Warning: Do not listen to this episode on an empty stomach. Meet Jeremy, a born and raised New Yorker, reggae head, and former Brooklyn based record store owner. Along with his wife Maiko, opened “Freeman Shokudo” in a quaint yet hip neighbo

Ep.68– Thomas Kim, chef & co-owner of Coaster Tokyo/ Kaigan Brewery

Nov 30th, 2023 47m 8s

Welcome to the first episode of my series, “Made (and Served) in Japan”, which I will showcase restaurateurs, cafe/bar owners and any small business establishment in the hospitality industry in Japan. To kick off, meet Thomas, chef and co-owner

Ep.67– Felisia Gunawan, Content Creator/ Unapologetic Motivator

Aug 29th, 2023 1h 9m

Mel finally sits down with one of the most intriguing and unabashed guests of this podcast. Meet Felisia, who’s been creating content based on her ever-evolving journey of life with and without Japan. As an outlet, her platform quickly beca

Ep. 66– Lisa Knight, Photographer/Videographer

Jul 6th, 2023 42m 13s

Fire fights fire, iron sharpens iron and in our darkest hour, talent has the potential to be unleashed. Meet Lisa, a recent transplant to Japan who didn’t waste a moment during the outbreak of Covid to capture through photos what the average

Bryan Baird of Baird Beer (Recast)

May 25th, 2023 40m 40s

It’s been awhile MIJ listeners! After attending the 15th anniversary of the Nakameguro taproom , I decided to revisit one of my first episodes of this podcast to give it a little polish and have new listeners know about Baird Beer, one of the p

Ep. 65– DTD, Artist/Illustrator/Apparel Designer

Mar 17th, 2023 1h 5m

“It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle. His quick strides into the local community brought my atte

Ep. 64– Ryuta & Nao Kato, a reunion with my first Tokyoite Friends

Feb 23rd, 2023 37m 25s

When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community. Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta. He was one of my first stu

Bonus

Season 4 Wrap. It. Up! (長いお休み)

Dec 21st, 2022 4m 42s

Dear Listeners, Season 4 is a wrap. Thank you all for sticking around and listening! Stay tuned.To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page. To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree. --

Ep. 63– Chloe Kibble, Neo Tokyo Soul and Jazz Singer/Songwriter

Nov 24th, 2022 38m 39s

It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene. Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with. Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an

Ep. 62– Frank Striegl, founder of 5am Ramen and Tokyo Ramen Tours

Oct 25th, 2022 56m 50s

Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば）has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well

Ep. 61– BJ Beatty Jr, Retired Defensive End of Obic Seagulls

Sep 8th, 2022 1h 7m

Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a p

Ep.60– Eli T’Amo, Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer

Aug 11th, 2022 39m 24s

Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just

Ep. 59– Ken Tanaka aka Kenfrog, Japanese Artist

Jun 23rd, 2022 57m 11s

On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop w

Ep. 58– Mina Shimizu, Japanese Film & TV Actor

Jun 2nd, 2022 1h 15m

Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. T

Ep. 57– Ace of Shaq, British YouTuber: New Beginnings, New Homeland

Apr 28th, 2022 1h 2m

One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK

Ep-56 Swazönd, Crusted Black Metal band from Tokyo

Mar 31st, 2022 1h 7m

This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it come

Ep. 55– Mimi, Embroidery Artist of Mimi Hana Threads

Mar 18th, 2022 45m 43s

Spring is upon us! How fitting it would be to have an episode showcasing my friend Miko, who is a self taught embroidery artist handcrafting unique and customizable 3D embroidered accessories and jewelry. When I learned that she will be having

Ep. 55– Miko Hayashi, Embroidery Artist of Mimi Hana Threads

Mar 17th, 2022 45m 43s

Ep. 54– Kei Katsuno, MD, MPH, Senior Director at the GHIT Fund

Feb 24th, 2022 44m 54s

Hi! Made in Japan Podcast year four kicks off with the smartest and the most insightful person I know in Japan. Meet my old friend Kei. He’s the Senior Director of Investment Strategy & Business Development at the GHIT Fund.The Japan-based

Season 3 Wrap Up!

Dec 23rd, 2021 1m 50s

To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcastEmail: [email protected] Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/madeinjapanpodcast/

Episode 53– Sach, radio DJ at LoveFM Fukuoka

Dec 2nd, 2021 1h 11m

Let’s take a trip to southwest Japan to a city with a name that could literally be translated to “blessed hill”. Fukuoka City is the second largest port city that’s probably not on your to-go visit list but it ought to be. Meet Sach, a Fukuok

Episode 52 — Rachel Ferguson, co-founder of Ryozan Park, writer, singer & voice artist

Oct 14th, 2021 47m 2s

Community is Everything. Meet Rachel, a mother of many talents. Along with her husband, they’ve built and grew a share house project called RYOZAN PARK which empowers families in Tokyo to build a community with workspaces, accommodation and

Episode 51 — Brandon & Mari Wash, Rising Shutterbugs in Japan

Sep 24th, 2021 56m 19s

Japan is one of the most sought after places in the world to snap a photo or capture a video. This episode focuses on two individuals from completely different paths merging in pursuit for that perfect shot.I highly recommend to check out and

Episode 50– Two Emails and the Best 3

Aug 10th, 2021 52m 7s

I’ve been waiting to tell this story of a man that has truly Made it in Japan. He was also my mentor when it came to the unglamorous yet self-sacrificing job; an ESL teacher in Japan. I dedicate this 50th episode to him, Douglas Forrester. I

Episode 49– Mayowa, The next Black J-POP singer

Jul 15th, 2021 1h 1m

Here’s a story of a person riding a tornado on a road less travelled. Not only does he have one of the coolest names, but brings a voice that will make waves in the J-Pop scene. Meet Mayowa. If you haven’t yet, you’ll surely will. Ariana Gran