Unpacking Japan
Episodes
Sitting down with Shibuya Kaho about her life as a writer & cosplayer
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Shibuya Kaho, a writer, cosplayer, and livestreamer from Tokyo. She sits down to talk with us about her time as a journalist, her book on the AV ...
The reality of being Muslim in Japan
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Zhafira, an Indonesian content creator who spent several years in Japan growing up, returning to Indonesia and coming back to Japan as an adult. ...
The reality of "Japan" content ft. @foxmaskdaze
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Dani, a content creator from Venezuela also known as the guy in the fox mask. Dani sits down to talk to us about his journey to Japan, what it wa...
How safe is Japan for women? ft. eviebunniex
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Evie, a fashion model and content creator living in Tokyo. Evie sits down to talk to us about her interest in Japanese fashion, how Japanese styl...
Why early kabuki performances were banned
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Tove Bjoerk, a professor of Japanese culture and kabuki researcher at Saitama University, who sits down to talk to us about the history of kabuki...
The effect of Japanese housing regulations on tourism
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Chai Kanda, CEO of Shiki Properties in Kyoto, who sits down to talk about Japan's short-term rental market. He talks about his work restoring...
The father of Japanese capitalism warned us this would happen
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Ken Shibusawa, an economist and great-grandson of Eiichi Shibusawa, the father of Japanese capitalism. He sits down to talk to us about moving to...
How Sora the Troll learned to be proud to be Japanese
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Sora, a voice actor from Japan*, who sits down to talk to us about his life and career. He tells us about his struggles with his identity and how...
This traditional Japanese theatre will be gone in 20 years
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Chloe Viatté, a French professor and bunya ningyo joruri puppeteer, who sits down to talk to us about this rare Japanese theatre. She tells us a...
How do Japanese people react to a foreign doctor?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Osama Ibrahim, an Egyptian opthamologist practicing in Japan. He sits down to talk to us about getting his medical license here, his work as a re...
Is it hard to move to Japan at middle age? ft. @ChaniJapan
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Chani, a teacher and content creator that sits down to talk with us about moving to Japan at almost 50. She tells us about her first homestay exp...
Why being transgender was never an issue in Japan
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Luna, a model living in Tokyo who performs as a drag queen under the name Andromeda. She sits down to talk with us about being queer and transgen...
Japanese monk's secret to a fruitful life ft. Kodo Nishimura
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Kodo Nishimura, a Pure Land Buddhist monk. He sits down to talk with us about growing up in a buddhist temple as a gay man, learning to understan...
Peppe's long journey to becoming a published mangaka (and how Terrace House changed his life)
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Peppe, an Italian mangaka who gained international attention after his appearance on the reality show Terrace House. He sits down to talk with us...
How Tokyo Llama found their dream house in Japan
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Jaya, a content creator documenting renovating his dream house in Japan. He sits down to talk to us about finding the ideal akiya, the auction pr...
Why the tea ceremony is unlike any other Japanese art
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Randy Soei, a tea master from Canada, who sits down to talk with us about why the tea ceremony is unlike any other Japanese art. He talks to us a...
Is Japan's matcha industry a bubble?
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Ian, founder of e-commerce tea platform Yunomi Life, who sits down to talk with us about the state of Japan's matcha industry. He tells us ab...
Do Japanese baseball fans like foreign players?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Trevor, a baseball journalist reporting on the Hanshin Tigers to foreign and overseas fans. Trevor sits down to talk to us about the importance o...
What being trans in 90s Japan was like (and how it's changed today)
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Tiffany, an LGBTQ+ consultant & speaker, who sits down to talk with us about her life in Japan as a trans woman from the 90s to today. She te...
8 million gods: understanding Japan's unique spirituality
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Hiroko, an author and translator who sits down to talk to us about Japan's unique spirituality. She tells us about shinto, buddhism, and how ...
The economist behind Japan's sudden commitment to "womenomics"
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Kathy, an economist who coined the term "womenomics" back in 1999. Kathy sits down to talk to us about her career as an economist, her ...
The strange logic behind Japan's constant media scandalsold
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Igor, an author and Japanese media scholar from Ambis University in Prague, who sits down to talk to us about Japan's history of media scandals. ...
What it takes to be a Japanese race car driver ft. Hana Burton
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Hana, a Japanese-American race car driver, who sits down to talk with us about her life and career. She tells us about her journey into the racin...
What you should know before opening a restaurant in Japan
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Alan, owner of Kyojin stewhouse in Shimane, who sits down to talk to us about the challenges of running a restaurant in Japan, and why he pivoted...
