Just Japan Podcast

In Episode 119 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea talks with Brett Larner of the Japan Running News. With the Rio Summer Olympics kicking off this week, Kevin gets the analysis of the Japanese Athletics team (specifically runners) from Brett. Brett is the "go to guy" when it comes to expertise in the running world in Japan in English. Brett talks a little bit about his site, "Japan Running News" as well as the Japanese athletes to watch out for in Rio. We briefly touch on the Russian doping scandal and talk about what to expect this summer in Rio! Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

PokemonGO is in Japan! In Episode 118 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea brings Andrew Higgins back on the podcast to talk about PokemonGo in Japan. When they last talked, the game was in many countries, but not Japan (much to the frustration of both Japanese people and foreigners in Japan). Now it's here! Listen to Andrew and Kevin chat about the game a few days after it dropped! Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 117 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea speaks with Trevor Raichura, the person behind thehanshintigers.com. His site is the most exhaustive English-language place to learn about the famed Japanese baseball team, follow the most recent news and learn about the players. Trevor even has a podcast about Hanshin Tigers news. Find out what got Trevor interested in Japanese baseball, the Hanshin Tigers and what motivated him to create this amazing website! Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 116 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with returning guest Andrew Higgins about the lack of Pokemon Go in Japan! Weeks after being released in the United States and other countries, the wildly popular game Pokemon Go is still (as of July 20th) unavailable in Japan, the birthplace of Pokemon. Andrew and Kevin chat about the game in general, talk about release date rumours and vent their general frustration in not being able to play the game the world is talking about! Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 115 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with Tom Gates of the Red Dragon Diaries YouTube channel. Hailing from the United States, Tom 's popular YouTube channel contains videos about daily life in Korea (and now Japan), teaching and Judo. His passion for Judo makes his videos a fascinating take on life in Korea that we don't see with other vloggers. Tom has also written a book for those interested in life in Korea called "Destiny Nation: Korea." Tom talks about his time in Korea, his book as well as finding a place to train in Judo when in Japan. Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justjapanpodcast Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 114 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with professional comic writer (manga writer) Sean Michael Wilson. Sean is originally from the U.K., but now calls Kumamoto, Japan home. He talks about how he became a comic book writer in the U.K. and how he became a manga writer in Japan. How does the publishing industry work in Japan? How can you get your foot in the door as a foreign writer or artist? If you've ever daydreamed about being a comic writer or artist in Japan, then this is the episode for you! Sean also talks about the earthquake recovery in Kumamoto, Japan. Kevin talks about the end of rainy season in Japan, the successful t-shirt campaign, a new Just japan Podcast newsletter email mailing list and a BONUS story (recorded in 2010) at the end of the podcast! Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 113 of the podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with returning guests, Pee Jay, Andrew Higgins and Jim Mullins "Mully" about life in Japan during the summer months. The Japanese summer has a reputation for being extremely humid and hot. Living or traveling here can be a challenge for many during the Dog Days of Summer. The four long-term residents of Japan chat about what it's really like during the Japanese summer and what they and others do in order to "beat the heat." Kevin also talks about the awesome, but limited time Just Japan Podcast t-shirt campaign (only available until July 4th, 2016). Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 112 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with City of Kobe Public Relations Specialist Louise Dendy. They talk about how Louise came to Japan as well as her current role promoting the City of Kobe. What makes Kobe so unique and charming? Why should more people visiting Japan take the time to stop over in Kobe? Kevin and Louise also talk about the Kobe PR Ambassadors program. This is a new initiative from the City of Kobe that has English-speaking foreign volunteers promoting the city on social media (Kevin -the host- is a Kobe PR Ambassador). Kevin also talks about the awesome, but limited time Just Japan Podcast t-shirt campaign (only available until July 4th, 2016) and helping nature witht the Birds of Kansai Facebook page! Kobe PR Ambassadors: https://www.facebook.com/KobePRA/ https://twitter.com/Kobe_PRA Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jla

In Episode 111 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea talks about raising children in a bilingual family here in Japan. Through anecdotal tales, Kevin shares how he and his Japanese wife are raising their children to speak both Japanese and English while living in Japan. It is a challenging task indeed and every family tackles it in a different way. Kevin also speaks to his wife and 5-year old son about learning second languages! You also get to hear one of Kevin's "old-timey" stories from YouTube about his first day being a teacher in Asia (South Korea). The audio from a 7-year old YouTube story video is part of this week's episode! Support the podcast by buying a Just Japan Podcast T-Shirt: https://teespring.com/justjapanpodcast Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

SUPPORT the Just Japan Podcast by picking up some Just Japan Podcast merchandise! The first ever JJP T-Shirt event is here! Shirts are available until July 4th, 2016. Get your Just Japan Podcast T-Shirt (shipped globally) at: https://teespring.com/justjapanpodcast Shownotes: http://justjapanstuff.com

