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Tokyo Lens

Norm Nakamurawww.itstokyolens.com
Adventure, hidden secrets, cultural discovery, as well as how to get to, and enjoy Japan from near or far. A podcast for everyone. Weekly podcast-exclusive topics, as well as going in-depth on topics covered on the Tokyo Lens YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/TokyoLens). !!!WARNING!!! This podcast is a 100% unfiltered, nearly-unedited, ramble-a-thon where we get distracted, go off topic, and just enjoy a great time getting lost in thought together! You've been warned (^_-) Welcome to the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura. https://www.itstokyolens.com
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Episodes

Japan's Problem With Noise Pollution (+ 1 Hack For Locals!)

Japan is ranked as the single noisiest country on earth by the World Health Organization. In a major metropolis like Tokyo, it is not uncommon to be bombarded with constant sounds more than double the recommended "safe" volume. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk a bit about the craziness that is Japan's Noise Pollution Problem Inspired by an article (below) we go deep into the topic and manage to only sidebar about 4000 times! So thats a thing... https://blog.gai...

Sep 01, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 42

The Podcast... IS BACK! Shamisen Special Edition Episode

So its been a few weeks since the last episode. And you've all been more than kind! So today, I bring you something a little special... In this episode of this Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we might get to listen to a little shamisen... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , if you do any shopping on Amazon, feel free to click through from my affiliate links! ...

Aug 23, 201920 minSeason 2Ep. 41

A Failed Day in Tokyo (With Emma - Tokidoki...)

The goal was simple, to record a nice day out in Tokyo with a good friend. The reality... something much different. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are attempting a day out in Tokyo but getting much more than we bargained for. Emma's Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAKZ2vtm_-hfqeCGTNNbZqA Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokidokiEmma Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokidokitraveller/ -----------------------------------------------------------------...

Aug 03, 201927 minSeason 2Ep. 40

Adventure in Japan - How it starts

This episode almost didn't even happen... But then something took over. Let's talk about Adventure in Japan Today on the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about how to kick off your own personal adventure in Japan. Thank you to each and every one of you who support the Tokyo Lens Podcast. You mean the world to me~ Victor's Info: https://www.instagram.com/frameoftravel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSRd9L70DKnvPY9Jsc4_lmA ------------------------------------------------------...

Jul 20, 201931 minSeason 2Ep. 39

What is it like to drive in Japan? My experiences and thoughts

What is it like to drive in Japan? There are a lot of questions in there, and today that is what we are covering. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about driving in Japan and getting sidetracked with anecdotes! The Unnamed Adventure: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtflILeTBlX_9B9Km05whmfx9JjOWqeJy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Toky...

Jul 12, 201936 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Inside Japan's Creepiest and Deepest Station - What was it like?

Doai station is both Japan's Deepest and Creepiest train station. Built in the 1930's and with trains still running, it looks more like ruins than an actively used train station. As we walk down into the depths of the station, I record a bit the sounds and experience for you and we talk about the potential of a follow-up to the video that went up on YouTube. Welcome to another episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura The YouTube Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkHMxxuf89...

Jul 03, 201929 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Ever Wanted to Climb Mt. Fuji? Here's What You Will Need To Know...

Is it easy to climb Mt Fuji? How do you even start planning?! Can you climb alone or is it better to book a tour? In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about everything it takes to climb Mt. Fuji and were interviewing a 7-time (soon-to-be 8-time) Mt. Fuji Climbing Expert! 5 Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UIZ2zRbLUs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you ca...

Jun 27, 201951 minSeason 2Ep. 36

500,000 Yen Fine For Selling A Train Seat?!?!

When you are pretty much guaranteed a seat on a crowded train, why not try to make the best of it right? It turns out... if you're not careful, you could end up breaking the law and paying the price. Today on the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about one of the greatest stresses in Japan and how people deal with it. Thank you all for taking the time to leave reviews on the Tokyo Lens Podcast Each and every single one really means the world to me. Here is an article that spark...

Jun 17, 201921 minSeason 2Ep. 35

What Do Japanese People Think About Japan?!

What do Japanese people think about their own country? Especially the youth... Do they love it? hate it? are they completely indifferent?! In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about exactly these points and cover some of the cultural aspects that come up along the way. The study by the Nippon Foundation (in Japanese): https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/who/news/pr/2019/20190529-31401.html Article: https://soranews24.com/2019/06/04/online-survey-reveals-startling-f...

