In this special episode, Sid is here to join us! As another member of the Asakadai SQWAD, Sid's here to share with us his story studying at Rikkyo, and all of the usual Asakadai shenanigans that occurs. Enjoy!Timestamps[00:00:00] Lock your doors people![00:03:44] Introducing: Sid[00:05:46] Sid's Yokai of the week[00:08:53] Superstitions exist to instil behaviors for control[00:14:52] Sid's journey to Rikkyo[00:19:01] Certificate of Eligibility problems[00:27:19] The first week of signing papers[00:30:55] Sid's first day at Asakadai dorm[00:34:58] Hanging out for the first time[00:37:05] Rikkyo experience: Sid's perspective[00:45:17] Magical train instinct[00:50:35] Clubbing logistics[00:55:08] Going to concerts was free real estate[00:59:25] Sid's favourite memories in Rikkyo[01:08:43] When Sid really met Holly[01:22:14] Messing with Asakadai people[01:29:12] Sid's scary or bad experiences[01:55:00] We don't really pay attention to things outside of Japan during exchange[02:00:45] Isolation from dancing in a circle [02:05:58] What to do with the Asakadai Squad again?LinksYokai of the Week: https://yokai.com/kappa/Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about happy memories! What makes us happy? How did it evolve over time? Norm and Holly take a tip down memory lane as we look back at our happiest memories growing up, and how it eventually evolved into gratitude over time. Also, we talk about what an e-boy Yokai would look like...so look forward to that chemical romance!Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro[00:00:12] Football and getting our first names[00:05:11] J-Dramas and dumb memories at the dorm[00:10:48] Welcome to the show![00:15:46] The Gaijin building of Rikkyo University[00:18:53] The Yokai of the Week[00:36:20] What would spawn an eboy Yokai?[00:43:13] What's the first thing that comes to mind when we think of happiness?[00:54:48] The Years of Angst[01:04:13] Uncontrolled freedom can be dangerous[01:11:20] Seeking happiness on a deeper level[01:22:34] It's hard pointing out the happiest moment of our lives[01:27:00] Favourite happy memory in Japan[01:36:17] Finding happiness now[01:44:45] Putting chapters in our happiness[01:49:22] Happiness as defined by other peopleLinksYokai of the Week: https://yokai.com/chouchinkozou/Coffee & Vanilla: https://mydramalist.com/37567-coffee-vanillaFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we dive into the wonderful world of love hotels! Exploring the concept of sex in Japan, the convenience of these buildings and all the crazy themes that exist there, Norm and Holly go design their own while navigating around this wonderfully uncomfortable topic. Enjoy!Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro, Priming for Lust[00:02:36] Dealing with religious family members[00:05:53] Introducing the show and Happy Thanksgiving![00:10:26] Celebrating Thanksgiving as an excuse for gratitude[00:14:40] A shot to your declarations![00:18:19] The wonderful world of love hotels[00:20:48] Japan After Dark[00:29:58] The accepted taboo of sex in Japan[00:34:01] The booming business of anonymous sex[00:41:01] The behaviour will still exist[00:44:14] Yokai of the Week[00:50:52] Is there a Ms Shirime? And depictions of Yokai in Manga and anime[01:04:41] Themes galore in love hotels[01:10:02] The liberation found in SM[01:14:11] A fuck trip across Japan[01:20:31] How would we design our own love hotel?[01:32:47] Our personalities don't always match to our sexual desires[01:39:54] Questioning celibacy and the difficulty of supporting a familyLinksYokai of the Week: https://yokai.com/kejourou/11 Bizarre Japanese love hotels: https://tokyonightowl.com/11-bizarre-japanese-love-hotels/Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about crimes: what compels us to break rules and face potential punishment. After the Joker event that happened during Halloween in Tokyo, both hosts talk about compulsions, rationales and more, in societies that may ultimately fail to support those in need.Timestamps[00:00:00] Life before masks[00:01:33] Introducing crime[00:03:29] Yokai of the Week (Content warning!)[00:13:07] Spinoff show on Yokai hunting?[00:17:35] Learning about restraint from Yokai[00:22:21] Doing bad things throughout our childhood[00:27:05] The temptation of invasive harmful thoughts[00:38:24] The Joker Killer[00:49:55] Punishment becomes sought after[00:55:34] People just want to live, and kindness is the vessel[01:08:30] The human being's capacity for exceptions is limited[01:30:01] What are some unforgivable crimes?[01:33:37] Question for you!LinksYokai of the week: https://yokai.com/daitengu/Joker Killer news: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59103664Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqg---Follow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about anime! But not just the Narutos, One Pieces, and Bleaches: we talked about the childhood anime that we grew up with, our relationship with anime fans (aka. weaboos), and the real implications of what each of the genres represent. This isn't a discussion for everyone unless you're a fan of cultural implications and anthropology too, but enjoy nonetheless!Timestamps00:00 Intro02:06 Daylight Savings and a crazy Deepavali drinking night07:07 Yokai of the Week22:50 Childhood anime and Digimon vs. Pokemon31:31 Getting a larger worldview and growing perspectives through anime39:45 To be wrapped up in a fantasy world43:33 The origin of weaboo, and Japan as a 'perfect world'54:15 What we consume skews our impression of a country1:07:00 We understand countries through the lowest barrier of understanding1:12:43 Creating anime to provoke discussion and bring up issues1:18:35 Perfectly engineered nostalgia, and compensating for what a culture is missing1:32:16 Sexualisation of Asian Men and trends breaking stereotypes1:37:42 Becoming more skeptical of attractions after the Hallyu Wave1:46:18 Not many people in Japan watch anime as much as we do1:54:09 Manga recommendationsLinksYokai of the Week: https://yokai.com/suikanobakemono/Psycho-Pass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psycho-PassDance! Subaru: https://myanimelist.net/manga/6888/SubaruPromised Neverland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Promised_NeverlandFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