In Episode 110 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with returning guest Brian Waters about being a foreign parent having kids in Japanese schools. The Japanese education system is very different than in other countries. What is it like to have your child attend school in a school system that is very different than the one you know? Kevin also talks about the Kobe PR Ambassadors initiative which he is a member of. Kevin and others are volunteering to promote the City of Kobe to the world via social media! Kobe PR Ambassadors: https://www.facebook.com/KobePRA/ https://twitter.com/Kobe_PRA Just Japan Podcast: Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 109 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea speaks with well-known Japan-based writer Baye McNeil. Baye has been on the podcast before talking about his books, "Hi! My Name is Loco and I'm a Racist" and "Loco in Yokohama" as well as talking about being a writer in Japan. In this episode Baye chats about being a writer, but more importantly his Kickstarter campaign to fund the translation of his books into Japanese. Baye also talks about his new book, "Winning Abroad." Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 108 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea is flying solo and he's answering your questions! That's right...Mail Bag questions left on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are getting tackled in this week's episode. Will same-sex marriage or marijuana ever be legalized in Japan? Can I work in Japan without speaking Japanese? How do you overcome homesickness? Can women carry pepper spray to deter or fight off train molesters? How hard is it to get freelance work in Japan? The questions are varied an interesting in this week's episode! Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Instagram: http://instagram.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 107 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with friend of the show Jim Mullins (Mully) about his recent medical issues in Japan and dealing with health care in Japan for more long-term and serious matters. Jim was recently diagnosed with Diabetes and spent a few weeks in the hospital. He shares his story about how he realized he had this disease, his stay in hospital and his road to recovery (aka...Highway to Health).  Kevin and Jim also discuss the importance of putting pride and fear in the back seat and immediately going to doctors if you think there is something wrong with you health-wise. Kevin Also talks about Golden Week in Japan, the Kobe Public Relations Ambassadors program and the horrible Fort McMurray fires in Canada. http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online)   Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 106 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with returning guest Pee Jay about figure skating in Japan. Some people may be surprised to learn that figure skating is one of the most popular fan sports in Japan and its' fans are intensely loyal. No matter where you go in the world to see a major skating event it's safe to say there will be a large contingent of Japanese fans there. Pee Jay, an avid figure skating fan himself talks about the fan culture, well-known skaters like Asada Mao and Hanyu Yuzaru as well as why the sport is so popular. http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.com RSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rss Twitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkev Email: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 105 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea speaks with returning guest Kevin Tarpey. They talk about Kevin's attempt at through-hiking the Appalachian Trail, his time in Japan (interviewed him live), Japanese hospitality to foreign travelers and other adventures! Kevin (the host) also talks about Hanami, doing volunteer public relations work for the City of Kobe as well a the terrible earthquakes and disaster in the southern island of Kyushu and the City of Kumamoto. http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 104 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with Derek Winston, the editor of the Japan travel and lifestyle website, enablejapan.com. The site covers tourist hot spots in Tokyo as well as places to shop and eat. The site includes stories, reviews and videos. Derek himself is also a very interesting person. Having recetnly retired from the United States Navy, Derek's ship was involved in the rescue and recovery operations in the days following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku. He lives in Tokyo with his family where he studies Communications and Journalism at Temple University Japan. http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 103 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea talks about being a guest at a wedding in Japan. If you are living in Japan long enough, eventually you will be invited to a wedding. The rules and formalities are very different than in other countries. Kevin talks about the traditions of giving and receiving gifts, when to drink and eat, how to dress and after parties,etc. If you have an interest in Japanese culture, old and modern, you'll enjoy this episode! Kevin also talks about his nature/wildlife photography page "Birds of Kansai." https://www.facebook.com/birdsofkansai http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 102 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with Orrin Heath (DancesWithCranes on YouTube), a 5th year JET (English language teacher) living in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Orrin, an American citizen, lives here in Japan with his wife who is also American. They came to Japan 5 years ago with little experience in the country and language and have since started a family. Their son was born in a Japanese hospital and they have been raising him quite successfully in foreign country. For those outside of Japan with families and an interest in moving to Japan, Orrin's story is proof that it is definitely possible to raise a family here and enjoy an satisfying and fun life! Kevin also talks about his nature/wildlife photography page "Birds of Kansai." https://www.facebook.com/birdsofkansai http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 101 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with Andrew Marston of the "Happy in Japan" YouTube channel. Andrew was on Episode 17 of the Just Japan Podcast in 2014 talking about his epic cycling adventure accross Japan. In this episode he talks about his return to Japan as well as the travel videos he has been producing for his amazing YouTube channel. They are fun, informative and the editing is great! Learn more about his video production techniques and being Happy in Japan! Kevin also talks about his nature/wildlife photography page "Birds of Kansai." https://www.facebook.com/birdsofkansai http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com