability in Japan
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: Seek Sustainable Podcast: Joy on YouTube: Support the Podcasts on Patreon: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 211: AMAZING Japanese Snacks and Candy
02/14/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 211: AMAZING Japanese Snacks and Candy
In this episode we chat with Jason, the man behind . 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 ! ALSO….support our NEW Patreon campaign! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: Do some amazing Japanese snack shopping today: (Discount code: justjapan20) NapaJapan on Instagram: NapaJapan on facebook: SUPPORT the new pattern campaign: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube: TikTok: @busankevin2
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Just Japan Podcast - 210: Inflation in Japan and Shaving with Mully?
02/03/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 210: Inflation in Japan and Shaving with Mully?
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: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube: TikTok: @busankevin2
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Just Japan Podcast - 209: University Jobs in Japan
01/26/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 209: University Jobs in Japan
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: Follow Pee Jay on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube: TikTok: @busankevin2
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Just Japan Podcast - 208: Walking the Tokaido Road with Tony Dot Vega
01/19/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 208: Walking the Tokaido Road with Tony Dot Vega
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: Tony online: The Tokaido Challenge YouTube Playlist: Tony on X: Check out the episode of Japan Station where Tony interviewed me: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast - 207: Live-streaming Japan with Dave in Osaka
01/11/2024
Just Japan Podcast - 207: Live-streaming Japan with Dave in Osaka
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: Follow Dave in Osaka: Twitter: YouTube: Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram (travel and life): YouTube:
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Just Japan Podcast 206: Chikara Ishi 力石 - Stone Lifting in Japan
12/16/2023
Just Japan Podcast 206: Chikara Ishi 力石 - Stone Lifting in Japan
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: 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
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Just Japan Podcast 205: Long-Term Expat in Japan - The Return of Mully
12/05/2023
Just Japan Podcast 205: Long-Term Expat in Japan - The Return of Mully
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: Check out the Supernatural Japan Podcast: Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: Twitter (X): Bluesky: @madformaple Instagram (travel and life): YouTube: Email:
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Just Japan Podcast 204: Bringing Back Traditions with Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl)
12/01/2023
Just Japan Podcast 204: Bringing Back Traditions with Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl)
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: Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl) on X: Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: Twitter (X): Bluesky: @madformaple Instagram (travel and life): YouTube: Email:
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Just Japan Podcast - 203: Life in Small-Town Japan and The Bean Pod
11/28/2023
Just Japan Podcast - 203: Life in Small-Town Japan and The Bean Pod
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: Just Japan Podcast: Facebook: 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
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Just Asia Podcast - Something for All Just Japan Listeners!
06/06/2023
Just Asia Podcast - Something for All Just Japan Listeners!
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: Spotify: Amazon Music: Stitcher: Google Podcasts: © Kevin O'Shea 2023
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Just Asia Podcast - Listen and Follow the New Podcast!
03/17/2023
Just Asia Podcast - Listen and Follow the New Podcast!
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: Spotify:
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Just Japan Podcast 202: Supernatural Japan
05/02/2022
Just Japan Podcast 202: Supernatural Japan
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: Google Podcasts: Anchor: The Supernatural Japan podcast is now on Amazon Music! Stitcher: Follow Supernatural Japan on Instagram: JOIN the Supernatural Japan Facebook Group:
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Just Japan Podcast 201: Reporter Leavin on a Jet Plane - with Adam Walsh
06/16/2019
Just Japan Podcast 201: Reporter Leavin on a Jet Plane - with Adam Walsh
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.
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Just Japan Podcast 200: --Party-- 200 Episodes
05/19/2019
Just Japan Podcast 200: --Party-- 200 Episodes
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!
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Just Japan Podcast 199: Japanese Whiskey with Brian Ashcraft
05/12/2019
Just Japan Podcast 199: Japanese Whiskey with Brian Ashcraft
What's the deal with Japanese whiskey? Why has it become so famous? Is it really that good? In this episode of the JJP, we chat with writer Brian Ashcraft about the history of whiskey in Japan. We also chat about his work with Kotaku, the Japan Times and the books he's written.