Happy Halloween! In this week's episode we're exploring the wonderful world of trick-or-treating and how that's played out in Japan as well as our home countries!Timestamps00:00 Intro1:33 Exploring our old halloween costumes5:15 The beautiful Yokai of the Week12:40 Would ghosts survive well in modern Japan?20:25 Our earliest memories of Halloween32:19 How did Halloween arrive in Japan?36:42 The real Horror season happens in Summer41:49 The colourful riot of Shibuya Halloween48:04 Japanese Mad Max Experience55:05 In Kansai they go hard59:01 You are given permission to be feral1:08:41 Better to be weird together than by yourself1:13:58 What would be good Halloween costumes for us?1:17:26 Norm's forbidden halloween costume1:24:09 Pandemic during Halloween, how would it look like?1:26:28 Impulse Halloween and responsibilities1:31:19 Organised chaos across all timezonesLinksYokai of the Week: https://yokai.com/kuchisakeonna/Article on differences in celebrating Halloween in the US vs. Japan: https://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/en/article/11192Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

This episode is all about food! From our spiciest memories with ramen to 'The Incident', Norm and Holly share their food misadventures throughout Tokyo!Timestamps00:00 Intro2:32 Yokai of the week5:03 When objects gain a soul of their own11:53 What items should come alive in modern society?18:26 Books to be transported to23:12 Rating the Princess28:00 Our spiciest memory of ramen37:08 Eating noodles like going to bars39:34 Nobody has seen you at your worst than your local konbini43:38 Convenient food isn't always convenient49:31 Nothing beats taco rice and curry 56:52 It's healthier to eat a lot in Japan1:00:01 The Incident1:05:57 Aburasoba: The 8th wonder of the Japan1:17:14 The worst thing we ate in Japan1:27:15 True innovation is borderline insanityLinksYokai of the Week, Suzuhikohime: https://yokai.com/suzuhikohime/Moukotanmen Nakamoto: https://goo.gl/maps/PWmZDstNwjr7tmXE7Ichiran Ramen Ikebukuro: https://goo.gl/maps/wXtaKg9fx17HGsXZ6Basso Drillman Twitter: https://twitter.com/basso_drillmanBasso Drillman Location (The branch near Rikkyo sadly closed!): https://goo.gl/maps/j7xif89sFKmBQe4B8Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about what to know, bring, and research when moving to Japan! From things you don't need to bring to necessary recommendations and logistics to consider, we give you the rundown on what you need to set up ASAP!WARNING: This episode contains graphic themes, namely because of our chosen Yokai of the week. If you're not a fan of graphic/violent imagery, please use the timestamps below to skip to the main topic! #PocariSweatBoyzTimestamps:00:00 Intro2:03 Catching up8:42 Lockdown messed with our sense of time12:33 We relate more with the obscene15:40 (EXPLICIT) Youkai of the week: Enkou30:55 Moving to Japan: What should you prepare?34:36 Should we bring personal items?38:38 Holly sharing her experiences moving in for work40:07 The little things you have to worry about42:43 Trust your own medicine49:03 When in doubt, seek a Japanese colleague50:19 Pocari Sweat, Elixir of Life53:55 Ukon to save you from binging alcohol54:48 You should know this before entering1:01:05 Japan loves long-term contracts1:11:49 Prepare clothes for 4 seasons1:21:25 Winter is dependent on the region1:26:26 The mentality you should have when moving to Japan1:36:34 How do you act in a foreign environment?LinksYokai of the Week, Enkou: https://yokai.com/enkou/Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hotaruchiFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we'll be talking all about wanderlust: the effects of travel on us and how it changes the way we look at the world. We take a trip down memory lane, with memories of our first times travelling. We talked about our assumptions of Japanese people and had them broken down as soon as we arrived there. Plenty of introspection happening here, and of course, a little bit yabai added in between.Timestamps2:21 The Kanpai Yokai Tier List: What makes a demon a good demon?7:57 This week's Yokai: Heikegani15:51 The power of travel and wanderlust19:44 Our earliest memories travelling for the first time28:46 Experiencing our first times travelling33:22 Recognising differences in food culture44:30 The places that center us: flowers and water56:19 Iterations of nature, and breaking our assumptions1:09:04 The assumptions of Japanese people and how they are vastly different once met1:15:25 Where we want to go next1:29:49 Where is home?1:36:27 Do we travel to be away from home or do we travel to find it?1:40:04 The element of hesitation stops us from travellingLinksHeikegani, a C-Tier YokaiAshikaga Flower parksFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode we talk about superstitions, believes and Yokai! How do demons affect the way that we behave? What were the journeys that both co-hosts went through to gain a better understanding of themselves? And why is the Shirime the one true god? From hot waterfall daddies to butt eyes, please enjoy the episode!Timestamps2:30 Do you believe in ghosts?9:12 In Japan, every detail is an art form in itself13:12 God formed the basis for the instruction of living18:51 An actual ghost story that happened25:13 Sensitivity to what cannot be explained39:05 Our favorite Yokai, and the Yokai Tier List44:05 The Yokai animals of modern Japan51:12 Gender portrayal in cultural history, and Hot Waterfall Daddy59:04 The powerlessness and natural course of humanity1:06:59 Do we have too many demons? Can we invent our own gods?1:13:42 How Shintoism and other religions affect one's behavior in Japan1:22:45 Looking into Japanese cults, and spirituality equaling ego1:32:35 Our journeys in spirituality, and how that developed after JapanLinksOonamazuShirimeYokai Website#shirimeistheonetruegod#hotwaterfalldaddyFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

