Episodes

  • We discuss the legend of the first foreign-born Samurai in Japan, Yasuke. Thanks for tuning in!

       

    TIME CODES
    02:55 Topic Introduction
    04:10 Who Yasuke was and what led him to Japan
    10:22 When he rose to prevalence in Japan, where he resided, and how Japanese people felt about him
    20:53 Why his legend is so captivating
    27:26 Upcoming and current story adaptations via film, series, and more.

    You may also like this episode: "The Yuki Onna (Snow Woman) Urban Legend"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We react to common romance norms, discuss amatonormativity, and cap it off with trendy Valentine foods in Japan this year. Tune in for a laidback discussion.

       

    TIME CODES 
    01:35 Listener Question: Favorite Japanese Dessert 
    03:17 Topic Introduction: Romance Norms 
    13:15 “13 Tips to Make a Good Relationship Great” 
    28:04 “Unhealthy Social Norms for Relationships" 
    46:26 “5 Ways Amatonormativity Sets Harmful Relationship Norms for us all" 
    50:32 Closer Convo: Trendy Valentine Food Trends in Japan

    You may also like this episode: Non-Binary in Japan: X-Gender Xジェンダー


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Turtle Time By Verified Picasso
    Things Are Going Southampton By Verified Picasso 

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
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  • We discuss the creative lifestyle, pressures, imposter syndrome, tips, and more. Tune in for a laidback discussion.

       

    TIME CODES
    01:35 Podcast Updates 
    03:17 Topic Introduction: Creative Lifestyle, Mediums, & Goals 
    13:15 Pressures, Downsides, Imposter Syndrome 
    28:04 Techniques to cope with IS 
    46:26 Upsides and Personal Benefits 
    50:32 Tips for easier Creative Output
    57:06 Closer Convo Segment: Japanese Conbini Storytime & Coronavirus


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    Turtle Time By Verified Picasso 
    Things Are Going Southampton By Verified Picasso

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • The Yuki Onna, a supernatural snow spirit, often described as a beautiful woman who floats throughout snowy nights and mountains looking for lost travelers to prey on. We talk about her origin and legends across Japan. We also review the 1965 film Kwaidan: Japanese Ghost Anthology of the Yuki Onna and the 2016 Yuki Onna film at the end of the episode. Thanks for tuning in!

       

    TIME CODES
    02:01 Listener Question: Fave Anime Series 
    07:35 Topic Introduction 
    09:19 Part 1- Yuki Onna’s Origin 
    15:19 Part 2- Her Legends Across Japan 
    36:53 Yuki Onna in Popular Culture 
    42:44 Closer Convo: 1965 / 2016 Yuki Onna Movie Reviews

    You may also like this episode: "9 Japanese Urban Legends"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    Spoops By STRYSTYL 
    Turtle Time By Verified Picasso 
    Things Are Going Southampton By Verified Picasso 

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • These crime cases still contain some mystery 'til this day, tune in to hear the wicked details of the Poisoned Milk in Saitama Prefecture (1960) and the Paraquat Vending Machine Poisonings throughout Japan (1985). Content Warning: Mentions of suicide and death. Not for minors. Listener discretion is advised. 

       

    TIME CODES
    02:00 Listener Question Segment 
    03:50 Topic Introduction 
    05:42 Part 1- Pesticide Milk Murders 
    25:47 Part 2- Vending Machine Paraquat Poisonings 
    39:39 Closer Convo Segment 

    Another true crime in Japan episode: "Kobe School Killer"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    Spoops By STRYSTYL 
    Turtle Time By Verified Picasso 
    Things Are Going Southampton By Verified Picasso 

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We talk about the differences of New Years traditions and the culture of “New Year, New Me.” Thanks for tuning in!

    TIME CODES 
    05:05 Listener Question Segment 
    09:45 Topic Introduction 
    16:21 Popular Resolution Practices 
    22:45 “New Year, New Me” Culture 
    30:06 Traditions in Japan vs America 
    45:12 Resolution Regrets 
    54:45 2020 Intentions 
    1:00:32 Closer Convo Segment 

    You may also like this episode: "Holidays Abroad & Mental Health"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    Turtle Time By Verified Picasso 
    Things Are Going Southampton By Verified Picasso 

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We answer your questions about love, relationships, sexuality and more!

