Explore every episode of the podcast Ohazassu Podcast

In Episode 88 of Ohazassu, I share thoughts from a recent Japanese language learning poll I ran on X, where 72% of respondents said learning Japanese is hard. I explore why that might be—from kanji struggles to limited phonetic range—and reflect on how modern tools like AI can be both helpful and harmful to long-term retention.

I also get personal about dealing with isolation as an expat in Japan, the emotional ups and downs of maintaining friendships across distances, and how reconnecting with old friends recently gave me a powerful boost. This episode wraps with a meaningful Word of the Day: 絆 (kizuna)—the bond of friendship.

Who hasn't paid their NHK fees??? Over $100,000 in dues uncovered!

I also gush over my favorite coffee-themed stationery gem, soak in the magic of Japan's cherry blossom season, and share how I’m tackling smartphone addiction with my daughter—all while boosting our Japanese language skills.

And don't miss the exciting updates on the Ohazassu website overhaul—it's finally happening, and I’m aiming to launch it by the end of April!

And of course, there's our regular Word of the Day segment at the end!

In This Episode:

🟢 Outdoor Japan Magazine
Discover an incredibly useful Japan outdoor magazine! I share where you can grab your free copy, packed with tips for enjoying the great outdoors in Japan.

🔵 Congrats, Tony!
A big shoutout to Tony for completing his epic 900 km walk across Japan over the past two years!

🟡 My Recent Purchases 😀
- Dymo Label Embossing Machine: A handy (and nostalgic) tool for labeling and organizing.

- DJI OSMO Mobile 6 Gimbal: This new gadget is a game-changer for phone stabilization, and I’m excited to restart live streaming with it!

- Souvenir Idea: JR Station Name Lens Cloths
Looking for a unique gift idea? JR station name lens cleaning cloths make for practical and memorable souvenirs.

🟠Christmas Trees Around the City
The holiday season has arrived! I talk about the beautiful Christmas trees popping up across the city and the festive vibes they bring.

🔴 Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day - it'll move you!!

== Join the Conversation! ==

Have a favorite info magazine or website in Japan or a unique souvenir idea? Share your thoughts with me—I’d love to hear from you!

== Follow & Subscribe ==

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Introduction to Japan Safe Travel on X
If you’re traveling or living in Japan, Japan Safe Travel is an account to follow on X. They provide real-time updates in English on train outages, earthquakes, weather alerts, and more. I’ll share how this account can be a lifesaver for anyone needing reliable updates in English.

2. Thinking and Dreaming in Another Language
Ever caught yourself dreaming in another language? I continue my book review and dive into the fascinating experience of thinking and dreaming in Japanese. Language learners, this one’s for you!

3. The Different Thicknesses of Sliced Bread in Japan
Bread is a whole experience in Japan, from fluffy texture to unique thickness options! I discuss the various bread slice thicknesses you can choose from at Japanese bakeries, and why these options might surprise you.

4. Nagoya City’s Planetarium
Did you know Nagoya has the world’s largest planetarium? I give you the scoop on this must-see spot, perfect for anyone curious about astronomy, with insights into why it’s such a popular destination.

5. Poop and Poop-Related Toys in Japan
Japan has a quirky side, and poop-themed toys are a hilarious example. I talk about some of the poop-related toys and products you’ll find here, shedding light on how Japan makes even toilet humor fun and educational!

6. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day - you never know when you might need this one!

Join the Conversation!
Which thickness of bread do you buy? Have you got any gacha/capsule toys? Drop a comment below or post to us on X!

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Three Great Japanese Language Learning Books
Looking for effective tools to boost your Japanese learning? I’m sharing three of my favorite Japanese language learning books that have helped me along the way. Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up, these books are a must-read for language learners.

2. Addictive Japanese Netflix Series
I’ve been hooked on a recent Japanese Netflix series, and I’m here to recommend it! Tune in to find out what it is, why it’s so addictive, and how it can even help with language learning. Perfect for your next binge-watch!

