The year is ending soooo it’s time for the Ryuukogo Taisho (流行語大賞) - Japan’s buzzword of the year! Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the most popular slang, though some of the words might be slang. It’s pretty much just the most used words throughout the year, often in reference to pop culture and other news events. Looking at this list is a great recap of the year.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
流行語 ryuukogo - buzzwords, popular words
方言 hougen - dialect
References/sources:
Sources
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ae49166b854562fbe3a99ee9b1a9a25bb9ee00ff/images/000
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ae49166b854562fbe3a99ee9b1a9a25bb9ee00ff
Japan’s 2024 buzzword of the year urges a reevaluation of past norms
Time stamps
00:00 intro/life updates
02:56 buzzword of the year
04:22 history of the Ryuukogo Taisho
05:14 2025 candidates
19:10 how do they choose a winner?
21:29 previous winners
29:09 our own buzzwords and highlights
35:12 the winner for 2025 (officially)
After going down a rabbit hole about the dangers of strong zero (Japan’s choice drink for broke students and English teachers??), we’re wondering how it’s still on the market. With that in mind, it got us thinking about what other things might be legal or illegal in Japan, at least compared to the US where we’re from.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
References/sources:
“STRONG ZERO- Japan's Most Controversial "Dr*g" of the 21st Century.” - Asianalysis with AL & HELEN
https://youtu.be/dIglANEaIgI?si=uQS-6PWT1eFDIrHH
Top 10 strange laws in Japan
2 Strange Japanese Laws That Will Make You Go WTF
https://thesmartlocal.jp/strange-japanese-laws
Interesting and funny rules to know about Japan
https://www.his-usa.com/destination-japan/blog/interesting_and_funny_rules_to_know_about_japan.html
Mrs Eats videos
https://youtu.be/vvRbtKKKrxo?si=t04NztP5E274w7O8
https://youtu.be/Ns_zZHK9NR0?si=Esid9TynqJsNpngU
“Wait, Japan and the U.S. Are That Different?” Is It True You Can Go to Jail for Not Paying Child Support in the U.S.?
Narcolepsy
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/narcolepsy/#inheritance
Japan releases American held for 18 days over prescription
https://apnews.com/general-news-c4ba8f7e6d9d44f3ac904776b7d11739
Japan has ‘strictest standard in the world’ when it comes to CBD products
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09/05/japan/cbd-illegal-or-legal/
13 Meats That Are Now Illegal In The US
https://www.thetakeout.com/1933658/meats-illegal-us-now/
Time stamps
00:00 intro/why we chose this topic
02:42 strong zero should prob be illegal - TW addiction and ED
19:37 alcohol related (public drinking, driving, etc)
30:48 foods that are legal/illegal (raw meats, certain animals)
42:26 medication, drugs, healthcare
51:14 marriage and child support
58:45 random laws
59:48 self defense
*Please be respectful in the comments and listen to these stories with empathy. Today we will chat about the main reasons why people get deported from Japan, treatment at immigration detention facilities, and Japan’s policies on asylum and refugee status applications.
TW: medical neglect, su*cide.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
References/sources:
Death at immigration facility raises questions about medical care
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1597/
Wishma Sandamali: The siblings suing Japan over their sister's death
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65692546
Cause of death of detainee revealed for the first time, family says
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14708342
September 2025: Japan govt. against releasing full video of woman who died at immigration center
The violent truth about immigration detention centers in Japan: Parts 1 and 2
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220215/p2a/00m/0na/034000c
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220221/p2a/00m/0na/020000c
State told to pay damages for detainee's injuries at Japan immigration
Blameless but facing deportation: Japan immigration law's inexplicable provision
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250724/p2a/00m/0na/006000c
17 applicants deported under stricter refugee recognition law
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15670137
Japan court awards asylum seekers damages over prolonged detention
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/55674
Departure Order System Explanation
https://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/ib04-04.pdf
Time stamps
00:00 intro/why we chose this topic
02:01 trigger warnings and disclaimers
03:22 most common reasons ppl get deported
06:22 Wishma Sandamali passes away in detention, healthcare denied
14:00 Andre Kussunoki - assaulted by immigration officers
22:33 facing deportation for someone else’s fake visa
27:52 not all nightmare experiences
30:16 fines, probation, re-entry bans
35:00 asylum and refugee applications
37:48 what about the children?
Today with special guest SATSUKI we talk all about being an up and coming musician in Japan! How does the music industry differ from the west? Doing paperwork just to busk? Are Japanese audiences completely silent? Let’s find out.
