Conbini Cult

Conbini Cult Pod

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. 4d ago

    The Most Over and Underrated Anime with Aundre & Rosa | Conbini Cult Episode 100

    To celebrate 100 episodes, let’s talk overrated and underrated anime. Because my own repertoire is still growing, I decided to bring a couple experts on. Thanks Aundre and Rosa for joining!  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms The RDC skit about JJK that Aundre mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFjwzn71NKs Time stamps 00:00 hi  03:29 overrated 29:02 underrated 49:28 toxic fandoms 1:00:19 best fandom

    1h 8m

  2. May 31

    7 Ways to get Cursed in Japan | Conbini Cult Episode 99

    A poem that causes tragic accidents if read aloud, a severed head flying across the country, and a decades long baseball losing streak?! Let’s get into some silly and spooky curses that could befall upon you in Japan if you’re not careful.  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: 心霊スポット shinrei supotto 神隠し kamikakushi - mysterious disappearance, spirited away  首塚 kubizuka - burial mound for severed heads References/sources: https://www.mlb.com/news/the-japanese-team-cursed-by-colonel-sanders They won the series again in 2023 https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231106/p2a/00m/0na/014000c After life of curses, miracles, Colonel Sanders statue laid to rest https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15204594 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/japans-inunaki-village-the-place-from-where-no-one-has-ever-returned/articleshow/118607780.cms https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/taira-no-masakados-grave https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/history/tokyo-was-built-atop-the-head-of-a-decapitated-god/ https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/Tomino%27s_Hell https://www.reddit.com/r/HorrorReviewed/comments/7za58n/tominos_hell_by_yomota_inuhiko_1919_poem/ Time stamps 00:00 hi 01:23 Colonel Sanders 07:49 Inunaki Tunnel 13:04 cursed poem 17:54 Taira no Masakado's Grave  23:06 cursed Kleenex commercial 24:15 cursed island in Fukui  28:39 Mount Fuji curse

    34 min

  3. May 24

    Falsely Convicted in Japan: Chris Payne’s Fight for Justice | Conbini Cult Episode 98

    Chris Payne is a US citizen who has been in Japan since 2013. He was falsely convicted of attacking a woman in Chiba in July 2018 and has been held in solitary confinement for 4.5 years. The whole crux of the investigation falls on a manipulated DNA analysis, but meanwhile, Chris has never matched the description of the attacker, and his alibi was never properly investigated. The Tokyo High Court overturned his conviction in December 2025, but Chris still remains in solitary confinement in the detention center where he is being held until a retrial is scheduled in Chiba, and his requests for bail have been denied at least 11 times. His case is a stark example of Japan’s system of “hostage justice” where the suspect is guilty until proven innocent, and all-powerful prosecutors hold all the cards.  Please note: we do not place the blame on the victim, and neither does Chris. He is unfortunately being made a scapegoat while the real attacker is still out there, possibly hurting more people in the meantime.  HOW TO SUPPORT CHRIS - sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-due-process-for-christopher-payne-in-japan AND SPREAD THE WORD! Contact your representatives in the US and Japan to put pressure on the courts.  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: 人質司法 hito jichi shiho - hostage justice 事件 - jiken - incident 矛盾 mujun - contradiction, inconsistency  刑務所 keimusho - prison 拘置所 kouchisho - detention center  References/sources: Innocence Project Japan: https://innocenceprojectjapan.org/en/chris-case Gavin Blair article: https://www.fccj.or.jp/number-1-shimbun-article/miscarriage-justice FCCJ conference from March 2026:  https://www.youtube.com/live/9eB2cMUmh7g?si=-hvv1x3gPmin_j0X CBS Chicago story: https://youtu.be/Frd9N4DzvOc The petition - PLEASE SIGN: https://www.change.org/p/demand-due-process-for-christopher-payne-in-japan Keiko Aoki: https://forejustice.org/db/Aoki--Keiko-.html https://www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/document/statements/160810.html https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14573661 Shoji Maekawa:  https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15914748 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/29/japan/crime-legal/acquitted-man-seeks-state-compensation/#:~:text=Get%20full%20access%20for%2090%25 Time stamps 00:00 hi/disclaimer/who is Chris? 03:25 the attack, the arrest, inconclusive DNA 11:25 the conviction 12:27 DNA problems, overturned conviction 14:41 health issues 15:43 call with advocacy team members 1:03:49 media coverage 1:05:29 hostage justice & powerful prosecutors 1:12:35 three recent exonerations 1:20:26 conclusion

