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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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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

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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   MUSIC USED 808 Doorbell Chime By Unicorn Heads Does it Float? By Otis McDonald The Abandoned By MONST3R 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

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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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! FOLLOW US Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   MUSIC USED Metal By Relm Triumph By Yung Logos   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 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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   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 Youtube • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook   SUPPORT ♡ Visit our Blog:   www.abnrmljapan.com Buy us a coffee:  www.ko-fi.com/abnrmljapan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/abnrmljapan/support