     

    TIME CODES
    02:58 Topic Introduction
    03:55 Developing healthy communication
    08:52 Pro’s Con’s married in Japan
    15:50 Japan’s Valentine’s Day & White Day
    20:54 Throwing in the towel
    26:45 Crushes
    36:34 Married and working together
    41:07 Monogamy, Open, etc
    45:10 LGBTQ+ vs straight relationships
    51:50 Problematic exes, "situationships"

    You may also like this episode: "Exploring Nuances of Intercultural Relationships"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • When Fusako Sano was nine years old, she vanished after school in 1990. She was abducted and held captive for nine years. This case took place in Niigata prefecture and often referenced as the “Niigata girl confinement incident”. It holds record of the longest confinement kidnapping case in Japan. Tune in to hear the details of this crime incident and what happened to Sano. Content Warning: Mentions of physical abuse and violence. Not for minors. Listener discretion is advised.


    TIME CODES
    03:49 Case intro
    04:04 Part 1: The Abduction
    11:10 Part 2: Life in Captivity
    28:02 Part 3: Sano’s Discovery
    38:20 Part 4: Satō’s Prosecution

    Another true crime in Japan episode: "Kobe School Killer"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    Spoops By STRYSTYL

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We discuss what it’s like spending the holidays overseas while taking care of your mental health during that experience. Tune in for a laidback discussion. Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed*

       

    TIME CODES
    02:34 Topic Introduction
    04:34 Going back home for the Holidays
    13:00 Staying abroad during the Holidays
    25:39 Expecting visitors
    28:38 Our travel preferences & throwback stories
    45:32 Holiday Traditions
    51:27 Closer: Favorite Holiday foods

    You may also like this episode: "New Years in Japan vs USA"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • Today we have a special guest, Jeannette aka Spiffy Penguin, joining us to talk about her experience while on an exchange program at a Japanese university. We also dive into J-Fashion, anime, and more! Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed*

       

    TIME CODES
    01:47 J-Fashion & cosplay
    12:38 Experience & difficult adjustments
    21:11 Funny reactions from people in Japan
    36:53 Japanese University exchange program
    47:58 POC characters in anime
    57:13 Would you rather
    1:02:30 Closer: Weeb & otaku culture thoughts

    OUR GUEST
    Spiffy ♡ @spiffypenguin
    Twitch • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook • Youtube

    You may also like this episode: "Teaching English on the JET Program"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We wanted to get a bit more personal for y’all by answering some questions about our life before moving to Tokyo. We dive into past jobs, skills, friendships, favorites, things we miss, university life, and more. Love Q&A question submissions are now *closed*

       

    TIME CODES
    02:50 Topic Introduction
    05:26 Questions & Answers

    You may also like this episode: "Travel Essentials: Japan Edition"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • Halloween has become more popular in Tokyo, Japan. Tune in to hear about our experience.

    TIME CODES
    02:21 Differences: Trick or Treating? Parties. Costumes. Ghosts & Horror
    12:59 Popular Events: Amusement parks, Parades, Cosplay
    23:07 Our Halloween Experiences in Japan

    You may also like this episode: "9 Japanese Urban Legends"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We get spooky again 👻 Japan has a rich history of ghost stories and folklore about the afterlife. If that’s your cup of tea, you’ll love this episode. Stay tuned for the end where we review a movie based on the Kuchisake Onna. Content Warning: Some stories have mentions of suicide and assault. Listener discretion is advised.

       

    TIME CODES
    01:18 Topic Introduction
    02:36 PART 1: Real World Urban Legends
    02:43 Yamashita’s Hidden Treasure
    05:10 Sony Timer
    07:53 Curse of the KFC Colonel
    11:00 Shinjuku Robot Building
    13:48 PART 2: Supernatural Japan: Yokai, Yurei
    16:44 Hanako san of the Toilet
    20:19 Aka Manto: Red Cape
    23:25 The Haunted Taxi Ride
    28:07 PART 3: Scary Ass Urban Legends
    28:28 Teke Teke
    38:55 Kuchisake Onna: Slit Mouth Woman
    55:38 Kuchisake Onna Movie Review

    You may also like these episodes: "Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo" • "Yuki Onna (Snow Woman) Urban Legend"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald
    The Abandoned By MONST3R
    Spoops By STRYSTYL

     

    SUPPORT ♡
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    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • Today we a have special guest, Aneesh from The Good Times Podcast, joining us to talk about our collective trip to India. Stay tuned for the end where the hosts briefly discuss their experience during Typhoon 19 Hagibis in Tokyo.