3. Biopsy Results & Importance of Colonoscopy
On a more serious note, I recently received my biopsy results, and I’m sharing my thoughts on the process and the importance of getting regular colonoscopies. It’s a crucial step in maintaining health, and I encourage everyone to stay informed and proactive.

4. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day includes a free word! These words usually go hand in hand and are quite important!

Join the Conversation!
Got any Japanese language book or Netflix series recommendations? I’d love to hear them! Post to us on X or drop a comment below our YouTube video!

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Cheap Ways to Call Overseas from Japan
Need to make international calls without breaking the bank? In this segment, I share some of the best, budget-friendly ways to call overseas from Japan, including apps, services, and other clever solutions to stay in touch with loved ones abroad.

2. The Convenience of Kanji Characters in Japanese
Kanji may seem tricky, but they’re also incredibly efficient! I dive into the convenience of kanji characters in daily life, showing how a single symbol can communicate so much, especially compared to long strings of letters in other languages. This is one of the unique strengths of the Japanese writing system!

3. Are There More Stairs in Japan?
Ever notice how many stairs there are in Japan? From train stations to temples, it seems like they’re everywhere. Today, I explore whether Japan really has more stairs compared to other countries, and why stairs are such a prominent feature in the urban and cultural landscape.

4. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day, how to use it, and why it’s a helpful word to know in your Japanese language journey.

Join the Conversation!
Got any tips for cheap calls or more handy kanji abbreviations? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below or post to us on X.

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast Platform: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Shoutout to Dave!
A huge shoutout to Dave for helping us set up the RSS URL for our YouTube podcast playlist. His expertise saved us a ton of time and got things running smoothly. Thanks, Dave, for the assist!

2. Inflation in Japan
Even the cheapest snacks for kids are feeling the pinch! I talk about the recent price hikes in Japan, including a favorite affordable snack that’s risen by a huge percentage!

3. Money-Saving Hacks for Furniture in Japan
Looking to furnish your home or office without breaking the bank? I share some awesome hacks for saving a ton of money on furniture in Japan, including secondhand stores and more ways to get the most value for your yen.

4. Convenient Photo Printing at 7-Eleven
Did you know you can get high-quality photo prints at 7-Eleven in Japan? Print any photo from your phone! It’s fast, easy, and super convenient. I walk you through how it works and why it’s a great option for printing your photos on the go.

5. How to Look Up Kanji Characters
Stuck on a kanji character you don’t know how to read? I share a few tips and tools to help you look up kanji, whether you’re using radicals, apps, or handwriting recognition. Don’t let tricky kanji slow you down!

6. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day, how to use it, and why it’s a helpful word to know in your Japanese language journey.

Join the Conversation!
Got any money-saving furniture hacks or tips for looking up kanji? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment or post on X.

Follow & Subscribe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu
Podcast Platforms: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast

In This Episode:

1. Nintendo Museum Opened in Kyoto Today
It’s official! The highly anticipated Nintendo Museum has opened its doors in Kyoto. Join me as I talk about what this museum means for gaming fans, what you can expect to see, and why it’s a must-visit for anyone passing through Japan.

2. Impact of AI on English Speaking Jobs in Japan
AI is reshaping industries worldwide, and Japan is no exception. I go into how AI is affecting English-speaking jobs in Japan, particularly in the English teaching sector, and whether there’s still room for human interaction in language learning.

3. Earthquake Tension Rods
Living in Japan means being earthquake-ready. In this segment, I explain what earthquake tension rods are, how they work, and why they’ve become an essential safety item in many Japanese homes.

4. Getting a Colonoscopy in Japan
It’s not a glamorous topic, but it’s an important one! I share my experience of getting a colonoscopy in Japan, from making the appointment to the procedure itself. If you're thinking about it or just curious, tune in for some tips and advice.

5. Funny Drunk Story
Time for a laugh! I was asked to share a funny drunk story from Japan, so here it is. I share a hilarious drunk story that happened to me here in Japan.

6. Word of the Day
Today’s Word of the Day is... well it wouldn't be any fun if I told you here! Watch the video till the end!

