PODCAST · society
Spill The Matcha
by GAL Podcasts
Your weekly dose of real talk with Misato and Cherine! Join these two friends as they chat about relationships, lifestyle, and what it’s like living in Japan. It’s like a chat with your besties, brewed fresh every week.
Episodes
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What We DEEPLY Love (and Secretly Hate) About Japan
Fifty episodes of unfiltered late-night rants, cultural deep dives, dating disasters, and endless matcha. To celebrate this milestone, Misato and Cherine are taking a step back to answer the ultimate question every expat and local gets asked: Why do we stay, and what drives us absolutely crazy?
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The Dating Flags We Wish We Knew Sooner
This week, Misato and Cherine open up the vault on early-stage romance in Japan, breaking down the ultimate Green Flags and Red Flags you need to know before going on date number two.
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Is It Really That Hard to Make Real Friends in Japan?
Making genuine adult friends is tough anywhere in the world, but in Japan, navigating social circles can feel like playing chess in a foreign language! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine tackle one of the most common, painful, and widely debated expat topics: Why is making deep,...
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Do We Actually Get Happier As We Age?
No more hiding behind vague age groups—this week, the girls are laying all their cards on the table! Cherine and Misato are having an unfiltered, deeply empowering conversation about getting older, managing energy levels in a fast-paced country like Japan, and answering the big existential...
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Cherine's Comeback
In this special comeback episode, Misato welcomes a jet-lagged but hyperactive Cherine back to Osaka. The girls unpack what it’s really like to return to your home country after years abroad—and the bizarre, surreal feeling of landing back in Japan.
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Are We All Just Faking It on Social Media?
Scroll through your phone for five minutes and everything looks picture-perfect—sunset coffee runs, flawless skin, and constant life wins. But how much of what we post is actually real? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine get uncomfortably honest about the masks we wear online and...
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YouTube Obsession vs. Japan’s Love for TV Dramas
When was the last time you actually flipped through live broadcast channels? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine break down the massive generational shift in how we consume media, contrasting European viewing habits with Japan's unique TV landscape. Cherine opens up about the…
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The Art of Omiyage
With her trip to Belgium just around the corner, Cherine is currently facing every expat’s worst nightmare: fitting a mountain of Japanese souvenirs into a single checked bag. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine break down the ultimate guide to buying gifts in Japan for friends and...
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Belgian Waffles & A Sense of Belonging
After living in Japan's hyper-organized, ultra-polite bubble, heading back to Europe hits a little differently. This week on Spill the Matcha, Cherine is packing her bags for a trip back to her home country of Belgium, and the pre-departure jitters are real. The girls have a candid…
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Learning Japanese Onomatopoeia
Grab a giant cup of Matcha because we are dropping our very first 1-hour mega episode!This week, we are diving deep into the beautiful, confusing, and completely essential world of Japanese linguistics. Specifically, Misato is putting Cherine through the ultimate linguistic gauntlet: Giseigo and...
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The Evolution of Japan’s Gyaru Culture
If you think Japanese fashion is all about quiet minimalism and blending into the crowd, think again. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine take a deep dive into the history, philosophy, and modern comeback of Gyaru culture. Originating as a massive counter-culture movement in the…
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This or That (Japan Edition): Cherine Faces the Impossible Choices
After weeks of playing the cultural guide, Misato is finally taking total control of the microphone. This week on Spill the Matcha, it’s time for This or That: Japan Edition, and Cherine is firmly in the hot seat. Misato has curated a list of the most agonizing, hilarious, and deeply telling...
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Cherine Secretly HATES Matcha?!
Fix your hair and check your lighting, because Spill the Matcha is officially on video! This week, Misato and Cherine hit a major milestone with their first-ever visual episode. But instead of celebrating quietly, Cherine drops a bomb that threatens the entire existence of the show: she…
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The Rise of Romance Scams in Japan
Japan might be famous for its low street-crime rate, but behind closed screens, a different kind of predator is on the rise. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato catches Cherine completely off guard by diving into the dark, sophisticated world of Kokusai Romance Sagi (International Romance…
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The Shady World of Japanese Street Scams
If you walk through any major entertainment district in Japan, your senses are instantly bombarded by giant flashing screens, deafening ad trucks, and a small army of people trying to hand you things. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are pulling back the curtain on Japanese…
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Surviving Osaka's Nightlife Past 30
Remember when staying out until 5:00 AM was a breeze and hangovers didn't last two business days? Yeah, Misato and Cherine barely remember those days either. This week on Spill the Matcha, the girls are getting real about clubbing in your 30s, focusing on the wild contrast between Osaka’s two...
