Josh in Japan

This is another week of all feedback. The email pile is getting shorter and shorter. Again, lots of excellent questions, with hopefully some helpful answers.

We introduced a new segment called “Places in Japan”. This week we focused on Tokushima which is in the Shikoku region of Japan. Pretty interesting stuff.

As always, don’t forget to email your questions or comments to josh \at\ joshinjapan.com. Also, hit up the forums when you have some free time to spare.

Until next week,

mata-ne!

For iPod owners, go HERE for the new Josh in Japan AAC Podcast feed.

For non-iPod owners or those who don’t want to switch, you can still keep subscribing to the feed you have right now.

Welcome back to the Josh in Japan podcast.

I know that some might be skeptical about the podcast now that I’m in Florida, but please don’t worry. I’m still just as tuned in to what’s going on in Japan as I was before I left. Now that I am only a student, you might even say that I have more time to keep up on all things Japan.

Episode #41 is more feedback. I have one, maybe two shows of just pure feedback left before we can start doing more interesting things with the show. I made new segment intros since I have so much more functionality with the new computer.

Enough of my rambling. Let’s get on with the show.

Mata-ne!

For iPod owners, go HERE for the new Josh in Japan AAC Podcast feed.
For non-iPod owners or those who don’t want to switch, you can still keep subscribing to the feed you have right now.

Hey everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you all so I just wanted to give you all a quick little update as well as test out the advanced podcasting features of my new iMac with Garageband 3.

So, I should be getting shows out within the next week or two. Talk with you soon.

-Josh

For iPod owners, go HERE for the new Josh in Japan AAC Podcast feed.

For non-iPod owners or those who don’t want to switch, you can still keep subscribing to the feed you have right now.

In Episode #40, I go over more feedback… What, did you expect anything else? I break the pile down a little bit, but there is still tons of great questions still flowing in. Once I finish all the feedback, I won’t remember what it’s like to just talk about a topic!

I play some great promos:

Mignon from Absolute Science talks about pickle people…

The man himself, J.C. Hutchins Talks about his new partnership with the Share the Pain contest…

I also discuss some upcoming events with the family and I so please be sure to listen until the end so you don’t miss what’s going to happen with my family, myself, and the show.

For the last time from 日本,

Mata-Ne!

In Episode #39, I make my return from the podcasting dead, and come back kicking!

I cover a ton of emails, and barely scratch the surface of going over all the feedback I received while I was gone. I let everyone know what was happening with the family and I, and why I was absent from their MP3 players.

どうもありがとうございました to everyone who stayed subscribed to the show, and again to everyone who helped put me in the Podcast Pickle Hall of Fame!

Promos this week are from Barely of the Barely Podcasting Podcast, and from Steve and Maureen of the Wicked Good Podcast.

So, thanks again, and until the next time,

Mata-Ne!

Hey everyone! Just here to give a little bit of an audio update for those who don’t get a chance to ever visit the blog. Enjoy.

In Episode #38, I talk all about how to cook in Japan. This isn’t so much about how to make specific dishes, but the basics about meal selection, kitchens, and appliances.

We go over what to do when it’s time to pack a lunch, where to buy kitchen stuff, and how you can either stay healthy or get fat while in Japan.

There’s also a lot of news I put out about the show since I haven’t been behind the mic for two weeks. I want to say thanks to everyone who has stuck with the show, and please stand by for a feedback show (hopefully this week).

Intro this week is from the C-Dogg himself of the PMC Top Ten. This week’s promo is from the author of the new hit podcast novel 7th Son, J.C. Hutchins.

As always, please hit me up on the forums or email me with any questions or comments you may have. That’s it for now, so until next time,

mata-ne!

In Episode #37, I give you the second part of my family’s recent vacation to Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto.

Lots of adventures, trials and tribulations. I talk a lot about my second favorite place on the vacation, and give you an insider’s view of Universal Studios Japan.

You also get to see what kind of fun my family and I had in Kyoto. It was amazing…..

That’s it for now. Enjoy the show, and don’t forget to visit the vacation picture gallery, and the FORUMS. Until next time,

mata-ne!