    1h 22m

  4. May 17

    15 Years in Japan with sandyinjapannn | Conbini Cult Episode 97

    Let’s chat with Sandy, who’s been living in Japan for 15 years, about getting started on JET, studying Japanese, becoming a permanent resident, getting diagnosed with AuDHD as an adult, and more!  You can find Sandy here: https://www.tiktok.com/@sandyinjapannn https://www.instagram.com/sandyinjapannn/ 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: 専門学校 senmon gakko - trade school 養成所 youseijo - training school  無性 musei - asexual  自閉症 jiheisho - autism 内科 naika - internal medicine Time stamps 00:00 background, JET program 03:25 voice acting 04:40 Japanese language study 08:13 why move from Kobe to Tokyo? 14:01 PR (permanent residency) 19:29 getting diagnosed as AuDHD in Japan/mental health 33:29 lasik, SMILE, ICL 39:39 butsukari otoko, drones & other rants 50:47 advice if you want to move to Japan

    52 min

  5. May 13

    Manga creators that’ve been arrested | Conbini Cult Episode 96

    The world of manga, like any other entertainment industry, is full of the good, the bad, and the bizarre, and has its fair share of creeps. Let’s do a little dive into some recent cases where mangaka have been arrested, and sometimes convicted or fined. It’s not ALWAYS what you think. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms References/sources: After pleading guilty to tax evasion and eating a $70,000 fine, the Apothecary Diaries manga's Nekokurage confirms she will remain the artist on the hit series https://www.gamesradar.com/comics/after-pleading-guilty-to-tax-evasion-apothecary-diaries-artist-nekokurage-confirms-that-she-will-remain-the-artist-on-the-hit-manga/ https://x.com/nekokurage_/status/1774734767893942341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1774734767893942341%7Ctwgr%5Eeafb24737d65101611edf88a8e188097ac1cbd59%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itmedia.co.jp%2Fnews%2Farticles%2F2407%2F24%2Fnews158.html Controversial artist Rokudenashiko found guilty on obscenity charge https://soranews24.com/2016/05/11/controversial-artist-rokudenashiko-found-guilty-on-obscenity-charge/ Manga creator admits to groping 14-year-old girl; asks for suspended sentence https://japantoday.com/category/crime/manga-creator-admits-to-groping-14-year-old-girl-asks-for-suspended-sentence A recent s*x crime scandal could (and should) cause true reform in the manga industry https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/recent-sex-crime-scandal-could-120059835.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALiFqOYw_bGrdHYAP-EJ8FZ9dY02Ri48csLRxpz7znS4JRQkxe2mtRcEb7fJiMM34iQzwh4rdLK3K1laQjScMr5qBw4BgM1lqrfoevatLBFgB9kMLYavs1VyFis2tD0nd8CsRDV6xQi_l9eNKYFlIrG8_jDghbRG-tgnh0fmmG7v Act-Age Is Canceled https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/act-age-is-canceled Rurouni Kenshin Creator Nobuhiro Watsuki Charged With CP Possession https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-21/rurouni-kenshin-creator-nobuhiro-watsuki-charged-with-child-pornography-possession/.124308 Convicted P*dophile Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin Returns to Jump SQ In June https://www.animeherald.com/2018/04/23/convicted-pedophile-nobuhiro-watsukis-rurouni-kenshin-returns-to-jump-sq-in-june/ https://blog.jlist.com/news/vice-declares-japanese-manga-industry-full-of-pedophiles/ Hirohiko Araki’s Rebel Against ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ Author Isn’t the Same as Tite Kubo’s https://fandomwire.com/hirohiko-arakis-rebel-against-rurouni-kenshin-author-isnt-the-same-as-tite-kubos/ Big manga artists pull their works from major publisher after s*xual abuse scandal https://www.polygon.com/shogakukan-yamamoto-scandal-manga-one-sexual-assault-minor/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-08-07/mitsutoshi-shimabukuro-arrested https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-11-01/mangaka-convicted-and-sentenced-for-schoolgirl-sex-romp https://jojowiki.com/JOJO_magazine_2026_SPRING Japan bans possession of CP (2014) https://www.ntv.co.jp/englishnews/society/japan-bans-possession-of-child-pornography/ Time stamps 00:00 intro/disclaimer 03:09 Apothecary Diaries tax incident 07:37 the coochie kayak 14:44 Act Age - TW  20:50 Rurouni Kenshin - TW 23:48 other magaka taking a stand - TW 27:40 Toriko - TW 28:42 final thoughts