Welcome to episode 72!

1. My Japanese Language Journey
It all started in junior high school back in Australia! In this episode, I share how my journey with the Japanese language began, the challenges I faced learning, and how it’s shaped my life. From classroom basics to real-world fluency, here’s a deep dive into my language story.

2. The NHK Guy & Getting Exempt from Fees
Have you been visited by the NHK guy? Wondering how to deal with those unexpected knocks on the door? I explain how you can legitimately get exempt from paying NHK contract fees, and share a few personal stories about my own experiences with their visits.

3. Other Japan Podcasters
Shout-out time! I introduce some fellow podcasters who are also talking about Japan, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. I was lucky enough to be invited as a guest on three podcasts this week. Links below.

Word of the Day
I’ll tell you what it means, how to use it, and why it’s such a handy word to know!

Links:

I was a guest on the below podcasts (thank for having me!)

Deep in Japan
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2296874/episodes/15836967-ohazassu-with-john

Weekly Fascination
https://youtu.be/uaFG8ohB6A0?si=LsG4kC_Sz1hRaHe3

Just Japan Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast-227-ohazassu-podcast/id846476649?i=1000670293046

In This Episode:

1. The "Noren" in My YouTube Videos
Ever wondered about the beautiful fabric that hangs behind me in my YouTube videos? It's called a noren—a traditional Japanese fabric divider often seen hanging in doorways of shops and homes. In this segment, I share the history behind noren, and why I chose it as part of my YouTube setup.

2. Things I Love About Japan
Japan has so many incredible aspects that I’ve come to appreciate. In response to Riki / Paprika Girl's question about what we love about Japan, I discuss the little and big things that I love. After recording this episode, I also thought of something else, which I'll quickly mention in the next episode.

3. Reading Japanese Books
Reading in a second language can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding! Today, I talk about how reading in Japanese can help you deal with a variety of issues in Japan.

4. Word of the Day
As with every episode, stay tuned to the end of the episode for today's word of the day!

Welcome to Episode 70 of our video podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into the wonderful world of stationery stores in Japan—truly a paradise for enthusiasts! We’ll share the poll results revealing everyone’s favorite spots to shop for unique stationery treasures.

But it’s not all fun and paper; we also discuss the feelings of isolation and loneliness that many expats experience while living in Japan. We’ll touch on practical tips, including the importance of having an emergency evacuation backpack stocked with essential supplies.

Plus, stick around for our "Word of the Day" segment to expand your Japanese vocabulary!

By the way, did you know you can also watch the podcast on YouTube now? Join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and stories from life in Japan!
Find us at https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu

This is the first time we're trying a video version on our new YouTube channel @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC62BDk3vvAxYJWpxYh7psLg

In today's episode we talk about:
1. Free internet at home
2. Aichi mishaps
3. Cheating / Affairs
4. Word of the Day

Welcome to Episode 86 of the Ohazassu Podcast!

Use the below timestamps to jump around to any section 😊

Plum Blossoms 0:37
Skype 1:24
Doctors 5:02
Amazon 19:51
Police 23:15
Frypan 28:22
Word of the Day 32:10

Link to instructions for seasoning a steel frypan: https://youtu.be/eS4h8x5M0do?si=3Bj7PuDzxn-4Fcfz

Thanks for tuning in!

Follow us on X (Twitter) and Instagram 👇
https://x.com/ohazassu
https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu

Thanks for your patience; we're finally back! At long last, we've secured a regular schedule. Moving forward, we should be able to record a podcast on a weekly basis.

Picking up where we left off, here are the show notes for today's episode:

1. Going overseas? You might need to get an international driver's license in Japan before departing. We talk about our experience in May when we got one in Japan before heading overseas.

2. Back in May, I had thoughts about moving to a beach, and now, I'm having thoughts about my thoughts!

3. We're back to reviewing that great book that I've been summarizing on the podcast: Bilingual Life and Reality by Francois Grosjean. Today's chapter is on Language through life.

4. It wouldn't be an Ohazassu Podcast episode without a word of the day, so there's one of those too.

Cheers for tuning in, and, catch you at the next one!

