Conbini Cult
Episodes
Japan’s Buzzword of the Year: A Year in Pop Culture | Conbini Cult Ep 75
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The year is ending soooo it’s time for the Ryuukogo Taisho (流行語大賞) - Japan’s buzzword of the year! Contrary to popular belief, it’s no...
These Things are Legal in Japan?! Japan vs US | Conbini Cult Ep 74
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After going down a rabbit hole about the dangers of strong zero (Japan’s choice drink for broke students and English teachers??), we’re wondering ...
Immigration Detention in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 73
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*Please be respectful in the comments and listen to these stories with empathy. Today we will chat about the main reasons why people get deported from...
Being a Musician in Japan ft SATSUKI | Conbini Cult Ep 72
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today with special guest SATSUKI we talk all about being an up and coming musician in Japan! How does the music industry differ from the west? Doing p...
Japan’s Justice System & the Exoneration of Iwao Hakamata | Conbini Cult Ep 71
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan is known around the world for their cleanliness and safety. They also pride themselves on their 99% conviction rate. What’s the full story of ...
Falling Out of Love with Living in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 70
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Living abroad can be complicated! After some years, things can become less exciting and new, but thrilling in other ways. Let's go through some re...
Going to Language School in Japan ft maplesushi!! | Conbini Cult Ep 69
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about going to Japan to study the Japanese language? We brought on Ariana today who has been to language school in Tokyo for half a year (on ...
Japanese Politics are WILD (sometimes) | Conbini Cult Ep 68
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of recent elections and even Japan making history with their first female prime minister, let’s chat very simply about politics. We’ll...
Chilling Horror Stories from Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 67
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
By request, we have a part 2 to this year’s Halloween/spooky stories episode! Hopefully you’re able to sleep after hearing some of these chilling ...
Combatting Overtourism on Mt Fuji | Conbini Cult Ep 66
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Overtourism is always a heated topic, but what about Mt Fuji and its World Heritage status that is at stake? Let’s chat about Mt Fuji’s climbing s...
Japan’s Stalking Problem | Conbini Cult Ep 65
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A recent case of stalking and femicide has reignited the conversation about Japan’s stalking laws. What was the case that led to the creation of the...
Real Hauntings in Japan: unexplained horrors | Conbini Cult Ep 64
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From decades long hauntings to sleep paralysis demons, these terrifying listener stories will have you clutching your blanket and unable to sleep!Got...
Japan’s “Bath Cancel” Culture: Furo Cancel Kaiwai | Conbini Cult Ep 63
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So we’re canceling baths now? Let’s chat about some of these ~~ cancel kaiwai (team/community) in Japan, like bath and eating “cancel” and see...
The Craziest Sh*t We’ve Seen on the Train in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 62
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From nose pickers, folks openly reading p*rn on the train, and barf on the bus, we thought we had seen it all until we heard these stories… Get read...
Coin Locker Babies: a deep dive | Conbini Cult Ep 61
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW - CA, child abandonment, infanticide, stillbirth, and other troubling topics. Viewer discretion is advised.After reading Ryu Murakami’s novel Coi...
Don’t be this BAD NEIGHBOR in Japan!! | Conbini Cult Ep 60
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a good neighbor? How thin are the walls in Japanese apartment buildings? Imagine living near someone who held a grudge against you and trie...
Things that get you CANCELED in Japan (not about tourists 😆) | Conbini Cult Ep 59
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feels like everyone’s getting canceled these days right? From idols breaking “no dating” rules, extramarital affairs, and tweets about people st...
Driving in Japan: New Rules, Accidents, Getting your License | Conbini Cult Ep 58
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s been a lot of news lately about increased traffic accidents involving foreign drivers in Japan, and that’s prompted some new rules and reg...
Having a Baby in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 57
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does maternity care and giving birth differ between the US and Japan? Spoiler alert: the bar is so low for Americans that everything here seems pr...
