Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

The craft beer scene in Japan has avalanched into a diverse yet enriching scene in Japan; the OG’s encourage the promising, the promising spark interests to the unaware. Then there are spaces and platforms that not only want to bring in customers but more importantly create and sustain communal warmth that is inviting to anyone feeling loneliness, disillusion and isolation especially the behemoth of a megalopolis that is Tokyo. Meet Kyle, the co-owner (and along with his wife, Yuki) of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky. Their love of craft beer and a fun community space sparked them to open their bar during the pandemic in hopes sharing their love to those around them as well as bringing the fun and joy to whomever dares and has curiosity to step into their doors. You can check out and follow Pintology here on IG: pintologytokyoFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

There is a Japanese proverb, “十人十色” which literally translates to “10 people, 10 colors” or familiar in English, “Different strokes for different folks”. Meet Nahnah, who came to Japan equipped with all ten colors painting bold, vibrant strokes on a blank Japanese social canvas. Aside from founding his fashion/fragrance house, Klaass, He brings different communities together through his inviting and warm personality. From Ghana to Japan, this is a story of having a big appetite and the pursuit of neverending joy in creativity. You can find Klaass Fashion House on Shopify IG: @klaassfashionhaus@nahnah_kofiFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

I’m back and starting the eighth season, we’re visiting a small Vietnamese joint celebrating its 5th anniversary this month. Meet Hung, a charismatic, soft spoken owner and chef of Hung’s Kitchen. Nestled between Izakayas and Pachinko parlors near Kamata Station, this welcoming restaurant attracts those craving authentic Banh Mi and Pho. Even though his food speaks volumes, Hung’s excellent service and constant effort to be part of the community invokes tangible warmth that brings locals and visitors together. If you’re in Tokyo and want some Vietnamese deliciousness, visit Hung’s Kitchen.For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

On my final episode this season we revisit a guest that has been the Puerto Rican ambassador of Japan through the lens of his music. Eto, (@boicuaenjapon) has been spearheading and showcasing the essence of Reggaeton in Japan while collaborating with local like-minded artists expressing their love for Puerto Rican music and culture. I was fortunate enough to have Eto on before our New Year holiday to catch up and continue to bring the fiesta vibes en Japon.You can listen and catch up what Eto’s up to here: IG: @boricuaenjapon and YouTube: https://youtube.com/@boricuaenjapon?si=vokh14yQKwMwidrwCheck out Eto here: boricuaenjapon.comFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

To quote the poet, Robert Frost, “ Two roads diverged in a wood and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.”I’m back once again with another musical artist who has took the road less traveled. Meet Demsky, a Canadian beat maker based in Tokyo yet traversed the globe and soundscapes in life. I’m fired up to promote his latest album, “Jugaad” as well as he being the co founder of a one day festival held at a Tokyo public bathhouse called @sentosensations , celebrating the culture of independent artists at a Japanese public bathhouse. We sit down together at the @nakamegurotaproom to listen to his story while I do a breakdown review of his album track by track. If you’re interested in Demsky’s music , check out https://linktr.ee/Demsky?utm_source=linktree_profile_share and his IG: @demksymusicFor info of Sento Sensation events including the album release party on Nov.22nd check out their IG page here: @sentosensationsFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

It’s been awhile posting up an athlete worth showcasing but growing up from a US state that injected basketball at such a young age, I’m hyped to introduce you to Michael. He’s been making a name for himself on the court in this country even before the inception of the Japanese B. League, Japan’s top men’s pro basketball league. This is the story of one of Japan’s most successful professional athlete imports and it doesn’t sound like he’s hanging his sneakers up yet. We both come from a generation of the same invigorating cloth and his accomplishments will fire up the future generations of Japanese basketball prospects. You can check out Michael’s basketball and fashion brands here: Mp3internationalFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

To quote Maya Angelou, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Meet my new “Boet”, Keagan. He arrived to Japan with an arsenal of songs waiting to be unleashed. Little did I know that he would be the minstrel bird this country didn’t know it deserved as well as humor that I didn’t expect. He channels bards of the past and present and I’m sure ears will perk when they hear his music. Keagan’s charm and aura are forces we should all embrace. To check out Keagan’s music and his debut album 1DK: Who I AM, you can listen here : https://linktr.ee/keaganraphael?fbclid=PAZnRzaANCFpNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7n4h8kGE-giKenrZvl3evWiPLz6VGJC8Xnbkh2O3RzOaMTETT4AnMCjQi8s_aem_-6-tU5tz8t9dFQJ9G-j23AFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

Sweet dreams are made of these and who am I to disagree. I’m back with a fresh new band dropping in the Tokyo scene. Meet Lucas and Nayokenza, two artists/musicians that have unbreakable musical synergy which led them to create Moondahlia, a lo-fi, chillout project which I’m happy to promote. Unsurprisingly we all had similar tastes and I felt these were two rad dudes with vision, purpose and creativity worth sharing. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I had “talking shop” with other like-minded musicians. Here is their passion on a musical plate. Bon appétit.To check out Moondhalia’s first ep, “The View on Midnight” you can find it on all music streaming platforms as well as their YouTube channel : https://youtube.com/@moondahliamusic?si=DGozxvDzixvudKnuSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1GwUm01fS5mAOD1YVpUoWV?si=DfRyOn4-T0qUdfSIw4gzNwApple: https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/moondahlia/1810533462?l=en-USWebsite: moondahliaFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

There’s an old Japanese proverb “ennoshita no chikaramochi” (縁の下の力持ち),  “the powerful person that holds up the house“ or “the unsung hero”.  Meet Brandon, I don’t know if he can carry a house but he is the founder of Tokyo Vibes. An event/ community space which brings together art and music lovers in the Tokyo area.  This social gathering is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to network, make new friends and give artists from all mediums a platform.  This episode is for those who feel let down to create as well as for those in Japan who want to connect.  Brandon is the wizard behind the curtain urging you to never give up.    You can find more info on Tokyo Vibes through their Instagram, here. For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]

On the seventh season of Made In Japan Podcast, we start with equating the first capital of the U.S. , Philadelphia with the OG downtown center of of commerce in Edo/Tokyo , Nihonbashi. Meet Kousuke and Tomomi, who’ve glued both city areas from opposite ends of Earth with a hoagie; the Philly cheesesteak. To my surprise yet unsurprisingly, they’ve managed to make this beloved Philly sandwich a magnet for both locals and tourists visiting Japan come to their welcoming bar/ restaurant and teleport them to the city of brotherly love. This is their story and love through the food. Go Birds!For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastYou can follow Nihonbashi Philly on Instagram here @nihonbashi_phillyIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  [email protected]