Crosscontinentals Momoe

Joshua Thomson was born in Japan and spent most of his life there, but his looks make him stand out. His videos, in which he shares his unique perspective, have gained him a large online following. 
We discussed:
Joshua’s path to becoming an online content creator
Differences between Japanese and Western humor
Joshua’s multi-generational history in Japan
The Christian missionary community in Japan 
The difficulties Joshua encountered when learning English 
American-Christian school in Japan 
Working in the Japanese entertainment industry 
A sneak peek at the content Joshua plans to release in the next few months
 
Joshua’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuainlondon/videos
Joshua’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.jj.7/
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Julia Okuyama spent most of her life in Japan, but whenever she goes to Poland, she finds that she can express another side of herself that usually stays hidden in Japan. These multiple parts weave their way in and out through various aspects of her life, from learning languages to raising children. 
We discussed: 
Julia’s father’s move to Poland in the 70s to start a business while the country was undergoing an economic crisis
Childhood in Tokyo and being raised by a mom who didn’t speak Japanese 
Avoiding speaking Polish during school years to blend in
How meeting Julia’s future husband in high school helped her become more open and upbeat
The ways in which Julia approaches language learning with her children
The Japanese-Polish community in Tokyo 
The differences between Tokyo’s mixed children and international-school children 
Julia’s most recent trip to Poland, during which she saw her grandmother for the last time
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Natalia Emi Hirai was born and raised in Japan, but she used to frequently visit her grandmother in Poland, and that’s where she came across Polish hip hop. Her interest in this type of music grew into a passion that she pursues to this day. She wrote a book on the topic a few years ago, and she’s working on another one coming out this year. 
We discussed: 
The origins of Natalia Emi’s interest in hip hop
Studying Polish at Tokyo University 
Chopin’s influence in Japan
Natalia Emi’s dislike of people’s compliments about her appearances
Dating someone in Poland for four years while living in Japan in the pre-internet times
Comparing working for Japanese companies and international ones
The problem with plastic recycling and plastic production
What does it mean to love your country? 
 
Emi’s book: https://asfaltshop.pl/product/11065-natalia-emi-hirai-hip-hop-eastern-europe-ksiazka
 
Emi’s book on Amazon Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4908468214/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_87CFG6KVF1HXNPCH764X?linkCode=ml2&tag=paulamuzykapo-22
 
Emi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloemnh/
 
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In his early school days, Karol Tomoki Yamazaki was trying to show his classmates the importance of seeing things from multiple perspectives. Over time, his awareness of just how relative everything is influenced art projects and graphic design work he creates as an adult. Karol Tomoki attributes this sensitivity to his Japanese-Polish background, which instilled in him an appreciation for considering diverse points of view.
We discussed: 
The significance of names people use to call us  
Missing Japan without realizing it
The desire to show others what’s it like to be us that drives artistic expression
Karo Tomoki’s “Kto Ty Jesteś” project
The impact of appearances on how we are treated
Relating to the Black Lives Matter movement
Ants in the pants 
Karol’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomoki.pl
Karol’s “Kto Ty Jesteś” project: https://ktotyjest.es/
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Toko Anna Okazaki-Pindur’s father used to tell her that she’s not “half,” she’s “double.” He directed her attention to many opportunities that come with her Japanese-Polish background, such as having two cultures to draw from, two places to call home, and two languages to speak and interpret the world with. Maybe thanks to her upbringing, Toko Anna comes across as someone very comfortable in her skin with a strong sense of belonging and a trove of fascinating stories, including one about taking trains guarded by Soviet minders through Siberia in the 70s and 80s to visit her relatives in Japan. 
 
We discussed: 
Living in a Japanese home in Warsaw during the time when Poland was part of the Soviet block
Childhood journeys to Japan that involved taking trains through Siberia and took four days each way
Spending a year at a Japanese university 
Working as a Polish-Japanese interpreter and translator 
How emotions and behaviors change depending on the language we speak
What is discrimination and where does it come from? 
 
Toko Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokoanna.op/
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On social media, Manae Shimizu-Kaczmarczyk comes across as a bubbly influencer with many followers and numerous brand partnerships. But in this conversation, she reveals her thoughtful side, and she tells the story of going from rejecting her Japanese background to embracing it.
We discussed: 
What sets Manae apart from other social media influencers in Poland 
The work that goes into creating a social media presence and being a brand ambassador 
Dealing with online negativity and inappropriate behavior 
Manae’s childhood and growing up disliking being Japanese
Sisterly bonds
Trying to change her appearances to blend in
What changed her attitude towards her multinational background
How concern for her sister led Manae to study art therapy
Manae’s TikTok: bit.ly/3RwCSclManae’s Instagram: bit.ly/3GUqSwaFollow this show on Instagram: bit.ly/3NDZI0i