shikoku

What? Bonus content, already?! That's right! The Krewe is here with a surprise bonus episode to talk about the 2024 JET Program Application Cycle. Returning guest Tye Ebel, JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, is back, this time with his colleague Jonathan Contrades, Culture Coordinator at the same consulate. Together, they share some excellent insight & updates (along with crucial tips & tricks) to tackling and approaching this year's JET Application.. from Statement of Purpose (SOP) tips to handling referral letters. Don't miss out!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode (timestamps [hh:mm:ss] where you can find the code)!

Liquid IV Offer Link  to save 20% Off your Entire Order! (00:01:06)

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  (00:42:40)

------ JET Program-Related Links ------

JET Program USA Application Portal

JET Program USA Website

JET Programme International Website

JETAA Mid-South (JET Alumni Chapter for New Orleans area, as well as LA, AR, MS) Facebook Group

JETAA Mid-South Site

Memphis Japan Fest (11/05/2023)

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

11/5/23 - Kwaidan Book Club: Never Let Me Go

11/9/23 - JSNO Annual Meeting 2023

11/18/23 - Ikebana Workshop

11/29/23 - Spirited Away Screening @ Margaret Place (Link TBD)

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... in light of Japan Society of New Orleans’s  upcoming 2024 Sister City Exchange Program, the Krewe sits down with Nicholas McCullough, Coordinator of International Relations for the International Tourism Division in Matsue. Nicholas takes us through some of the must-see, must-do, must-eat options that Matsue has to offer inbound visitors! Stay tuned at the end for some information on how to participate in the New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program in 2024!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ About Nicholas & Matsue ------

In Matsue Facebook Page

Images in Matsue Instagram Page

------ About New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program ------

JSNO Page about Exchange Programs

Become a Member of Japan Society of New Orleans

The islands of Shikoku and Kyushu were both in the process of their own unification when Hideyoshi brought his armies to bear against their major powers and forced their submission.

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits down to discuss omiyage, when to get it, who to get it for, what to get, and how to navigate the culture of gift-giving in Japan! From sneaky good ideas to absolutely DON'T DO IT mistakes, the Krewe has it all!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... HAJIME! The Krewe sits down with Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo, to take a deep dive into the way of the sword. From the historical context of how kendo came to be to the ins and outs of being a kendo practitioner, this episode will open your eyes to this intense martial art! And don't forget... KI... KEN... TAI... ICHI! (Gotta listen to get that reference!)

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Alexander Bennett, Kendo & Kenjutsu  ------

Budo Books

Alexander Bennett on Instagram

Shogun Martial Arts

New Orleans Kendo Club

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe explores the Japanese language in a different way... by studying the Kansai Dialect with Japanese tutor Tyson of Nihongo Hongo! Learn new phrases & words while discovering the differences between standard Japanese & the Kansai Dialect.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Tyson & Nihongo Hongo  ------

Nihongo Hongo on Instagram

Nihongo Hongo on YouTube

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits back down with returning guest & friend of the podcast, Shinichi Mine of TabiEats YouTube fame!  Together, we explore one of Japanese most hyped and popular dish... RAMEN! From the different types and regional delicacies to etiquette and manners and recent trends, we cover it all! Bust out those chopsticks & soup spoons... ITADAKIMASU! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Shinichi & TabiEats ------

Shinichi on Instagram

Shinichi's World on Instagram

Shinichi on TikTok

TabiEats on Instagram

TabiEats YouTube Channel

Shinichi's World YouTube Channel

I Will Always Travel For Food YouTube Channel

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots to explore the wide & wacky world of Japanese Mascots. Kumamon, Domo-Kun, Chiitan and so many others... Chris shares his expertise & passion for these lovable characters through stories about how they have evolved from marketing & branding tools to international sensations and cultural ambassadors, help drive tourism for small communities, & so much more. 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram:@kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Chris Carlier (Mondo Mascots) ------

Mondo Mascots on Twitter

Mondo Mascots on Instagram

Mondo Mascots Blog

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Rin of Mainichi Kimono to better understand the intricate world of kimono. Rin shares so much knowledge about the rich history and culture surrounding one of Japan's most distinguished fashions, including the types of kimono, etiquette & accessories, & the training is involved in becoming a kimono stylist... among so much more! You won't want to miss out on this one!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram:@kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Rin (Mainichi Kimono) ------

Support and Commission Rin on Ko-fi

Mainichi Kimono Twitter

Mainichi Kimono Instagram

The Krewe grabs an eki-ben and hops on a Shinkansen to explore the prefecture of Hiroshima with their special guest Joy Jarman-Walsh (who listeners may also know as JJ Walsh). Long-time Hiroshima resident, Joy co-founded GetHiroshima, founded Inbound Ambassador, and is the host of the Seek Sustainable Japan Podcast. She shares with the Krewe her depth of knowledge in all topics pertaining to what Hiroshima has to offer. If you've ever had the desire to visit and learn more about Hiroshima, this is the episode for you!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Joy Jarman-Walsh ------

