There is a major societal shift underway in Japan. One that nobody could have imagined. With one of Japan’s biggest corporations leading the resistance, and the government having a steak in the profits, is such a change even possible? We talk about that today......... This weeks Tokyo Tuesday on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6K_C122zpQ&t=1s The Article: https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1JN1LP ----------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Feb 27, 2019•35 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Life can really get out of hand sometimes... Nearly 10 years ago, in an audacious moment fueled by excitement and emotion, I brazenly and boldly promised two of Japans most world-renowned musicians that I WOULD see them again some day in Japan. Little did I know that I wasn't just predicting a future that I could have never imagined, but I was starting down a road that would forever change my life and the way that I see the world. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we co...
Feb 24, 2019•57 min•Season 2Ep. 12
I spent 2 months following a Japanese Shamisen Maker. It was an amazing experience, but it was nearly impossible to document... The Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Ic64TPJVc In this episode of the Tokyo Lens podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about having a shamisen built, and trying to document it. We get insanely sidetracked, and even meet with some other creators here in Japan! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of...
Feb 21, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 11
I'm not a big fan of the title of this one... But it's something we do cover in great detail in today's podcast, in addition to some other exciting topics. Would you believe it might be summer in just 2 weeks (well... for me anyway!) In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we sit down and talk, because I feel like its been a while since we did that. Additionally, new video up on YouTube... Probably my favorite of this year so far: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mDyZHgcnOE&a...
Feb 14, 2019•48 min•Season 2Ep. 10
On a cold day in 2011, I stumbled across something amazing in the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo. I had no idea at the time, but this one single moment would change the course of my entire life in ways that I never could have predicted. In this weeks Episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we go over an amazing coincidence that happened nearly a decade ago, and how this one single moment lead to the creation of everything that you are hearing here today. Without this moment... There would...
Feb 10, 2019•15 min•Season 2Ep. 8
There is a secret travel hack here in Japan. One that can get you across the country and back for about $100. Half of that if you travel with a friend. But it comes at a cost of its own, that in the end... might just be worth it. The THIRD installment of my First Visit To Japan series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To-fDqEMOXI&t=868s The Playlist: http://bit.ly/FirstJapan In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about the cheapest way to travel across Japan, and ...
Jan 25, 2019•38 min•Season 2Ep. 7
I never thought I would be doing ANOTHER episode on this... In case you missed the previous one: https://anchor.fm/tokyolens/episodes/Japanese-People-Hate-This--A-Lesson-in-Etiquette-e2ua8p Today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTLmjw3E8m0&feature=youtu.be And an Amazing 5 days in Matsuyama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIFdHlNv6Xw ---------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position w...
Jan 22, 2019•28 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This is a Special Edition Episode. We go outside today... Into Tokyo for some adventure. Headphones are recommended for this episode. This episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura is a concept episode. Something that we might do more of in the future. It features one of my favorite content creators on the planet. Someone who encouraged me to start my journey. His Name is Taylor Jackson https://podtail.com/en/podcast/photography-with-taylor-jackson/ ---------------- Also... So much love...
Jan 18, 2019•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 5
It is said that Japanese are expected to go wild in their youth... Some believe that it is a part of the culture. Knowing fully that these youth will eventually have to fall in line with society, it seems to even be forgiven. All of it seems to peak and start to wind down on one single day; The Coming of Age Day. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast By Norm Nakamura, I bring you a deeper look into the coming of age ceremony, as well as a bit of a confession... The Article: https://japantoda...
Jan 15, 2019•36 min•Season 2Ep. 4
It all started with a seemingly harmless survey. But what was found, was a little more than they were expecting. Today we learn about some major gripes that Japanese people have. In particular, with trains and the commute. And it might not be what you think. In this weeks episode of The Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, by very popular request, we revisit the "commentary" podcast style as we go over an article from the Japan Times. You can read it here: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/...
Jan 12, 2019•25 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Is Japan really that expensive? Can you survive on $10 a day?! How long will $1200 last? Where does one even get started when planning a trip to Japan?? All of these questions and many more covered in today's Podcast! In today's episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we take a look at going to Japan. Whether it be a visit, or a move and talk about some of the prep and a lot of the finance. This episode is meant to supplement the Tokyo Lens Q&A that went up on YouTube today. You ...
Jan 08, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In the first episode of 2019 we are talking about being on Japanese TV (which was actually my first job when I got to Japan!) On January 1st 2019, I had an amazing opportunity to do the TV appearance of a lifetime... PREVIOUS EPISODE OF THE TOKYO LENS PODCAST (I recommend you listen to this one first if you havent) https://anchor.fm/tokyolens/episodes/Last-Podcast-of-2018---This-is-HUGE-e2rlvg In today's Episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are covering being on TV and how Norm...
Jan 04, 2019•53 min
For the last podcast of 2018 I am announcing something HUGE ... Don't miss it: The Date... January 1st. A Happy New Years to you and I will see you again, real soon. ------------- Being as this is the last Tokyo Lens Podcast of 2018, I wanted to take a moment to express some gratitude to each and every one of you as well for joining me for an entire year of podcast adventures. Cant wait to share everything coming in 2019 and I wish you all a Happy New Year! ------------- Also... So much love to ...
Dec 30, 2018•37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Does Tokyo Suck? Is there a better place to live in Japan? Is all the adventure gone, or are there still untouched and undocumented places to discover in this country? All of these questions and more!! In today's Special Edition Episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we pull in a special Guest! We travel across the country and talk about the best parts of live OUT of Tokyo! Japan's Hidden Secret (The video referenced in this podcast) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5-1g-gRDAE&t...
