Conbini Cult

Conbini Cult Pod
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Living in another country sure can be interesting. Is being foreigners in Japan our whole personality? I guess so. Stick around for silly stories (from us and you, the listeners) about work, dating, language learning, embarrassing moments, current events, and deep dives on Japan-related topics we’re curious to learn more about.

  1. 1d ago

    Forbidden Games & Spooky Tales from Japan | Conbini Cult Episode 115

    Would you live in an apartment with discounted rent if something tragic had happened there prior? Would you be willing to ride an elevator alone to another world? Or risk your own safety to deliver a cursed talisman to your enemies? Let’s learn about stigmatized properties in Japan (a very real thing), along with some forbidden games and ghost stories. Happy October!  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Jingle by SATSUKI Words mentioned/useful words: 事故物件 jiko bukken - stigmatized property  References/sources: Jiko bukken: https://suumo.jp/baikyaku/guide/entry/jikobukken https://www.osoujiyasan.jp/jikobukken/column/jikobukken-sale-price https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalEncounters/comments/1vb82qm/my_little_sister_just_moved_to_rural_japan_and/  Elevator game: https://ihorror.com/elevator-game-rules-how-to-play/  Someone who played it: https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/comments/ik4qf9/i_played_the_elevator_game/  https://japan-makes-me-scared.com/kotoribako/  https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/10h7wqz/anyone_here_lived_in_jiko_bukken_or/  https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/comments/142jf8w/anyone_have_any_ghost_stories/  https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/comments/1j37zgn/have_you_ever_experienced_something_paranormal_in/  Time stamps 00:00 stigmatized property 08:59 the elevator game 19:29 kotoribako 25:22 I’ve never been so happy to leave a town 29:26 living in a stigmatized property 32:17 creepy apartment 34:50 ghost is pissing me off 37:52 little sister haunted in rural Japan 42:34 Tokyo execution ground 45:25 don’t forget your greetings 51:20 time slip in the rice field

  2. Sep 27

    Work Nightmares in Japan with Ami | Conbini Cult Episode 114

    How do you properly resign from a Japanese company? How can you report labor law violations? Can you be fired for medical reasons? Let’s read some stories with Ami today about work culture in Japan, red flags for exploitative companies, and more! *We are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice*. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Thanks Ami for joining us!  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ami_and_coo/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@amiandcoo  Website & Consultations - https://www.ami-and-co.com/ Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 浪人 rōnin - high school graduate waiting for another chance to enter university after having failed the yearly entrance examination 中途採用  chuto saiyo - mid-career recruit 手取り tedori - after tax income, net income  私用 shiyou - personal business/reasons (eg when requesting a day off from work)  大企業 (dai kigyō) - big company  正社員 seishain - regular, permanent, full-time employee  引き継ぎ hikitsugi - passing on, handover 社会保険 shakai hoken - social insurance 退職証明書 taishoku shomeisho - certificate of employment separation 労働審判 rodo shinpan - labor tribunal  退職届 taishoku todoke - formal resignation notice Stories: Company asking for medical info: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/WsIR0gptDA Can you be fired for IBS: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/H3TGePQWMy Resignation basics: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/40oWuD4f4S Boss wants the bonus back: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/qvUDzJsSQX Winning settlement after dismissal: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/s/AqeuToGLlu Office drama: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/TvBH20IQnz Time stamps 00:00 how y’all doin 01:38 job hunting as a grad student 04:59 first job Sony then recruited by a startup 09:49 reporting illegal practices 15:10 worst interview  23:42 forced medical leave 28:18 can you get fired for medical condition?  35:04 proper resignation  37:53 boss wants the bonus back 44:07 unfair dismissal + settlement 54:51 workplace drama 1:03:03 palate cleanser

