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Unpacking Japan
Japan
Приєднався 5 бер 2023
Welcome to Unpacking Japan, a deep dive into Japanese arts, culture, and business through the lives of foreigners who have made this amazing country their home. Join us every week for an insightful conversation with one of the country’s most knowledgeable people about life, work, and the challenges they have to overcome.
Whether you are a seasoned expat, a curious traveler, or simply interested in learning more about Japan, Unpacking Japan has something for you.
Host: Tobias Bieker
Production: Andri Magdych
Design: Moe Koga
Social Media: Megan Murayama, Julian Sketchley
The podcast is produced by ZenGroup: zen.group/
Whether you are a seasoned expat, a curious traveler, or simply interested in learning more about Japan, Unpacking Japan has something for you.
Host: Tobias Bieker
Production: Andri Magdych
Design: Moe Koga
Social Media: Megan Murayama, Julian Sketchley
The podcast is produced by ZenGroup: zen.group/
Film director explains what it's like working with some of Japan's biggest YouTubers
Videographer and creative director of Future Collective, Julian Domanski, joins us today to talk about working in video production in Japan. Learn what it's like to work with clients ranging from Japan's biggest UA-camrs to large companies like Netflix.
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Meet Julian
1:02 Getting introduced to Japan
10:47 When you got involved in video production
17:00 Moving onto bigger clients for video
18:14 How Netflix productions work in Japan
22:58 Typical structure of freelancer video work in Japan
26:15 Working with small productions & UA-camrs
28:39 How has working for UA-camrs changed
31:17 Trends and changes in the Japan UA-cam sphere
33:26 When were you able to do video work full time
35:27 Future Collective
41:50 What are contracts like working with large companies
42:58 TikTok supports productions by pushing content
43:41Ideal type of project to work on
46:39 Learning shamisen
52:02 Where can you hear Shamisen?
54:47 How is the relationship with music different in Japan vs UK
58:51 Shamisen teachers and connections
1:00:14 Does Japan feel like home
1:01:40 Looking to the future
1:02:01 Where to start with Japanese comedy
Liked this episode? Check out our interview with Dennis, the general secretary of the General Union in Japan! ua-cam.com/video/iSlr8rNdH0o/v-deo.htmlsi=namf48aO7nKLrfP8
--
Follow Julian & Future Collective:
kantanjapan
ua-cam.com/users/KantanJapan
x.com/kantan_japan
kantanjapan
www.juliandomanski.com
futurecollective.jp
Follow us on our social media:
@unpackingjapanshorts
www.buzzsprout.com/2158416
instagram.com/@unpackingjapan
www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan
www.x.com/unpacking_japan
unpackingjapan
Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!
Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out careers.zen.group/en/
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Meet Julian
1:02 Getting introduced to Japan
10:47 When you got involved in video production
17:00 Moving onto bigger clients for video
18:14 How Netflix productions work in Japan
22:58 Typical structure of freelancer video work in Japan
26:15 Working with small productions & UA-camrs
28:39 How has working for UA-camrs changed
31:17 Trends and changes in the Japan UA-cam sphere
33:26 When were you able to do video work full time
35:27 Future Collective
41:50 What are contracts like working with large companies
42:58 TikTok supports productions by pushing content
43:41Ideal type of project to work on
46:39 Learning shamisen
52:02 Where can you hear Shamisen?
54:47 How is the relationship with music different in Japan vs UK
58:51 Shamisen teachers and connections
1:00:14 Does Japan feel like home
1:01:40 Looking to the future
1:02:01 Where to start with Japanese comedy
Liked this episode? Check out our interview with Dennis, the general secretary of the General Union in Japan! ua-cam.com/video/iSlr8rNdH0o/v-deo.htmlsi=namf48aO7nKLrfP8
--
Follow Julian & Future Collective:
kantanjapan
ua-cam.com/users/KantanJapan
x.com/kantan_japan
kantanjapan
www.juliandomanski.com
futurecollective.jp
Follow us on our social media:
@unpackingjapanshorts
www.buzzsprout.com/2158416
instagram.com/@unpackingjapan
www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapan
www.x.com/unpacking_japan
unpackingjapan
Subscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan!
Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out careers.zen.group/en/
Переглядів: 304
Відео
Union secretary breaks down the problem with Japanese workers' rights
Переглядів 1,1 тис.19 годин тому
Join us today for a discussion with Dennis, the General Secretary of the General Union in Japan, as he shares what role the General Union serves, the challenges the Japanese work force faces, and how it is changing as the years pass. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Meet Dennis 5:32 Getting involved with union work 7:24 The role of a union 8:44 Differences between unions in Canada and Japan 12:56 ...
Foreigner idol breaks down Japan's idol industry
Переглядів 3,3 тис.14 днів тому
Today we sit down with Heidi from Japanese underground idol group Merkmal Mermal, who talks to us about the origins of Japan's idol culture, as well as her own unique challenges as a foreigner in the idol scene. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Meet Heidi 1:11 Intro to Japan 4:00 Does idol culture meet expectations 5:57 What is a Japanese Idol 8:27 How to audition to be an idol 10:34 Being an idol...
How a German woman became one of Japan's leading kimono experts @BillyMatsunaga
Переглядів 4,7 тис.21 день тому
Today, German native Billy shares the story of her journey to becoming a kimono expert and licensed teacher. Prepare to be shocked to learn about some of the nuances in crafting kimonos, the culture and history around it, and many misconceptions people have. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Meet Billy 1:56 Getting interested in kimonos 2:46 First time coming to Japan 5:42 What is appealing about k...
How Mr. Yabatan became Japan's favorite foreigner
Переглядів 9 тис.28 днів тому
Mr. Yabatan has become an beloved personality on social media amongst Japanese locals. Today we find out how he made a name for himself, what insights he has on Japanese comedy and culture, and the differences between comedy in Japan vs the West. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Meet Mr. Yabatan 1:05 Coming to Japan 5:35 Starting videos online 8:15 Why Mr. Yabatan 9:54 How did you get started livi...
What it's like being a reporter on Japanese TV as a foreigner ft. @CathyCat
Переглядів 6 тис.Місяць тому
Ladybeard and Cathy Cat from @CatwithBeardfromJAPAN came to our studio and also interviewed Tobi! Check out their interview here: ua-cam.com/video/W88oPln8S3E/v-deo.html Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:32 Meet Cathy Cat 1:08 Cathy Cat's Introduction to Japan 5:13 Getting a degree in science fiction 6:50 Settling in Japan long term 8:09 What is Harajuku fashion 10:10 How to succeed as a street interv...
The full story of how Ladybeard became Japan's loudest man
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Місяць тому
Today we're joined by one of Japan's most beloved foreigners, Ladybeard, who talks to us about his experience in Hong Kong and Japan's entertainment industries, and how he rose to fame as a singer and wrestler after over a decade long unexpected journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:32 Meet Ladybeard 1:40 Life pre-Ladybeard 4:34 Acting & Dubbing in Hong Kong 8:25 Ladybeard Origin Story 14:55 From...
Chamber of Commerce West Japan director explains the biggest challenges for westerners in Japan
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Місяць тому
Today we're joined by Jean-François, who talks to us about what it's like working for the French Chamber of Commerce, and how his journey in Japan has taught him valuable insights on surviving Japanese business culture. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:32 Meet Jean-François 1:15 Starting Journey in Japan 3:20 Exploring Japanese culture through Kendo 7:45 Deciding to Stay in Japan 9:11 Being a member ...
How this entrepreneur is creating a brand for Mongolia in Japan
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Місяць тому
Meet Zaya, a Mongolian entrepreneur who sat down with us to talk about introducing her culture to Japan through her import company and cafe in Osaka. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:33 Meet Zaya 3:15 Leaving Mongolia for Japan 4:27 Studying in Japan 6:45 Looking for work after graduating 7:52 Working at the Mongolian Consulate 9:58 Taking a break from Japan 13:09 Mixing Japanese and Mongolian m...
