In this special episode, Sid is here to join us! As another member of the Asakadai SQWAD, Sid's here to share with us his story studying at Rikkyo, and all of the usual Asakadai shenanigans that occurs. Enjoy! Timestamps [00:00:00] Lock your doors people! [00:03:44] Introducing: Sid [00:05:46] Sid's Yokai of the week [00:08:53] Superstitions exist …

In this episode, we talk about happy memories! What makes us happy? How did it evolve over time? Norm and Holly take a tip down memory lane as we look back at our happiest memories growing up, and how it eventually evolved into gratitude over time. Also, we talk about what an e-boy Yokai would look like...so look forward to that chemical romance! T…

In this episode, we dive into the wonderful world of love hotels! Exploring the concept of sex in Japan, the convenience of these buildings and all the crazy themes that exist there, Norm and Holly go design their own while navigating around this wonderfully uncomfortable topic. Enjoy! Timestamps [00:00:00] Intro, Priming for Lust [00:02:36] Dealin…

In this episode, we talk about crimes: what compels us to break rules and face potential punishment. After the Joker event that happened during Halloween in Tokyo, both hosts talk about compulsions, rationales and more, in societies that may ultimately fail to support those in need. Timestamps [00:00:00] Life before masks [00:01:33] Introducing cri…

In this episode, we talk about anime! But not just the Narutos, One Pieces, and Bleaches: we talked about the childhood anime that we grew up with, our relationship with anime fans (aka. weaboos), and the real implications of what each of the genres represent. This isn't a discussion for everyone unless you're a fan of cultural implications and ant…

Happy Halloween! In this week's episode we're exploring the wonderful world of trick-or-treating and how that's played out in Japan as well as our home countries! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 1:33 Exploring our old halloween costumes 5:15 The beautiful Yokai of the Week 12:40 Would ghosts survive well in modern Japan? 20:25 Our earliest memories of Hallo…

This episode is all about food! From our spiciest memories with ramen to 'The Incident', Norm and Holly share their food misadventures throughout Tokyo! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 2:32 Yokai of the week 5:03 When objects gain a soul of their own 11:53 What items should come alive in modern society? 18:26 Books to be transported to 23:12 Rating the Prin…

In this episode, we talk about what to know, bring, and research when moving to Japan! From things you don't need to bring to necessary recommendations and logistics to consider, we give you the rundown on what you need to set up ASAP! WARNING: This episode contains graphic themes, namely because of our chosen Yokai of the week. If you're not a fan…

In this episode, we'll be talking all about wanderlust: the effects of travel on us and how it changes the way we look at the world. We take a trip down memory lane, with memories of our first times travelling. We talked about our assumptions of Japanese people and had them broken down as soon as we arrived there. Plenty of introspection happening …

In this episode, we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start this podcast, uncovering the reality of living abroad in Tokyo, and exploring topics we can talk about further down the line! Timestamps 08:00 How Norm and Holly met the first time 12:13 Getting into a new exchange semester is difficult 16:16 Team SMESH and empty champagne bottl…

In this episode, we talk about convenience stores! Not only do we cover our favorite brands, we share our experiences using them and how convenience functions as the backbone of Japanese society. Taking a fun topic and zooming it out to a macro perspective, how does a culture provide convenience for you and how does that reflect your place in socie…

In this episode, we talk about drinking culture! From nomikais to nomihoudais, why people drink so much and the expectations of drinking in working society. We take a look at how it affects our habits as well as what Japanese culture deems mandatory! Timestamps: 3:25 Alcohol is very cheap + Norm's drinking strategies 11:46 Comparing experiences in …

We're going to take it slow this episode and talk about burnout, fleeting friendships, finding your support system, and the desperation we can get to when we're trying to find our way back 'home'. This is not a light-hearted episode, and though we talk about our experiences in Japan, we also talk about how to cope with ourselves before and after it…

In this episode we talk about superstitions, believes and Yokai! How do demons affect the way that we behave? What were the journeys that both co-hosts went through to gain a better understanding of themselves? And why is the Shirime the one true god? From hot waterfall daddies to butt eyes, please enjoy the episode! Timestamps 2:30 Do you believe …

Coming up: a show between two co-hosts who like to talk about all things Japan, society, culture, and all the yabai stuff in between. To be released in September!由Kanpai Kronicles