PODCAST · society
Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan
by Meljo Catalan
This is not your run-of-the-mill "Cool Japan" podcast. I want to explore the side of Japan outside of sushi & sumo ; anime & video games. People from all walks of life living in Japan sharing their stories, their trials and tribulations and their successes. People who are hungry for making it and People who have made it. This podcast is about my conversations with them.
Episodes
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EP. 84– Kyle Broyles, co-owner of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky Made (and Served) in Japan
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...
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EP. 83– Nahnah Kohfi, Digital Creator/ Founder of Klaass Fashion House
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…
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Ep. 82 – Hung san, owner/chef of Hung’s Kitchen— Made (and Served ) in Japan
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…
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Ep. 81– Eto returns! Reggaeton singer based in Japan
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…
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Ep. 80– Demsky, Triphop Beatmaker & album review of “Jugaad”
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...
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Ep. 79– Michael Parker, Pro Basketball Player of the Japanese B. League
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...
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Ep. 78– Keagan Raphael, Artist, Singer and Producer.
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…
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Ep. 77– Lucas and Nayokenza of Moondahlia
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....
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Ep. 76– Brandon Matsumoto, founder of Tokyo Vibes
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…
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Ep. 75– Made (and Served) in Japan— Kousuke and Tomomi Chujo, owners of Nihonbashi Philly
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...
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Ep. 74– Kei Nagata , Model and Baker at Brownies.shots
From the volcanic region of Bicol, Philippines to the quiet shores of Shizuoka, Japan, meet Kei, who exemplifies the fire and water of Philippines and Japan. I’m honored to share her story of blending roots as well as her discovering new shades of her identity as she starts her modeling career in...
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Ep. 73– Tatsumi Kyo, Freelance Artist and the pursuit of the Manga Career
To be or not to be, that is the way of the “Manga-ka” or Manga artist. I’m back diving deep into the business of what it means to strive as a successful Manga artist. Meet Tatsumi, whom at a young age found passion and with his talent which caught the attention of the giants of the manga…
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Ep. 72–Made (and Served) in Japan— Davido, head brewer and owner of Yggdrasil Brewing
On this episode, let’s head out to a quaint but comfortable beach town of Hiratsuka, Japan. About ninety minutes southwest of central Tokyo, lies a craft beer bar/brewery blasting heavy metal on some days and showing matches of its local soccer club on other days. Converging different types of...
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Ep. 71– Matt Ketchum, co-founder of AKIYAZ
What do you get when you mix punk rock, Emperor Go-Daigo and the rise of abandoned property in rural Japan? Meet Matt, co-founder of AKIYAZ, a real estate brokerage and Akiya lifestyle services firm helping clients purchase an Akiya (abandoned property) in Japan’s countryside as well as helping...
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Ep. 70– Hiroe Foster, OG “Kikokushijo”: So you wanna be a Japanese Interpreter?
I’m back and this time the sensei has become the student about life inside and away from Japan. Meet Hiroe, a “Kikokushijo”, or commonly in English, a returnee. Hiroe belongs to the first wave of Japanese children that relocated overseas due to orders from their parents’ companies during the...
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Ep. 69 Made (and Served) in Japan - Jeremy Freeman, co-owner & pitmaster of Freeman Shokudo
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,...
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Ep.68– Thomas Kim, chef & co-owner of Coaster Tokyo/ Kaigan Brewery
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…
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Ep.67– Felisia Gunawan, Content Creator/ Unapologetic Motivator
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....
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Ep. 66– Lisa Knight, Photographer/Videographer
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…
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Bryan Baird of Baird Beer (Recast)
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…
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Ep. 65– DTD, Artist/Illustrator/Apparel Designer
“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...
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Ep. 64– Ryuta & Nao Kato, a reunion with my first Tokyoite Friends
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...
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Season 4 Wrap. It. Up! (長いお休み)
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.
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Ep. 63– Chloe Kibble, Neo Tokyo Soul and Jazz Singer/Songwriter
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,...
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Ep. 62– Frank Striegl, founder of 5am Ramen and Tokyo Ramen Tours
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....
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Ep. 61– BJ Beatty Jr, Retired Defensive End of Obic Seagulls
Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic...
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Ep.60– Eli T’Amo, Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer
Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway...
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Ep. 59– Ken Tanaka aka Kenfrog, Japanese Artist
On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely...
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Ep. 58– Mina Shimizu, Japanese Film & TV Actor
Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and…
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Ep. 57– Ace of Shaq, British YouTuber: New Beginnings, New Homeland
One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese...
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Ep-56 Swazönd, Crusted Black Metal band from Tokyo
This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it comes to living and breathing within the Japan underground...
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Ep. 55– Mimi, Embroidery Artist of Mimi Hana Threads
Spring is upon us! How fitting it would be to have an episode showcasing my friend Miko, who is a self taught embroidery artist handcrafting unique and customizable 3D embroidered accessories and jewelry. When I learned that she will be having her first gallery exhibition this month at the Design...
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Ep. 54– Kei Katsuno, MD, MPH, Senior Director at the GHIT Fund
Hi! Made in Japan Podcast year four kicks off with the smartest and the most insightful person I know in Japan. Meet my old friend Kei. He’s the Senior Director of Investment Strategy & Business Development at the GHIT Fund. The Japan-based GHIT ( Global Health Innovative Technology ) Fund is an...
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Season 3 Wrap Up!
To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: [email protected]
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Episode 53– Sach, radio DJ at LoveFM Fukuoka
Let’s take a trip to southwest Japan to a city with a name that could literally be translated to “blessed hill”. Fukuoka City is the second largest port city that’s probably not on your to-go visit list but it ought to be. Meet Sach, a Fukuoka native, established radio DJ and vocal coach. She’s...
