Episode 46: Amina Du Jean’s dreams of being a J-Pop idol in Japan came true when she was scouted by a Japanese talent agency. In 2015, she moved to Japan to pursue her dream while also attending a Japanese university. Since leaving the J-Pop idol business, Amina relocated to London, where she’s continuing her studies in sociocultural anthropology, writing her first book, and working as a sex worker. She also writes about popular cultures/subcultures and creates similar content on YouTube. We chat with Amina about her experiences in Japanese idol culture, sex worker rights and activism. 

Episode 45: Stephanie Haddad is a Food & Travel Writer, who is also the founder of Japan Food Trips. Japan Food Trips takes you on a culinary journey through the lens of a local – introducing you to hidden foodie gems in Tokyo and surrounding areas. We talk with Stephanie about bizarre Japanese delicacies (whale, blowfish, “natto” and more), the different trips Japan Food Trips offers, and her career in TV editing.

Episode 43: This is a special edition of the Raw Urban Mobile Podcast presented by ON-1. Our special guests are Brooklyn Terry (Speakeasy TYO) and David Whitaker (Soul Food House), who are entrepreneurs and longtime residents of Tokyo. In this episode, we discuss the service they provide to the community, the challenges they faced running a business in Japan, and what it means to share their passion and culture with others. Speakeasy TYO and Soul Food House is more than just a place to eat and dance. Listen to Terry and David explain it all and answer questions from the audience. This podcast was recorded at the Alpha Beta Coffee Club in Jiyugaoka. 

Episode 41: Steve Marshall is a professional magician, mentalist and lifelong entertainer, who has resided in Japan for more than 20 years. We chat with Steve about how he got into magic, his training at a Clown College, and performing in the Greatest Show on Earth (Ringling Bros. Circus). Steve also gives his thoughts on creepy clown sightings in the U.S.

Episode 40: This week we chat with TELL’s Outreach Coordinator, Selena Hoy. Selena shares information about TELL’s extensive outreach programs that cover a wide range of issues that are important to the international community. We also discuss heavy topics such as mental health and suicide in Japan, Japanese work culture and more.

TELL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing effective support and counseling services to Japan’s international community as well as helping to address the country’s growing mental health care needs. Lifeline number: 03-5774-0992

Episode 39: Our guest this week is Designer, Brand Consultant and YouTube Influencer, Reggie Casual. Reggie is the creator and host of “The Casual” YouTube channel, which delves into international street fashion and culture with a major focus on Japanese street fashion – look nowhere else for in depth insight on the most popular and influential Japanese brands. In this episode we discuss Japanese brands vs. American brands; hip-hop culture’s influence on Japan; culture appropriation and culture appreciation; and more related topics. Have a listen and in the words of Reggie Casual, “keep it casual.”

Episode 38: Our guest this week is English teacher, podcaster and musician, Matt Bigelow. Matt doesn’t teach English at a typical school – he built a paperless English school at a leading tech company for Blockchain and AI Engineers. In this episode, we chat about how he built this innovative learning environment, and various topics related to AI, including how AI is perceived around the world. Towards the end of the chat, Matt talks about his music-inspired podcast “The Matty B Files” and his latest projects.