Queers with Accents

Masaki Seto
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  • Sexuality
  • Updated Biweekly

This podcasts features Japanese queer writer and ESL educator Masaki Seto and his fellow queer ESL speakers, mostly from/based in Japan, discussing social justice and a variety of other topics.

  1. 4d ago

    [029] Beyond Intercourse, Sexual Scripts, and the Rise of the "Side"

    Masaki and Kinoko begin by comparing their sleep habits, contrasting Kinoko's early-bird routine with Masaki's late-night schedule, lack of jet lag, and tendency to fall asleep anywhere—including waking up one station too early on Japanese trains. The conversation quickly shifts as Kinoko shares her excitement about taking a lesson on non-penetrative sexual techniques, prompting a critique of traditional sexual scripts that treat intercourse, erection, and ejaculation as the sole metrics of successful intimacy. The hosts explore broader perspectives on pleasure, relationship roles, and communication across different dating spheres. From defining gay culture terms like "side" and "vanilla sex" to analyzing the performance pressure felt by tops, Masaki and Kinoko examine how open verbal communication creates safer, more fulfilling experiences. They also break down the absurdity of unsolicited dick pics, the artistic nuances of fetishes like messy play, and how narrow societal assumptions limit the full spectrum of human intimacy. ・Night Owls vs. Early Birds: Kinoko describes her strict 6 AM routine and week-long jet lag after returning from the US, while Masaki shares his night-owl schedule and habit of falling asleep anywhere, even waking up a station early on trains.・Challenging the Sexual Trinity: Kinoko criticizes the rigid assumption that sex requires erection, penetration, and ejaculation, advocating for non-penetrative techniques focused on touch, skin contact, and mutual comfort.・Vocab Corner - ED and Assumptions: Masaki breaks down terms like erectile dysfunction and distinguishes between a misunderstanding and an assumption, explaining how arbitrary expectations create performance anxiety.・Sexual Scripts and The "Side" Identity: Exploring the performance pressure tops feel to entertain, alongside a look at gay terminology like "side" (someone who prefers non-penetrative sex) and how "vanilla sex" is defined across communities.・The Problem with Unsolicited Dick Pics: A candid debate on straight vs. gay dating app dynamics, dissecting why random anatomical photos lack value without aesthetic effort, context, or human connection.・Fetishes, Messy Play, and Shady Reviews: Masaki and Kinoko discuss fetishes like messy play and critique sex worker review blogs, highlighting how men often mistakenly view non-penetrative orgasms as wasted opportunities. Annoucements:・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse! Links:・Kinoko-san’s X: xcom/kinoko1027・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  2. Sep 22

    [028] Hair Clippers, Ingrained Fashion, and the Eroticism of Odor

    In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko catch up on Kinoko's haircut, leading to an entertaining exploration of hair grooming vocabulary and the French origins of the Japanese word barikan. The hosts contrast the detailed vocabulary for hair removal, trimming, and fashion in Japan with more casual Western naming conventions, highlighting how beauty standards and appearance expectations are deeply ingrained in Japanese daily life. The discussion then evolves into a candid reflection on physical attraction, self-esteem, and shifting dating preferences. Masaki shares his personal transition from demisexuality toward appreciating specific physical features and body textures. Together, they explore queer subcultures—from the evolution of twinks over time to the welcoming environment of Tokyo's chubby bars—and end with a humorous look at how subtle body odor can surprisingly enhance erotic chemistry. ・Grooming & Clipper Vocab: Masaki and Kinoko dissect hair grooming terminology, tracing the Japanese word barikan back to a French clipper brand while comparing phrases for cutting, shaving, and hair removal. ・Fashion Language & Beauty Expectations: A look at how Japanese culture uses specific names for clothing and beauty procedures, contrasting Japan's ingrained pressure to look presentable with more casual US college attire. ・Evolving Attraction & Demisexuality: Masaki shares his personal journey from demisexual, face-oriented attraction to developing a broader appreciation for physical forms, textures, and specific body parts like shoulders or knees. ・Aging, Twinks, and TM Revolution: A discussion on age and body types in queer culture, referencing Takanori Nishikawa's transformation to illustrate how physical aesthetics and fitness goals shift over time. ・Tokyo Gay Bars & Body Positivity: Masaki reflects on visiting specialized chubby bars near Tokyo, explaining how finding welcoming community spaces boosted his self-esteem and reframed his self-image. ・The Erotic Nuance of Body Odor: Exploring the subtle differences between scent, smell, and odor, noting how natural body chemistry can act as a surprising erotic turn-on for certain partners. Announcements: ・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse! Links: ・Kinoko-san’s X: xcom/kinoko1027 ・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/ ・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA ・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  3. Sep 19

