Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Just Another Human

When I came to Melbourne, I didn’t just want to travel—I wanted to live like a local.

In this episode, I share my Workaway experience: how I exchanged my design and cooking skills for a place to stay, what it was like living in a beautiful Airbnb studio, and the lessons I learned from helping a real family in Melbourne.

From dumpling-making and video editing to wine tasting and rabbit poop (yes, really), it was a few weeks full of new challenges, warm connections, and unforgettable stories.

If you're curious about slow travel, Workaway, or what it's really like to live and work in Australia, this one’s for you.

What started as a failed interview turned into a spontaneous trip to the Southern Hemisphere—and somehow, a dream life in Melbourne.
In this episode, I share my first impressions of Australia, the travel mistakes I made (yes, even at the airport 😅), and how I unexpectedly found myself falling in love with this country… in just three days.

I had to take selfies in a Narita Airport toilet to verify my visa.

Spoiler: there are animals, braces, and $4 water involved.

🛫 Come along for the start of this new adventure!

IG: @just_another_human_jp

YouTube: @just_another_human_jp

I’ve been to Hiroshima more than 30 times, but this trip hit differently. From childhood memories of folding paper cranes and crying museum dolls… to adult reflections on war, shame, respect, and peace — this episode is a personal journey through one of Japan’s most important cities.

I also visited Kure and Ōkunoshima (aka Rabbit Island!), and realised just how much I still carry from that sixth-grade school trip.

Travel isn’t just about new places. Sometimes it’s about seeing old ones with new eyes.

🎙 Just Another Human | EP.16 “When a Mahjong Game Got Me a Design Job”

What do mahjong, a traditional Japanese house, and a hundred bucks of paint have in common?

In this episode, I share the story of how a casual game night turned into my very first interior design job. From childhood memories with my miya-daiku dad to turning old furniture into something beautiful, this project brought together everything I love — DIY, creativity, and making people feel at home.

I talk about the challenges, the funny surprises (like the client's dad slowly taking over the house), and how I transformed the space on a tight budget. Plus, the real lesson I learned: design isn’t just about making things look good — it’s about helping people feel confident in their own space.

🎙 Just Another Human

This week, I’m talking about my dream to live in a traditional Japanese countryside house—and why that might be harder than it sounds.

From Japan’s “Empty House Problem” to moldy clothes, freezing winters, and shoji magic, I share my experience living in a super old house in snowy Ishikawa and what I’ve learned about why Japanese homes were never really built for the cold. I also talk about what I’m looking for in my future home, and how DIY culture is giving these homes a second life.

If you’re into Japanese design, rural life, or just curious about how people actually live in Japan, this one’s for you!

You can find script for this episode from here.

If you realize some weird English and you are just a human, please let me know.

Sometimes, a cute little penguin on ice can reveal big cultural differences.

In this episode, I share a funny and surprising story from my trip to Latvia, where I ended up “hiring” a penguin to help me skate. 🐧✨

What started as a Google Translate fail turned into a discovery about how different countries approach design, childhood, and even cuteness. From penguins in Latvia to chairs in Germany, and… nothing in Japan?

Let’s slide into this cultural clash on ice ❄️

I used to think Shiga was just… a giant lake that gives Osaka drinking water. That’s it. Nothing more.

But this spring, I went back for the first time in years—with zero expectations—and it totally surprised me.

Trout fishing, castle towns, duck cafés, Shaun the Sheep (yes, really), even a fire festival. It was full of charm and calm—and way more fun than I ever expected.

In this episode, I’ll take you through our 2-day adventure around Lake Biwa, all planned with nicody, a travel app I’m actually designing.
If you're looking for local, underrated travel spots in Japan, or you just love a good story, this one’s for you.

You can check Our plans on nicody!

If you’re into anime, manga, or just curious about Japanese internet culture, this episode is for you! I’m breaking down popular otaku slang—especially the kind you’ll find on Twitter (X) and in fan art communities.

We’ll explore how anime titles get shortened (like “Kimetsu” and “Gokamu”), what “推し (oshi)” really means, and funny terms like “現パロ (modern-day parody)” and “生存if (what if they didn’t die?)”. I also touch on some gendered words like “腐女子” and “百合男子”—and why I think boys got the cuter nickname.