In Episode #36, I start to discuss our vacation from last week. We went to Hiroshima, then Osaka, and lastly, Kyoto. Part 1 will cover Hiroshima and all the rainy fun we had down there.

I started to record the entire show, and was only 1/2 way done and was already at 1 hour and 16 minutes. So, to set a precedent with josh in japan, we made this a 2 part series. I feel like i’m in a sitcom now…..

We welcome back some of the old Josh in Japan favorites that everyone’s been asking for. I’m happy since it’s more comfortable (and fun) to record with some of the old content!

Stay tuned for next week’s episode for the conclusion to the cliff hanger you find at the end of this show (uh huh).

So, thanks for sticking with me, and i’ll see you all soon. Until then,

mata-ne!

The following script is also linked in audio form with the “podcast” icon below.

Thanks,

Josh

This is Josh from the Josh in Japan Podcast. Recently I was informed by a person named MEL K. DIXON of Tokyo that he (or she) was using my Podcast in their English class for secondary education students here in Japan. MEL emailed me to let me know that he was not concerned with the quality or topic of my show but more concerned that I would quit podcasting for good. Mel implored me to keep podcasting so as not to loose the free resource that he (or she) was using in their class. Not only is Mel using my Podcast as lesson material in his class here in Tokyo, but informed me that there are other branches of this secondary education facility where the instructors are using my Podcast as a learning tool. These branches are located in the areas of Okinawa, Sendai, and two in Fukushima, as well as Mel’s facility in Tokyo. Mel was reluctant to inform me which school or university he (or she) works for. There’s a reason for Mel’s defiant stance to not letting me know what the name of this school was. His (or her) use of my Podcast along with the other teachers and the school as a whole is illegal without my consent (or prior knowledge) to make money off of their students. These Japanese students pay money to attend the English classes in question. My podcast is played for the students, and they are in turn instructed to find different types of grammatical errors within the show. This is the same as using a text book or English instruction tape as a classroom aide. The only difference is that no one gained permission from me in advance to use my podcast as a teaching aid with no reimbursement. I was notified that this was happening only because one of the instructors using this free teaching aid (MEL) was worried that they would no longer have material if I quit podcasting. I am only concerned that after this message, the school in question just picks another un-consenting and uninformed Podcaster to use in the same fashion I was used. I was going to give the school in question an offer to avoid any reimbursement for past illegal use of my Podcast. Unfortunately, Mel decided to cover his or her self by not naming the school in question. If only Mel had told me, I would have never mentioned his or her to the thousands of Josh in Japan listeners. If anyone knows the name of the school in question, please contact me at josh (at) joshinjapan.com with any information you may have. I have absolutely NO PROBLEM (REPEAT NO PROBLEM) with people using my Podcast for whatever they want as long as there is no money made for using my Podcast, and no one is trying to defame my character. People can use my Podcast on an individual basis for learning English, learning how not to speak English, learning about Japan, or whatever they want. It is in fact very rude, disrespectful and most importantly, illegal for a person, or organization to use a podcast to make money without that podcast owner’s knowledge or consent. So in summary, MEL K. DIXON was concerned that he (or she) would have to start paying for a new learning aid for his English class if I quit podcasting. This in turn informed me that someone (actually a whole school spread throughout Japan) was using my podcast to make money without my prior knowledge, consent or offer of reimbursement. Using a podcast or any other type of creative art to make money without the owner’s consent is a very obvious and flagrant violation of international copyright laws. My podcasts are all marked with “copyright 2006, joshinjapan.com”. It does not get clearer than that. If anyone has any information on which school MEL K. DIXON or his associates work for, I would greatly appreciate it. Please email josh (at) joshinjapan.com. You will stay completely anonymous. Thank you for your attention, and I now return you to your previously scheduled podcast.

In Episode #35, I discuss how and why to give a gift in Japan. This may not seem to be the most important topic I’ve ever discussed, but once you get here, you’ll totally understand.

Gift giving in Japan is a very rich tradition, and if you want to live as a purposeful member of the Japanese society, you’ll need to know the rules to gift giving. The wife and I pored over this topic for over an hour just to give you the most accurate info possible. As always, nothing is all inclusive, but we believe that this should be of a big help should you decide to live here.

