In the latest episode of the Just Japan Podcast, I welcome back returning guest Kurt Bell, better known as Softypapa on YouTube. When we last spoke, Kurt was in the U.S. with his Japanese wife, preparing for retirement and planning a move back to Japan. A year later, he’s made that dream a reality—retired, relocated, and now living in Japan full-time. Kurt shares his fascinating journey of purchasing and settling into an akiya (an abandoned house) in rural Japan and offers insights into his new ...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 235
Do you love true crime , ghost stories , and paranormal mysteries ? Then you’ll love Supernatural Japan — where Japan’s most chilling true crime cases collide with ancient folklore and eerie urban legends. Each episode uncovers a new mystery: unsolved murders with ghostly connections, haunted places locals fear to enter, bizarre disappearances, and encounters with yōkai — Japan’s mysterious spirits and creatures. It’s part true crime, part supernatural, and completely addictive. Whether you're f...
Apr 21, 2025•1 min
The Hibagon (ヒバゴン) is the Japanese equivalent of the North American Bigfoot. Many believe that it inhabits the areas around Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In this episode, we talk to Canadian author Kyle Brink. He has been researching Hibagon for many years and is based in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the author of the book, “Hibagon: Japanese Bigfoot.” If you are a cryptids and Bigfoot lore fan, you’ll love this episode! Kyle’s book:https://www.amazon.com/Hibagon-Japanese-Bigfoot-Kyl...
Mar 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 234
Want to get away from the crush of tourists in Japan and see a less known side? If so, then Phillip Jackson is your guy! Phillip is the author of many books, including Hidden Paths Kyoto, Paranormal Kansai, and Paranormal Japan. He’s a tour guide, writer, musician, and someone who can tell some tremendous historical tales about Japan. Find Phillip Jackson online: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media:...
Jan 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 233
In this episode, we revisit Evan and Dani Benton from the Benton Homestead on Omishima Island in Ehime, Japan. They have purchased two akiya (abandoned homes) and turned one into the Benton Guesthouse. We first met them in episode 219. They have done so much since then. We chatted about their farming on the island, how their abandoned home renovations are going, beekeeping, appearing on American television and much more. This is another great episode for anyone dreaming of buying and renovating ...
Jan 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 232
Tony R. Vega joined us once again. Tony is an American podcaster and Japan content creator featured in episode 208. Last year, he walked the entire 500 km of the Old Tokaido Road, and this Fall, he walked from Kyoto to Yamaguchi Prefecture. That’s a fantastic feat for anyone, but even more so for Tony since he is legally blind. Listen to his amazing story and listen to his podcast, Japan Station. Tony online: https://japankyo.com Tony on X: https://twitter.com/thevegatony Japan Station Podcast: ...
Dec 22, 2024•39 min•Ep. 231
Have you heard about the famed 88 Temples Pilgrimage on Shikoku? In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with his friend Kevin Tarpey. Kevin is based in rural Japan and is a walker and explorer. 2 years ago, he walked the entire 88 Temples Pilgrimage on Shikoku. Kevin is a born storyteller and adventurer and shares his amazing story with all of us. If you have a taste for adventure in Japan, then this is the episode for you! Follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenho...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 230
In this episode Kevin chats with Tokyo-based entrepreneur, Joseph Tame. Joseph tells the story of how he created the successful media and creative agency, Wild Tame. Joseph also shares his amazing stories of being a pioneering live-streaming pioneer in Japan. He has live-streamed the Tokyo Marathon for 16 years and is well-known for his running art. Enjoy his awesome story! Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin Follow Joseph online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamegoe...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 229
In this episode we chat with Karune Walker, the host of the “Train-ing Japan” Podcast. This is the ultimate podcast for all fans of trains in Japan. If you are into trains and traveling around Japan via train, you’ll want to listen to this conversation and follow the “Train-ing Japan” podcast! Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin Train-ing Japan on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/train-ing-in-japan/id1568907812 Train-ing Japan on Spotify: https://open.sp...
Oct 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 228
Meet John from the OHAZASSU podcast! John hails from Australia but has been based in Nagoya for some time. Kevin and John chat about life in Japan and his fantastic podcast that brings everyday practical advice about life in Japan. Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin Ohazassu Podcast (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/ohazassu Listen to “Tales from Kevin”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https:...