How to solve Japan's overtourism problem
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Tony, an entrepreneur and travel consultant who sits down to talk to us about his work helping promote tourism in rural Japanese towns. He sits d...
The challenges of tourism for a small Japanese town
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Victoria, a local ambassador for Bizen, Okayama, who sits down to talk to us about her work promoting tourism for a small Japanese town. She talk...
How underground black queer culture ended up in Tokyo
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Kinshasa, an American ballroom commentator, who sits down to talk to us about how underground black queer culture ended up in Tokyo. Kinshasa tel...
Why being a chef in Japan is so exciting
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Unpacking Japan, we meet Julien, a talented French pastry chef who turned his childhood passion for sweets into a thriving patisser...
Why so many foreign brands fail in Japan
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Timothy an American entrepreneur and marketing expert who has spent over 30 years living and working in Japan. Timothy s...
What life is like in a Japanese mountain village
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Emily, a documentary filmmaker working in Japan's rural revitalization program. Emily sits down to talk with us about moving to Japan and com...
The Sword Specialist: Why swords are the Soul of Japan
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Paul Martin, one of the world's leading Japanese sword experts, who sits down to talk to us about the make and history of Japanese swords, re...
The harsh reality of adopting in Japan
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we speak with Andrew, an American who became a foster and adoptive parent in Japan. He opens up about the challenges of navigating Japan’s chi...
Tokyo Hoe Tales: How Yurie Collins is bringing stand-up comedy to Japan
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Unpacking Japan, we chat with the quick-witted half Japanese half American comedian Yurié Collins aka @babypinkhaus! Yurié opens ...
Emirichu's secret to creativity and avoiding burnout as a creator
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Emirichu, a popular artist and content creator known for her storytelling, animations, and deeply personal yet humorous content.From her unexpect...
The insane reality of video game music composers
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we talk to James, a video game music composer, to talk all about his musical journey and how it lead him to composing music for...
Japan's most misunderstood drink
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Unpacking Japan, we sit down with Chris Pellegrini, a leading expert on shochu and awamori, and the founder of Honest Drinks. Chris...
History professor explains why Tokyo is built the way it is
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Tristan, a historian and professor based in Nagoya, Japan. Tristan specializes in the history of Japanese urban development and infra...
How he went from The Bachelorette to become Japan's most recognizable stadium MC
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Unpacking Japan, we sit down with Malachi, a stadium MC born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, who shares what it was like growing up ...
How this Tokyo chef broke free from the stereotypical immigrant restaurant
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Kanchan, a Nepalese entrepreneur in Tokyo who runs both a restaurant and a fashion brand. From humble beginnings to creating a commun...
40 years of crazy stories from a Japanese wedding MC
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Greg Irwin, a voice actor, singer, and wedding MC living in Japan. Greg shares what it’s like to hear your own voice all over Japan...
How Japanese pop culture conquered the world ft. Matt Alt
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk with Matt Alt, a writer, translator, and long time resident of Japan who you may recognize from appearances on Japanology. Matt shares h...
What life is like after 20 years as a professional Japanese mahjong player
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Jenn, a professional mahjong player and content creator based in Japan. She shares her journey into the world of Japanese mahjong, wh...
The challenges of doing business between Africa and Japan
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Serges, a multi-business entrepreneur based in Japan. He shares his journey from Africa to Japan, and how he founded companies like D...
What it's like to gain citizenship after growing up in Japan as a foreigner
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk to Idai, a successful model in Japan, even being featured in Vogue. We talk about her unique experience growing up black in Ja...
More people should know about Japan's gun martial art
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Unpacking Japan, we’re joined by Matt, a gunner and Japanese interpreter from Matsumoto, Japan, with deep knowledge of Japan’s lesser-kno...
Japanese MMA is actually insane
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk with Stephane, an MMA fighter in Japan. Stephane goes in depth about being an MMA fighter, like what it's like to learn va...
Why people love Japanese bento boxes
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Thomas, entrepreneur from France who came to Japan and started Bento & Co. a business aimed at selling bento's online for an ...
The writer who brought the world's attention to underrated Japanese cities
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk to writer and photographer Craig, who talks about getting his books published in Japan, how to be a respectful tourist in Japa...
What can we ACTUALLY do with abandoned Japanese buildings?
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to entrepreneur Matt, who shares with us his diverse experiences during his Journey in Japan including moving here because of music, cre...
How Tokyo Lens finds Japan's most interesting people
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with Norm from Tokyo Lens to talk about his 20+ year journey starting from a sudden passion for the shamisen, turning it into a pro...