  3. Sep 20

    Foreigners in Japan Before Social Media | Conbini Cult Episode 113

    What was traveling and living in Japan like before social media? Was any foreigner here just to spread religion? Who was the first native English teacher? Who was the first glazer? We shall find out all this and more in today’s episode, highlighting some early travelers in Japan that we’ve learned about through our own travels.  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms References/sources: Hearn - https://www.hearn-museum-matsue.jp/english.html https://apjjf.org/2014/12/38/roger-pulvers/4186/article Rita Taketsuru - https://greatdrams.com/the-remarkable-tale-of-rita-cowan-taketsuru-the-mother-of-japanese-whisky/ https://www.nikkawhisky.eu/nikka-story/ https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2014/11/10/issues/foreign-wives-of-japan-offer-nhk-and-massan-criticism-and-kudos/ The real history of Yasuke, Japan’s first Black samurai https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/the-real-history-of-yasuke-japans-first-black-samurai Assassin’s Creed Shadows- Who is Yasuke and why did the developers choose him? https://automaton-media.com/en/news/assassins-creed-shadows-who-is-yasuke-and-why-did-the-developers-choose-him/#:~:text=The%20revelation%20that%20you%20will%20play%20as,characters%20being%20based%20on%20real%20historical%20figures. New Ubisoft Game 'Assassin's Creed Shadows:' Why the Criticism? https://japan-forward.com/new-ubisoft-game-assassins-creed-shadows-why-the-criticism/#:~:text=However%2C%20the%20game%20has%20encountered%20significant%20backlash,What%20exactly%20has%20upset%20the%20Japanese%20fans%3F Isabella Bird and Her Travels in Nineteenth-Century Japan https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g00829/#:~:text=Isabella%20Bird%20and%20Her%20Travels%20in%20Nineteenth-Century,Japan%2C%20carried%20by%20Bird%20on%20her%20travels. Isabella Lucy Bird’s Unbeaten Tracks https://papersky.jp/en/isabella-bird/#:~:text=Unbeaten%20Tracks.%20The%20nineteenth%20century%20expedition%20of,few%20(if%20any)%20Westerners%20had%20set%20foot. Ranald MacDonald https://www.leechtownhistory.ca/viee-biographies/ranald-macdonald/ Ranald MacDonald (1824-1894) https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/macdonald_ranald/#:~:text=*%20MacDonald%20left%20his%20job%20at%20the,had%20been%20isolated%20for%20two%20hundred%20years. Time stamps 00:00 how y’all doin 03:39 Ranald Macdonald 08:46 Yasuke the African samurai  21:11 Lafcadio Hearn 27:34 Isabella Bird  37:50 Rita Taketsuru

  4. Sep 16

    Badly in Love S2 Pt 2 - this show is WILD | Conbini Cult BONUS Ep

    *Spoilers in this episode!* Please finish all of season 2 before watching. Is being foreigners in Japan our whole personality? I guess so. Stick around for silly stories (from us and you, the listeners) about work, dating, language learning, embarrassing moments, current events, deep dives on Japan-related topics we’re curious to learn more about.  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms 00:00 how y’all doin 04:17 real yankis or just hosts there for clout? 13:08 S2 pt 2 cast 33:09 big fights/arguments  43:13 confessions/final couples 49:43 fave and least faves 57:00 misuse of English words 58:56 the commentators

