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Unpacking Japan

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Produced by ZenStudio

Unpacking Japan explores Japanese arts, culture, and business through the lives of foreigners who have made this amazing country their home. While we’ve all seen vlogs and movies showing Japan from a pop culture perspective, Unpacking Japan tells the stories that get left by the wayside—the immigrants, the entrepreneurs, and the artists. Tune in every week for an authentic, inspiring conversation with someone who’s carved out their own, unique place in this beautiful country. Host: Tobias Bieker Production: A. Magdych Editing: L. Nicholas, J. Sketchley Social: J. Sketchley Design: M. Koga

#159

How Japanese pop culture conquered the world ft. Matt Alt

Today we talk with Matt Alt, a writer, translator, and long time resident of Japan who you... more

28 Oct 2025

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:42

28 Oct 2025

#158

What life is like after 20 years as a professional Japanese mahjong player

Today we talk to Jenn, a professional mahjong player and content creator based in Japan. S... more

24 Oct 2025

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:10

24 Oct 2025

#157

The challenges of doing business between Africa and Japan

Today we talk to Serges, a multi-business entrepreneur based in Japan. He shares his journ... more

21 Oct 2025

58 MINS

58:59

21 Oct 2025

#156

What it's like to gain citizenship after growing up in Japan as a foreigner

On this episode we talk to Idai, a successful model in Japan, even being featured in Vogue... more

17 Oct 2025

48 MINS

48:23

17 Oct 2025

#155

More people should know about Japan's gun martial art

Today on Unpacking Japan, we’re joined by Matt, a gunner and Japanese interpreter from Mat... more

14 Oct 2025

59 MINS

59:21

14 Oct 2025

#154

Japanese MMA is actually insane

On this episode we talk with Stephane, an MMA fighter in Japan. Stephane goes in depth abo... more

10 Oct 2025

55 MINS

55:55

10 Oct 2025

#153

Why people love Japanese bento boxes

Today we talk to Thomas, entrepreneur from France who came to Japan and started Bento & Co... more

07 Oct 2025

52 MINS

52:17

07 Oct 2025

#152

The writer who brought the world's attention to underrated Japanese cities

In this episode we talk to writer and photographer Craig, who talks about getting his book... more

03 Oct 2025

1 HR 40 MINS

1:40:00

03 Oct 2025

#151

What can we ACTUALLY do with abandoned Japanese buildings?

Today we talk to entrepreneur Matt, who shares with us his diverse experiences during his ... more

30 Sep 2025

1 HR 26 MINS

1:26:05

30 Sep 2025

#150

How Tokyo Lens finds Japan's most interesting people

Today we sit down with Norm from [Tokyo Lens ] (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCnrVUR... more

26 Sep 2025

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:23

26 Sep 2025

#149

What people don't understand about the anime industry

Today we talk to Bellamy, an animator and character designer living in Japan who has worke... more

23 Sep 2025

1 HR 22 MINS

1:22:33

23 Sep 2025

#148

What it takes to be a published manga author in Japan

On this episode we talk to Linnea, a Manga illustrator based in Tokyo who illustrates for ... more

19 Sep 2025

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:46

19 Sep 2025

#147

How Wakkyai gaslit Japan into thinking cap throwing is a real sport

Today we sit down with Wakkyai, a Japanese comedian and content creator who grew up in Cal... more

16 Sep 2025

50 MINS

50:25

16 Sep 2025

#146

What people don't understand about otaku culture ft. ⁨@AroundAkibaTV⁩

Today we sit down with Tristan, founder of Kaikoku Ko. and Around Akiba TV, and talk about... more

12 Sep 2025

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:14

12 Sep 2025

#145

Matt vs. Japan's secret to Japanese fluency

On this episode we talk with Matt from [ ⁨@mattvsjapan⁩ ] (https://studio.youtube.com/chan... more

09 Sep 2025

1 HR 20 MINS

1:20:01

09 Sep 2025

#144

Ryokan owner shares the secret to Japanese hospitality

Today we talk to Tyler, the owner of a traditional Japanese ryokan in Gunma Prefecture. We... more

05 Sep 2025

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:51

05 Sep 2025

#143

Architect explains Tokyo's unique skyline

In today's episode we talk to Astrid, an architect who talks to us about the journey of be... more

04 Sep 2025

1 HR 11 MINS

1:11:25

04 Sep 2025

#142

Tokyo Portfolio explains why the Japanese real estate market is changing

Today we invite back Alex from Tokyo Portfolio to talk more in depth about the changes to ... more

29 Aug 2025

1 HR 34 MINS

1:34:10