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Artwork for Unpacking Japan

Unpacking Japan

Produced by ZenStudio
Japan
Tokyo
Food Journalism
Cultural Differences
Women In Media
Abe Assassination
Osaka
Media Freedom
Gender Inequality
Olympics
Chocolate Ramen
Animation
Video Games
Trend Forecasting
Japanese Culture
Mario
Final Fantasy
Textile Industry
Sustainability
Forest Gardening

Unpacking Japan explores Japanese arts, culture, and business through the lives of foreigners who have made this amazing country their home. While we’ve all seen vlogs and movies showing Japan from a pop culture perspective, Unpacking Japan tells the stories that get left by the wayside—the immigrants, the entrepreneurs, and the artists. Tune in every week for an authentic, inspiring conversation ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes183Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for Unpacking Japan

Latest Episodes

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 about the sudden growth of the tea industry, how sustainable it is, competition from countries like China,... more

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 of Japanese baseball, his own journey to Japan, and why Tigers fans are so passionate about their tea... more

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 tells us about her own experiences, her work in a cabaret bar, and her work as an activist and documentary... more

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 ubiquity of temples and jinja in Japan affects how even Japanese people perceive their own spiritual... more

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Recent Guests

Hiroko Yoda
Author and expert on Japanese spirituality
Episode: 8 million gods: understanding Japan's unique spirituality
Kathy Matsui
An economist and co-founder of the all-female venture capital firm Empowers.
Empowers
Episode: The economist behind Japan's sudden commitment to "womenomics"
Igor Prusa
A university professor specializing in media studies and scandals in Japan
Metropolitan University of Prague
Episode: The strange logic behind Japan's constant media scandalsold
Hana Burton
Racing driver for Big Boss Wear Team Tom's in Japan, primarily in the Kyujo Cup, an all-women's racing league.
Big Boss Wear Team Tom's
Episode: What it takes to be a Japanese race car driver ft. Hana Burton
Kinshasa Basquiat
Ballroom commentator and cultural ambassador for the queer community in Japan.
Episode: How underground black queer culture ended up in Tokyo
Timothy Connor
Founder and President/CEO of Sinovate, a company that helps foreign brands enter the Japanese market.
Sinovate
Episode: Why Ikea failed in Japan (and what we learned from it)
Yurié Collins
Comedian and actress who returned to Japan to pursue stand-up comedy
Tokyo Comedy Bar
Episode: Tokyo Hoe Tales: How Yurie Collins is bringing stand-up comedy to Japan
James Landino
Game and anime composer
Episode: The insane reality of video game music composers
Craig Mott
A writer and photographer based out of Kamakura
Episode: The writer who brought the world's attention to underrated Japanese cities

Host

Tobias Bieker
Host of the podcast, known for engaging interviews exploring the intersection of Japanese culture and the experiences of foreigners living in Japan.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 68 ratings
  • Professionalism

    I have a lot of appreciation for how well Tobias presents himself. He asks questions in a nonjudgmental way like a true journalist. The guests and topics are interesting. I highly recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    anotherunnecessaryopinion
    United States5 months ago
  • Great podcast on Japan

    Really enjoying the 9 July 25 episode, especially as an ex-JET. Really interesting to hear about the remotes areas of Hokkaido! My one suggestion is that the host sounds a bit quiet and muffled whereas the guest sounds louder and clear. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Erica Crump
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Informative

    The contents themselves are very intriguing and gripping. I will definitely listen to all the episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Saohsmt
    Japan7 months ago
  • Nice

    Good podcast to learn abut expat life in Japan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ぴーちゃん\(^o^)/
    Japan2 years ago
  • Has potential

    Some of the guests seem potentially interesting, but the podcast is let down by the host regularly interrupting and the very annoying continuous background music, both of which make this a difficult listen

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Gloopy Puff
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many find the topics intriguing and relatable, especially those with ties to expat life in Japan, offering a unique perspective on cultural integration.
Some feedback points to occasional technical issues affecting clarity, but the overall content quality frequently shines, making the podcast worth listening to.
Listeners appreciate the insight and storytelling of the host, highlighting a professional presentation style that fosters a respectful dialogue with guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#207
Japan/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The strange logic behind Japan's constant media scandalsold
Q: How does social media impact the revelation and coverage of scandals?
Social media acts as a significant agenda setter, often igniting public outcry and pressuring mainstream media to cover scandals once they gain traction online.
The strange logic behind Japan's constant media scandalsold
Q: What constitutes a scandal in Japan?
Scandals are defined by the revelation of a transgression or corruption that leads to public outrage, often involving elite individuals rather than common citizens.
The economist behind Japan's sudden commitment to "womenomics"
Q: Did you think this paper you wrote in 1999 will bring you here today?
Not at all. It was never intended to be a national policy piece; it was just a research paper.
The economist behind Japan's sudden commitment to "womenomics"
Q: What will it take to tip the balance?
There is growing evidence that diversity drives innovation and that investment in women founders can provide high economic returns.
What you should know before opening a restaurant in Japan
Q: What made you leave Ireland for Japan?
I was looking for an interesting opportunity and to differentiate myself, while my friends were mostly going to Australia.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Unpacking Japan

What is Unpacking Japan about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intricate stories of foreigners navigating life in Japan, this podcast offers a unique lens on the intersections of Japanese culture, art, and business. Each episode features authentic conversations with diverse guests, ranging from immigrant entrepreneurs to local artists, who share their experiences and insights. Listeners can expect to learn about challenges faced while adapting to a new culture and the innovative ways in which these individuals contribute to the rich tapestry of Japanese life. This exploration not only celebrates personal journeys but also sheds light on lesser-known cultural narratives, making it an engaging choice for anyone curious about the complexities of Japan through the eyes of its foreign reside... more

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How many listeners does Unpacking Japan get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Unpacking Japan?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Unpacking Japan:

1. Abroad in Japan
2. The Austin and Arthur Show|生の英会話
3. CROSSTALK 英会話
4. 解説!1日5分ビジネス英語
5. Japanese with Shun

How many episodes of Unpacking Japan are there?

Unpacking Japan launched 3 years ago and published 183 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Unpacking Japan?

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What guests have appeared on Unpacking Japan?

Recent guests on Unpacking Japan include:

1. Hiroko Yoda
2. Kathy Matsui
3. Igor Prusa
4. Hana Burton
5. Kinshasa Basquiat
6. Timothy Connor
7. Yurié Collins
8. James Landino

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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