    [027] Burning Man's Sex Domes, Radical Consent, and the Temple of Loss

    In this episode, Kinoko checks in right after returning from Burning Man in Nevada to share her experiences inside the festival's famous sex domes. She details the strict safety rules and "Principle Zero" consent culture enforced before entry—including mandatory ID checks, sobriety requirements, and a minimum two-person entry policy. This leads into a lively discussion with Masaki about the eroticism of clear verbal consent, how upfront communication removes anxiety, and why expressing boundaries makes sexual encounters safer and more fulfilling. The conversation then explores the multifaceted nature of human expression at Burning Man, contrasting the wild energy of play spaces with the profound spirituality of the festival's Temple. Kinoko describes the Temple as a solemn space where participants leave photos and items of sentimental value to mourn passed loved ones and pets before the structure is burned at the end of the week. Together, Masaki and Kinoko celebrate how the festival allows people to embody all sides of themselves—from the playful and sexual to the spiritual and solemn—and express hope for bringing these consent-centered spaces to Burning Japan. ・Principle Zero & Sexual Consent: Kinoko breaks down the strict entry protocols for Burning Man's play domes, emphasizing "Principle Zero" (consent), mandatory sobriety, original passport ID checks, and a strict no-singles rule to ensure mutual safety. ・The BYOF Policy & Dome Rules: Masaki humorously compares bringing your own partner to a BYOB party, while Kinoko explains the dome's setup split between private play with existing partners and open spaces for consensual group communication. ・Verbalizing Desires & Reducing Anxiety: Masaki shares a personal story about navigating drunk flirting with a non-binary partner, leading to a breakdown of how explicit verbal consent builds comfort and reduces sexual performance anxiety. ・Erogenous Zones & Upfront Boundaries: Kinoko reflects on discussing erotic zones and relationship rules with her festival partner beforehand, showing how upfront conversations enhance safety and excitement. ・The Temple of Loss & Remembrance: A moving look at Burning Man's Temple, where participants leave photos and sentimental objects to grieve lost friends, family members, and pets in a quiet, solemn environment before the final burn. ・Radical Self-Expression & Multifaceted Humanity: Masaki and Kinoko discuss how Burning Man uniquely unites solemn grief and wild celebration in one space, honoring the full spectrum of human emotion. Announcements: ・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse! Links: ・Kinoko-san’s X: x.com/kinoko1027 ・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/ ・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA ・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  4. Aug 24

    [026] Burning Man Haircuts, Social Withdrawal, and Pathologization of Everyday Behavior

    In this episode, Kinoko debuts a drastic new haircut in preparation for Burning Man, where desert conditions and scarce water make showers a luxury. This sparks a natural dive into English grammar, as Masaki breaks down the causative structures behind having something done, from getting a haircut to managing complex sentence patterns. The hosts also touch on the quirks of countable nouns in English, contrasting how native speakers count insects but not sheep.The conversation then shifts from drive-thru culture in regional Japan versus Tokyo's crowded metropolitan area to a deep discussion on language and society. Exploring the Japanese concept of hikikomori, Masaki and Kinoko examine the English term social withdrawal, the mechanics of transitive and intransitive verbs, and the modern tendency to pathologize everyday social behavior. They weigh the double-edged sword of clinical labels, discussing how pathologizing language can raise awareness while unintentionally reinforcing narrow ideas of health.・New Haircut for Burning Man: Kinoko debuts her short hairstyle for her upcoming trip to Burning Man, explaining how scarce water in the desert makes long hair impractical.・Grammar Spotlight - Having Things Done: Masaki breaks down causative structures like getting or having a haircut, explaining how adjectives, participles, and prepositions describe states of being.・Drive-Thru Culture & Tokyo Space: A comparison of drive-thru habits in suburban Tochigi versus metropolitan Tokyo, where scarce land makes drive-thru restaurants rare.・Translating Hikikomori & Social Withdrawal: Exploring how English handles social isolation, dissecting the verb withdraw across its transitive and intransitive forms.・The Craze of Pathologizing Language: Kinoko and Masaki critique society's habit of pathologizing social trends, discussing how psychological labels can both aid medical access and create harmful stigmas.Announcements:・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse!Links:・Kinoko-san’s X: x.com/kinoko1027・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  5. Aug 21