Seek Sustainable Japan YouTube Channel

Sustainable Travel Japan Online Courses (2023)

JJWalsh's Patreon

Seek Sustainable Japan Podcast (Audio Only)

Inbound Ambassador Website

Inbound Ambassador on Instagram

Joy Jarman-Walsh on LinkedIn

Inbound Ambassador on Facebook

@JJWalsh on Twitter

JJWalsh Newsletter on Substack

JJWalsh Articles on Medium

In this third installment of the Sengoku States series, we follow the activities of the Shimazu Clan on Kyushu, the Chosokabe Clan on Shikoku, and the Miyoshi Clan on Shikoku and in Kansai during the early-to-mid 1500s.

In this season finale episode, the Krewe look back on some of their favorite moments from the season, share the behind the scenes of the podcast, and look to the season ahead! It has truly been a pleasure! Thank you for joining us throughout season 3 on our weekly(-ish lol) audio journeys!  

For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... with the borders re-opened, the Krewe is on a travel kick lately (and is ALWAYS on a food kick)... so this week the Krewe put the two together!  Joined by Shinichi of TabiEats YouTube Channel fame, we explore Japan with a food-focused filter. From crazy vending machines to a cuisine breakdown by region, this episode will help you figure out how to plan your trips around your meals... and not the other way around! ITADAKIMASU! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Shinichi & TabiEats ------

Shinichi on Instagram

Shinichi's World on Instagram

TabiEats on Instagram

TabiEats YouTube Channel

Shinichi's World YouTube Channel

I Will Always Travel For Food YouTube Channel

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... don your henro gear, grab your walking stick, & journey to Shikoku for an 800 mile, thousand year old 88 temple pilgrimage with Todd Wassel, author of the travel memoir Walking in Circles! The Krewe & Todd explore the history behind the pilgrimage, personal experiences traversing the island, some can't-miss tips for preparation, and just a general appreciation of the natural beauty of Shikoku as a whole. You don't want to miss this one! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Todd Wassel ------

Todd's Website

Walking in Circles (Amazon)

Todd on Twitter

Todd on Instagram

Shikoku Pilgrimage Website

Proof Doug Actually did this (Ehime Prefecture Blog)

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... news of the Japanese borders re-opening to foreign independent-travelling tourists has everyone hyped! While this announcement of visa waivers & removal of daily caps isn't officially official just yet, all things are pointing to this being cemented soon. However, up until this point, 2022 hasn't been the easiest for people trying to get into Japan. However, it wasn't impossible! Doug sits down with special guest hosts (and friends-of-the-podcast) Rob Dyer of The Real Japan & Allan Richarz of Tokyo Confidential Podcast to discuss which visas helped them get into the country, their travels while there, and all the red tape and shocking surprises along the way! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Rob Dyer ------

The Real Japan website

Rob's Twitter Profile

How to Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese (Audiobook)

Rob's Travel Diary from his Most Recent Trip

11 Unique Things to Do in Osaka

------ More Info on Allan Richarz ------

Allan's Twitter Profile

Tokyo Confidential Twitter Profile

Tokyo Confidential Podcast

Allan's New York Times Work

Allan's Recent Bloomberg Article on Transit Accessibility in Japan

In the final part of this 2-part episode, Doug and Nigel conclude their discussion with Rob Dyer (founder and CEO of The Real Japan). This time they tackle the specific off the beaten path recommendations in the Kansai area, from onsen town and art museums, to giant torii and castles in the sky. They also discuss helpful topics like navigating via taxis and with little Japanese. Post interview Doug and Nigel discuss their thoughts on their interview with Rob. As always, buckle up, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

For more on Rob Dyer and his company The Real Japan visit:

https://www.therealjapan.com/

https://twitter.com/TheRealJapan1?s=20

For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans visit:

https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this part 1 of this 2-part episode, Doug and Nigel sit down with Rob Dyer (founder and CEO of The Real Japan). The Krewe and Rob cover a lot of ground in this episode from Rob's visit to the Krewe's home of New Orleans, his backstory of falling in love with Japan, and meeting his wife via a penpal exchange to Rob's first journeys to Kansai, the beginning of our conversation on off the beaten path travel, and planning for serendipity. Buckle up, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Be sure to catch part 2 of the interview airing next week!