About our recent Hokkaido trip: We went to Kuromatsunai, Lake Toya and Sapporo!

Travel news: Bullet trains/shinkansen to get private room/booth section from 2026!

New Costco reseller/retailer "Cospopo".

And of course, Word of the Day.

Welcome back to Episode 66 of the Ohazassu Podcast straight from Japan!

In today's episode, Microsoft invests a whopping $2.9 billion to supercharge AI infrastructure in Japan.

We take a look at official medical care information provided by JNTO, ensuring tourists stay healthy and informed while exploring this amazing country.

Plus, I'll spill the beans on my personal secret hack for conquering muscle fatigue, whether you're hitting the road or kicking back at home.

And of course, we'll wrap it all up with our regular language segment, Word of the Day.

Welcome to Episode 65 of the Ohazassu Podcast straight from Japan!

In today's episode, we'll explore Japan's ingenious vending machine reward system that keeps your thirst quenched for free.

Then, we look at a news story about everyone's surname becoming "Sato" by the year 2531.

Stick around for a lively review of the latest open ear earphones.

And don't miss our favorite segment, "Word of the Day," guaranteed to tickle your linguistic curiosity.

So grab your headphones and tune in!

Free computer disposal and collection in Japan. Some life wisdom we found on a tea cup in a humble Japanese grilled fish restaurant. Bespoke tours in Kamakura by Buddha Bamboo and Zen. Word of the Day.

Been a while! Ohisashiburi and Gobusata, everyone! Welcome to March and to episode 63 of the Ohazassu Podcast.
Since it's been a while, bit of a catch up to start off with. Things have been hectic, but OK.
Today we covered kanji radicals (bushu) and how they can help us learn and remember characters. We also looked into some key differences between Australian and Japanese healthcare systems when specialists are involved.
Been a while since we did a chapter review of the book Bilingual Life & Reality; we covered chapter 7 in this episode, which is about accents in bilinguals.
As always, we did a Word of the Day at the end of the episode, related to one of the topics in today's episode, coz that's what we do!
Bye for now!

Japanese kanji family names and why there seems to be more North and West in the case of ～mura.

New Japanese banknotes are coming later this year; we do a quick overview of the new designs and features.

Quick review of an excellent new article by Retire Japan about university fees in Japan.

And of course - Word of the Day!

Sycophantic Starbucks. Seriously healthy snack options in Japan. Unique gift and souvenir ideas from Japan. Word of the Day.

Oshibori Shock! Quick optometrist visit. Who's heating up potato salad? Bilingual Life & Reality book review (chapter 6). Word of the Day

First episode for 2024. Earthquake and disaster prevention. About survival kits and local evacuation centers. Getting prescription glasses. Online machine translation and potential corporate data leaks. McDonald's seasonal dessert menu item starting on the 10th. Word of the Day.

Welcome to Episode 85 of the Ohazassu Podcast!
Follow us on X (Twitter) and Instagram @ohazassu

New mic and PC.
Choc-mint sandwiches.
Intro/Shout-out: Interesting Japan-related X and YouTube channel covers "Goroawase" which we looked at in Ep. 43.
Bilingual Life & Reality: Chapter 5 Pt. 2 Borrowing.
Word of the Day.

End-Of-Year rubbish/garbage collection dates in Japan. KitKat meets Milo! Bilingual Life and Reality Chapter 5: Code-switching and Borrowing. Word of the Day

Yutapon (reusable and waterless hot water bottles). Public photography rules and legal stuff. Dog owners have a lower risk of developing dementia. Word of the Day.

Japan professor develops system allowing disabled people to play guitar. No video and livestreaming signs and rules in Japan. Bilingual Life & Reality book chapter summary review (chapter 4 continued). Wages and inflation. Word of the Day

Day trip to Yoro Waterfall, one of the top 100 falls in Japan. Research shows positive effects of Wasabi on memory. Bilingual life and reality book summary: Chapter 4. Word of the Day.

