Warning:  Do not listen to this episode on an empty stomach.  Meet Jeremy, a born and raised New Yorker, reggae head, and former Brooklyn based record store owner.  Along with his wife Maiko, opened “Freeman Shokudo” in a quaint yet hip neighborhood in Shibuya city ward.  Specializing in barbecue, pastrami sandwiches, falafel and whatever Jeremy feels like smoking or pickling, I get the sense this is the kind of establishment that helps accentuate if not revitalize a local community.  This is a story of Jeremy, Maiko and their family taking a h ..read more

Welcome to the first episode of my series, “Made (and Served) in Japan”, which I will showcase restaurateurs, cafe/bar owners and any small business establishment in the hospitality industry in Japan. To kick off, meet Thomas, chef and co-owner to a popular bar/brewery in the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Coaster Tokyo attracts both locals and foreigners visiting Japan with a variety of party events while showcasing their own microbeer, Kaigan Brewery. Thomas brings his own arsenal of delicious comfort food which keeps customers coming back for more. It is an inspiring story of ..read more

Mel finally sits down with one of the most intriguing and unabashed guests of this podcast.   Meet Felisia,  who’s been creating content based on her ever-evolving journey of life with and without Japan.  As an outlet, her platform quickly became a conduit for her fans to embrace self-acceptance.  Felisia is a testament for those seeking a life outside their home country that there is pain; but through struggle and ambition, everything will be ok. You can feel Felisia’s vibe on Instagram:  @iamfelisiag For more info on the Nakameguro Tapro ..read more

Fire fights fire,  iron sharpens iron and in our darkest hour, talent has the potential to be unleashed.  Meet Lisa, a recent transplant to Japan who didn’t waste a moment during the outbreak of Covid to capture through photos what the average Japanophile dream to encapsulate life in the streets and nature of Japan.  Currently the Digital Content Director at Tokyo Weekender, Lisa is just getting started in capturing the everyday moments and cinematic landscape this country has to offer.  After having chillout chat before she heads out to one of her recen ..read more

It’s been awhile MIJ listeners! After attending the 15th anniversary of the Nakameguro taproom , I decided to revisit one of my first episodes of this podcast to give it a little polish and have new listeners know about Baird Beer, one of the pioneers of Japan based craft beer. It’s still one of my favorite chats I’ve had on this pod and for new listeners, I hope you feel it too. To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: Kofi . IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spoti ..read more

“It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle.  His quick strides into the local community brought my attention to his art and most importantly his passion.  I appreciate DJ taking his time to share his story as he will undoubtedly make his mark in Japan. For commissions or checking out DTD, please visit his Instagram:  whoisdtd For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ T ..read more

When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community.  Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta.  He was one of my first students I’ve taught in Japan that soon became my brother from a Nihon-Jin mother.  Ryuta, his wife Nao, along with their precocious toddler, Umi-chan joined me for a catch up and reminisce.  Seeing  Ryuta now, these words come to mind:  “Open your hearts, Stay grounded.” For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird ..read more

Dear Listeners,  Season 4 is a wrap.  Thank you all for sticking around and listening!   Stay tuned. To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page.   To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/madeinjapanpodcast/message ..read more

It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene.  Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with.  Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an international neo-soul and experimental jazz quintet, they are making waves in their scene domestic and internationally.  Chloe is also on the brink of launching her solo career.  Join us as we kick back to talk shop as well as sharing the sentiment of “how it feels to be somewhat emo”. You can listen as well as go see Chloe and P ..read more

Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば）has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well as a charming, sought-after Tokyo ramen tour guide. Frank has built enough street cred to bring tourists to some unknown tasty ramen joints as well as the Michelin star heavyweights in the Japanese Ramen Scene. I felt it was time to have Frank sit down and talk about his undeniable passion for a bowl of umami noodle bomb goodness. You can check out more ..read more