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 as a foreign-looking local in Japan. Malachi talks about finding his identity, navigating life in Japan, and how he eventually ended up as an MC at major sporting events across the country. We also dive into his experience on The Bachelorette Japan, and how it changed his life.
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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 community hub, Adi shares what it was like building a business in Japan, blending Indian-Nepalese culture with Japanese customer expectations, and how his restaurant grew into something much bigger than just a place to eat.
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Today we talk to Greg Irwin, a voice actor, MC, and wedding singer living in Japan. Greg shares what it’s like to hear your own voice all over Japan—from train stations and commercials to iconic roles like Street Fighter. We also dive into the experience of voicing characters that become part of people’s childhoods, his journey into Japanese voice acting, and the cultural quirks of working in Japan’s entertainment industry.Follow Greg:
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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 how his childhood fascination with Japan shaped his life and career, and reflects on cultural changes, soft power, and the evolving image of Japan around the world.Follow Matt:
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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, what sets it apart from other styles, and what it's like to be part of a male-dominated gaming industry in Japan. From the cultural nuances of the game to building a career around a passion, Jenn breaks down the tiles and the taboos in this insightful episode.
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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 Dove Innovations and Japan Connect, which bridges Japanese and international businesses through strategic partnerships. We dive into the cultural differences in business practices between Africa and Japan, entrepreneurship as a foreigner, and building a meaningful network in Japan’s corporate world.
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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 Japan and how she became comfortable in her own skin. We also talk about her model career and the various ways in which things differ for her in Japan as opposed to other Japanese models.
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Today on Unpacking Japan, we’re joined by Matt, a gunner and Japanese interpreter from Matsumoto, Japan, with deep knowledge of Japan’s lesser-known gun history. We dive into the fascinating and world of guns in Japan—from the first introduction of firearms to samurai warfare, to how guns were eventually restricted and removed from everyday life. Matt breaks down the unique relationship Japan has had with firearms over the centuries and how that has shaped modern perspectives.
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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 various kinds of fighting styles, dieting for weigh ins, the business side of getting fights and making money, as well as how MMA culture and rules are different in Japan.
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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 overseas market. Thomas also founded his next business Shipping & Co., and today we'll talk about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in Japan and how to follow through on your ideas for businesses.
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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 Japan, and how going on long walks can cure many of life's ailments.Follow Craig:https://craigmod.com/https://www.instagram.com/craigmod/https://bsky.app/profile/craigmod.comFollow us on our social media:https://unpacking.jp/https://open.spotify.com/show/2YrHVOAvn4tddEGGclYMtP?si=564959cca6a74cdahttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/
Today we talk to entrepreneur Matt, who shares with us his diverse experiences during his Journey in Japan including moving here because of music, creating his own hot sauce, surviving a tsunami during the 3-11 disaster, and his passion for revitalizing rural communities and akiya.
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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 profession, and how it then evolved into the content creation he is doing to this day. Norm shares with us his story, as well as the many lessons he's learned about being a creative and pursuing a life where you explore your own self interests.Follow Norm:
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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. We explore what it takes to produce an episode with a team of animators, stereotypes about the anime industry, and what it takes to draw anime "authentically".
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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 becoming a full-time illustrator in Japan and what it's like breaking into the competitive manga industry. Linnea also shares what it's like working with publishers and all the things an illustrator needs to consider when creating manga panels.Follow Linnea and her work:@keikokuplinneakataja.comhttps://www.instagram.com/keikokup/https://www.x.com/keikokuphttps://www.tiktok.com/@keikokup?lang=enhttps://www.patreon.com/keikokupFollow us on our social media:https://unpacking.jp/https://open.spotify.com/show/2YrHVOAvn4tddEGGclYMtP?si=564959cca6a74cdahttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/
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’s like to grow up in Japan with an international background. We explore his experiences teaching Japanese, how he navigates identity and culture, and the unique challenges and rewards of living in Japan as someone who’s both an insider and outsider.
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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'll discuss the unique cultural experiences that have evolved in Akihabara, the different ways it has changed over the years, and Tristan's journey creating his own business in Japan.
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On this episode we talk with Matt from @mattvsjapan to talk about his method for efficiently reaching fluency in a language, and his personal journey to becoming known as one of the best Japanese speaking Westerners online.Follow Matt:
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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 Japan—from building an outdoor onsen bath by hand, to navigating guest expectations and preserving Japanese hospitality culture. Tyler also shares stories of trial, error, and joy that come with life in the Japanese countryside.
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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 in Japan vs the West, and the rewarding feeling of leaving an architectural mark on a city.
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