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Cheese Gyudon : How Japan Labels Men
From "alphas" and "simps" to "incels," Western internet culture loves a label. But how does Japan categorize its male population? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine take a deep, unfiltered dive into the fascinating, hilarious, and sometimes dark world of words used to describe men…
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"Have You Heard of This?" Cherine Quizzes Misato on Western Mega-Hits
If a TV show wins ten Emmys but no one in Tokyo is talking about it, does it even exist? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine explore the fascinating divide between what’s popular in the West versus what actually makes it big in Japan. To test the waters, Cherine hosts a hilarious…
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Inside Japan's Disney Hardcore Fanbase
There are Disney fans, and then there are Japanese Disney Fans. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine take a trip into the vibrant, obsessive, and surprisingly disciplined world of Tokyo Disney Resort mania. While "Disney Adults" sometimes face a bit of internet side-eye in the West…
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Why It’s So Hard to Quit a Job in Japan
Saying "I quit" shouldn't require a mediator, right? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine break down the incredibly awkward, high-stress, and culturally complex world of quitting a job in Japan. While changing careers is normal in many parts of the world, Japan’s traditional…
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The Point Card Cult: Why Japan is Obsessed with Cards ?
Don’t let the title fool you—this might be our most high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping episode yet. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the obsessive, wallet-stretching, and strangely addictive world of Japanese Point Cards. In the UK and Belgium, a loyalty card is just...
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From Italian Passions to Japanese "Event" Romance
Put down the roses and pick up the planner! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are debating which country truly wears the crown for romance. We all know the stereotypes—Italy and Spain are the lands of fiery passion and spontaneous grand gestures—but where does Japan fit in? The...
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Paying to Pee? : What We’d Change About Home
No place is perfect, even if it looks like it on Instagram! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are getting brutally honest about the things they would change about their home countries—Japan and Belgium. From social etiquette to public infrastructure, the girls dive into the daily...
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From Purikura to Stickers: Why Japan is Obsessed with Trends ?
Why does everyone in Japan suddenly have the exact same keychain? And why do we all look like aliens in our latest Purikura photos? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are taking a deep dive into the fast-paced, glittery, and sometimes bizarre world of Japanese fads and trends. From...
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Neon, Noir, and the Umeda Police: The Lost Wallet Saga
Imagine going from the neon-soaked, ear-splitting chaos of a Japanese Game Center to... a dark, dingy, and surprisingly depressing police station. This week on Spill the Matcha, Cherine tells the full story of the night she lost her wallet and her subsequent "adventure" with the law. Forget the...
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The Dark Side of the Commute: Understanding Chikan in Japan
Japan is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, but there is one issue that many women face every single day: Chikan (痴漢), or train groping. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine have a serious and necessary conversation about the reality of navigating Japan's…
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Terrace House is Mid? Spilling the Matcha on Japanese Reality TV
Is it actually "reality" if everyone is being too polite to argue? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the addictive, confusing, and sometimes cringey world of Japanese Reality TV. While the rest of the world obsessed over the "chill vibes" of Terrace House, the…
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The Love Imbalance: What to Do When Your Love Feels Unmatched
It’s time for a heart-to-heart. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are opening up the listener mailbag to tackle a vulnerable and tough question: "What do I do if I feel like I love my partner more than they love me?" Feeling like the "over-giver" in a relationship can be lonely…
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Valentine's Day in Japan
Grab your heart-shaped boxes! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are breaking down the fascinating "reverse" tradition of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Unlike in Europe or America, where it's all about cards and flowers (often from the guys), in Japan, the pressure is entirely on the...
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The Unspoken Rules of PDA in Japan
How close is too close? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are getting into the awkward, sweet, and sometimes confusing world of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Japan. In a country where "reading the air" (Kuuki wo yomu) is a national pastime, showing affection in public can…
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Fortune Telling
Is your personality determined by your blood type? Should you avoid moving house this month because the stars say so? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are peering into the crystal ball to discuss the massive culture of Uranai (Fortune-telling) in Japan. In Japan, fortune-telling...
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Japanese Superstitions
Watch your step and mind your chopsticks! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the eerie, the quirky, and the downright mysterious world of Japanese superstitions. Ever wondered why people don't clip their nails at night ? Misato shares the warnings she grew up with,...
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Happy New Year
The holiday break is over, and Misato is finally back in the studio after visiting her hometown in Kumamoto. This week, she and Cherine catch up on all things Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) and what it’s really like to "return to the nest" during the busiest travel week of the year. Sponsors…
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Christmas in Japan
Get ready to swap your roasted turkey for fried chicken! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are celebrating the holidays by comparing Christmas in Japan with the festive traditions of Europe, specifically the UK! They’re spilling the matcha on the unique Japanese holiday customs,...