Manzai comedian explains the problem with Japanese comedy
Переглядів 42 тис.2 місяці тому
Meet Nick, half of Manzai comedy duo Time Bomb, who sits down to talk to us about his Japanese comedy career and his transition to entrepreneur and content creator. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:33 Meet Nick 4:32 Studying at language school 5:32 Move to comedy school 10:24 Learning Japanese from comedy 12:25 What is Manzai? 15:30 Nick's breakout success 18:13 Comedians have to play characters...
Understanding Japan's complicated relationship with North Korea
Переглядів 7532 місяці тому
Meet Oliver, a Japan-North Korea relations researcher based in Kyoto, who sat down to talk with us about politics, kidnappings, North Korean schools in Japan, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:32 Meet Oliver 9:24 Starting point for Japan/NK relations 13:04 Influence of South Korea 15:26 North Korean Japanese people 16:38 NK Abductions of Japanese people 23:46 Change from Kim Jong Il to ...
The challenges of running a halal restaurant in Japan
Переглядів 4612 місяці тому
Meet Stephanie, owner of Burmese restaurant 95Yooya in Shibuya, who sits down to talk with us about her challenges immigrating to Japan and opening a halal restaurant in such a homogeneous country. Timestamps: 0:32 Meet Stephanie 4:50 Benefits of moving to Japan 7:48 Life in Myanmar 8:55 Japan had almost no halal food 11:59 Challenges of opening a restaurant in Japan 16:35 Story behind the name...
Why 90% of Japanese chefs use knives made in Sakai, Osaka
Переглядів 6462 місяці тому
Meet Brad, marketer for Japanese knife company Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide, who sits down to talk with us about Japanese steel, tradition, business, and everything to do with Japanese knives. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:32 Meet Brad 4:58 How Brad got started in knife making 7:51 Why Sakai knives are UNESCO world heritage 9:32 What makes Japanese knives different 12:32 How to get started in Japanese ...
What it was like to create Japan's first foreign-owned commercial production company
Переглядів 6903 місяці тому
Meet Ryan, creative director at Cutters Studios Tokyo, who sits down to talk with us about his experiences heading the first foreign-owned commercial production company in Japan, as well as his time as an interpreter for Tadahito Iguchi. Timestamps: 0:33 Meet Ryan 6:08 Starting Cutters Studios 7:16 Work as an MLB interpreter 17:23 Setting up a business in Japan 19:30 In Japan, process over resu...
Why this man is walking 2500km across Japan in the middle of summer
Переглядів 6263 місяці тому
Meet Beebo, a live streamer walking more than 2500km across Japan, from Kagoshima to Sapporo. Midway through his journey, Beebo stopped in Osaka to talk with us about his adventure. Timestamps: 0:30 Meet Beebo 6:33 Starting as a streamer 8:06 Moving to the city and RL streaming 11:27 Logistics of streaming walking across Japan 15:48 Issues with walking across Japan 17:42 Reaction from family/fi...
What life is like as a foreigner in Japan's traditional sake brewing industry
Переглядів 9273 місяці тому
What life is like as a foreigner in Japan's traditional sake brewing industry
Swiss consul explains why 80% of Swiss startups survive their first 5 years in Japan
Переглядів 4893 місяці тому
Swiss consul explains why 80% of Swiss startups survive their first 5 years in Japan
Zen meditation teacher breaks down how to deal with grief
Переглядів 3473 місяці тому
Zen meditation teacher breaks down how to deal with grief
Storm chaser explains how he survives one of the world's most dangerous jobs ft. @EarthUncutTV
Переглядів 5294 місяці тому
Storm chaser explains how he survives one of the world's most dangerous jobs ft. @EarthUncutTV
Tokyo street interviewer breaks down his most viral videos
Переглядів 7864 місяці тому
Tokyo street interviewer breaks down his most viral videos
What life is like for immigrant factory workers in Japan
Переглядів 10 тис.4 місяці тому
What life is like for immigrant factory workers in Japan
Anton in Japan breaks down everything you need to know about buying an abandoned house in Japan
Переглядів 8 тис.4 місяці тому
Anton in Japan breaks down everything you need to know about buying an abandoned house in Japan
Zen master explains why you will never reach enlightenment ft. @muho
Переглядів 2,2 тис.5 місяців тому
Zen master explains why you will never reach enlightenment ft. @muho
GaijinPot marketer breaks down the Japanese job market
Переглядів 3,1 тис.5 місяців тому
GaijinPot marketer breaks down the Japanese job market
Why don't Japanese people know about Asian flush medication?
