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Real Gaijin — Japan’s Business, Culture & Life Podcast: A podcast about Japan’s economy, work culture, foreign residen

Mark Kennedy — Real Gaijin / Japan Business & Culture Commentary
Japan
Anime Industry
Airbnb
Sapporo
Yuki Homes
Adoption
Technology
Japan National Parks
JET Programme
Motorola
Intercultural Communication
Synnovate
Debt Collection
Unlocking Japan
Credit Risk Management
Manga Industry
Rwanda
Biznihongo
Francis Xavier
Yoshida Shoin

A podcast that explains Japan’s business, culture, economy, and foreign-resident experience through real stories and in-depth conversations. Real Gaijin explores the real Japan — the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of the country. From Kyushu to Tokyo, we dive deep into Japan’s economy, work culture, entrepreneurship, immigration, tourism, and the lived experience of foreign residents... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes59Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Real Gaijin

Latest Episodes

Imagine if pediatric therapists could spend less time on paperwork and more time helping children communicate, move, and thrive. Innovative software platforms are transforming how clinics operate across the healthcare industry, and pediatric therapy ... more

Japan is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in modern history, including a shrinking population, rapid aging, labor shortages, depopulation of rural areas, and increasing strain on healthcare and social infrastructure. Howeve... more

Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of SMEs in Japan with no designated successor. Despite having solid financials and a long list of satisfied customers, many of these firms are at risk of ceasing operations because there is nobody to take ov... more

Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conserv... more

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Recent Guests

Steven Gan
Founder of a debt collection agency in Tokyo; subject of the book and interview
Stellar Risk Management Services / former debt collection business in Japan
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-13, Session 3 of 3・The Fall) with Steven Gan, the founder of Japan's first debt collection agency run by a foreigner
Andrew Neuman
Adoptive parent and Japan-based professional
Independent professional in Japan
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-10) with Andrew Neuman, a Japan-Based Professional and Adoptive Parent
Shohei Yoshida
Business Japanese Coach and Founder of BizNihongo
BizNihongo
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-07) with Shohei Yoshida, Business Japanese Communication Coach and Founder of BizNihongo
Rochelle Kopp
Japan Intercultural Consulting
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-06) with Rochelle Kopp, Founder and Managing Principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting
Michelle Lyons
British inventor and social designer focused on regenerative tourism in Japan
Parks & Japan / FieldQuest project
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-05) with Michelle Lyons, a British inventor and social designer who supports regenerative tourism in Japan
Richard Handjaja
Publisher and editor of Animenomics newsletter
Animenomics
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-04) with Richardson Handjaja, publisher and editor of the Animenomics newsletter
Lisa from Sapporo
Host of Lisa in Sapporo; Airbnb host; travel concierge; writer
Lisa in Sapporo; Unlocking Japan
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-03) with the Founder of "Lisa in Sapporo," Interpreter, Local Navigator and Publisher of Unlocking Japan
Timothy Connor
Founder and CEO of Synnovate
Synnovate
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-02, E-01) with Timothy Connor, Founder and CEO of Synnovate, a boutique advisory focused on Go-to-Market strategy in Japan
Biju Paul
Founder and CEO of TopTech Informatics
TopTech Informatics
Episode: AMA Podcast (S-01, E-21) with Biju Paul, Founder & CEO of TopTech Informatics, a Leading Provider of IT and Network Support Services to SMEs in Japan

Host

Mark Kennedy
Host of Real Gaijin — Japan's Business, Culture & Life Podcast

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

AMA Podcast (S-01, E-18) with Larry Kieffer, aka The Headhunter Dad
Q: What is the outlook for mid-career opportunities in Japan for foreigners?
There are opportunities, especially with bilingual Japanese job seekers who can bridge foreign firms and the Japanese market, but language and cultural fit remain critical barriers; IT roles tend to be more English-friendly, while non-IT areas require strong Japanese proficiency.
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-13) with Elizabeth Scally, an Experienced English Language Teacher from Canada
Q: Are ALTs ever allowed to work additional jobs to supplement income?
JET participants are generally not allowed to take other employment due to their public employee status; dispatch ALT contracts may allow limited supplementary work within education, but visa rules restrict outside employment.
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-13) with Elizabeth Scally, an Experienced English Language Teacher from Canada
Q: How did you end up in Uwajima and what was the experience like across multiple schools?
Elizabeth describe being assigned to four schools with varying levels of English proficiency among teachers, highlighting how some schools embraced TESOL methods and others were less engaged, leading to different teaching experiences per location.
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-13) with Elizabeth Scally, an Experienced English Language Teacher from Canada
Q: What is the purpose of the JET Programme and how does teaching English fit in?
The JET Programme is primarily a cultural exchange initiative intended to foster grassroots ties between Japan and participating countries; teaching English is one of several activities ALTs may engage in, but duties vary by school and are not always clearly defined.
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-10) with Derek Cirillo and Nick McLoota, the Co-founders of Yuki Homes
Q: Neil asked which system is easier, Rakuten or Airbnb, and why.
Nick and Derek explained that neither system is inherently easier; choice depends on property type, audience, and localization, with Rakuten often drawing more local Japanese guests and Airbnb offering built-in insurance and broader international exposure.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Real Gaijin

What is Real Gaijin about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Real Gaijin centers on Japan's business landscape, work culture, entrepreneurship, immigration, tourism, and the lived experience of foreign residents. Through candid conversations with founders, executives, coaches, and policy experts, the show explores how Japan is evolving—from regional revitalization to cross-cultural teamwork and going-to-market strategies for foreign firms. Episodes often feature first-hand entrepreneurial journeys, regulatory friction, and practical guidance for navigating Japanese markets, making it a valuable resource for expats, investors, and professionals fascinated by Japan's modern economy and society. A notable strength is its long-form storytelling that blends personal experiences with concrete business insi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Real Gaijin?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Real Gaijin:

1. Abroad in Japan
2. The Austin and Arthur Show|生の英会話
3. Japan Real Estate
4. Pekingology

How many episodes of Real Gaijin are there?

Real Gaijin launched 5 years ago and published 59 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Real Gaijin?

Recent guests on Real Gaijin include:

1. Steven Gan
2. Andrew Neuman
3. Shohei Yoshida
4. Rochelle Kopp
5. Michelle Lyons
6. Richard Handjaja
7. Lisa from Sapporo
8. Timothy Connor

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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