It’s a fun (and kinda nerdy) journey into the world of Japanese fandom lingo. You might even discover a new way to talk about your favorite character!

To be continued… maybe?

Kyoto is known for its beauty, tradition, and history—but do you ever feel like it’s just a bit too much? In this episode, I share my honest thoughts about Kyoto, the love-hate relationship I have with it, and why my family is still hooked on it. 🌸💔 From crowded streets to unexpected coffee culture, let’s dive into the contradictions of Japan’s iconic city!

At a recent party, I realized—everything I’ve done somehow connects to design. From teaching beginner designers to snowboarding, I’ve learned that teaching and design are all about understanding others’ unique ways of learning.

In this episode, I talk about my experience going from an intuitive designer to a teacher who explains design logic, and how I’ve applied those skills to teaching snowboarding. Plus, I’ve got a new goal: becoming a certified ski and snowboard instructor! ❄️

🎧 Listen now for some “aha” moments, teaching tips, and why everyone learns in their own way.

✍️ You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

I used to say “がんばる” (do my best) every time I failed. But deep down, I felt like failure was the end. I didn’t know how to recover, so I just kept pushing with enthusiasm—only to realize that “do my best” actually means... nothing. 😅

In this episode, I talk about how I discovered a better way to recover and grow—starting with one surprising word: PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act). And trust me, this discovery totally changed my life—especially when it came to fixing my most hopeless habit: being late. ⏳

🎧 Tune in to hear how embracing failure can be the best way to move forward (even if you’re always a little late).

✍️ You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

I finally made it to Busan—after four years of waiting!
Cherry blossoms, new friends, shared languages, and white kimchi made this short trip unforgettable. I talk about the joy of spontaneous travel, memories from my first international trip, and all the things I love about Korea.

As a designer, I’m especially drawn to the shape of the Korean writing system. Each character fits perfectly into a square, making the overall design feel so clean and balanced. Compared to Japanese, which has characters of all shapes and widths, Hangul feels beautifully logical and modern. It’s no wonder Korean ads and typography are so cool!

🎧 Listen now and get hungry for baek-kimchi.

✍️ You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

The maroon-colored Hankyu train. The velvet seats, the soft lights, the rhythm of the ride—it all takes me back to my high school and university days.

This charming train connects Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto, and is a favorite among tourists heading to Kyoto’s famous spots. (Me? I’m not really a Kyoto fan—but that’s a story for another time.)

For me, the Hankyu line was more than transportation. It was a safe space where I read borrowed books, faced big life decisions, and quietly figured out how to stand on my own.

In this episode, I talk about why I still think Hankyu is the best train company in the world, how it shaped my early adulthood, and why I believe reading books—especially during uncertain times—can be a form of quiet strength.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

I’ve never been good at finishing business or self-help books. I admire people who can, but I’ve always taken the long way around when searching for answers in life.

I used to think I wasn’t a book person—until I discovered Haruki Murakami’s audiobooks.

In this episode, I talk about my journey with books: from only being able to read Kaori Ekuni’s novels, to discovering new ways to enjoy stories through audiobooks and e-books.

Now, I read several books at once—depending on my mood, the time of day, or whether I’m falling asleep in a sleeping bag surrounded by kids.

If you know any beginner-friendly literature (not too childish!), I’d love to hear your recommendations.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

If you love Japanese anime, you need to watch this.

In today’s episode, I talk about one of the most inspiring anime I’ve ever seen:
“Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” (映像研には手を出すな！)

It’s about three high school girls who start an animation club.
But it’s not just about making anime—it’s about creativity, imagination, passion, teamwork, and compromise.

As a designer and creator, I saw so much of myself in this story.
There’s Asakusa, who imagines entire worlds… Mizusaki, who studies motion like an artist…
And Kanamori, my favorite—she’s a tough, realistic producer who knows how to get things done. Today’s thumbnail is fan art of her! I draw it✨

This anime is such a perfect reflection of what it's like to build something as a team—especially in creative fields like design, animation, and tech.

Even if you're not normally into anime, this one might surprise you. The art style is amazing, the characters are unforgettable, and the story hits deep—especially if you’re a creator.

🎬 You can watch it on Netflix (until March 31, so don’t wait!).
I’m warning you though… it’s addictive. You might finish the whole thing in one sitting.