Sep 22, 2024•54 min•Ep. 227
Tales From Kevin - a new storytelling podcast Hosted by Kevin O’Shea. A mix of stories, thoughts, and experiences from a life lived in many places. Whimsical tales from a man from Canada with fingers and toes in many countries. - Tale 1: I Got a Monkey Golden Shower A life currently lived in Malaysia can mean lots of different wildlife encounters. Kevin introduces the podcast and discusses having an endangered monkey release its bladder from above. Things get grim, but somewhat funny all at the ...
Sep 10, 2024•28 min
In this episode we get to hang out with Okayama-based Dave Olson. This inspiring Canadian shares many amazing stories, insights, and worldly experiences. From his adventures as a youth to mushroom farming in Tottori, to internet startups in Vancouver, he's done so much. Now Dave lives in Okayama with his beautiful family and shares his experiences and thoughts on personal archeology and much more with all of us. Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin You'll all want to follow D...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 226
Douglas Brooks is an American researcher, writer, teacher, and boatbuilder. He is passionate about preserving the disappearing tradition of Japanese boatbuilding. He has written 6 books on the topic and his book, “Japanese Wooden Boatbuilding” is the only comprehensive guide on the topic. He has apprenticed under 9 Japanese masters and shares his knowledge with others around the world. Douglas recently was hired as a consultant on the Hulu/Disney/FX miniseries “Shogun” to help construct boats an...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, Kevin chats with a returning guest and friend of the show, Kansai Pee Jay. Pee Jay talks about his life-long interest in Japanese castles and how he travels throughout Japan visiting them. He has some wonderful stories to share about his experiences at Himeji castle back in the early 1990s and becoming one of the first foreign tour guides in Japan! You’ll enjoy Pee Jay’s stories and learning more about some of the iconic castles in Japan. Follow Pee Jay on Instagram: https://www...
Aug 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 224
In this episode, Kevin welcomes Riki Ohkanda (PaprikaGirl) back on the podcast. Riki talks about how to cope with the summer heat in Tokyo and some life updates. They chat about breaking out of the expat bubble in Japan to find more happiness in life, health, and fitness as well as the recent news all about overtourism in Japan. Follow Riki on Twitter (X): https://x.com/PaprikaGirl_JP Check out my other podcast on YouTube (Nature Talks Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@naturetalkspod Follow the...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 223
Just Japan Podcast - 222: Saving Trees and Environmental Activism in Tokyo In this episode, Kevin chats with Tokyo-based marketing specialist and consultant, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle has spent more than 30 years living in Japan and working in the business world. She is also a passionate environmental activist focusing on saving trees and parks in the Tokyo area. In a time when we are feeling the burn or climate change more than ever, we need trees, but many in Japan don’t think that way! Listen t...
Jul 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 222
In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with returning guest Brian Waters. When Brian moved to Japan permanently from the United States his children were 5 and 3 years old. Now his oldest is in university and his youngest near completing high school. Brian reflects on his experiences as an American parent watching his children navigate the Japanese public school system. Follow Brian on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MyTwoYen Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.faceb...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 221
In this episode of the podcast, Kevin Chats with Joseph Fowler, host of the Ishikawa: Summit to Seas Podcast. They talk about Joe’s Japan origin story. He talks about his podcast as well as about the J-Pops Podcast. Joe also talks about becoming a new father in Japan and buying a house there. Learn about life in a part of Japan you don’t hear about so often. Ishikawa: Summit to Seas Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ishikawa-summit-to-sea/id1528933719 J-Pops Podcast: https://podcast...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 220
In this episode, Kevin chats with Evan and Dani Benton who have renovated two Akiya (empty homes) on the island of Omishima in Ehime Prefecture in Japan. They have a wonderful website and YouTube channel called “Benton Homestead” that documents their journey. They have renovated these two buildings, turning one into a guesthouse and the other, their home. They are also diving into the world of natural agriculture and bee keeping. They discuss the process of buying and renovating these old homes ...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 219
In this episode, Kevin chats with Emily Bell about returning to Japan. Emily was born in Santa Barbara, but at the age of 2 moved to Shizuoka, Japan. She grew up in rural Japan and at the age of 14 returned to the United States. She faced challenges such as lacking English fluency and starting high school in a very different culture, but she persevered! She just graduated from university and is about to move to Tokyo. She decided to accept a job offer and will soon start a new adventure, this ti...