What people don't understand about the anime industry
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Bellamy, an animator and character designer living in Japan who has worked on projects such as the animated series The Digital Circus...
What it takes to be a published manga author in Japan
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk to Linnea, a Manga illustrator based in Tokyo who illustrates for series such as Idol Royale. We dive into her journey becomin...
How Wakkyai gaslit Japan into thinking cap throwing is a real sport
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with Wakkyai, a Japanese comedian and content creator who grew up in California before returning to Japan. Wakkyai shares what it’...
What people don't understand about otaku culture ft. @AroundAkibaTV
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with Tristan, founder of Kaikoku Ko. and Around Akiba TV, and talk about his love for exploring Akihbara's unique culture. We...
Matt vs. Japan's secret to Japanese fluency
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk with Matt from @mattvsjapan to talk about his method for efficiently reaching fluency in a language, and his persona...
Ryokan owner shares the secret to Japanese hospitality
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Tyler, the owner of a traditional Japanese ryokan in Gunma Prefecture. We discuss what it’s like running a ryokan as a foreigner in...
Architect explains Tokyo's unique skyline
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we talk to Astrid, an architect who talks to us about the journey of becoming an architect in Japan, the differences in regulations...
Tokyo Portfolio explains why the Japanese real estate market is changing
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we invite back Alex from Tokyo Portfolio to talk more in depth about the changes to Japan's real estate market. Tokyo Portfolio is a team of...
Meilyne on building GeeXPlus and the secrets to its success
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Meilyne, the director and president of Tokyo based content creator management company GeeXPlus! Meilyne and her team at GeeXPlus help...
Professional cosplayers in Japan need to be PERFECT ft. @YURIKOTIGERjp
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Yuriko Tiger, a professional cosplayer who sits down to talk with us about her 10-year career in Japan. She tells us about her beginnings in the ...
What life is like for a bunny girl hostess in Tokyo ft. @silviethequeen
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with bunny girl hostess Silvie, who talks to us about what life is really like as a bunny girl in Japan. We talk about the interacti...
The adventurous life of the first J-vlogger (and why he came back to retire in Japan) ft. softypapa
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Kurt, aka @softypapa , an early j-vlogger who started uploading videos to YouTube all the way back in 2006. Kurt sits down to talk to us about...
Economist debunks Japan's "stagnant" economy
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we talk with Jesper, A.K.A the Japanoptimist, an economist with a unique perspective on Japan's current economy. Jesper is ...
Psychologist talks mental health issues faced by foreigners in Japan
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Mira, a Serbian psychologist practicing in Japan, treating foreign residents and travelled Japanese patients. She sits down to talk with us about...
Reporting on the dark side of Japanese society, with CNN Asia correspondent Hanako Montgomery
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we sit down with CNN international correspondent, Hanako Montgomery, who covers breaking news and fascinating stories in Japan &...
NieR Automata singer J'Nique Nicole on performing video game music in Japan
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to J'Nique Nicole, singer-songwriter who you may have heard from games like NieR: Automata, Final Fantasy, or Street Fighter. J'...
How this theater instructor is saving Japan's struggling theater scene
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk with Larisa, a stage manager that founded and is director of International Stage Academy. She talks about what it's like t...
What life is like for immigrants working in Japan's growing retirement homes
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Follow Eillen:https://www.tiktok.com/@Eillen78Follow us on our social media:https://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingj...
Bridging Vietnamese and Japanese cultures through music
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk with Khôi, founder of the rock band Kurrock which blends Vietnamese and Japanese to create a unique musical experience. Khoi explains w...
Why she quit a dream job at NASA to lead space missions for Japan
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with Janelle, a former Nasa operations engineer, and current Flight Director working on lunar missions at a private space company in...
What it's like to work in Japan's hometown revival program as a foreigner
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk with Justin, a journalist who is based in Hokkaido working on rural revitalization programs. Justin explains the ways in which...
How Japanese rakugo is different than Western comedy
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk with Sanyutei Kouseinen, one of the few foreigner professional rakugo performers. We talk about the differences between Western and Japa...
Japanese sake is the old man's drink – how can you make it "cool"?
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sitting down with us today is co-founder of Heaven Sake, Carl, who is aiming to expand the Japanese sake industry in foreign markets by creating an ic...
How David Hewett became one of Japan's most renowned artists
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're joined by one of Japan's most renowned artists, David Hewett. David has lived in Japan for 32 years and has become well known for ...
Why traditional Japanese boatbuilding is dying and this American is their last chance to preserve it
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Douglas, a boatbuilder who specializes in building traditional Japanese boats and has made an effort to keep this seemingly dying cul...