Dec 20, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 32
in 2005 I came to Japan for the very first time. Its 2018 now, and this country is a totally different place... In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast, brought to you by Norm Nakamura, we go anecdotal and talk about the first time I (Norm) ever stepped foot in Japan and the cultural and physical differences between then and now. This podcast was inspired by a recent series on the Tokyo Lens Youtube channel. The First 2 Episodes are here: Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVQoB8wiOjI ...
Dec 14, 2018•29 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Today we are walking through one full year of Japan and talking about what there is to do each month! It really doesn't matter WHEN you come to Japan, there is something amazing happening every single month!! This is a follow-up/expansion episode to the Tokyo Lens video by Norm Nakamura on 12 things to do in Japan (month by month) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGxmRBPGkcY&t=455s ------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be ab...
Dec 12, 2018•30 min•Season 1Ep. 30
I suffered a massive culture shock on Christmas morning in 2007 that I have never recovered from... In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura (That's Me!), I try to bring as much value to the table as I possibly can for the end-of-year season in Japan. Christmas, and New Years.. what are they like in Japan? What is it like from the inside? The traditions, the surprises, and so much more! If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the absolute world to me if you would jump on to ...
Dec 03, 2018•55 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Seems like a simple topic right? its really not... And today we are starting from the beginning in an incredibly disorganized and crazy fashion... Welcome to Tokyo VS Countryside Japan - Part 1. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura (That's me!), we get the ball rolling on a topic that will now become a mini-series on here, and talk about how the series and this obsession got its start. The Episode that inspired this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0l1T4mkDRo The E...
Nov 28, 2018•22 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Life itself is changing. And not in ways that you might think. Excitement, challenge, and a whole new chapter are on the horizon... This week we talk about the next big step in my Japan Journey. One of the more personal podcast episodes recently, and rightly so! Around 2011, Norm Nakamura from Tokyo Lens (That's ME!) became the apprentice of the Yoshida Brothers (Tsugaru Shamisen) And from this month... things are changing The Corresponding Vlog Episode on Tokyo Lens https://www.youtube.com/watc...
Nov 23, 2018•37 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Today we're taking a look at a slightly more serious topic... Is Japan Dying? And if so... Should we just let it happen? Is there even anything we can do. This is a topic filled with layer on layer that would be nearly impossible to cover in a single go, but I think were off to a good start. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we cover one of the biggest issues facing modern day Japan... Is the country and its culture dying? Also... So much love to all of those of you ask...
Nov 21, 2018•29 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Japan has a dirty little secret. And it takes a while to catch on to. That... is what we are talking about today. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we really get into what it is truly like to live in Japan and reveal what is seemingly one of the biggest secrets surrounding the country. Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take s...
Nov 15, 2018•53 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Moving to Japan is a huge choice and a big dream for many. I know that it was for me. After living here over 10 years, I can tell you that moving overseas most definitely isn't for everyone. But if you think it's for you, then I will share with you the background in what it took me, mentally, financially, and linguistically to finally make the move to Japan. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, I go in-depth on the topic of moving to Japan and so many of the topics surroun...
Nov 11, 2018•48 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Have you ever had pizza in Japan? It can be quite the experience and come at quite the cost... But did you know that there is a MUCH cheaper way to get pizza... from one of the big guys! In today's Episode of the Tokyo Lens Pocast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about all things Pizza in Japan. Because, Pizza. Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some tim...
Nov 07, 2018•13 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Today we are talking about bringing Japan to you. Not all of you can travel to Japan. This is a pretty long-term project, but it has already kicked off, and I can't wait to share with you what is in the works... Is Norm / Tokyo Lens bringing the best of Japan to Your country? Can't wait! Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to get a system...
Nov 03, 2018•17 min•Season 1Ep. 22
What is Halloween like in Japan? What is it like in Tokyo? On today's Special Edition episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast, this is what we are covering! The topic of Halloween has evolved so much over the last decade here in Japan, and today I am sharing all of this with you! Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to get a system set up. For n...
Oct 26, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this Episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about the best parts of Living in Japan. Full Confession: It is impossible to fit it all into one podcast, so today we scratch the surface and talk about the things that have made living in Japan amazing for me, and hopefully can for you as well! TODAYS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3-VwDVWwYU Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where ...
Oct 23, 2018•23 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Its been 5 weeks since my last podcast... So I wanted to come back with something great, and those 5 weeks gave me the chance to really live life. So today, I bring you something you must do in Japan... if you can... Exploring Tokyo Rooftops Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tezIAd53k7U Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to get a sy...
Oct 10, 2018•17 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Yesterday, the Kansai area of Japan was hit with the strongest typhoon to hit in 25 years. A great deal of damage was done and lives were lost. Today I share with you an update on where things stand with this typhoon. About Typhoons on Tokyo Lens Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdzNZO0kjtM Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to g...
Sep 05, 2018•13 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Driving through Japan with the ocean in plain view, I bring you the next installment of the Tokyo Lens Podcast. Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to get a system set up. For now though, if you do any shopping on Amazon, feel free to click through from my affiliate links! Then you can support just by doing your regular shopping! Thank yo...
Aug 26, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 17
August is an amazing month in Japan. Filled with culture and challenges far beyond what you might expect... Tokyo Lens on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/tokyolens Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! I want to be able to be in a position where I can definitely give more than I receive. So It will take some time to get a system set up. For now though, if you do any shopping on Amazon, feel free to click through from my affiliate links! Then you can support jus...
Aug 15, 2018•21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