Переглядів 6675 місяців тому
Why don't Japanese people know about Asian flush medication?
Startup consultant breaks down everything you need to succeed in Japan
Переглядів 7245 місяців тому
Startup consultant breaks down everything you need to succeed in Japan
What to do when Japanese banks don't understand your business
Переглядів 4235 місяців тому
What to do when Japanese banks don't understand your business
What modern companies can learn from 1800s Japanese philosophy
Переглядів 1,3 тис.6 місяців тому
What modern companies can learn from 1800s Japanese philosophy
What are Japanese forest gardens and why you should want one
Переглядів 1,3 тис.6 місяців тому
What are Japanese forest gardens and why you should want one
Why this Facebook engineer left his job and opened a game studio in Japan | Athena Crisis
Переглядів 5 тис.6 місяців тому
Why this Facebook engineer left his job and opened a game studio in Japan | Athena Crisis
Thank you both for the great interview! I'm now a fan of Heidi and Mermal! <3 The interview had a wonderful calm energy and was really fun to listen to!
the interviews are too long, today's people have no patience to watch
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks Heidi. This is a pretty cool channel. (Subscribed)
Thanks for watching!!
Been seeing your instagram posts lately. I will start from the beginning to see how the podcasts are.
We've come a long way!
日本の不動産業界はものすごく古い商習慣で固まっているようですね。でもそのことが素性の悪い外国人に買い漁られることから防ぐセーフガードになってるのかも。
welcome to the liar's den a place where everyone pretends they dont know the truth and speak about anything EXCEPT the truth cause admitting the truth would ruin the bubble of delusional they've all created collectively truth is.. its all about s*ex~ and the younger and skinnier you are.. the s*exier you are.. peace
Japan didn't go to open the gate for mass immigration, thinking that would solve their population decline.
1% is what gets me going as a mantra. Thanks you Brit ;)!
労働組合のこと何も知りませんでした。とてもいい勉強になりました。
One of the most interesting podcasts from you!
Wonderful video! Thank you for this wonderful channel.
My God, can some people really be so selfish as to expect to actually take the holidays they were promised? Tsk, tsk.
Thank you for this video. I found it very interesting.
Excellent information, thank you! Dennis' story and attitude is an excellent example to others, in and out of Japan.
The OG Dennis 🙏
Kudos to Dennis for doing the hard work.
Fantastic interview Toby!
hey, it's your flashy fashion reporter Cathycat
Thank you Toby for this podcast. I am usually interested in entrepreneurs' life in Japan but getting outside of an echo chamber is healthy. Helping people take their holidays and know their rights is a healthy fight, but I hope it does not get too far on the left thus re-creating exactly what many of the immigrants escaped from, in Japan. I extend my respects for Dennis and his courage to maintain a happy attitude despite health challenges. Well done again Toby for rotating the interview before it ended to that side of his experience. Greet interviewing skills !
After making a union, he got fired, so he decides rather than return home to Canada, that he would stay in Osaka and fight it out!!! Now, THIS is a man whose moral compass is perfect!!!!
Someone at work sent me the video, what a great surprise David, saludos
I've been aware of Japanese idol culture for about 6 years now, but I did not learn this tidbit until this year. The term "graduation" and the idol love ban has a history that's over a century old and comes from a bizarre motivation. Namely, a train executive back in 1913 wanted more people to be taking his trains to his terminal station in Takarazuka outside of Osaka. And so he started a woman-only musical theater company called the Takarazuka Revue. The problem was that women were not legally allowed to act on public stages at the time, and so all the members were formally attending a university for the arts. They would have to "graduate" if they got married or otherwise exited the company even if it took decades for some of the more popular performers to do so. Johnny of the Johnny's Agency adopted many of the same rules, terms and monetization ideas from the Revue for his boy groups starting in the 60s which were then in turn adopted by Morning Masume and AKB48 etc. Unfortunately, I doubt there are many if any non-Japanese who are into that scene even as fans, but I would be fascinating to see you interview someone who was.
oh is that actually where that comes from, wild 👀 -editor
Saludos David! Thanks for sharing!