We're going to take it slow this episode and talk about burnout, fleeting friendships, finding your support system, and the desperation we can get to when we're trying to find our way back 'home'. This is not a light-hearted episode, and though we talk about our experiences in Japan, we also talk about how to cope with ourselves before and after it. Hope you learn a lot from this one!Timestamps:5:20 How we handle burnout changes as we grow older10:42 Burnout multiples if all the contexts gather in one place15:32 "Growing up as a person, there's something wrong with me"20:50 Creating personas as a coping mechanism for stress26:56 Tokyo is too fast-paced for nature33:45 The first step to making friends needs courage41:37 People adapt at different speeds to get comfortable in speaking their mind 49:40 When friendships deepen after exchange1:00:33 "Everyone is busy"1:05:17 The beauty of friendship is the time spent keeping it up1:11:05 Social media is a form of burnout1:17:52 Coping with fleeting connections1:30:42 To meet with the people you know before exchange again1:38:16 There was a desperation to get back to where you did exchange1:48:10 Find your support systemFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about drinking culture! From nomikais to nomihoudais, why people drink so much and the expectations of drinking in working society. We take a look at how it affects our habits as well as what Japanese culture deems mandatory!Timestamps:3:25 Alcohol is very cheap + Norm's drinking strategies11:46 Comparing experiences in learning about drinking19:10 Living the double life in Japan23:22 Learning about Nomikai and Nomihoudai34:50 On themed bars and Hooters40:10 Meeting Sid, and drinking in Karaoke48:54 The scary moments when drinking1:00:11 Foreigner expectaations, and the dark side of corporate Nomikai1:11:14 Alcohol as a key to unlock individuality1:21:00 How do we take care of ourselves in this environment?1:31:11 Everything is better from HokkaidoMentions:Sharla's video on Whales of August Bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9gybKSe2-4Norm's podcast episode on the Whales of August: https://thatsthenorm.com/whales-of-august/Follow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about convenience stores! Not only do we cover our favorite brands, we share our experiences using them and how convenience functions as the backbone of Japanese society. Taking a fun topic and zooming it out to a macro perspective, how does a culture provide convenience for you and how does that reflect your place in society? Find out! #wildpantygachamachineTimestamps3:39 Why Family Mart is top-tier8:45 Our breakfasts start at 7-1113:29 Embarrassing moments21:11 The convenience store is the backbone of society30:41 Cash-based society means we're hunting for ATMs35:44 Saving face through efficiency can lead to isolation49:23 Vending machines and used panties54:13 Sexual conveniences, pink salons and hugging1:02:03 Convenience stores make being alone an option1:12:08 The atmosphere changes our personality1:25:01 Loneliness is a vice that we can escape to1:34:04 Not paying for any medicine in Japan1:39:44 Reverse engineering society by looking at convenience store experiencesMentionedConvenience Store Women by Murata Sayaka: https://www.goodreads.com/is/book/show/36605525-convenience-store-womanFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

In this episode, we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start this podcast, uncovering the reality of living abroad in Tokyo, and exploring topics we can talk about further down the line! Timestamps08:00 How Norm and Holly met the first time12:13 Getting into a new exchange semester is difficult16:16 Team SMESH and empty champagne bottles23:31 Comparing nightlifes of different countries39:09 Living the train life, and taking responsibility for schedules48:20 Learning Japanese required a strict acumen57:45 Humbling ourselves to our Japanese language ability1:14:22 Belonging to society, and recognising cultural differences1:25:54 Forgiving ourselves for speaking foreign languagesMentionsSharla in JapanRikkyo UniversityFollow Holly here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotaru.chi_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotaruchi_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozAFQfdEfhjmyafFjesaqgFollow Norm here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisaintnormYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRCbVifuTpvHn6WVcJaXdA/videos

Coming up: a show between two co-hosts who like to talk about all things Japan, society, culture, and all the yabai stuff in between. To be released in September!