Josh in Japan

In Episode #27, I do a little bit of podcast housekeeping.

My email has piled up once again after taking almost 2 weeks off. Other than that, I give a brief interpretation of the results of the Podtrac Survey. Lots of interesting stuff learned…. The show is too long, I ramble too much, and my wife needs to be more present within the show. Changes will occur, but baby steps are needed so I don’t trip up too hard.

Next week will be a topic, and I will try my damndest to keep it under an hour. I did make it close this week with a total of right at 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Promos this week came from Cinema Slave and from The Cult of UHF.

Music submitted this week is a song called “Mind Control” by HK.Daijobou who is a member of the band Lifeless Animation.

As always, don’t forget to hit up the FORUMS to ask any question you may have.

So, until next time,

mata-ne!

As copied from NHK News in english website http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/………

I discussed this on the cell phone episode #8 and now it’s reality!

Mobile phones become train tickets East Japan Railway Company has begun a service that allows passengers to pass through ticket gates by simply swiping their IC-chip-embedded cellphones at turnstiles in train stations.The service began on Saturday in Tokyo and two other cities. A cellphone containing a special IC chip can be used as a ticket or as a commuter pass. The train fares are automatically deducted from the owner’s bank account. A rail user wanting to use the system must first sign up for a JR East credit card and download software from JR East’s website. The credit card can then be used to transfer credit to the cellphone for rail journeys and to pay for other services.

sorry everyone. I have 1 day off after working 3 days, and then to continue with another 3 after today.

just not enough time in the day today to get a show out. we had a birthday party to go to this evening so that left even less time to do the 6 or so hours of production needed.

sorry again, but please keep the questions and comments flowing!

mata-ne!

In Episode #26, I discuss the current way that Japanese receive their healthcare.

I discuss many different parts of the Japanese National Healthcare System from normal checkups to ambulance services, to normal inpatient hospital stays.

If you’re new to Japan, you need to know some of this info if planning on staying a while.

Promos this week came to us from Of Rice and Zen, and from Jpop Blast.

Music this week is a song called Ten in the Pen by a band called Minus Vince from California.

As always visit me on the FORUMS, check out the MYSPACE, and most importantly, the FRAPPR MAP!
So, until next time,

mata-ne!

In episode #25, I answer all of the email that has piled up after not doing a show for almost 2 weeks. Almost all emails I received are answered. This show is not one for those in a hurry to learn. This is the longest episode yet! I apologize for those who have limited storage capabilities for playback. I feel like i’m starting to join the likes of Bibb and Yaz.

I discuss all kinds of questions posed to me over the last few weeks. Everything from food basics once again to the outcome of the Hide Museum, to how to respond to a drunken Japanese man spewing profanities.

I also discuss a little more about myself, and also discuss a little bit of local news and how I am thoroughly disappointed in a few of my fellow Americans.

I want to apologize for taking a week off, but it’s all for the best. This way, we have lots of cool listener emails that provide much more than a topic at times.

Many thanks to all who donated to the paypal button, and to those who have completed the survey. Both provide me with much help to continue this adventure.

Please don’t forget to re-add me to your favorites at the podcast pickle. Also, we now have the frappr map, as well as the Josh in Japan myspace. Check them both out!
Promos this week came from Pod2Peer, and from Audio Collective.

Music provided this week was the song “sound scientist” by bill.

So, until next time,

mata-ne!

so, i have upgraded to Wordpress 2.0 as of a couple minutes ago. this will have no effect on anything but the blog, so if anyone out there has any problems whatsoever with the way my blog is working, please let me know!

pointless japanese info: did you know that there is a person who during the winter will walk around the neighborhood in the evenings clacking 2 dry pieces of wood together? well, there is, and do you know why they do it?

dry wood burns very easily, and makes a very loud, high pitched sound when hit together. the high pitched clacks lets everyone know how dry the air is, and to be extra cautious with their floor heaters. interesting huh? see you all next week….

mata-ne!

sorry, but this is the one holiday i have spent with my family instead of down here in front of the mic. i might be able to get a show out tomorrow. if not, see you next week.

Happy New Year!

mata-ne!