Unhinged Moments in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 56
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes real life is stranger than fiction. We asked you guys what are the most strange and unhinged things that’ve happened to you while in Japan...
Japan’s Most Dangerous Cult: Aum Shinrikyo | Conbini Cult Ep 55
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the morning of March 20th, 1995, a chemical nerve agent was released on 3 of Tokyo’s major subway lines during rush hour. At this year, 2025, mar...
Embarrassing Yourself in Japan: A Masterclass | Conbini Cult Ep 54
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know those awkward moments that keep you up at night and haunt you in the shower? Yeah…we’ve got a lot of those. Let’s chat about our most e...
Common Scams in JAPAN TODAY | Conbini Cult Ep 53
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the internet being such an integral part of our lives these days, scammers have evolved too. Let’s learn about some of the more common types of...
Work NIGHTMARES and other stories in JAPAN | Conbini Cult Ep 52
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Working as a movie extra, cleaning hotels, dealing with xenophobic callers, rejected on dating sites for being an English teacher?? Buckle up because ...
Illegal "part-time jobs" in Japan: YAMI BAITO | Conbini Cult Ep 51
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Job listing that sounds too good to be true? Well, it probably is. In recent years there’s been a surge of yami baito, shady jobs that promise a hig...
CULTURE SHOCK in JAPAN! | Conbini Cult Ep 50
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our very first episode was about culture shocks when visiting or living here, and since we were still getting used to podcasting, it was a little awkw...
The Maternity Episode: Giving Birth in Japan! | Conbini Cult Ep 49
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of us has been keeping a secret. Perhaps you already guessed? Let’s chat about being pregnant and having a baby in Japan. If it’s a tricky top...
DEFAMATION Laws in Japan: Famous Cases | Conbini Cult Ep 48
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Checking the reviews for restaurants is especially helpful, but in Japan some of us live in fear of getting sued for defamation over a bad review. Has...
WEDDINGS in Japan! | Conbini Cult Ep 47
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Love is in the air! In light of a recent wedding and engagement, let’s chat about differences in wedding culture in Japan vs western countries (main...
The Perfect Foreigner in Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 46
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most people visiting or living in another country want to do their best to learn about and respect the culture, and to get along with the locals, righ...
Black Box Diaries: a deep dive | Conbini Cult Ep 45
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: SAWhy so controversial? Black Box Diaries follows the journey of journalist Shiori Ito in seeking justice for her assault by another prominent jou...
Life in Japan: It’s Complicated Sometimes | Conbini Cult Ep 44
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Living here (and visiting) is amazing! Some things can be frustrating, but it also makes sense in a way? Let’s chat about work culture, unspoken rul...
Overtourism in Japan: how bad is it? | Conbini Cult Ep 43
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most tourists and foreign residents here are doing their best to respect Japanese culture, but the ones causing trouble sure are pretty loud. What’s...
Japan Healthcare Stories - good, bad, absurd | Conbini Cult Ep 42
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How different is the healthcare system in Japan from your country?! Let’s chat about the medical system and hear some listener stories about visitin...
Gym Culture in Japan: good, bad, bizarre | Conbini Cult Ep 41
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan’s most affordable gym that offers CT scans and teeth whitening?? They did WHAT with the hair dryer?? Let’s chat about gym culture in Japan! ...
Japan’s BEST Convenience Store - Anniversary Spesh! | Ep 40
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been one year of the podcast! Though “conbini” is in our name, we haven’t actually done an episode dedicated to Japan’s amazing conveni...
Japan’s CRAZIEST HOTELS | Conbini Cult Ep 39
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hidden cameras? Humanoid front desk clerks? Demure robot dinosaurs in bow ties? Fifty shades of Grey IRL? Some of these hotels sound like a fever drea...
Japan’s MOST WANTED Criminals | Conbini Cult Ep 38
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of people think Japan has little to no crime, and while it is definitely safer than many other places in the world, it’s not as if nothing bad...
