Controversial Japan

Human Burrito Productions

Japan is a prime example of collectivist culture while western countries put emphasis on the individual - such polar opposite mindsets. Misunderstandings and confusions are bound to happen when these two perspectives collide. Every episode we unpack one controversial opinion about the Japanese mindset, culture, and custom through stories and interviews. Join host Kaho Koda as she dives into her own culture and attempts to make sense of the disconnect between the Japanese and Western point of view.

Produced by Human Burrito Productions

Written and hosted by Kaho Koda
Sound design by Junan
Cover art by Macie Matthews
Theme song by Mikara

Beschikbare afleveringen

  • No Changes Possible

    In this bonus episode, we explore Japanese customer service at a restaurant. First, Internationals explain their frustrating experience ordering meals. And later we hear from a Japanese individual who experienced customer service...

  • No Need for Questions

    “Sometimes I ignore my questions, and I just take it for what it is.” says Eri, a Japanese woman.  This has affected her academically, romantically, and in just daily life. What does she mean she ignores her questions? In this episode,...

  • No Japanese No Service

    “I’m on a holiday. I’m there for the experience, right? But there are other people living their lives. My experience just intrudes in their lives, basically.” says Rutger, a Dutch man who visited Kyoto as a tourist. Rutger and (host)...

  • Girl Power

    “I feel like it’s almost harder for a woman to be supported by other women in Japan to some extent because I don’t think it’s a common idea that Japanese women want to change their conditions for themselves.” says Fanny, a French woman...

  • Let's (not) Talk about Sex

    “Often we are very talented to divert the conversation. Because that’s the way we speak. We don’t directly address on something. But we always kind of divert it.” says Terra, a Japanese man living in the Netherlands. In this episode we...

  • Don’t Say I Love You

    “You don’t say I love you. You don’t give your mom a hug at the end of the day. Like I feel really awkward doing that. And it’s something that I tried to change at some point in my life. But I think my mom didn’t feel comfortable with...

  • The Lazy Guy

    “If you live in Japan, and work in a Japanese company, you need to follow the Japanese custom.” says Misora, a Japanese woman working in Tokyo. We follow Misora’s story about her ‘lazy’ colleague Paul. We also discuss Paul’s perspective...

  • Welcome to Controversial Japan

    Japan is a prime example of collectivist culture while western countries put emphasis on the individual - such polar opposite mindsets. Misunderstandings and confusions are bound to happen when these two perspectives collide. Every...