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Episode 52 — Rachel Ferguson, co-founder of Ryozan Park, writer, singer & voice artist
Community is Everything. Meet Rachel, a mother of many talents. Along with her husband, they’ve built and grew a share house project called RYOZAN PARK which empowers families in Tokyo to build a community with workspaces, accommodation and childcare. It is one of Tokyo’s first ever integrated...
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Episode 51 — Brandon & Mari Wash, Rising Shutterbugs in Japan
Japan is one of the most sought after places in the world to snap a photo or capture a video. This episode focuses on two individuals from completely different paths merging in pursuit for that perfect shot. I highly recommend to check out and if you’re re looking for a collaboration with Brandon...
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Episode 50– Two Emails and the Best 3
I’ve been waiting to tell this story of a man that has truly Made it in Japan. He was also my mentor when it came to the unglamorous yet self-sacrificing job; an ESL teacher in Japan. I dedicate this 50th episode to him, Douglas Forrester. If you are interested in becoming an English Language...
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Episode 49– Mayowa, The next Black J-POP singer
Here’s a story of a person riding a tornado on a road less travelled. Not only does he have one of the coolest names, but brings a voice that will make waves in the J-Pop scene. Meet Mayowa. If you haven’t yet, you’ll surely will. Ariana Grande might have something to do with it. You can check…
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Episode 48– Hiro Umetani, Kyomai Japanese Traditional Dancer
On this episode we’re gonna examine a notable Japanese traditional dance that is often peformed by the Geisha and Maiko. Meet Hiro, (or her stage name, “Zuiou Shinozuka”). She is a traditional Japanese dancer/instructor trained from the oldest Kyomai dance school in Kyoto. She is currently an...
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Episode 47– Tim Bunting, The Kiwi Yamabushi
To quote J.R.R. Tolkien, “He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away…” Meet Tim, a Yamabushi; a Shinto ascetic mountain monk who aims to share the values of what the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture offers. I want to help him open...
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Episode 46– Divafresh Yuri, Japanese Songwriter/Artist/Singer
Yuri caught my attention not only by her flawless control in her singing but also her tasteful approach in crafting songs through respecting musicianship. Although our paths crossed in an unexpected way, the power of strong music appreciation will overcome any genre, label and culture. You can...
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Episode 45– Allie Sakakibara, Professional Weirdo, Digital Content Creator
What do you get when you genetically mutate a wedding MC, Bill Nye, Bear Gryllis and a model together? You’ll soon learn that the person’s name is Allie. From Google Japan, Discovery Channel Japan and her own YouTube Channel, Allie has carved out her own piece of the Social Media Pie. However, I...
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Episode 44– Akil, Ki, Walter: A catch-up with an OG Tokyo Trifecta
On this episode, I thought it’d be a nice switch up to reconnect and reunite three former guests of my podcast. Ki (ep. 5 & 6), Akil (ep. 12) and Walter (ep.20) graced the mics and indulged me on what was going on in their lives during this pandemic. Albeit, it was my excuse to have them on again...
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Episode 42– Eto, Reggaeton Rapper, Singer & Producer
I am back with another musical guest that hails from the island of Puerto Rico yet is making a big splash here in Japan within the past year. Eto has been involved in many musical ensembles in Japan for the past decade. However, the pandemic has constricted him to start a solo project that...
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Episode 40– Katheryn Gronauer, Founder of Thrive Tokyo, Executive Trainer & Coach
For foreigners working in Japan, sometimes we need a bit of help with “adulting”, as Katheryn puts it. Starting out as a health coach, her passion to help others smoothly adjust into a company providing culture programs in the Japanese business setting or daily necessities. However, what’s more...
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Episode 39– Liam Ramshaw & Nick Narigon of Tokyo Weekender
Japan’s oldest English publication has weathered many storms over the years and prevailed. 2020 was Tokyo Weekender’s 50th anniversary and the magazine has now adapted to the new era in Japan. Recently, TW has done a rebranding; an upgrade yet keeping to its roots in building and informing the...
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Episode 38 — Welcome Home, Ayako!
The final episode this year. How fitting it ends with a former student of mine just returning to Japan a month ago. Ayako Tanaka was one of my students who’s always yearned for a life outside Japan. Most often I’d teach students who need to prepare for their overseas position, pursuing their MBA…
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Episode 37– Ben & Burke, Co-hosts of Voices in Japan Podcast
On the sixth and finale in my series of talks with Japan-based podcasters, I virtually travelled to Hokkaido and had a chat with two Jujitsu-schooled, snowboarding crazed fellas that created a Sapporo-based podcast showcasing the locals on the “Ezo” frontlines. Aside from these charming hosts...
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Episode 36– David and Matt of Japan 2.0 Podcast
On the fifth installment of my chats with Japan-based podcasters, we...barely talk about Japan! But don’t skip this episode dear listeners. Japan 2.0 is a Kansai based-podcast that paints another shade of Japanese underground culture that David & Matt cherishes dearly and shares to all of you...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is not your run-of-the-mill "Cool Japan" podcast. I want to explore the side of Japan outside of sushi & sumo ; anime & video games. People from all walks of life living in Japan sharing their stories, their trials and tribulations and their successes. People who are hungry for making it and People who have made it. This podcast is about my conversations with them.
HOSTED BY
Meljo Catalan
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan have?
Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan about?
This is not your run-of-the-mill "Cool Japan" podcast. I want to explore the side of Japan outside of sushi & sumo ; anime & video games. People from all walks of life living in Japan sharing their stories, their trials and tribulations and their successes. People who are hungry for making it and...
How often does Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan release new episodes?
Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan?
You can listen to Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan?
Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan is created and hosted by Meljo Catalan.
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