For more on Rob Dyer and his company The Real Japan visit:

https://www.therealjapan.com/

https://twitter.com/TheRealJapan1?s=20

For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans visit:

https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this episode, the Krewe is neck deep in travel nostalgia! Doug, Jenn & Nigel talk about places that should be on every traveler's list. Later in the episode, Doug and Jenn sit down with Kay Allen, Deputy Manager for the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Los Angeles Office. Kay provides fantastic insight into traveling Japan, some of her favorite destinations, and how the Olympics and CoVid-19 have reshaped the tourism industry in Japan.

Japan National Tourism Office:

https://www.japan.travel/en/us/

This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans:

http://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/

Today, Debbie Weil brings DJ DiDonna on the show to talk about sabbaticals, first cousins to gap years. DJ  is a graduate of Harvard Business School, co-founder of a socially-conscious financial tech company, and now, an expert on sabbaticals. Like a lot of young entrepreneurs DJ was burned out after working flat out for seven years. So he took two sabbaticals: one to make the famous, 900-mile Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. And another to hike and motorcycle across New Zealand.

Then he founded The Sabbatical Project to explore how and why sabbaticals lead to positive outcomes for working professionals. The goal of the project is to make corporate sabbatical policies more mainstream. He’s collaborating on academic research on the topic with Matt Bloom, a former Notre Dame professor who runs WorkWell Research.

As noted, a sabbatical is a close cousin to a gap year or timeout and DJ has lots to say about the psychological benefits of taking a timeout, whether it’s voluntary or involuntary. 

What they talked about

• The difference between a gap year and a sabbatical
• A forced sabbatical vs. a chosen sabbatical
• The most surprising things that happened during DJ's sabbatical pilgrimage in Japan
• Why we need research on sabbaticals - the results provide incentives and encouragement to companies to offer sabbatical options
• One surprising discovery of the research: a phenomenon called functional workaholism
• The courage it takes to take a sabbatical or a gap year and the importance of exemplars
• Why Debbie and her husband, Sam Harrington, decided to take their Gap Year After Sixty
• DJ’s book proposal, aptly titled Time Off Well Spent
• The importance of retrospection and hindsight, during and after  taking a sabbatical

Mentioned in the episode or useful:

• DJ DiDonna
• The Sabbatical Project
• DJ’s 2019 Tedx Talk: Time (Off) Well Spent
• Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan
• LenddoEFL
• Even a “forced sabbatical” can have profound benefits by DJ DiDonna (Quartz At Work, April 6, 2020)
• The Sabbatical Project Dispatch (DJ’s newsletter)
• Work Well Research with Matt Bloom
• Making Sabbaticals Mainstream, Harvard Business School podcast with DJ (March 2019)

University sabbatical programs for older adults

• Notre Dame Inspired Leadership Initiative
• Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative
• Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute

Previous podcast episodes about taking a timeout

• Seth Godin on Taking a Gap Year, Changing your Mindset and Why he Isn’t Pausing (The Gap Year Podcast S2-Ep21)
• Chip Conley on the Future of Travel, the Journey Within, and Hitting Play After the Pause (The Gap Year Podcast S2-Ep23)
• Kim Klaft on.a Global Gap Year and Living Without Regret (S2:EP17)

Photo credit: Cynthia Cendreda

Note from Debbie

I hope you enjoyed this podcast. Would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than sixty seconds, and it really makes a difference in attracting new listeners and upcoming guests. I might read your review on my next episode!

Sign up for occasional updates and get my free writing guide at http://eepurl.com/qGTP

Connect with me:

• Twitter: @debbieweil
• Instagram: @debbieweil
• Facebook: @debbieweil
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/debbieweil

- Debbie

We are looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in reaching a smart and thoughtful audience of midlife, and older, listeners, contact Debbie Weil.

Media Partners

• Next For Me
• Encore.org
• MEA

Support this podcast:

• Leave a review on iTunes: it will help us find a sponsor! If you are interested, contact Debbie Weil
• Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or Spotify

Credits:

• Host: Debbie Weil
• Producer: Far Out Media
• Podcast website
• Music: Lakeside Path by Duck Lake

Connect with us:

• Email: thegapyearpodcast@gmail.com
• Debbie Weil and Sam Harrington's blog: Gap Year After Sixty

Mike from New Zealand and Tomoko from Japan join the podcast for the second time. On today's show they talk about their 6 month trip, in 2019, through all 47 prefectures in Japan. We talk about the amazing free campsites that they found online, working at a hotel for 2 months, favourite places they visited, Burke talks about his time living in Mie, Tomoko gives her thoughts on Ibaraki (her hometown), over tourism in Kyoto, the best prefecture to live in, and much much more. Enjoy the show!


Support the show

Website:

https://www.voicesinjapan.com/

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Get in touch: 

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