228 episodes

Discover what everyday life in Japan is REALLY like! Weekly podcast episodes with half-Japanese/half-American Burke (20 years in Japan), Ben from England (15 years in Japan), and Matt from Australia (18 years in Japan). All three of them are based in Hokkaido, which is Japan's #1 domestic travel destination! These guys and their guests share their experiences with dating, marriage, working at Japanese companies, teaching at all education levels, traditions, martial arts, the struggles of life here, and the reasons why Japan is truly an amazing place to be living!

Voices in Japan Voices in Japan

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 26 Ratings

Discover what everyday life in Japan is REALLY like! Weekly podcast episodes with half-Japanese/half-American Burke (20 years in Japan), Ben from England (15 years in Japan), and Matt from Australia (18 years in Japan). All three of them are based in Hokkaido, which is Japan's #1 domestic travel destination! These guys and their guests share their experiences with dating, marriage, working at Japanese companies, teaching at all education levels, traditions, martial arts, the struggles of life here, and the reasons why Japan is truly an amazing place to be living!

    Visit the 100 Demon Night Parade in Kyoto

    Visit the 100 Demon Night Parade in Kyoto

    Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

    The guys discuss current news and events including the 100 Demon Night Parade in Kyoto, new tourism records in Japan, an update on Shohei Otani, and more. Enjoy!

    Sponsors:

    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese made and international craft beers bottled and on tap. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails are also available. Burgers and pub style snacks and friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.
    https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

    The Red House
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.
    https://theredhouse.jp/

    Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability.
    http://rusutsulodges.com

    Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture.
    https://hokkaidoguide.com

    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

    Website: https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan
    Support the Show.

    • 35 min
    Must see places in Kagoshima!

    Must see places in Kagoshima!

    The boys take a closer look at the prefecture of Kagoshima. Get the true story behind the real 'Last Samurai'! Plus they discuss the must see island of Yakushima. They also talk about the mighty Sakurajima, one of Japans most active volcanoes.  Other sightseeing spots not to miss and what unique foods to try in Kagoshima plus much more!

    Sponsors:

    MaruMori
    This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese made and international craft beers bottled and on tap. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails are also available. Burgers and pub style snacks and friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.
    https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

    The Red House
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.
    https://theredhouse.jp/

    Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability.
    http://rusutsulodges.com

    Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture.
    https://hokkaidoguide.com

    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

    Website: https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinj 
    Support the show
    Support the Show.

    • 36 min
    Guiding Outdoor Adventures on Japanese TV

    Guiding Outdoor Adventures on Japanese TV

    Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

    Dive Into the Wild Heart of Hokkaido with Greg Bruyere, a Canadian expat with a passion for the great outdoors! He joins Ben and Burke to talk about his journey of coming to Japan on  a working holiday visa, and then gaining permanent residency through his passion for classical Japanese martial arts and weapons. But that's not all – his expertise in river rafting and canoeing has led him to some unexpected television fame! Greg also reveals some of his top picks for the best spots in Hokkaido for river canoeing, wildlife encounters, and soaking in scenic hot springs that promise to elevate your travel bucket list. Find out how Greg has built a life filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty that many only dream of!
    Sponsors:

    MaruMori
    This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij

    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese made and international craft beers bottled and on tap. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails are also available. Burgers and pub style snacks and friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.
    https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

    The Red House
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.
    https://theredhouse.jp/

    Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability.
    http://rusutsulodges.com

    Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture.
    https://hokkaidoguide.com

    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

    Website: https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinj 
    Support the Show.

    • 1 hr
    Tips for Traveling Japan on a Budget

    Tips for Traveling Japan on a Budget

    Burke and Ben discuss some of the ways to save money while traveling in Japan. They talk about the best reasons to visit 100 yen shops, best places to shop, where to get cheap food, cheap accommodation and much much more.

    Sponsors:
    MaruMori
    This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij


    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar


    The Red House 
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000. https://theredhouse.jp/

     Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

     Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com


    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
     
    Website:
    https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
    https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
    Get in touch: 
    voicesinjapan@gmail.com
    Support the Show.

    • 50 min
    Do Japanese People Hate Traveling?

    Do Japanese People Hate Traveling?

    Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

    Ben and Burke explore the reasons for why Japanese people become very stressed on airplanes and why less Japanese people are traveling overseas these days. They also review the success that a few Japan-related films achieved this week at the Academy Awards, the ongoing conflict in Japan with the movie Oppenheimer, and the recent passing of the creator of the world-famous Dragon Ball manga, anime, and film series, Akira Toriyama.

    Sponsors:

    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese made and international craft beers bottled and on tap. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails are also available. Burgers and pub style snacks and friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.
    https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

    The Red House
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.
    https://theredhouse.jp/

    Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability.
    http://rusutsulodges.com

    Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture.
    https://hokkaidoguide.com

    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!

    Website: https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinj
    Support the Show.

    • 48 min
    11 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Tattoos in Japan

    11 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Tattoos in Japan

    Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapan

    In this episode, Ben, Burke and Matt talk about some interesting facts about tattoos in Japan, such as the thousand year history, the cultural significance in Hokkaido and Okinawa, association with the criminals and much much more.

    Sponsors:
    MaruMori
    This site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere!  https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vij


    Bearfoot Bar
    Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

    The Red House 
    Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000. https://theredhouse.jp/

    Rusutsu Lodges
    Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

    Hokkaido Guide
    Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.com


    Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!
     
    Website:
    https://www.voicesinjapan.com/
    Follow us and check out our other content:
    https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcast
    https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan
    https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/
    https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/
    Get in touch: 
    voicesinjapan@gmail.com
    Support the Show.

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
26 Ratings

26 Ratings

mthuress ,

Top notch atmosphere, with great info

a great look inside life in Japan as a foreigner, and the hosts combine great knowledge of the country with a warm, easygoing approach. It makes for terrific conversations that feel like a few people chatting in a comfortable living room. But it's also very professional and the questions always keep the show on topic and interesting. Well done!

Berrie R.T. ,

Show on March 30

I usually enjoy Ben and Burke’s casual talk. As a Japanese who worked in both Japan and the U.S., the guest’s opinion on Japanese stereotypes is often not true.

Naniwagirljin ,

An interesting podcast

I recently found you, guys. Listened to every podcasts of you and looking forward to hear your opinions about new topics. I’ll be an OL here from next year so would like to get more insights about working culture in Japan. Keep up good work, cheers from Osaka.

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