Jun 10, 201931 minSeason 2Ep. 34

Japan's Next Earthquake Is Coming - Here's How To Start Getting Prepared

Japan's next earthquake coming. The past week or so has been ripe with earthquakes and the news is talking about it quite a bit. But then again... they've been saying that the next big one is coming since the last big one in 2011. It just goes to show that you never really know. It could be today. And so today, we are talking about being prepared and what to expect. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about being prepared for earthquakes and touching on wha...

Jun 03, 201935 minSeason 2Ep. 33

The Chikan Problem - Why Don't People Help?!

Trigger Warning: In this episode we talk about Sexual Harassment. In Japan, it is known that people try not to get involved... Even when someone is groped. But is there a deeper reason? Today on the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, I try to share some insight into this. Much of today's Episode was inspired by this tweet: https://twitter.com/influencer_com_/status/1133140922022023168 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of th...

May 30, 201941 minSeason 2Ep. 32

Japanese People Cant See Green?!

They Can't See Green... On this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about something that has always fascinated me about Japan and Japanese culture. We are covering a few of these points actually... but just briefly! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , if you do any shopping on Amazon, feel free to click through from my affiliate link...

May 20, 201914 minSeason 2Ep. 31

Stop Messing Up Japan!! You Can Do It! [Recommended Listening]

Japan is suffering. In fact, some might even say it is dying. But you can help. And here is how.... In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about a major issue (or series of...) that is plaguing Japan, and how you can help. Recommended Viewing/Listening https://anchor.fm/tokyolens/episodes/Japans-Hidden-Secret-e10m0q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT4jhHSTD4U ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of ...

May 17, 201929 minSeason 2Ep. 30

Living in Japan Can Be Lonely (FULL)

You finally move to Japan. Hopes are high. But then it hits. The loneliness... You knew it might be a thing, but you thought you would be different. Today on the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are going deep on the topic of loneliness in Japan. This episode was originally designed as a podcast episode, but a condensed version made its way to the Tokyo Lens YouTube Channel First! https://youtu.be/7kB0CzIePyk Join the comments section of the video! Amazing things are happening~ ----------...

May 11, 201950 minSeason 2Ep. 29

Japanese Man Tried To Fight Me (And then offered to buy me a beer!) - Stories of Drinking in Japan

Japan + Alcohol usually results in some pretty interesting stories. Today, I am sharing a few. Including the story of my first week in Japan and a fairly large alcohol related mistake that I made... In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we are talking about Japan and Drinking... Today, is story time! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , if yo...

May 06, 201949 minSeason 2Ep. 28

Heisei VS Reiwa - What Does it Mean to Japanese People? (at least one Japanese person)

Is the end of an era big enough to make Japanese people jump off of Bridges? The Heisei Era has come and gone and as of yesterday, we enter Reiwa... But what does this mean to Japanese people? Is it a big deal, or nothing at all? This and more is what we are talking about in this Episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura. This weeks Episode features a special guest, Sherry Y Check out her Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrUXL60iLgwjMowTF-toqWA New Video: https://www.youtu...

May 02, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 27

Japan's Golden Week and More - A Distracted Walk Through Tokyo

What in the world is Japan's "Golden Week"? Today on the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura we are taking a distracted walk through Tokyo and talking about Golden week and all things Japan/Tokyo. Its a casual Episode. Hope you enjoy! Also, here is the Yahoo Video Info! https://creators.yahoo.co.jp/tokyolens ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , if you do any shopp...

Apr 28, 201953 minSeason 2Ep. 26

Best Spots in Japan (Outside of Tokyo/Kyoto/etc...)

Japan is just barely more than 3,000 Km (1,900 miles) from end to end and roughly 70% of the country is covered in mountains. You wouldn't expect there to be as many amazing places to explore as there is... but that is what we are talking about today. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, I share with you some of the best and some of my personal favorite spots outside of the major cities in Japan. Noto (Ishikawa) Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT4jhHSTD4U& Sekig...

Apr 25, 201947 minSeason 2Ep. 25

When You Love Japan Too Much...

It most definitely is possible to love something too much. Especially when that something is Japan. But what about when it starts to have an impact that you didn't expect... In today's episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura... I ramble. But there's a point. probably. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , if you do any shopping on Amazon, feel free to cl...

Apr 20, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 24

Dear Japanese People (and you...)