So grab your favorite snack, hit play, and get ready to be inspired.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Have you ever asked yourself why we take photos or videos? Is it just to preserve memories—or is there something deeper?

In today’s episode of Just Another Human, I explore the emotional side of capturing moments, from my love of film photography to my decision to quit social media after a heartbreaking story changed how I see memory-sharing online.

I also share the story behind a new product I’m helping design: a mobile camera app and physical device called kyu (キュウ).
And this app is all about simplicity and intention.
🎥 Take 9-second videos📅 Capture 9 clips per day👫 Share with friends📸 Relive your day with a highlight video

It’s like a film camera, but for video. No filters, no pressure—just real moments, captured with emotion.

As a designer, I’ve always been obsessed with the question: What are memories?
From working in family photo services to developing apps and designing camera interfaces, I’ve come to believe that the feeling you have while capturing a moment is what makes it truly meaningful.

If you’ve been hearing about kyu online or through influencers, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at the design, philosophy, and emotional story behind the product.

🎧 So grab a drink, slow down, and join me in reflecting on what memories mean—and why we should protect them with care.

I made a mistake to say "unmeanable" in this episode, that is not exist word :p

Finally I have created new English word✨

It means "意味をなさないもの" or "意味を持ち得ない" , "impossible to have meaning" or "unable to be meaningful.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.

If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Have you ever been asked the dreaded question, "What kind of design do you do?" as a designer? Well, let me tell you, it’s not an easy question to answer when you're involved in so many different design fields. From graphic design, web design, and branding to user experience, motion graphics, and even interior design—it’s complicated!

In this episode of Just Another Human, I share the story of my career as a designer, starting as a Communication Manager in a software company, where I learned HTML/CSS in just one week. Fast forward a few years, I’m working on two app designs, rebranding a company, teaching beginner designers, and even podcasting! 🎙

So, when people ask me, "What do you do?" I usually just say, "I'm a designer." But then, they always ask again... "What kind of design?" 😅

I also dive into the lessons I learned from my mentors about the importance of explaining the thinking behind design and communicating clearly in business settings. It’s all about more than just making something that looks cool—it’s about creating something meaningful.

Catch me in this episode as I navigate the challenge of explaining my ever-evolving job in a nutshell. Design is never just one thing—it’s everything!

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Allergies have taken over my life this spring, and I’m here to share the shocking results of my allergy test. 🌷 From pollen and ticks to cats, dogs, and even kiwis, my body is reacting to more things than I ever expected! 😷

In this episode, I dive into my pollen allergy that's ruining my spring (hello, 6/6 rating 😭), my surprising cat and dog allergies, and how I can't even enjoy kiwis or tomatoes anymore—thanks to my family's farm-grown produce. 🌱

By the way, I can sense spring long before the plum trees bloom because of my pollen allergy. It’s like my own personal "flower powder" alarm goes off before any flowers even have the chance to bloom! 🌸

It’s been tough, but I’m learning how to cope with my allergies. I’m on a bunch of different medicines now, but it’s still a struggle. Plus, I get a little emotional about not being able to enjoy the foods I grew up with. 🍅🍇

Want to hear more about my allergy journey? Tune in to this episode of Just Another Human.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

This year marks my 24th anniversary with snowboarding, and I wanted to take my skills to the next level. 🎿 In this episode, I talk about my experience taking the Level 3 Ski Association of Japan's exam at Mt. Norikura and the huge revelation that I’ve been riding with the wrong stance for 20 years! 🤯

Mt. Norikura has always been my favorite ski resort, and this season, I worked hard to improve my turning technique. In this episode, I share the journey of my snowboarding evolution, the surprises I encountered during the exam, and how I discovered I’m actually a natural stance rider. Can you believe I spent 20 years thinking I was goofy!? 🙄

Listen in for a mix of snowboarding wisdom, shocking revelations, and a personal win as I pass my Level 3 exam!

Tune in and hear about the hilarious blunders and my snowy journey. ⛷️🎉

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Hi, I’m Mifu. In today’s episode of Just Another Human, I’m talking about my journey into skiing this season. 🎿❄️

I had a few reasons to start skiing—one was seeing skiers carve through the snow, which looked so cool! Plus, a character from my favorite anime, Golden Kamuy, skis, and my mom switched from snowboarding to skiing and absolutely loves it. She even said, "Snowboarding is just an activity, but skiing is transportation."