       

    TIME CODES
    01:15 Guest Introduction
    02:23 First impressions of India
    10:30 Travel Essentials
    14:40 Post 10 year reflection
    27:14 Tips for traveling to India + Debunking Myths
    36:56 Q&A about Tokyo
    48:51 Closer: Would You Rather Question Game
    1:05:12 Bonus: Typhoon 19 Hagibis Experience

    OUR GUEST
    Aneesh: Instagram @Aneesh201
    The Good Times Podcast on Apple Podcasts

    You may also like this episode: "Travel Essentials: Japan Edition"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We highlight Non-Binary Identities in Japan. Our Enby host, Ash (they/them) leads this conversation. Tune in for a laidback discussion.

       

    TIME CODES
    02:27 Topic Introduction
    07:58 Part 1: Current Non-Binary Landscape in Japan
    22:27 Part 2: Visibility Progress
    31:22 Part 3: Japanese Gender Vocabulary
    44:03 Part 4: Legal Struggles of Non-Binary Gender Identities (NBGI)
    52:35 Part 5: International Legal Recognition of NBGI
    1:06:42 Topic Closer

    You may also like these episodes: "We Dive Into The Gender Binary" • "Gender Identity & LGBTQ+ in Japan"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    MUSIC USED
    808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads
    Does it Float? By Otis McDonald

     

    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • Unsettling child murders committed by a 14 year old teen in the late 90’s in Kobe, Japan. Often known as “the grisliest murder in memory in Japan." Content Warning: Mentions of Violence. Not for minors. Listener discretion is advised.

    TIME CODES
    02:23 Case intro
    04:11 Part 1: Who is Boy A
    06:15 His early life
    09:58 Part 2: His crimes
    20:46 The letter
    25:02 Detention? Prison?
    37:40 Part 3: Returning to society
    50:19 Part 4: His book & vanity site

    Another true crime in Japan episode: "Fusako Sano: Held Captive for 9 Years"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We share solid tips to stay prepared during your time in Japan. Tune in for a laidback discussion.

    TIME CODES
    02:00 Staying clean and hygienic
    04:32 Apps for your phone
    19:19 Identification
    22:05 Cash, Credit, Debit?
    24:45 Survive walking culture
    26:44 Wifi and Data
    30:18 Transportation
    33:09 Travel Insurance
    34:38 The four seasons and weather
    39:48 Staying connected overseas
    42:40 Our favorite seasons to travel within Japan

    You may also like this episode: "Teaching English on the JET Programme"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We share myths we’re tired of hearing and debunk them. Tune in for a laidback discussion.
       

    TIME CODES
    03:06 Is Japan Actually Safe?
    09:36 How Clean Are We Talking?
    16:20 Are They Truly "Kind"?
    20:27 Anime's True Audience
    25:48 The Perfect Gaijin
    30:00 Can You Really Be Vegan Here?
    37:30 SO MANY PEOPLE !
    42:05 What should other countries adopt from Japan? 

    You may also like this episode: "Travel Essentials: Japan Edition"


    Episode show notes and source links on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

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    MUSIC USED
    Metal By Relm
    Triumph By Yung Logos

     

    SUPPORT ♡
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    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • We share our reflections of our first year vs our second year living in Tokyo, and some goals that we have for the upcoming years.

    TIME CODES
    1:35 First year reflection
    14:56 Second year reflection
    24:42 First year unexpected adventures
    31:55 Second year unexpected adventures
    38:34 What’s gotten easier? + Skills gained
    50:18 Goals for upcoming years in Japan
    57:55 Would we recommend people moving to Japan?

    You may also like these episodes: "Holidays Abroad & Mental Health" • "Our Life Before Moving to Japan"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support
  • Ash speaks on their experience working with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme aka JET. From the application process, how it’s like teaching in Japan, the pro’s and con’s, and general advice. Enjoy this interview style episode!

    TIME CODES
    2:03 Why JET?
    4:02 Application process
    6:15 Early Departure, Summer arrivals, Upgrades
    11:42 Pre-arrival & Packing
    22:00 Prefecture Placement
    26:30 Teaching Level: Primary, Secondary?
    30:23 Suburb vs. City JET experience
    38:24 Is knowing Japanese necessary?
    43:32 What has the JET experience taught you?
    51:19 Dislikes & Likes
    1:00:57 Advice for those applying

    You may also like this episode: "J-Fashion, University & Anime feat. Spiffy Penguin"


    Episode show notes on www.abnrmljapan.com.

    Check out our Spotify playlists to listen to your favorite topic collection. You can also find us on other major podcast apps!

    FOLLOW US
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    SUPPORT ♡
    Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com
    Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan

    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support