  5. Sep 6

    Why is Saitama Japan’s “Florida Man” Equivalent?! | Conbini Cult Episode 112

    Ever wondered which part of Japan has crazy enough occurrences to be on par with “Florida Man”? Many would say it’s Saitama. Let’s check out some of the most bizarre headlines we’ve seen in Saitama news. And if you live in Saitama, are you okay?! Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms References/sources: Family of 3 slaughter in Saitama - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14815543 https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14804706 https://japantoday.com/category/crime/suspect-set-to-be-indicted-for-killing-american-man-family-on-christmas-day-2022 Update: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/17/japan/crime-legal/saitama-triple-murder-sentence/  https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-police-continue-to-piece-together-man%E2%80%99s-naked-rampage-spanning-three-cities https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-women-arrested-for-dueling https://japantoday.com/category/crime/speed-trap-camera-stolen-from-saitama-police-while-in-use  https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-man-repeatedly-steals-food-from-store-by-making-his-phone-say-paypay%E2%99%AB https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-man%E2%80%99s-%C2%A57-million-rolex-stolen-after-leaving-it-alone-with-%27potential-buyer%27-for-two-minutes https://japantoday.com/category/crime/four-injured-after-brawl-in-saitama-family-restaurant https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-man-arrested-after-calling-telecom-provider-24-000-times-to-complain https://japantoday.com/category/crime/video-of-man-spraying-liquid-on-conveyor-belt-sushi-leads-to-arrest-in-saitama https://japantoday.com/category/crime/%27i%E2%80%99m-the-most-famous-thug-in-saitama%21%27-japanese-kids%E2%80%99-social-media-beef-leads-to-beating-arrests?comment-order=latest https://japantoday.com/category/crime/4-men-arrested-on-charges-of-using-curry-spices-as-weapon-in-robbery-attempt https://japantoday.com/category/crime/man-arrested-after-throwing-cup-of-urine-cup-at-student-in-saitama?comment-order=popular https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-police-chief-arrested-for-stealing-rolls-of-toilet-paper https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-policeman-scratches-cars-in-drunken-rage?comment-order=latest https://japantoday.com/category/crime/mayor-of-saitama-town-arrested-for-punching-female-bar-employee https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190807/p2a/00m/0na/002000c  https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-police-officer-arrested-on-suspicion-of-filming-up-high-school-girl%E2%80%99s-skirt  https://japantoday.com/category/crime/saitama-cop-arrested-for-indecent-acts-with-15-year-old-girls?comment-order=popular https://www.tokyoreporter.com/japan-news/saitama-man-accused-of-crashing-fake-unmarked-police-car-during-drunken-joyride/ https://japantoday.com/category/national/apartment-in-saitama-explodes-following-bizarre-series-of-events Time stamps 00:00 how y’all doin 06:06 update of Christmas family massacre  09:37 insane Saitama headlines 39:41 police & politician crimes

  6. Aug 25

    Badly in Love Season 2 - are we okay?! | Conbini Cult BONUS Episode

    Major spoilers ahead! If you haven’t watched the first part of season two, come back to this episode later. We gotta talk about the contestants behavior this time around…it was a wild ride.   Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: yaeba (八重歯) - upper canines that look like fangs References/sources: Time stamps 00:00 how y’all doin 02:27 pasts too dark for a dating show? 07:22 camaraderie with the gals - yay! 08:34 justice for Maririn 12:48 simps for Ruru 15:39 Hikaru hate - calm down y’all  21:06 Assun & alcohol 27:38 apologies to bad parents 31:07 final confessions 34:04 season 1 vs 2 guys 41:04 shoutout to Hentona and Higa san!

  7. Aug 23

    Beauty Trends & Standards in Japan w Ami | Conbini Cult Episode 111

    There’s a viral n*pple tint that’s popular now so you look more pure and innocent?! Let’s chat about beauty trends in Japan, many of which we love! Some though, are a little alarming and bizarre. The Ozempic craze has hit here too unfortunately.  Thanks Ami for joining us again!  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ami_and_coo/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@amiandcoo  Website & Consultations - https://www.ami-and-co.com/  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 医療脱毛 iryo datsumo - medical laser hair removal 白玉点滴 shiratama tenteki - white jewel IV drip 美白サプリ bihaku sapuri - brightening/whitening supplement  シンデレラ体重 shinderera taijyu - Cinderella weight - extreme underweight goal References/sources: Cinderalla weight: https://unseen-japan.com/japanese-women-too-thin/ Meal cancel kaiwai: https://unseen-japan.com/meal-skipping-crowd-poverty-genz/ Time stamps 00:00 the infamous n*pple tint 07:57 Japanese hair care is the best 14:53 affordable nail salons 17:58 minimalist skincare 19:09 night bra 20:05 collagen supplements  23:33 taboo topics: hair removal 32:27 melanin reducing pill 37:06 TW- weight loss pills/shots, ED 47:52 TW - meal cancel kaiwai