Today we are welcoming some new listeners and saying something that needs to be heard. YAHOO VIDEOS https://creators.yahoo.co.jp/tokyolens Feel free to hit "Follow"! See you all again, real soon! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , 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...

Apr 08, 201934 minSeason 2Ep. 23

The Moving Mishap...

Yesterday was moving day... it did not go smoothly. This is that story~ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how you can support Tokyo Lens! For now , 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 you all Sincerely - Tokyo Lens Norm Nakamura Or grab something here! www.redbubble.com/people/tokyolens You...

Apr 06, 201921 minSeason 2Ep. 22

Japan's New Era - What exactly is going on here?!

Today was a special day in Japan. A day filled with anticipation for so many here in Japan. A day that may only come for some, once in a lifetime... The name of the new Japanese era was announced. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about the new era name here in Japan and everything it entails. How it can impact daily life for those of us here in Japan, and what it means for the future of the country. At the end of this podcast, I touch on this article: https://m...

Apr 01, 201939 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Moving Houses in Japan

What can you expect when moving houses in Japan? What options are available to you? Did you know that you can Heavily negotiate some of the major moving costs? These are just a few of the things that we are talking about on this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura! A few videos I wanted to share with you guys this week: Announcement: I'm Moving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8CI3tBR0_8 Tokyo's Secret Sakura Spots!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6WLeHDAHwU -------------------...

Mar 27, 201944 minSeason 2Ep. 20

Working in Japan - What Are Your Options?

What are my options if I want to work in Japan? <-- Probably the single most commonly question that I get asked. And believe it or not, there are A LOT of options available out there... and today... We are covering a bunch of them! In today's episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we feature a good friend, Lukasz Palka who built a life and career in Japan. Lukasz started his own company, and today, we talk about the progression that many people take when coming to Japan, and what...

Mar 23, 201938 minSeason 2Ep. 19

Normal Items That Are Illegal in Japan [Extended]

Nothing can ruin your time in Japan like bringing in, or for that matter buying (online) something that isn't legal in the country. And in this extended version of "Normal Items That Are Illegal in Japan" we talk about everything from tools, to travel and camping supplies, medicines, and so much more. 3 Normal Items That Are Illegal in Japan YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJOMo8c4Is ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much lov...

Mar 20, 201951 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Japan - The Noisiest Place On Earth? Or Is It The Quietest...?

Silent train rides, construction sites with dB monitors, and a culture based around etiquette. On the surface, Japan seems like a peaceful and quiet country. But today, we talk about why it might actually be the noisiest country on the planet. And no, this is not a metaphor... Japan might actually be the noisiest place on earth... or the quietest. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about Japan and Noise. And it couldn't come at a better time... ------------------...

Mar 16, 201926 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Dear Japan, ITS NOT YOUR FAULT...

When you think of Japanese people, words like, "over-the-top" or "excessive" probably don't come straight to mind. Well today, we are going to challenge that a bit... In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we cover a seemingly culturally-ingrained habit that the Japanese just cant seem to shake. One that, if left unchecked, could take a toll... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also... So much love to all of those of you asking how...

Mar 13, 201929 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Japan Has a Curfew - And It Saves Lives - Let's Talk About That "Last Train"

In 2005 I was hit with a pretty surprising culture shock when I got into Tokyo for the first time. One that has stayed with me for just shy of 15 years at this point. On the surface, it seems like a moderately inconvenient puzzle that is simply part of the fabric of Japan, but as we look deeper into the topic... lives are being saved by one very simple thing; The Last Train. In this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we talk about something that puzzled me for longer than I want...

Mar 10, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Achievement Unlocked

Every now and then, you get a chance in life to do something you have always dreamed of doing. But sometimes it comes with limitations. From that point on, its all about what you do with what's been presented to you. On this episode of the Tokyo Lens Podcast by Norm Nakamura, we sit down and have a relaxed and casual talk centered around opportunities and gratitude. For the Saga of Australia Videos: FINALLY IN AUSTRALIA (start here): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c1nPG4Lrqg It Had To End (Vid...

Mar 07, 201951 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Freelancing in Japan - Can You Work For Yourself?

Probably one of the most common questions that I get ... What is it like to freelance or run your own business in Japan?! Going on a bit of a Q&A adventure today here on the Tokyo Lens Podcast with Norm Nakamura. Check me out on Yahoo: https://creators.yahoo.co.jp/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...

Mar 04, 201957 minSeason 2Ep. 14
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