Scrolling throught the sections and seeing "Watergate" I'm like wtf is that and realize it is maybe a misspelling of Wotagei
Fixed!! Thank you for catching that <3
As a fellow German, I think this podcast would be so much more entertaining if the host and guest would bounce off each other more! I loved this podcast episode, but I missed some sort of chemistry, fun and puns maybe, to make it feel less serious
Wait a minute.. that voice. Sound a lot like Heidi
could it be?!
"Self produced in a really small basement in front of a crowd of two people" I'm an idol too. I'm this kind of idol 💩
Always support Heidi! Heidi, you are the best!
I would be very interested in seeing what a modern kimono teacher does differently
If we look at old Japanese houses, they used shoji, which were basically movable walls made from paper, thus, literary, 'paper thin' walls. So compare to that modern construction is like brick wall.
I recognized Heidi from the preview picture right away. It just so happened that I see her groups performance just a few months ago. Regarding your question about the Akushukai: It is a very specific term regarding the AKB groups, thus Heidi probably got confused and only replied to this aspect. I assume, you rather wanted to hear about the Tokutenkai of her group and those of similar level. (The fan can take polaroid photos with the Idol and gets some talk time.)
Heidi🪽! That’s my girl! 🤍 This was a great video!
Great interview with Heidi! I follow her on social media and did so before she started with Merkmal Mermal. Happy to provide support for her since she worked tirelessly as a youngster to make her dream come true and earn a spot with an idol group in Japan. Doing so as a foreigner is also a feat on it's own. Hoping for much continued success with whatever she decides to do in the future.
why is 99% of the people on your podcast white middle class and privileged? hmmmmmmmmmmm
idolmaster mentioned! very interesting subculture. i was all about the idol culture and music for a while, probably at its most hyped during the late 2000s/eary 2010s when the west really started to take notice. i think it petered out a bit since then but the chikai groups keeps things interesting. im still amazed that there are people from the west are still making it into these idol groups. i just wish these japanese companies took advantage of that cuz it probably would have taken off much like how kpop did but i think that time has passed so anyone in the idol culture are doing it cuz they really want to be part of it. enjoyed the candid discussion! i think the perspective of a foreigner idol is always honest and fascinating
Tobi really wanting to be an idol 😆 you can ask lady beard if he wants to be an idol duo with you, "buns and beard"
i was gonna say, there's a market albeit very niche market for that! something to think about when he graduates from podcasts lol
ハイチャン、カワイイ ハイ👏カワイイ
For anyone whiling to investment in real estate Japan do more research and compare the price and space between Japan and USA look to the amount of land you will understand
As Asian man, I want to marry white woman like her
I love your passion, Billy! ❤
I bought a pack of kimonos from Japan in order to use the fabric for western sewing and I fell in love , and yes, that sensation of putting a kimono (even on an wonky way) and feeling and looking beautiful is amazing (and it ends on those rabbit holes)
I love hearing Billy-sensei talk about kimono, her passion shines through! I’ve learned so much from her in her lessons and videos ✨
She's so great!!
Billy is the best! I have learned so much from her about kimono styling, history, textures, colors and there is so much more to acquire about this art but with Billy by my side I know it will be possible.
Excellent interview😍👍!!
Wow. I went to Sophia with him. I don't think we really knew each other but I remember him.
Great interview !!!
If you think this is cultural appropriation then you're a segregationist. Great interview.
I don't know how Alex does business. He always looks like he just woke up, very untidy.
Interviewers were very respectful and asked great questions. This was super helpful. Kudos to this person and the interviewers.
英語喋ってるニツクさん素敵‼️別人
very interesting