May 18, 2024•45 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, Kevin chats with one of the original Japan YouTubers (jvloggers), Kurt Bell, aka, Softypapa. In the early days of YouTube, Kurt made fascinating videos about his life in rural Shizuoka and brought us along on countless hiking adventures in the deep forests and mountains. We explored abandoned villages and learned about long forgotten shines with Kurt. After 10 years in Japan, he returned to America. After 10 years in California, Kurt is on the verge of retirement and will return...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 217
In this Episode, Kevin chats with Tokyo-based entrepreneur, Gregorio. Gregorio is an American who came to Japan in 2008 as a university student and worked for years working in various industries. During the pandemic, he started Monsta Sweets, a cookie company! He made cookies and sold them at pop-ups in Tokyo. He has now opened a full-time brick-and-mortar “Monsta Sweets” shop in Tokyo. Listen to his fascinating story about starting a business from scratch in Tokyo. Follow Monsta Sweets: X: http...
Apr 03, 2024•56 min•Ep. 216
In this episode, Kevin chats with Japanese pop culture expert, Matt Alt. Matt is a Tokyo-based writer who writes extensively about how Japanese pop culture has impacted the world. He has written books about Japanese folklore with his wife, Hiroko Yoda, and worked extensively as a translator and localization expert for the Japanese gaming industry. They talk about Japanese toys, pop culture, folklore, and a lot more. Matt also talks about his latest book, “Pure Invention” all about many of the Ja...
Mar 22, 2024•50 min•Ep. 215
In this episode Kevin shares an amazing conversation with James Reynolds, a British extreme weather and natural events filmmaker based in Tokyo, Japan. James has been traveling the world for almost 20 years filming volcanoes, typhoons, and the aftermaths of earthquakes and tsunamis. James has arguably the most exciting job in Japan! His job stalled during the cover years, but he is now back in the full swing of things. Kevin later shares some listener requests tales of odd transportation events ...
Mar 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 214
In this episode of the podcast, Kevin O'Shea chats with his friend Kevin Tarpey about exploring rural Japan on foot. Kevin Tarpey lives in rural Shimane Prefecture and is an epic hiker and walker. He has taken many walking adventures such as Shikoku’s 88 Temples Pilgrimage and he writes a regular column for a local newspaper about his walking adventures in Japan. Kevin sees Japan in a way many expats and travelers do. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98...
Mar 09, 2024•53 min•Ep. 213
Kevin chats with Hiroshima-based Sustainable Travel Consultant, JJ Walsh, in this episode. Joy has lived in Japan since the 1990s and is an entrepreneur, content creator, consultant, and very inspirational person. She helps businesses as well as individuals lead more sustainable lives in Japan. They talk about her “Japan origin story” and the Seek Sustainable Podcast. They also chat about being a travel guide in Japan and buying and renovating old homes. Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast n...
Feb 23, 2024•58 min•Ep. 212
In this episode we chat with Jason, the man behind napajapan.com . NapaJapan is one of the best places online to buy Japanese snacks, candy, drinks, and other delicious treats. Jason first appeared on the podcast in 2015. We catch up and learn all about how Jason started his snack business in Japan, how he weathered the cover storm as an online retailer, and a lot more. There's also a big treat, if you use the code “justjapan20” at checkout, you can get a 20% discount on an order from napajapan....
Feb 14, 2024•47 min•Ep. 211
In this episode, we are back with Jim Mullins, an expat resident of Japan for 33 years. We catch up on his life lately and chat about inflation in Japan. Is it as noticeable as in other countries? Mully also tells us about what he’s been up to lately. The conversation even turns to shaving and shaving supplies in Japan! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podcast newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/12afe98c5d57/just-japan-podcast Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjapan...
Feb 03, 2024•54 min•Ep. 210
We are back and we chatted with Pee Jay about teaching at universities in Japan. Pee Jay talked about this topic in episode 27 in August of 2014. A lot has changed since then and we learn a little about this long-term expat in Japan and how to get a job teaching at universities in Japan. What is it like to find work? What are the conditions like once you start working in a university? If you are considering working in Japan, this might be the episode for you! Sign up for the FREE Just Japan Podc...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 209
In the Fall of 2023, Tony Dot Vega walked the entire Tokaido Road. He walked 500 km from Kyoto to Tokyo. This would be an amazing and challenging adventure for anyone, but Tony’s journey was even more incredible because he did it sol and he’s legally blind. Listen to Tony’s amazing Japan story. Kevin chats with Tony about how he learned to speak Japanese, how he originally came to Japan, and how he took on the Tokaido Road Challenge and shared it with the world on social media. Sign up for the F...
Jan 19, 2024•43 min•Ep. 208
