Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBurke, Matt, and Ben go through the 30 nominees for words or phrases of the year. They cover issues from cuisine to politics, social media trends, and sports. Many also touched on money and investment, inbound tourism, and crime, making the list as a whole a useful tool for gauging the trends of the times in Japan in 2024.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Ja...

What is a Japanese internet cafe? On this episode we talk about the pros and cons of an internet cafe in Japan. How different are they from other countries, and what can you do at an internet cafe? Are they useful for travelers? Matt also comes across a strange new style of cyber cafe in Tokyo. He talks a little about that. Enjoy!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A wide rang...

In celebration of Halloween, Ben, Matt, and Burke look at some iconic Japanese horror films and the stories behind them. Burke talks about some strange occurrences that happened while making these movies. Have you seen any of them? There is also a strange occurrence while we recorded this episode! Have a listen... if you dare. Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanSponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need t...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanThe autumn changing of the colors has started in Japan's northern-most mountains and countryside, drawing domestic and overseas tourists. Where are the 12 best spots to view the colors changing across Japan? Ben, Matt, and Burke cover those, including a few in Hokkaido!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese l...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanAt some point you will definitely use a Japanese convenience store while in Japan. They are everywhere! The boys look at 12 Japanese phrases you will come across while at a Japanese convenience store. How to respond? Listen to find out! You will not find these phrases in a language book so take a listen!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanCongratulations! Suppose you've successfully met a Japanese woman while out in the city, at work, through friends, or even on a dating app. Where should you take her on your first date? In this episode, Ben, Matt, and Burke review the top three recommended spots for a first date according to Japanese women!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an a...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanIn this episode Ben, Burke, and Matt go through the top 10 dating apps in Japan. They talk about the pros and cons of each app. They look at who each app caters for, and how useful they are for those looking for love, marriage, friendship, or something else. Have you tried any of these?Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, g...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanNew visitors to Japan have become increasingly uninterested in the cultural aspects of the country, and show no inclination to observe rules of etiquette.Ben and Burke discuss some simple common ways to behave in public so as not to disturb the harmony of the Japanese, who put great value into societal manners and etiquette in the way they live their lives.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site ...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBen just got back from England and discusses with Burke and Matt some differences that surprised him. Some of the things they talk about are McDonald’s, paying for things, customer service, talking to strangers, and much much more. Enjoy!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanIn this episode Matt talks about meeting famous sumo wrestlers, plus the new Japanese ¥1000 note with a famous artwork on it, and what to be wary of during typhoon season. Burke talks about a surprising story regarding a couple and a shrine, he then tests Matt on his shrine etiquette!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gam...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanMatt and Ben talk about Japans success at the Olympics, Pizza Hut’s new pizza only in one region of Japan, and things to do during the Obon Holiday (remembering deceased ancestors). Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to ...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBurke and Ben talk about the recent big earthquake in Miyazaki prefecture and how to prepare for a disaster in Japan. With summer in full flow and the many outdoor beer gardens to frequent, Burke tests Ben’s knowledge about things that Japanese people do to help prevent and cure hangovers.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided...

In this episode we look at where to stay in Tokyo, how to get around Tokyo, where to visit plus where to eat in this amazing city. Matt gives us his first hand account of his trip there and gives his advice on what to do and where to stay in Tokyo!Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanSponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience wit...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBen and Burke discuss the interesting gadgets (both new and old), Japanese foods, living habits, and even breathing techniques that can be used for enduring the boiling hot summer days in Japan!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginn...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBurke, Matt, and Ben talk about the current costs of living in Japan. It’s not quite a crisis compared to some countries around the world, but with the Japanese Yen at all time lows, daily costs have decreased considerably against the US dollar. They compare average salaries around the world, the cost of food, clothing, entertainment in japan and more. Enjoy the show!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has ever...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and other content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanAre these Japan's top 10 cities? Ben, Matt, and Burke discuss Tokyo's bustling districts, Osaka's culinary delights, Hiroshima's historic sites, and many more highlights for these cities that are recommended as tourist favorites!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take y...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanBurke and Ben talk about some things that are generally unique to Japan, but are slowly spreading across the world, and if not, maybe some countries should adopt some of these great ideas. They include umbrella lockers, automatic taxi doors, transparent toilets, and more. Enjoy the show!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese l...

This episode we look at some of the best places to see shrines and temples in Japan. Plus Matt talks about his hike up to Ota Shrine (one of the most dangerous shrines to get to), and Ben looks at a day in the life of a monk.1. Ise Grand Shrine (Mie)2. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)3. Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto)4. Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima)5. Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Tochigi)6. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura)7. Kasuga Taisha (Nara)8. Izumo Taisha (Shimane)9. Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka)10. Nezu Shrine (...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanSome purchases you regret, some follow you around for years, and there are those that are filled with memories. Burke and Ben discuss some purchases and souvenirs, from a Reddit discussion, that travelers to Japan were very happy about.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the ...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanMatt and Ben discuss the best things to do in this must-visit city in Japan. They talk about the best time to go, the most popular places to see, some quieter less known temples, and some tips for getting the most out of your trip. Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and videos at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanHave you had any impulse purchases? Did you buy anything that didn’t live up to your expectations? Did you try any food that was overrated? Ben and Burke discuss some common purchase regrets from a Reddit discussion, such as Kimono, Tokyo Banana, Melon pan, and much more. Enjoy the show!Sponsors:Bearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a va...

Ben and Burke share an itinerary for a 2 week trip to Japan. It is ideal if it is your first time to the country as it includes the highlights, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji, as well as some other less known gems easily accessible by public transport.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best par...

On this episode the boys talk about the Golden Week in Japan. And Matt gives Ben & Burke some interesting facts about the Bōsōzoku. Who are they? Where did they come from? What do they do & what has happened to them? Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanThe guys discuss current news and events including the 100 Demon Night Parade in Kyoto, new tourism records in Japan, an update on Shohei Otani, and more. Enjoy!Sponsors:Bea...

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanThis week Ben, Burke and Matt record an episode in the park to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms (or lack of) during Golden Week.They give advice to people who are planning to visit Japan during one of the craziest times of the year for traveling around the country.Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience w...