Portraits of Life in Japan

Monclou Karoline

Discover the true essence of Japan through authentic portraits of life where cultural immersion meets heartfelt storytelling to explore the complexity of Japanese society.

  1. 05/28/2024

    Portraits of Life in Japan: Controversies & Behind the Scenes Stories

    Today I am going to share with you all the behind-the-scenes stories and how Portraits of Life in Japan has had a real impact on my life. According to my analytics, over 600 listeners around the world enjoyed Portraits of Life in Japan over the past six months. I just want to thank you for being here. Although I can't see your faces, I can feel your love and support. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  2. 05/28/2024

    Why Are Food Portion Sizes So Small in Japan?

    The Japanese diet is known worldwide for being healthy. Not only are Japanese dishes full of natural ingredients and very nutritious, but Japanese people's attitude towards food is also very meticulous. This mindfulness around food and a healthy diet is one of the reasons behind Japan's low obesity rates. In fact, Japan is among the top 10 least obese countries in the world. While the estimated percentage of individuals with obesity in Japan is expected to be 5.01% in 2024, in the US, 41.9% of adults have obesity. Today I am going to talk about the Japanese diet, including why the food portions here are so small and why Japan is one of the countries with the lowest obesity rates in the world. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  3. 05/21/2024

    Is It Hard To Make Japanese Friends?

    Integrating as a foreigner into a new culture can be challenging and frustrating, especially in Japan, where people like to keep harmony among the group and don't feel comfortable complaining or expressing their true feelings. Making friends at work can be even more difficult. In the last company I worked for, the boss gave each one of us a paper in Japanese that said, "Please refrain from talking about personal matters or your private life with your coworkers." Even though overall Japanese people are very kind and respectful, there is also a politeness to their attitude, more than a true intention to make friends. Today I will talk about my first Japanese friend and what friendships with Japanese people are really like. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  4. 05/21/2024

    Why Japanese People Draw the Sun Red

    Even though the red sun is in Japan's flag, I was surprised when my Japanese language teacher came up with the phrase "the sun is extremely red" when she was teaching us the word "Makka," which means "extreme red." I raised my hand and asked her, "Isn't the sun yellow? At least that's how I usually draw it." My classmates from other countries agreed with me. And they added, "Kids draw the sun yellow with a smiley face." The Japanese teacher didn't know about this. "Kids in Japan draw the sun red or orange," she replied. Today we are going to explore the meaning of the color red in Japanese culture. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  5. 05/14/2024

    My First Time at a Japanese Onsen

    Going to an onsen can be a nerve-wracking experience for some foreigners. The idea of taking a bath with a bunch of strangers can be overwhelming for some of us, especially if we are going to stand out for our Western features, which will draw more attention to us. Today I am going to share with you all the details about my first time going to an onsen. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  6. 05/14/2024

    Why Is Kawaii Culture Not Considered Childish in Japan?

    "Kawaii" is a Japanese word that means "cute" or "adorable." From anime to food and fashion, it is one of the most frequently used Japanese words, even among foreigners. However, “Kawaii” culture can be seen by many as not very mature. After all, the childish stigma that surrounds anime and cartoons is especially strong in Western culture. But what happens in Japan, a country that uses animation as a tool to effectively communicate messages to people of all ages? Even in the most serious situations, there will always be a cute character decorating official documents. There is no way to escape from Kawaii culture in Japan. Today I am going to talk about why Kawaii culture is not considered childish on this side of the world. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  7. 05/07/2024

    Two Japanese Students' Profound Impact on Me

    When I came to Japan, I started working as an English teacher. Although I majored in journalism in college, I started a new career path here. I worked at two public high schools in Saitama and then at three nurseries in Tokyo. At that time, I had more than 100 students. Until today, I can still remember most of their names and faces. Being a teacher was a fun and new experience, and even though I was the one teaching them English, I learned many things from them. Today I want to talk about two students who deeply impacted me. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

  8. 05/07/2024

    Is Umami Taste a Japanese Phenomenon or Universal?

    One of the best things about Japan is its food. Not only is Japanese food delicious, but it is also very nutritious. After moving to Asia, I have tried a bunch of new dishes that I've fallen in love with. Recently, I discovered that there is a Japanese word to describe a particular taste found in Japanese food: "umami." "Umami" is a taste different from sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Today, we are going to talk about what umami flavor is and whether taste is connected to ethnicity. Join Portraits of Life in Japan on Patreon by clicking here! Follow Portraits of Life in Japan on ⁠Instagram⁠ Leave your comments and reviews on ⁠Podchaser.com⁠ Music by Jason Shaw on ⁠⁠Audionautix.com⁠⁠

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About

Discover the true essence of Japan through authentic portraits of life where cultural immersion meets heartfelt storytelling to explore the complexity of Japanese society.

Information

  • Creator
    Monclou Karoline
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Monclou Karoline
  • Show Website
    Portraits of Life in Japan