Hikikomori Idols & Japan’s Hoarder Homes | Conbini Cult Ep 37
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you think about Japanese homes and architecture maybe you think of minimalist spaces, sliding doors with paper screens, something aesthetic. But ...
Elderly Prisoners in Japan - Dark Side of Aging | Conbini Cult Ep 36
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We previously talked about some of the wonderful nursing homes and day care facilities available for seniors in Japan, but everything has a dark side....
Does JAPAN have BILLIONAIRES? | Conbini Cult Ep 35
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan doesn’t seem to have a huge wealth gap, at least not an obvious one, but it’s a capitalist country after all. Who are the richest people in ...
TV Shows that ONLY work in JAPAN | Conbini Cult Ep 34
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From wholesome shows about kids running their first errand to questionable late night television, seems like some tv programs only would work in Japan...
The Deadliest Creatures in Japan!! | Conbini Cult Ep 33
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan’s nature is so abundant and beautiful! Nothing could go wrong, right? In the spring and summer you’ll be in for a treat as all the deadly be...
The Coolest Nursing Home in Japan! | Conbini Cult Ep 32
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Doesn’t it seem like Japan’s elderly population is super healthy and active?! What kind of facilities does Japan have for retired folks? We also f...
Japan’s FREE abandoned houses?? | Conbini Cult Ep 31
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan gives away free abandoned homes?! Japan will pay you to move there?! Sounds too good to be true, right? Why does Japan have so many abandoned ...
How BAD is Japan's birthrate/aging crisis? | Conbini Cult Ep 30
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spoiler alert: it’s not looking good! Buckle up for the deep dive on the birthrate crisis and rapidly increasing aging population in Japan. Words...
Japan's Cruelest Reality TV Show | Conbini Cult Ep 29
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 1998, one man was stripped of his clothing and dignity and sent to live in isolation in a one-room apartment for over a year, surviving off of only...
Japanese Pranks are WILD! Too far? | Conbini Cult Ep 28
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Japan goes HARD with its prank shows. Some pranks are lighthearted and funny, but is it possible that some have gone too far? Let’s explore some of ...
Christmas in Japan | Conbini Cult Bonus
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How does Japan celebrate Christmas? Why is KFC a Christmas thing? What are everyone's plans this year? Got questions or want to share your story? Se...
Bad Teachers in Japan....like criminals | Conbini Cult 27
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ummm, buckle up. We've got stories from all kinds of teachers (native and foreign) who've done some messed up stuff that's gotten them arrested. Disc...
Does Japan need a tourist tax?! Overtourism & Oversaturation | Conbini Cult 26
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oh boy, here we go again! Recent controversies with tourists, over tourism measures, over saturation of Japan content on social media, do we need a to...
Japan vs America - Culture Shocks After 7 YEARS | Conbini Cult 25
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All the things that shocked us back home after being in Japan for 7 years, plus a fresh perspective from a Japanese native! Let us know your own cultu...
the real lore of The Ring and The Grudge - Conbini Cult Ep 24
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s dive into the folklore that inspired these two iconic Japanese horror films. Got questions? Want to share your story or get in touch with us...
Japan's Classic Urban Legends & Superstitions | Conbini Cult Ep 23
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What lurks in the woods or under the street lamps might haunt you.. Join us in learning more about superstitions in Japan and the most horrifying urba...
REAL ghost encounters in Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 22
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Turn off the lights and hide in your room as we share some of the creepiest ghostly encounters and paranormal experiences in Japan. Got questions? ...
Urban Legends from Japan | Conbini Cult Ep 21
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s October so we are kicking off spooky season with some creepypasta urban legends from Japan. Got questions? Want to share your story or get in ...
Dating Nightmares in Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 20
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Worst dates? Wild exes? Wholesome relationships? Let's share some stories about dating in Japan. Got questions? Want to share your story or get in t...