As always, visit the FORUMS to discuss this topic, or anything else you want to talk about.

Music this week is a song called WALK by John Consalvo.

Until next time,

mata-ne!

In Episode #34 I discuss almost everything you need to know if you’ve been planning on getting a visa to live in Japan. It’s actually not as difficult to live here in Japan as a foreigner than it is to live in the US as a foreigner. The application process is much more streamlined, and as long as you have all supporting documents in place, the wait is much less.

I go over all the different types of visas, and how to obtain them.

We also discuss the weekend that my family and I had. Much fun and excitement was had by all. Below are some pictures of two of the places discussed in the podcast. Ironically enough, they are only steps away from each other. So, that’s all for now. Enjoy the podcast, and until next time,

mata-ne!

***Second Try at Posting***

Well, here’s the second part of the bargain that I agreed to. The much anticipated FEEDBACK SHOW…… ok, well, the almost anticipated feedback show. Either way, here it is.

So, for the first time since I started podcasting, I have a show for everyone on a Tuesday (2 days after making a previous show). Maybe I should save this and let the excitement grow. Well, maybe not. Anyways, on to the show….

Thank you all for sticking it out with me, and thanks also to those who answered the survey here on the blog.

This week’s show is all about Amusement Parks. Who in their right mind doesn’t love going to an amusement park with their family? I cover everything from Tokyo Disney Land to the abandoned amusement parks you may find littering the Japnese woodlands.

So, I switched up the show format a bit and decided to go with the majority on the survey who wanted a topic related show during the weekend and a feedback related show when I can find the time. This should work out for everyone involved. If however you feel that the changes aren’t so good, please let me know by posting your opinions on the forums.

Enjoy the new simplified show format, and I’ll talk with you soon…..

Mata-ne!

In Episode #31, I take everyone on a virtual soundseeing tour of a day in my shoes. Well, not really a full day, more like a couple hours of taking my family to the park.

I haven’t done one of these in a while, and decided to go for it since I was having such a difficult time figuring out what this week’s topic would be about. I talk about all kinds of stuff ranging from futons to dog poop. It’s the best show to date by far….. well, maybe second best…… well, nevermind.

I also get some awesome emails, and one of them takes me down a very morbid discussion. You will be sure to have a couple new sights to visit for your next trip after hearning what I have to say!

Promos this week came to us from Today in Podcasting (again… it’s a good show!), and from Me and the Bean.

Music as always was provided to us from Tom Shad. Podcasters, you must go talk to Tom if you need great music that’ll fit your show!

So, until next time,

mata ne!

Sorry about the post error folks! I forgot to change the file name when cutting and pasting this weeks episode into the blog.

Here is the correct link to EPISODE #30. I changed it in the original post as well. Sorry, but hey, only one screw up for 2:00 A.M. isn’t bad!

In Episode #30, I discuss how Japanese people stay fit.

We talk about how Japanese poeple “diet”, and how the food choices you make while in Japan will have a direct impact on how you feel. The myth about all Japanese food being good for you is discussed. Also, we talk about the different health fads that they have here in Japan just like they do in the states. Unless you think that vinegar pills do make you younger…..

Well, I finally got a show out. Be it, 1am on a Monday. I couldn’t let 2 weeks go by without giving you awesome listeners something to, well, listen to….

My wonderful, very large paperweight sitting on my desk decided to go blue and shut down on me again, so of course, I rant about that for a bit as well.

The intro music as well as the outtro you heard was from a man named Tom Shad. He’s an awesome musician! You can check out his work at the following links:

• http://www.myspace.com/tomshad1
• http://www.myspace.com/tomshadsoundtrack
• http://www.tomshad.com
• http://www.shadsongs.com

Promos this week were from Today in Podcasting amd from All Axis Radio.

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget to hit me up on myspace or on my forums when you get a chance.

Until next time,

Mata-ne!

In Episode #29, I discuss what the average weather in Japan is like. I keep it nice and general, and go through all of the different seasons.