Kaldi half-price coffee. Sharing a lawyer's thoughts on citizen's arrests in Japan. Making healthier rice. Bilingual book review - Chapter 3: The functions of languages. Word of the Day.

Influenza stuff. Hilton apologises about disrespectful video ad. Bilingual book chapter 2 review. Word of the Day

Premium Pekochan no Hoppe cakes: Pekolicious! Overtourism Japan: What can you do? Japanese YouTuber arrested. Bilingual book report: Chapter 1 Why are people bilingual? Word of the Day.

Weather is cooling down, finally! Japan career talk. Careful with MT (machine translation)! Word of the Day

Nintendo announces Zelda movie. The Colonel opens up a KFC with a super-rare seated Colonel. S&B Tabaso sauce collaboration. Bilingual book report. Word of the Day.

Welcome to Episode 84 of the Ohazassu Podcast! Here's a little list of things along with their timestamps. Thanks for tuning in! You can also catch the video version of this podcast episode over on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/6IkpOMkjpFY?si=udYBVxGFYGvqqZZa

Drones 2:09
Origami Exhibition 5:45
Trip to Osaka 6:57
Train Tips 7:44
Stationery 13:47
Coffee Update 17:06
Word of the Day 19:00

Wait. How much?! Got that bilingualism book for a steal! Japanese probiotic giant Yakult opens their first cafe/beauty salon in Utsunomiya. Weather finally starts to cool. Word of the Day.

Welcome back from the long-weekend! Local trip to a temple (with a scary abandoned hotel right by the train station), and photography exhibition (Yasui Nakaji: Photographs). New microphone test (can you hear me?) and Word of the Day.

Thoughts on yesterday's livestream test. Fake Japan posts on social. Follow-up on bilingual personalities. More on invoice seido (system). Word of the Day.

Peanut butter flavoured Gari Gari kun ice blocks. Last day for shinkansen bullet train food carts on Tokaido line. Vegetable and vegan sushi in Kochi. McDonald's New York Come on Baby Burger review. Word of the Day

First outdoor podcast recording!

Elderly driver hits students. Hayfever-fighting rice. Japanese wordplay and number substitution. Word of the Day.

Wedding report. Twitter Vs X. McDonald's Japan NY Come on Baby Burgers. Word of the Day.

Real-life Japanese bloopers (from me and other listeners). Japanese weddings. How to deal with nuisance YouTubers who break the law. Word of the Day

Update on man who fell off the horse at Nagoya Festival. 7 Eleven smoothies: Strawberry and banana. Nuisance YouTubers on shinkansen bullet trains in Japan. Creator shout-out. Word of the Day.

On yet? Toilet seat/washlet heaters. Nagoya Matsuri 2023. Graded readers for children's English learning in Japan. Seven Eleven conbini smoothies. Bilingualism/biculturalism—Change of language, change of personality? Word of the Day.

🔴 Battling Fatigue
🔴 Wallpaper
🔴 Hatsumode
🔴 Kyoto Adventures
🔴 A Unique Exhibition
🔴 Japan’s Pasta Surprise!
🔴 Word of the Day

Shoutout to Phillip (https://x.com/pjacksonmusic) for the Kyoto travel tips.

== Links ==
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OhazassuPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohazassu

Nintendo Entertainment System turns 38 years old. Driverless taxis set to hit Tokyo in 2026. Health tips for managing seasonal temperature changes. Osaka travel giveaway reminder. Word of the Day.

Come on Baby New York McDonald's Burgers. Shinkansen bullet train smoking rooms being abolished. Foreign entries for September back to 96% of pre-covid levels. Zengin bank outage: banks compensate affected customers. Shibuya and halloween: Some people live here. Word of the day.

Canned coffee talk. Escaped Osaka chimpanzee captured. Mayor of Nagoya at it again. Japan vows $10 million. Osaka boasts record-setting $16.7 million penthouse. AI copyright issues and laws. Snow in Hokkaido.

Morning walks and Doutor. Unique trains in Japan. Is Japanese one of the most difficult languages? Word of the Day.