Category: Thoughts

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Episode 76 – Artistic Mr. Mertens and His Ladies

The co-host on today’s show is the Artistic Mr. Mertens. Craig and Terrance talk about the Oscars, do a bit of a detour into the LGBT situation in Japan and in general, and most importantly pimp his current art exhibition Ladies First.

If you’re in the Osaka area check out Ladies First at Cafe Absinthe:
http://www.absinthe-jp.com/cafe-absinthe/news/578

And pick up Craig’s artistic wares at Society6:
http://society6.com/CraigMertens/Ladies-First-Exhibition-Poster_Print#1=45

P.S. Sorry if the sound levels are a bit high and we hope
we don’t blowout your eardrums – every episode is a learning experience f^_^;

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Episode 75 – DJ Brian J Bringin’ It Chilled Out at Freestyle

Another day, another episode. This time it’s a laid back interview over wine and cheese with Brian J. at Freestyle in Shibuya. Brian’s had a few adventures around the world and we talk about how came he from Italy to the US and then to Japan and how music shaped his journey.

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Episode 74 – Caped Crime Preventer Tom Schmid

Finally, a long-awaited (probably only by the host himself) interview episode. My inaugural interview guest is Tom Schmid, licensed attorney and linguistic advisor at the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI). Whoof… that’s a mouthful. Still doesn’t change the fact that Tom is an awesome guy and was a great interview. We talked about his crime preventing shenanigans, a bit about lawyering, and of course life in Japan. We were at the Aldegate pub in Shibuya so there’s a bit of background din and I’d set the gain on the mic a bit low but fortunately Tom has a strong voice and comes through clear. At about an hour and ten minutes it’s a bit long but I think you’ll enjoy the talk. I sure did.

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Episode 73 – Ha! F U Hafu

Here we go! Finally another episode of the most inconsistent relaunch in podcast history. But it’s all good as I talk about the documentary Hafu and read a poem to honor Mandela’s passing without properly explaining why I’m reading said poem. It was the poem that gave him strength while he was imprisoned. Takes two seconds to explain and yet somehow I start reading the poem with only a half-assed explanation and melodramatic classical music as BGM.

It’s all good.

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Episode 72 – Don’t Call It a Kaerizaki

Yes, a new episode of Finding Japan is finally here. It’s a bit rough around the edges and I’m still developing where I want to take the show so bear with me. On this ep I have my good friend David on as co-host and we discuss a variety of things about Japan, mostly in comparison with with his home country Australia.

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Episode 71 – Prelude: Passing of the T-Bone

Hello, Finding Japan listeners! The show will go on. Host emeritus Christopher has passed the show on to Terrance and everyone’s favorite bovine personality T-Bone Taro from the former Kobe Beef Show (if you have no idea who T-Bone is just nod for now).

In this episode I introduce myself a little, talk about future plans for the show, and Christopher and I do some catching up and chit chat about things in general, Japan, and FJ. Enjoy!

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Shutting Down Finding Japan?

Hey everyone, long time no see. Between the earthquake, my family, moving yet again, things have been pretty hectic.

I was contemplating, as indicated before, in shutting down the FindingJapan site entirely. But I wondered, if the site might be better served if someone else would like to take the reigns in hosting and creating content. If there is anyone that is interested in doing so, please send me an email or post a message here and we can get in touch.

Hope you and all of your families are doing well. Best – Christopher

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Episode 70 – Fred and Terrance Visit Tokyo

Before Fred and Terrance left Tokyo, we managed a round-table wrap-up of the weekend’s activities. Though the weekend did not go as planned, we still had a great time and summed up the weekend’s adventures along with Fred’s thoughts on Japan after returning after 5 years for a visit.

Listen below!

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Episode 69 – Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival

firefestival.jpg

Recently, Linda, Fred, Terrance and I made the trek up to the base of Mount Fuji to see the Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival. This festival marks the closing of the hiking trails for Fuji-san. The carrying of the mikoshi through town along with the noise is said to try to appease the goddess of Mt. Fuji so that the mountain will not erupt. Fires are lit from the center of the city all the way to Sengen-Jinja in order to impress the goddess.

You can read more about the Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival by reading on other sites. You can see the festival by watching this video. Enjoy!

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Check out Japanpodcast

Hey everyone. Just a brief blog update before I get to editing some new episodes that were recorded this weekend.

If you haven’t already found it yet, you should go on over to Japan Podcast and check out the new podcast that my good friend Karamoon has started up along with Terri. The podcast seems to be developing quite well and they take a “topical” slant on Japan with some good focused discussion that dives in to Japan culture feet first.

iTunes Link