34 - Remembering the Tohoku Earthquake

With special friend and guest Pavi, we discuss my list of heavenly flavors and foods that I first encountered in Japan and/or strongly associate with Japanese cuisine: Goma - https://amzn.to/2Ij10K3 Anko - https://amzn.to/2IgVckn Mentaiko - https://amzn.to/2GJGUeP Umeboshi - https://amzn.to/2uBY2hM Matcha - https://amzn.to/2GrHpXP

With special friend and guest Pavi, we discuss my list of heavenly flavors and foods that I first encountered in Japan and/or strongly associate with Japanese cuisine: Shouyu - https://amzn.to/2uE1Lvh Ponzu - https://amzn.to/2IjaIMy Yuzu - https://amzn.to/2Ja6vvP Wasabi - https://amzn.to/2E8H4qY Shoga - https://amzn.to/2H2joYo Nori - https://amzn.to/2EbhjGh Shiso - https://amzn.to/2IjqIy1 Mikan - https://amzn.to/2GtsOee

My daughter's been really into swimming lately, so we've been spending lots of time at the local public pool. It seemed like an apt Japanatron topic, so here it is!

Prepare for a whirlwind tour of the year covering my favorite Japanese holidays. I enjoy the not-working, eating, and getting drunk aspects; but complain about the having to buy and do stuff. Special thanks to the listener that suggested this topic.

Japanese people are known for doing crazy amounts of overtime work, so much so that some have literally dropped dead. There's no way you're going to get American me to work such hours, so what's up with all the overtime in Japan?

I narrate and reflect upon a personal medical emergency experience that landed me in a Japanese hospital for a week.

I recall and discuss my experience in Tokyo during and after the massive March 11, 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

I discuss reasons why I both hate and love Japanese television and elucidate my professor-like ruminations as to why it is the way it is.

An obnoxious topic covered by a loud ugly American--let's talk about noise pollution in Japan. I rant about Japan's problem with excessive noise, sharing personal experiences and heavily-biased conclusions.

I discuss Japan's IT industry for foreigners, specifically Tokyo IT for Western foreigners. I narrate my fascinating personal story about how I got my foot in the proverbial Tokyo IT door, followed by learnings and advice. Recommended if you too are looking into working in Japan's tech world.