  8. Aug 16

    Unlikely Heroes in Japan: the Fukushima 500 & Other Disaster Efforts | Conbini Cult Episode 110

    Not all heroes wear capes! Some are elderly volunteers that put their own safety at risk rather than leaving a mess for future generations to deal with, and some heroes come from a marginalized community and still step up to help those in need during disaster. Let’s talk about some of Japan’s most major natural disasters over the past few decades, and those whose efforts to help victims did not go unnoticed.  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms References/sources: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260801_07/ https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/08/japan/kumamoto-quake-toll-39/ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/japanese-adult-film-star-donates-110249586.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGExd2I4IFjZ7GYMidlyz1ZdhQW1oB8jPUggcONkJv5BtFdr4dKll-ct0YDc1P156M5HPg97Rw6dscZQv_cMib_DVwWh5f5GSC7A5c26E4Z99_06TZ4q67duC10I0YD-GQZGmhqnCtz2MW4IY_9lCOypzuXIvxOvDOSuNu6_oI0t https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/04/japan/kumamoto-mall-explosion-workers-deaths-company-order/ https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/fukushima-daiichi-accident https://www.npr.org/2011/09/12/140402430/japanese-seniors-send-us-to-damaged-nuclear-plant https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japanese-boy-from-disaster-hit-fukushima-bullied-by-classmates-who-called-him-germ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13598607 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5967459/ https://www.reconstruction.go.jp/english/ https://namie-ukedo.com https://www.fipo.or.jp/lore/en https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/earth-and-atmospheric-sciences/kobe-earthquake  (Use Remove Paywalls) https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/22/world/quake-in-japan-gangsters-gang-in-kobe-organizes-aid-for-people-in-quake.html https://jpri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Occasional-Paper-02.pdf https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/mobsters-on-a-mission-how-japan-s-mafia-launched-an-aid-effort-2264031.html https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/japans-latest-earthquake-damages-kumamoto-castle-the-400-year-old-fortress-still-battling-nature-after-centuries-of-survival/amp_articleshow/132738454.cms https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/14/japan/society/japan-kumamoto-castle-restoration/ https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4508/ https://www.saitama-np.co.jp/articles/62218/postDetail https://english.anf-news.com/news/kurdish-red-crescent-provides-aid-to-earthquake-victims-in-japan-72031 https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/turkey/information/topics/2023/230627.html https://sikhnet.com/news/recognizing-human-race-one-united-sikhs-serve-langar-glide-foundation https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/686730/operation-tomodachi-five-years-later/ https://www.wochikochi.jp/english/relayessay/2011/07/peaceboat-srilanka.php Japanalysis video mentioned: https://youtu.be/WCk2hYLOdnI?si=-_C5fNVXuy6TB41g  Time stamps 00:00 intro & recent earthquake in Kumamoto 06:24 Fukushima 500 - East Japan Disaster 2011 20:55 Yakuza efforts?? & Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake 1995 26:00 Kumamoto Earthquake 2016 32:31 Kurdish aid after Noto Peninsula Earthquake 2024 38:04 Other foreign communities that stepped up

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About

Living in another country sure can be interesting. Is being foreigners in Japan our whole personality? I guess so. Stick around for silly stories (from us and you, the listeners) about work, dating, language learning, embarrassing moments, current events, and deep dives on Japan-related topics we’re curious to learn more about.

Information

  • Creator
    Conbini Cult Pod
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Conbini Cult Pod
  • Show Website
    Conbini Cult

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