    [025] Dietary Shifts, Body Positivity, and the History of Love Hotels

    In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko catch up over breakfast updates and changing personal habits. Kinoko shares a cozy morning story about a sharehouse guest preparing a traditional Japanese breakfast of sunny-side up eggs, cabbage salad, miso soup, and barley tea. This leads Masaki to reflect on his recent decision at age 41 to change his eating habits and treat his body with more care, sharing a humorous story about his 96-year-old grandmother's late-night fried chicken appetite and how eating less has already yielded health benefits. The conversation then shifts into a deep exploration of body positivity, fashion accessibility, and adult social spaces. Masaki discusses his journey toward developing physical self-esteem, embracing a sturdy and bulky frame over a skinny aesthetic, and how appreciating his own body expanded his romantic preferences. From dissecting the history of Japanese love hotels and public adult spaces to breaking down useful English terms like wobbly, byproduct, and repertoire, the hosts bring their signature blend of cultural insight and casual vocabulary learning. ・Clumsy Notifications & Breakfast Habits: Masaki and Kinoko discuss starting the recording session on short notice, defining clumsy, while Kinoko shares a cozy story about her sharehouse guest cooking a traditional Japanese breakfast with barley tea. ・Genetic Appetites & Dietary Changes: Masaki reflects on turning 41 and shifting his diet to be kinder to his stomach, recalling how his 96-year-old grandmother could eat midnight fried chicken before becoming bedridden. ・Body Positivity & Type Expansion: A candid look at building physical self-esteem, with Masaki explaining how learning to appreciate his own body improved his experience of sex and expanded his romantic preferences toward bigger body types. ・Vocab Corner - Bulky, Sturdy, and Wobbly: Masaki breaks down key descriptive adjectives, comparing bulky (size and mass) with sturdy (strength and durability) while defining wobbly for unsteady shapes or synth sounds. ・Fashion Communism & Custom Cosplay: Exploring clothing size struggles from XS to 8L in Japan, leading into a sweet story about an elderly relative using sewing skills to craft complex goth-lolita cosplay outfits for her granddaughter. ・History of Love Hotels & Happening Bars: Kinoko shares updates on going on a date at a Shinjuku happening bar, sparking a conversation on how extended family living arrangements birthed Japan's love hotel industry and public adult spaces. Announcements: ・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse! Links: ・Kinoko-san’s X: x.com/kinoko1027 ・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/ ・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA ・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  6. Aug 3

    [024] The Half-Year Lie and Ethical Non-Monogamy

    In this episode, Kinoko updates Masaki on a shocking plot twist regarding her recent breakup: her ex revealed he was actually divorced prior to meeting her and lied about being married for their entire half-year relationship. He claimed he lied to protect himself from being played as a "toy boy," leaving Kinoko baffled by the absurdity of his logic. Masaki and Kinoko dissect this major breach of trust, highlighting how a six-month lie fundamentally violates the consent and transparency required in ethical polyamory.The conversation then broadens into a lively linguistic and philosophical debate about honesty, relationship categories, and boundaries. Masaki shares a funny story about struggling to tell polite lies when a party guest asked for feedback on an unflattering outfit, leading into a breakdown of terms like "demanding" and self-contradictory logic. The hosts also contrast casual "f**k buddies" with "friends with benefits" and recurring partnerships across different social spheres, concluding with Masaki advising Kinoko to approach her upcoming meeting with her ex like an objective interviewer.・The Shocking Divorce Confession: Kinoko reveals her ex dropped a bombshell by claiming he was divorced before they met, having lied about being married for six months out of fear of being treated as a "toy boy."・Ethical Non-Monogamy vs. Unethical Lying: Masaki and Kinoko analyze the self-contradictory nature of her ex's excuse, emphasizing that trust, consent, and honesty are the essential foundations of polyamory.・The Dilemma of White Lies: A humorous discussion on honesty where Masaki shares a party anecdote about refusing to offer fake compliments, leading to a breakdown of terms like "demanding" and "harmless lies."・Fuck Buddies vs. Friends with Benefits: The hosts dissect relationship nuances, contrasting pure physical arrangements with "friends with benefits" and sustainable, recurring connections that require deep mutual trust.・Underground Spaces vs. Out in the World: Kinoko explains that anonymous, low-information encounters work fine in happening bars or sex-positive events, but ongoing relationships out in the world demand openness.・Idiom Spotlight - The Interviewer Mindset: Masaki advises Kinoko to take on the role of an objective interviewer when meeting her ex to hear his story, gathering information without rushing into decisions.Announcements:・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse!Links:・Kinoko-san’s X: x.com/kinoko1027・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  7. Aug 2

