Japan has long held a fascination for travelers from around the world. But its culture and language have often proved impenetrable for outsiders. This week we'll get an insider's perspective on having a rich experience when traveling to Japan. Ruth Kanagy has written a Living Abroad in Japan guidebook based on her years of experience as an American raised in ... Show More
Dec 2024
The Japanese art of happiness: From ikigai, to ritual, to embracing old age
*This episode originally aired on July 23, 2023. Navigating the relentless pace of the modern world often means being bombarded by daily distractions, sleep deprived and perhaps a little stressed or anxious. It’s not easy. When it comes to looking for a moment of reflection and r ... Show More
53m 59s
Aug 2025
The Flatmate from Japan Returns🚶♂️Travelling Tales & More [950]
Peter, my old flatmate from Japan, is back on the podcast after his previous appearance 11 years ago! We chat about travelling experiences, teaching English in Malaysia and Japan, dealing with jet lag and culture shock, doing stand-up comedy abroad, and some of the funny, strange ... Show More
1h 47m
Aug 2025
The Flatmate from Japan Returns🚶♂️Travelling Tales & More [950]
Peter, my old flatmate from Japan, is back on the podcast after his previous appearance 11 years ago! We chat about travelling experiences, teaching English in Malaysia and Japan, dealing with jet lag and culture shock, doing stand-up comedy abroad, and some of the funny, strange ... Show More
1h 45m
Jul 2024
More Happier: Adventure! Japan, Prep for England, and Travels with a Young-Adult Child
We talk about a highlight from my recent trip to Japan, and about the (wonderful) experience of traveling with a young-adult child. We also discuss how we’re reading novels as part of our preparation for our upcoming sisterly hiking adventure in England.Get in touch: podcast@gret ... Show More
15m 21s
Nov 2024
Japan’s First MLB Player Gets Pulled from the Game
November 4, 2009. It's Game 6 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Yankees will clinch the series tonight on the back of one player, Hideki Matsui. He's a baseball player from Japan, one of the few who made the jump across the Pacifi ... Show More
35m 2s
Dec 2021
Alisa Freedman, "Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost" (Association for Asian Studies, 2021)
Alisa Freedman's book Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost (Association for Asian Studies, 2021) explores political, economic, and cultural issues underlying depictions of Japan on U.S. television comedies and the programs they inspired ... Show More
56m 54s
Sep 2025
Episode 595: Would You Move Abroad for Political Reasons? (with Jennie Spohr)
There are many reasons a family might choose to move abroad. In the case of Americans, that reason is generally motivated by a desire for adventure, change, new scenery, unfamiliar culture, a slower pace of living, or just plain fun. But not always. Today we sit down with friend ... Show More
33m 2s