Japan street interviews are getting out of hand - Conbini Cult Ep 19
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think about street interviews in Japan? Sick of the same questions? Are the answers honest? Let's dive a little deeper!Got questions? ...
STOP THE CAP! Misinfo about Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 18
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we wonder where people are getting this info. Sometimes it's not what you think. Sometimes dolphins beat people up. Got questions? Wa...
Spicy Chips Put Tokyo Teens in Hospital, Stealth Photography + other news - Conbini Cult Ep 17
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where do we begin? Spicy chips that put 14 Tokyo teens in the hospital, Japanese man sentenced to caning in Singapore, infrared photography, creepy to...
Non-teaching Jobs in Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 16
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not all foreign residents are English teachers?! Let's chat about what jobs people have outside of teaching, what jobs are in demand, pyramid sche...
how to learn Japanese FAST - Conbini Cult Ep 15
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ultimate collective of language learning tips and advice from us and the listeners 💗💗💗 Apps & sites mentioned: Renshuu Anki Duolingo...
Teaching English in Japan: the good, the bad, the absurd - Conbini Cult Ep 14
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
English teaching mayhem! Sharing a variety of experiences from all types of English teaching jobs. Buckle up! Got questions? Want to share your story ...
things you'd ONLY see in Japan - Conbini Cult BONUS
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Random things that you would only see in Japan Got other questions? Want to share your story or get in touch with us? [email protected] Words...
Moving to Japan FAQ - visas, jobs, housing, budgets | Conbini Cult Ep 13
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about moving to Japan. We cover visas, jobs, housing, making friends, living expenses, and all t...
The Bad Tourist Witch Hunt - Japan's overtourism problem | Conbini Cult Ep 12
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are the tourists really that bad? Overtourism, Japan's 'cleanliness myth' and more! Want to share your story or get in touch with us? conb...
Loneliness Epidemic - what's going on in Japan today? | Conbini Cult Ep 11
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More current events for ya! Wanna share your story or get in touch with us? Reach out at [email protected] Mother’s Day Survey- https://mai...
DON'T do these things in Japan! - Conbini Cult Ep 10
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're going through some of the most common advice for travelers to Japan. Don't do these things?! Is it really that serious? We'll see.. ...
REFUSING to Learn Japanese, Pregnancy Stigma +more: Reddit Stories & News - Conbini Cult Ep 9
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shoulder-checking ojisan, rejection from driving school bc of tattoos, maternity leave backlash, aggressive dentists and more stories! Wanna share you...
Working NIGHTMARES in Japan- Conbini Cult Ep 8
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's not all bad of course, but there are some things you should look out for! Today we've got a mix of funny, informative, interesting and ho...
Beware of Net Cafes in Japan - Dating Horror & Wholesome Stories - Conbini Cult Ep 7
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dating in another country sure can be interesting! Word of the day: shitsuren - unrequited or lost love, hearbreak Wanna share your story or get in ...
Homesick - some things you just can't get in Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 6
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's okay to miss and like things from back home! Here's what we and y'all are missing sometimes. Words of the day: sabishii/samishii (l...
Honest Mistake! Embarrassing Moments in Japan - Conbini Cult Ep 5
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been there. Learning another language is hard, but small mistakes can change the entire meaning of a sentence. No judgements here though...
PrOtEcT JaPaN aT aLL cOsTs! (last samurai syndrome) - Conbini Cult Ep 4
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Got some heavy topics this episode! Divorce without consent, joint custody, last samurai syndrome and more. UPDATE: Joint custody passed in the lower...
Neighbor Broke My Window - Japan Reddit Stories | Conbini Cult Ep 3
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From neighbors with a vendetta to wholesome hot spring experiences, we've got some interesting reddit stories on today's episode. Email us yo...
some things are OVERRATED - Conbini Cult Ep 2
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some things in Japan are just not worth the hype...and some ARE.
Japan Culture Shock - Conbini Cult Ep 1
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Moving to or traveling to a new country can really surprise you, maybe even shock you.