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Just Japan Podcast 198: How to Snag a University Job
05/05/2019
Just Japan Podcast 198: How to Snag a University Job
What does it take to get a university job in Japan? This week we chat with university instructor PeeJay. He talks about the qualifications you need to work in Japanese universities and how to find work. Get ready, episode 200 is coming soon!
/episode/index/show/justjapan/id/9656723
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Just Japan Podcast 197: Eric Meal Time
04/28/2019
Just Japan Podcast 197: Eric Meal Time
Like Japanese food? Wanna see lots of it on YouTube? This week, in Episode 197, we chat with Eric Berg, aka, Ericsurf6 of YouTube fame! This Japan-based food vlogger has seen a great deal of success over the years on YouTube and his channel is going stronger than ever. If you like Japan and food, then you'll enjoy this interview!
/episode/index/show/justjapan/id/9556424
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Just Japan Podcast 196: 10 Years Back in Time
04/21/2019
Just Japan Podcast 196: 10 Years Back in Time
This week on the Just Japan Podcast we have a special treat. You get to listen to two chats Kevin had with regular guest PeeJay from 10 years ago! These chats are from their old collaborative YouTube channel, Two Beers in Asia. Next week, Kevin will be back with a regular and up-to-date interview!
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Just Japan Podcast 195 - Impossible to Imagine
04/14/2019
Just Japan Podcast 195 - Impossible to Imagine
In this episode, we chat with Kyoto, Japan-based filmmaker, Felicity Tillack about her full-length film, Impossible to Imagine which is set in Kyoto, Japan. We discuss this exciting project as well as other fascinating creative projects she has worked on in the past. Podcast page: http://justjapanstuff.com Twitter: @madformaple Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapanstuff
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Just Japan Podcast 194: Catching Up! (The Lost Episode)
04/07/2019
Just Japan Podcast 194: Catching Up! (The Lost Episode)
In Episode 194, Kevin catches up with long time friends of the show, Andrew Higgins and Mully! They catch up and chat about what they are currently doing in Japan. It's been awhile and we're happy to be back.
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Just Japan Podcast 192: Updates and New Podcast
01/20/2019
Just Japan Podcast 192: Updates and New Podcast
In this update edition of the Just Japan Podcast, Kevin fills you in on where he has been and why you haven't heard the JJP in some time. He also talks about his new podcast all about education, the Making Better Teachers Podcast.
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Just Japan Podcast 192: Typhoon Pummels Japan
09/09/2018
Just Japan Podcast 192: Typhoon Pummels Japan
In JJP 192, Kevin chats with Earth Uncut TV's James Reynolds and Kansai Pee Jay about the recent typhoon (Typhoon Jebi - Typhoon 21) that smashed into the Kansai region of Japan. This was the most powerful and destructive typhoon to hit the Kansai region of Japan in the past 50 years. Both James and Pee Jay experienced the typhoon first hand and share those experiences with you folks!
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Just Japan Podcast 191: Japanese Versus International Schools
07/31/2018
Just Japan Podcast 191: Japanese Versus International Schools
In JJP 191, host Kevin O'Shea chats with the podcast's youngest guest, 8-year-old Kai (the host's son) about his experiences as a young student in Japanese elementary school versus an international school. Kai completed kindergarten and one semester of Grade One in Japan. He just finished his Grade One year at a large IB/PYP international school in Beijing. What are the differences in the eyes of a kid? What did he like about each school and how do they compare?
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Just Japan Podcast 190: Summer Break
07/22/2018
Just Japan Podcast 190: Summer Break
In JJP 190, Kevin gives some updates while on summer holiday in Canada. There will be no regular episodes of the Just Japan Podcast until August 2018.
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