Just Japan Podcast

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

Just a quick announcement to let you know there will be no new episode of the podcast this week, but have no fear, we'll be back with a new one next week! Until then, check out the home of the podcast at justjapanstuff.com for blog posts and fun stuff about Japan. Also check out our Etsy shop: "Luck of Japan" Shownotes/blog: http://justjapanstuff.comTwitter: @jlandkevEtsy: "Luck of Japan"

100 EPISODES!!!!! Thank You Everyone! In Episode 100 - Part 2 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea shares the stories of past guests about their experiences when they first came to Japan. This celebratory episode (Part 2) features some amazing and entertaining stories from past guests as well as Kevin! What's it really like when you move to a country far away from home with a vastly different culture? Find out! These tales were accidentally ommited from Episode 100 so here they are in Episode 100 - Part 2! http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com Episode 100 - Part 2 guests in order of appearance: Jenny SilverJeff Quinlan

100 EPISODES!!!!! Thank You Everyone! In Episode 100 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea shares the stories of past guests about their experiences when they first came to Japan. This celebratory episode features some amazing and entertaining stories from 15 past guests as well as Kevin! What's it really like when you move to a country far away from home with a vastly different culture? Find out! Kevin also gives out special thanks (100 episodes), podcast goals for 2016 and rambles on about other things... http://justjapanstuff.com (new home online) Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com Episode 100 guests in order of appearance: KantoKitsuneHikosaemonKansaiPJChillinkansai (Scott)Joshua MeadePercival ConstantineScott Akerman (Unrested)Baye McNeilKathryn Spoor (KittyDoesJapan)Andrew HigginsVictor Boggio (Gimmeabreakman)Brian WatersMichael PeckittJ-San (napajapan.com)Mully    

In Episode 99 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with returning guest Kathryn Spoor about her new Japan-related project! The JQNA podcast is a season-based podcast that tackles different issues about life in Japan, but in a non-standard manner. Kathryn doesn't have a cohost or interview people live. She has a group of people from varying backgrounds discuss some pretty different topics about life in Japan. Each week you can hear a wide variety of experiences and thoughts on life in Japan from her panelists. You'll have to subscribe to JQNA in iTunes or on Sound Cloud to know what we're talking about. Kevin also discusses the podcast schedule, Episode 100, too many surgeries and some nutsy North Koreans launching missles! http://justjapanstuff.com Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 98 of the podcast, host Kevin O'Shea talks to James Winovich, the host of the ALT Insider Podcast and the person behind altinsider.com. James has been in Japan for several years and developed a resource website and podcast dedicated to helping those working in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). He offers a wealth of knowledge and advice geared towards making people better and happier teachers! Recently the ALT Insider Podcast has branched away from teaching as a topic alone and has done some fascinating episodes about foreigners living and working in Japan in non-teaching related careers. Check out the ALT Insider Podcast and enjoy the interview! Kevin also talks about surgery in Japan, sick family members and the new home of the Just Japan Podcast: http://justjapanstuff.com Shownotes/Website: http://justjapanstuff.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

The Just Japan Podcast has a new website! Go check it out. Make sure you bookmark it and share it on your social media: http://justjapanstuff.com/

In Episode 97 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea talks to Adam Shaw (SakanaJin on YouTube) about studying Japanese and life in Japan. Adam studied Japanese in the U.K. for a year before coming to Japan 4 years ago. Since then he has studied Japanese and is working towards his JLPT (Japan Language Proficiency Test) Level 1. They chat about the importance of learning Japanese, what type of studying has worked for Adam as well as using language to learn about Japanese culture. Shownotes/Website: http://busankevin.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 96 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea speaks with Anthony Joh about finding work in Japan. Anthony is the editor of the GaijinPot website. GaijinPot has the biggest English-language job board in Japan and is an important place to visit if looking for work in a variety of industires in Japan. GaijinPot is also known for its blog that shares information about culture and life in Japan. Kevin and Anthony talk about jobs available for foreigners in Japan, qualifications as well as job searching and hunting tips. Anthony discusses topics such as finding work in Japan from abroad, searching here in Japan, visa sponsorship, education qualifications and coming to Japan as a student. Another episode filled with useful information for those interested in Japan! Shownotes/Website: http://busankevin.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com

In Episode 95 of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O'Shea chats with Jay Dee Archer. Jay Dee is a Canadian who has been living and working in Japan for more than 10 years. Jay Dee and his family have decided that it is time for them to make the move back to his home in Canada. Some expats choose to stay in Japan premanently, but most eventually transition back to their own countries after living and working in Japan. This can be challenging for most people, but it becomes far more complicated when you have a family! Jay Dee talks about his motivation for moving back as well as some of the hurdles he and his family face while making this important transition. Shownotes/Website: http://busankevin.comRSS Feed: http://justjapan.libsyn.com/rssTwitter: http://twitter.com/jlandkevEmail: justjapanpodcast@gmail.com