    [023] Post-Breakup Texts, Childhood Coping, and the Nuance of Distraction

    In this episode, Kinoko checks in from Fukuoka after receiving a post-breakup text message from her ex-partner asking to "be friends." Kinoko and Masaki discuss the ambiguity of staying friends with an ex, especially when navigating shared community spaces like Burning Japan. From examining the need for face-to-face closure to defining what "bare minimum" boundaries look like, the hosts explore the emotional work required to transition out of romantic partnerships healthily.The conversation then deepens as Kinoko envisions her ideal polyamorous scenario—one built on open family communication rather than secrecy. This prompts a reflection on how children perceive tension within families, leading Kinoko to share a poignant childhood memory of studying hard to cope with her parents' constant fighting. Finally, Masaki and Kinoko break down key English terms and idioms around boundaries, breakup dynamics, and managing attention.・Navigating Post-Breakup Texts: Kinoko shares her confusion after her ex messaged asking to stay friends, leading to a discussion on what "friends" means when transitioning out of a relationship.・Community & Boundaries: Since Kinoko and her ex belong to the same Burning Japan fire performance team, Masaki and Kinoko talk about avoiding awkwardness, setting the "bare minimum" boundary of no sex, and needing face-to-face closure.・Ideal Polyamory vs. Family Secrecy: Kinoko describes her ideal polyamorous dynamic where partners communicate transparently with their spouses and families rather than hiding relationships.・Childhood Coping Mechanisms: Kinoko reflects on growing up with parents who fought daily, sharing how she studied intensely as a child in hopes of stopping their conflict and as a way to cope.・Vocab Spotlight - Bare Minimum & Closure: Masaki and Kinoko break down essential English phrases including "bare minimum" for establishing basic boundaries and "closure" for resolving emotional chapters.・Vocab Spotlight - Distraction vs. Diverting Attention: A linguistic deep dive into the difference between being disturbed by noise, seeking a "distraction," and intentionally "diverting your attention" to cope with stress.Announcements:・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable, flexible, short-term housing option in Tokyo without the massive hotel bills or strict apartment lease rules, check out Kinoko’s sharehouse!Links:・Kinoko-san’s X: x.com/kinoko1027・Kinoko-san’s blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/・Her book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA・Her interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196

  8. Jul 31

    [022] Queer Mental Health, Ableism, and the Myth of the Majority

    In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko wrap up their three-part guest series with sociologist Kasumi (Rero-san) to explore the complex intersection of mental health and queer identity. Kasumi shares her personal journey dealing with adjustment disorder and depression, describing how physical and emotional burnout disrupted her research and daily life. The trio dives into the frustrating realities of seeking psychological care, discussing the harm of encountering uninformed or prejudiced therapists who dismiss non-normative relationship styles or gender identities as immaturity.The conversation then expands to address broader systemic barriers, from overt ableism in dating app bios to accessibility challenges within physical community spaces. Kinoko reflects on the delicate balance between managing her inclusive Tokyo sharehouse and navigating the financial realities of rent, prompting a debate on how classism and ableism intersect in queer event organizing. Finally, the group dismantles the concept of a societal majority, emphasizing that when intersectional struggles are accounted for, creating truly accessible, structured spaces benefits everyone.・Depression and Academic Burnout: Kasumi opens up about her diagnosis of adjustment disorder and depression, detailing the physical toll of severe fatigue on her research and social life.・Microaggressions in Therapy: The hosts critique harmful experiences with psychological care, highlighting how insensitive therapists can inflict microaggressions on closeted or non-normative patients.・Ableism on Dating Platforms: A candid reaction to dating app bios that explicitly exclude people with mental health conditions, calling out the need for greater empathy and better phrasing.・Sharehouses, Classism, and Accessibility: Kinoko discusses the financial realities of running an inclusive sharehouse in Minowa, exploring how rent requirements and physical venue barriers like stairs intersect with ableism.・Structuring Inclusive Spaces: Discussing how extroverts can unintentionally dominate queer social events, emphasizing the importance of structured systems where every participant gets an equal turn to speak.・The Myth of the Majority: Masaki and Kinoko reflect on intersectionality, arguing that once individual hardships are mapped out, the idea of a privileged majority becomes a tiny minority.Announcements:・Tokyo Sharehouse Opening! Kinoko's sharehouse near Minowa Station (just two stops from Ueno) is currently looking for two new residents! If you are seeking an affordable, flexible, and inclusive place to live in Tokyo, check out Kinoko's sharehouse!Kinoko's Links:・X: x.com/kinoko1027・blog: ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/・book: amzn.asia/d/0gusbsvA・interview: news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad17531bef6f9307a429f45f450a9fb2817f8196Kasumi's (Rero-san's) Links:・X: x.com/rero70・Research map: https://researchmap.jp/kasuminakamura

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About

This podcasts features Japanese queer writer and ESL educator Masaki Seto and his fellow queer ESL speakers, mostly from/based in Japan, discussing social justice and a variety of other topics.

Information

  • Creator
    Masaki Seto
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Masaki Seto
  • Show Website
    Queers with Accents

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