If you’ve ever wanted to know when to visit Hokkaido, I’ll be sure to tell you. That, and you’ll be sure to figure out what my least favorite season in Japan is. Be sure to keep your umbrellas handy because you never know when the rain will come.

Promos this week came from Systris of the Triscast, and from the Dismay podcast.

This week’s music is a song called Interlude by Shotgun No Blitz.

Links discussed this week were the blog from Toesan where he is plannin gon summarizing all of the Josh in Japan shows into text: http://www.2san.nl

Also listed is the asahi beer robot story on gizmodo.

Don’t forget guys, you have a right to demand your Valentine’s Day gifts from the woman in your life!

So, until next time,

mata-ne!

In episode #28, I finally get down to it and talk a little bit about dating. It took me long enough to get off my butt and put this out, so please be happy with it!

I wanted to wait until the wife and I could go out and reminisce about our dating days, but with 2 kids it’s impossible to get more than an hour away. So, instead of recent firsthand experience, I talk about what it was like when I was out and about as a single lad here in Japan.

I also had a casualty this weekend. The computer decided to crap out, and windows left me with a nice blue screen of death. I saved almost everything but emails. If you and I were in communications about something, please re-send me that info so I’m not totally in the dark.

Promos this week were from Radio A.d.d. and from eBlo the Weblog and Podcast .

Music was a song called Blues be Gone by a man named Tulei .

So, until next time,

mate-ne!

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!

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!

In episode #24, I welcome my good friend Drew to the basement studio. We discuss schooling for the typical Japanese kid, and our perceptions of what they go through.

We also discuss mannerisms, and how people here in Japan are polite, but not in the way we think of it as gaijins. Many many things are discussed, and we go a into a little bit of a tangent for a while, but it’s all fun. Nothing too boring, and plenty of information to go along for those knowledge hungry folks out there.

We also bring back (on probation) the “Japanese Phrase of the Week”. We’ll see how it goes and take it from there.

***WARNING***
This is a very L O N G episode (93 minutes), so I apologize in advance for any of you wanting a shorter show. This was alot of fun, and I want to thank Drew for helping out with this episode. It’s much more entertaining (for me at least) when I have someone right here to discuss Japanese stuff with. He may return, he may not. You guys be the judge. Let us know what you thought of this episode by visiting the FORUMS, and expressing your thoughts.

Promos this week came from Podgy’s Tokyo Talk, and from the much anticipated Podcast Christmas Carol.

Music provided this week was “Christmas in the Sun” by Joel Kopischke.

Josh in Japan Listener Survey
Please fill out the survey when you get 5 free minutes. It would be very helpful!So, from my family to yours, Merry Chistmas, and Happy New Year. See you in 2006.

mata-ne!

***This episode of Josh in Japan is brought to you by TOKYO ARCHITECTURE***

In Episode #23, I discuss how the typical Japanese person goes the mile to become a relaxed, melted blob of human flesh.

We talk about all kinds of relaxation techniques from what the typical person does every day, to how they plan their trips to include a relaxing getaway.

We also find a way to burn $3,000 in one fowl swoop.

Music this week came from American Heartbreak.

Be sure to visit the FORUMS so you can discuss everything related to Japan.

So, until next time,

mata-ne!

***This episode of Josh in Japan is brought to you by TOKYO ARCHITECTURE***

In Episode #22, I discuss the traditional Japanese New Years rituals. Unlike the request I received about where in Japan to party the new year in, I discuss how to celebrate New Years as a typical Japanese person would.

Learn all about rice cakes unlike you know them, the Japanese version of Rockin’ New Years Eve, and most importantly, where to go to get caught in a line of tens of thousands of people….

I apologize for the delay in getting the show out (once again). Sometimes work comes first.

As discussed in the episode, here is the infamous かどまつ (kadomatsu)…

And here is the link promised that goes into detail about Japanese New Years traditions….That should be it for now. Thanks as always, and if you get a chance, review me at podcasts.yahoo.com. Don’t forget the survey, and make sure to visit me on the FORUMS.

This Episode of Josh in Japan sponsored by Tokyo Architecture

until next time,

mata-ne!