    34 min

  6. May 10

    Leveling Up as a Teacher in Japan with Mr. Patrick | Conbini Cult Episode 95

    English teachers in Japan have a bit of a reputation for just messing around and not taking their jobs seriously, but there are so many passionate teachers that come here to teach English, and some even find their calling as an educator while teaching abroad. Mr. Patrick is one of those teachers who found his calling along the way! Let’s chat about teaching in Japan vs China, and how Patrick decided to pursue a specialized teaching degree and make a solid career for himself.  Thanks for joining us! You can find Patrick here: YouTube: @thepaperpat TikTok: @thepaperpat : https://www.tiktok.com/@thepaperpat Instagram @the.paper.pat : https://www.instagram.com/the.paper.pat?igsh=MWF2YnFzaGF1cmNrMQ== 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: 英会話 eikaiwa - English conversation school  幼稚園 youchien - kindergarten  保育園 hoikuen - preschool/nursery school  保育士 hoikushi - nursery school teacher, early childcare worker  Time stamps 00:00 getting started with teaching, transitioning to Japan 07:18 living in China vs Japan 11:06 TikTok journey 15:53 getting a specialized teaching degree 22:14 foreign teacher expectations 26:58 international schools  36:04 visiting home, holidays 37:36 cultural understanding 43:06 family 45:14 long term plans, language 51:38 moments that stick with you 56:37 Japanese food 1:01:15 advice for those wanting to move and teach

    1h 5m

  7. May 6

    Why Seasonal Allergies are Japan’s National Disease | Conbini Cult Episode 94

    Every February to April, pollen is released into the air, and nearly half the population beings to suffer with allergy symptoms. Let’s take a little deep dive into the main culprit for pollen this time of year, how to problem escalated, ways to survive the season, and what’s being done to combat it!  Thanks Rosa for joining us again! 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: 花粉症 kafunsho - pollen allergy, hay fever 杉 sugi - cedar  檜 【ひのき】 hinoki - cypress 黄砂 kousa - yellow sand/dust References/sources: How Japan is tackling the growing challenge of seasonal allergies https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/03/japan-seasonal-allergies/ High and rising hay fever in Japan may now have a solution https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/04/is-climate-change-to-blame-for-worsening-hay-fever-there-could-be-a-solution/ 【2026年のピークはいつから？】花粉症ガイド｜季節、原因、症状から「なぜ日本だけ？」の疑問まで解説 (My browser translated it) https://www.fun-japan.jp/jp/articles/12222 Why is the number of hay fever patients on the rise? What is the "ultimate trump card" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk_QqxeJvXA Hay Fever (Kafunsho) in Japan https://www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/healthcaresystem/hay-fever/ A (Pollen-free) Sigh of Relief for Japan: The Genetics of Male Sterility in Cedar Treeshttps://www.ffpri.go.jp/ffpri/en/research/results/2021/20210216press.html Getting rid of your runny nose: dealing with hay fever in Japan https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/getting-rid-of-our-runny-nose-dealing-with-hay-fever-in-japan/ Which Country Has the Highest AQI in the World?https://sundayguardianlive.com/trending/which-country-has-the-highest-aqi-in-the-world-heres-the-answer-172154/ Tired of Sneezing? This Everyday Drink Might Offer Some Relief, According to New Researchhttps://www.foodandwine.com/matcha-relieves-allergy-sneezing-study-11948032  Time stamps 00:00 intro/allergy season 05:04 the culprit, stats etc 15:31 yellow dust 17:46 listener poll, common symptoms 21:49 survival tips 33:54 measures being taken

    37 min

  8. May 3

    Osaka vs Tokyo BATTLE | Conbini Cult Episode 93

    Tokyo and Osaka, despite being part of the same country, are very different places when it comes to dialect, food, atmosphere, etc. In today’s episode we’re getting into some friendly banter (perhaps a heated rivalry?) over what we like about each place, and why we do/don’t want to live there. Let us know in the comments whether you’re for Kanto or Kansai, or perhaps another area all together.  Thanks Rosa for joining us with another fun discussion.  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: 標準語 hyojungo - standard Japanese 関西弁 Kansai-ben - Kansai dialect いいじゃん ii jyan - it’s good, right? I like it, nice, etc おおきに ookini - thank you (Kansai) まじで maji de - really, seriously ヤバイ yabai - whoa, wow, crazy, sh*t, etc (just a general expression used for things both good and bad) あかん akan - you can’t/shouldn’t, don’t do it, bad, no, etc (Kansai) だめ da-me - (same as akan but dame is standard Japanese) しゃーない shaanai - Kansai version of shoganai (it is what it is) 大盛り oomori - large portion of food 土下座 dogeza - kneeling directly on the ground and bowing to show deep gratitude or an apology  遅延証明書 chien shomeisho - certificate of lateness (you can get one when the train is delayed) 食い倒れ kuidaore - eat til you drop/go broke References/sources: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/what-is-the-average-salary-in-tokyo/ https://www.worldcostofliving.com/compare/tokyo-vs-osaka Time stamps 00:00 hello/our qualifications 02:52 general stats for each city 5:00 differences (dialect, cost of living, food, etc) 18:26 Osaka obachan  20:56 Tokyo pros and cons 36:52 Osaka pros and cons 45:41 do we want to move to Tokyo? 47:05 bonus story

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Conbini Cult Pod
  • Show Website
    Conbini Cult

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