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Rise of the Sushi Hunters
Dating in Japan is complicated enough, but have you heard the labels? In this spicy episode of Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are decoding the controversial world of dating stereotypes. They’re diving into the concept of the "Sushi Hunter"—the foreign women specifically seeking out Japanese...
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Never Have I Ever... Japan Edition!
The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha, Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It's time to play dirty! This week on Spill the Matcha, the friendship between Misato and Cherine is on the line as they play the ultimate…
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This or That: Misato’s Japan Favorites Revealed!
The pressure is on! In this short and sweet episode of Spill the Matcha, Cherine puts Misato in the hot seat for a high-speed game of "This or That?" It’s a quick-fire round where hesitation isn't an option! Cherine fires off rapid questions testing Misato's ultimate preferences on everything…
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Culture Shocks & Daily Habits
Prepare for some serious "Wait, what?!" moments! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are breaking down the biggest, weirdest, and funniest culture shocks in Japan. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)
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Japan Dilemmas : Would you Rather ?
Get ready for a fun, spontaneous challenge! This week on Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are putting their friendship (and their opinions!) to the test with a round of Would You Rather! The rules are simple: honesty is key! The girls have to choose between two impossible, and…
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Slurping Secrets: Decoding Japan's Food Etiquette
Time to talk manners! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are tackling a topic that often confuses visitors: Japanese food etiquette. They are spilling the matcha on all the dos and don'ts, from the proper way to handle chopsticks (and definitely what notto do with...
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High School Anime: Tropes vs. Reality
If you love a good school uniform and exaggerated drama, this episode is for you! Your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of high school anime on Spill the Matcha. They're spilling the matcha on all the genre's best tropes, from the overly dramatic love triangles and the...
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Uniforms, Clubs, & Crushes: Japanese High School Life
Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are taking a fun trip down memory lane to their Japanese high school days. They’re spilling the matcha on everything, from the fashion (or lack thereof) of the school uniforms and the...
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Where to Shop in Japan !
Grab your wallet and your shopping list! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are giving you the ultimate guide to shopping in Japan. They’re spilling the matcha on everything you need to know, from the best souvenirs to where to find a bargain...They dive into the...
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Anime & Manga
Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, and their favorite Anime and Manga Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)
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Cherine's Euro Trip !
Get your passport ready! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, the girls are embarking on a new adventure without even leaving the studio. Your host Cherine is back from her recent Europe trip and is ready to spill all the details to Misato. From the charming streets of Belgium and its delicious...
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Otaku Culture
Time to get your nerd on! In this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Cherine are diving deep into the world of Otaku culture. They're sharing their love for all things nerdy, from their favorite anime and games to their own experiences with Dungeons & Dragons in Japan. But it’s…
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Kansai Eats & Japanese Cooking
Get ready to get hungry! On this episode of Spill the Matcha, your hosts Misato and Sherine are serving up some serious food talk. They're dishing out all their secrets on the best places to eat in Osaka, sharing everything from hidden gem restaurants to their favorite late-night street food…
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Osaka Nightlife - Partying in Japan
Get ready for some truly wild stories on this episode of Spill the Matcha! Your hosts, Misato and Cherine, are diving deep into the exhilarating (and sometimes chaotic) world of partying in Osaka. From belting out tunes at karaoke, hitting up the hottest nightclubs, to chilling at the coziest…
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Dating & International Marriage in Japan
Join Misato and Cherine, for some honest and hilarious stories on this episode of Spill the Matcha. They’re diving headfirst into the complex and often-amusing world of dating and international marriage in Japan. Are the stereotypes true? What's the reality of the dating scene for foreigners? And...
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Spill The Matcha with Misato & Cherine
Your weekly dose of real talk with Misato and Cherine! Join these two friends as they chat about relationships, lifestyle, and what it’s like living in Japan. It’s like a chat with your besties, brewed fresh every week. Sponsors: Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Your weekly dose of real talk with Misato and Cherine! Join these two friends as they chat about relationships, lifestyle, and what it’s like living in Japan. It’s like a chat with your besties, brewed fresh every week.
HOSTED BY
GAL Podcasts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Spill The Matcha have?
Spill The Matcha currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Spill The Matcha about?
Your weekly dose of real talk with Misato and Cherine! Join these two friends as they chat about relationships, lifestyle, and what it’s like living in Japan. It’s like a chat with your besties, brewed fresh every week.
How often does Spill The Matcha release new episodes?
Spill The Matcha has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Spill The Matcha?
You can listen to Spill The Matcha 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 Spill The Matcha?
Spill The Matcha is created and hosted by GAL Podcasts.
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