How Peter Barakan became Japan's most recognizable English TV host
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Peter Barakan, who you may know from NHK's Weekend Japanology (Now called Japanology Plus). Peter has hosted various TV shows as well as radio br...
Visual Kei to Final Fantasy: Endigo's Journey to Japan
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with Endigo, a metal singer and overall musical artist who produces music, performs vocals for video games, and blends many genres t...
Kendo master shares what martial arts taught him about life
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today kendo master and historical researcher, Alex, joins us to talk about his unexpected journey into the world of kendo as we deep dive into the pra...
What it's like to run an English anime studio in Tokyo
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk to Mar, founder and director of animation studio Mar Exposito, who will share with us insights of being an animator in Japan as well as ...
What it's like to feel like a foreigner in your own country ft. @joshuasjapanchannel
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit with Joshua, who was born and raised in Japan despite his "foreign" appearance. Joshua is a content creator and is passionate about shari...
How Westerners are reviving this dying Japanese instrument @TairyuShakuhachi
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Shawn, a master shakuhachi player, who sits down to talk to us about the history and cultural significance of one of Japan's most ubiquitous, yet...
How Katsura Sunshine brought Japanese comedy to broadway
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by Sunshine, a Rakugo storyteller who dives into the world of Rakugo and what it's like being one of the only foreigners to ta...
Importing Salmon and Pisco from Chile to Japan
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us today is Nury, a trade and agricultural attaché to the Embassy of Chile, who shares what it's like to bring new products from Chile to Jap...
Why Japan has so many unique fashion styles
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk with Capsule Bunny, a content creator and fashion designer who makes content about Japanese fashion and it's subcultures in Japan. I...
Moving to Japan as a skilled tradesman
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by Sergio, an American welder living and working in Japan. He shares his inspiring journey from U.S. shipyards to becoming the fir...
Cultural differences between India and Japan ft. Nikhil_kun
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Nikhil, a content creator from India, who sits down to talk to us about his journey to Japan, becoming fluent in Japanese, and the anime that sta...
Life lessons from Japanese car culture ft. Dino DC
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Dino, a car enthusiast, journalist and vlogger based in Japan, who sits down to talk to us about his journey into the Japanese car scene, why it'...
Why Japan is so behind on cybersecurity
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Chinyere, cyber security expert and personal finance consultant. She talks about Japan being extremely behind in cyber security knowledge and oth...
Cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Mickael, a half Japanese, half Filipino vlogger, who makes content about life in Japan in Tagalog. He sits down with us to share his story of gro...
How studying obscure Japanese arts can help you build a life in Japan
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Justin, a singer who has been studying the ancient art of shigin for more than 10 years, after accidentally discovering it one day while living i...
"Light in Japan is different. It just is." Photographer Joe Allam on moving to Japan
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Joe Allam, a British filmmaker and a photographer who was so fascinated by Japan that he decided to move to Osaka and restart his entire life in ...
Ananya's secret to Japanese fluency
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Ananya, who sits down with us to share her journey to Japan and unique perspective on living here as a content creator. Ananya makes both educati...
LGBTQ+ Documentary Filmmaker Discusses Queer Rights in Japan
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Felicity, a filmmaker exploring the theme of identity through her documentary work in Japan. She sits down to talk with us about what she's l...
AV Actress June Lovejoy explains the Japanese porn industry
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet AV star June Lovejoy, who sits down with us to break down all the misconceptions about the Japanese porn industry, and explore what life is like ...
Interviewing the most recognizable voice in Japan
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Donna Burke, a singer and voice actress in Japan most widely known as the voice of the Shinkansen. She sits down to talk to us about her 30-year ...
Is Japan still worth it for Asian immigrants? | How to work in Japan on a trainee visa
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Jheadear, a factory worker and content creator from the Philippines, who sits down to talk to us about the process of applying to become a techni...
Why Japan is at the forefront of the next AI revolution
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Jad, cofounder of Integral AI, a software developing a system called universal simulations, in order to help advance AGI (artificial general inte...
Where Ricchaado's inspiration for skits about being black in Japan comes from
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Ricchaado, a comedian from the UK most known for his exaggerated skits about his experiences as a black foreigner in Japan. He sits down to talk ...
An honest conversation about animal rights in Japan, with a Kobe zoo veterinarian
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Dr. Miaka, a veterinarian at Kobe Animal Kingdom, who sits down to talk with us about her daily life taking care of the zoo's wide variety of...
Dogen's secret to Japanese fluency
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For our 100th episode we are joined by one of Japan's most recognizable foreign content creators, pitch accent specialist, and writer, Dogen! In t...