This season, my mom invited me to join her lessons, and I started skiing from scratch—my sister and I were total beginners! My first attempt was during my time as a kids' camp instructor. I couldn’t even attach my boots to the skis, but after 30 minutes, I managed to stop and move forward. That little win gave me hope!

After some lessons, I finally passed the level 3 ski exam! But trust me, it wasn’t smooth sailing. I was late to the exam (due to taking the wrong bus!), couldn’t walk properly with skis on (I waddled like a penguin!), and—embarrassingly—my ski came off during the test! 😳

Despite all that, I managed to score the highest among my classmates, and the charismatic instructor even said that Happo Ski Resort, where I took the test, is one of the hardest places to pass. Talk about a confidence boost! 💪

I might’ve looked ridiculous at times, but hey—everyone’s just another human, right? No need to stress over mistakes. This is all part of the fun journey of learning something new. So, whether you're a skier, snowboarder, or just someone trying something new, remember: it's okay to make mistakes and keep going!

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Hi, I’m Mifu. In the last episode of Just Another Human, I shared a bit about my sister. Today, I’m taking you back to January 2020, when I traveled from Japan to Ireland and England with my mom and sister to visit my brother, right before the pandemic hit. But trust me, it wasn’t all sightseeing and fun! 🚲💥

During our time in London, things took a turn when my sister and I had a big fight while biking through the city. I decided to break off from the group, chase down a flea market near Liverpool Station, and go on my own adventure—no working SIM card, no plan, just pure emotion (and a deep love for vintage shopping).

Why did we argue?
Well, let me tell you… we had a full-on sibling battle! And here’s the kicker—my sister doesn’t even remember the details! Unbelievable, right? 🤷‍♀️ But don’t worry, I’ll never forget this moment. It’s a mix of London adventures, family chaos, and some serious sibling drama. Trust me, it was unforgettable.

But this isn’t just a story about London. It’s about the human side of things: fighting with your siblings, losing your phone in a foreign country, and somehow, despite it all, finding each other again—just in time to catch a train to the airport.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!"

Hi there!
I got a new script for episode #3 from my friend, a native speaker.

When I send my original script to him, he said "Some of the English is a bit harsh."

And he gave me the really cool and beautiful version. It has a fantasy-like feel to it.

So today, I'm trying to read it aloud for the first time without practicing beforehand.

And no cut!

My sister is laughing. "To be fair… she keeps life interesting."

You can find the script for this episode here.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Hi, I’m Mifu. In this episode of Just Another Human, I share a funny story from my life in Japan—about my clever, competitive, and slightly chaotic younger sister.

She lives in a snowy ski resort town in Japan and somehow always manages to do everything better than me… including skiing. But this time, things took a crispy turn.

13 kilograms of frozen French fries—affectionately named “Chippy”—flew into the sky after a snow-blower accident. Only in Japan, right?

This story is about growing up in a Japanese family, the sibling rivalry that shaped us, and one unforgettable moment at a ski resort café.

If you’re curious about daily life in Japan, sibling dynamics, or just love a good laugh, this one’s for you.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Hi, I’m Mifu. In this episode of Just Another Human, I’m talking about something I’ve struggled with my whole life—losing important things.
Keys, wallets, passports… you name it, I’ve probably left it somewhere.

Instead of blaming myself or relying on willpower, I finally started using my skills as a designer to create systems that actually work for my forgetful brain.

This episode is about how I apply UX thinking to real life—and how knowing yourself deeply is the first step to solving everyday problems.

The photo in the thumbnail is of a ring I forgot in my friend's car. She returned it to me with a cute Rilakkuma seal.

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!

Hi, I’m Mifu. Welcome to the very first episode of Just Another Human!
In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind why I started this podcast, why I chose to speak in English, and where the title came from.

From lonely bike rides in Tokyo to chatting with a knitter in Latvia, to snow-covered conversations in Japan—this podcast was born from small moments, kind encouragement, and a phrase that changed how I see people:
“They’re just another human.”

If you’re someone who loves radio, design, travel, or language learning, I hope you’ll stick around 💬🎧

You can find the script for this episode from my bio.
If you're just another human, not AI, and you notice any unnatural phrases or pronunciations, please let me know!