Satsuki’s Music: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37FWvcJApple Music: https://apple.co/34mr3hfYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvyYiK7wkmt_zJpTTKWpFlA?si=29zap9bjX46X08mwSocial Media:WEBSITE: https://www.thisissatsuki.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thisissatsuki TWITTER: https://www.x.com/thisissatsuki TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/thisissatsuki
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Time stamps
00:00 we have a guest
02:22 Satsuki’s background
9:22 genre and inspiration
12:23 gigs in Japan, busking
16:28 physical merch and differences in lives
25:10 bilingual music
27:27 making a living, family support
33:51 the gender divide on artists
37:46 favorite songs and music videos they’ve made
41:45 different eras
47:58 advice for musicians, language barrier
54:09 best and worst performances
Japan is known around the world for their cleanliness and safety. They also pride themselves on their 99% conviction rate. What’s the full story of that conviction rate though? Has anyone ever been falsely accused of a crime or imprisoned in the name of this high conviction rate? Why is Japan’s capital punishment criticized for its cruelty?
Let’s chat about all this and more, and learn the story of Iwao Hakamata, the world’s longest serving death row inmate who was fully exonerated only last year after decades behind bars.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
References/sources:
Former prison guard describes stark reality of executions
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14767701
Japanese court acquits world’s longest serving death row inmate
https://www.ntv.co.jp/englishnews/articles/2021zkzw33zk4ax7pdwj.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hakamata’s Letters
https://www.asahi.com/special/hakamadaletters/en/
https://youtu.be/tuKueuIb3Xs?si=hqDOTlXuWF9bBNR5
99.9%: Is Japan’s High Conviction Rate a Product of “Hostage Justice”?
https://unseen-japan.com/japan-criminal-justice/#The_safest_country_in_the_world…
Hyogo Police Compelled 12-Year-Old Girl to Confess to False Report
https://unseen-japan.com/12-year-old-forced-confession/
58 YEARS BEHIND BARS... AND HE WAS INNOCENT: THE HAKAMADA CASE | Korean Files
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuKueuIb3Xs
The Japanese Boxer Accused Of Mass Murder
https://youtu.be/iOipVRL-O_k?si=fn7lR6BMQgv-7UPK
Hakamata gets ¥217M in compensation after acquittal in 1966 murder case
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/25/japan/crime-legal/japan-hakamata/
Shizuoka police chief apologizes to Iwao Hakamata after his acquittal
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/21/japan/crime-legal/hakamata-shizuoka-police-apology/
Over 80% of Japanese say death penalty system is 'unavoidable'
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/22/japan/society/death-penalty-survey
Survey: 83% of Japanese still support death penalty
https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15639980
US embassy and consulate
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/under-investigation-the-next-20-days/
What happens if you go to prison in Japan?
https://blog.gaijinpot.com/what-happens-if-you-go-to-prison-in-japan/
Time stamps
00:00 what made us want to do this topic
02:15 what we will cover today
04:46 disclaimer
05:16 Japan’s safety & how it compares to other countries
14:06 Japan’s 99% conviction rate
16:48 23-day detention period
22:59 interrogation
26:09 death row & why Japan’s capital punishment is cruel
39:21 exonerations and Iwao Hakamata’s story
Living abroad can be complicated! After some years, things can become less exciting and new, but thrilling in other ways. Let's go through some reddit stories and chat about things we wish we could redo, getting back that spark, and more.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
ナプキン napukin - pad (for periods)
老人 roujin - elderly person
飲み会 nomikai - drinking party
飲み放題 nomihodai - all-you-can-drink
References/sources:
“Falling out of love with Japan”
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1ch5im6/falling_out_of_love_with_living_in_japan/
“I like my life in Japan but…”
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1cmxb8i/i_like_my_life_in_japanbut/
Mainichi Article: “Japan ranks lowest in quality of life satisfaction among 30 countries: happiness survey” https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250410/p2a/00m/0na/010000c
“Your most controversial thought about any aspect of living in Japan” https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1h2dx6f/your_most_controversial_thought_about_any_aspect/
“If you could have a do-over of your life in Japan thus far, what would you change?”
Time stamps
00:00 hello
03:49 intro to the topic
05:41 disclaimer
07:11 “falling out of love with Japan”
13:57 “I like my life in Japan but…”
30:09 surface level relationships
33:14 happiness survey among natives
40:33 controversial takes
42:38 asking for a napkin
49:41 what you wish you could redo
Thinking about going to Japan to study the Japanese language? We brought on Ariana today who has been to language school in Tokyo for half a year (on a student visa). Frankie has attended part-time at a language school in Osaka, and Cheyenne has some insight about the student visa from doing an exchange in university. Is it worth the costs? How much do you need up front? Will going to school improve your Japanese and help you enter the work force? Do you have to take the JLPT? Let’s find out!
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Ariana - @maplesushi
Words mentioned/useful words
先輩 senpai - senior, mentor
後輩 kouhai (opposite of senpai)
移民 imin - immigrant
方言 hougen - dialect
誘惑に負けた yuwaku ni maketa - fell/lost to temptation
文法 bunpo - grammar
敬語 Keigo - honorific language
時事問題 jiji mondai - current events
漫才 manzai - style of comedy in Japan (usually has 2 performers)
ダジャレ dajare - bad joke or pun
字幕 jimaku - subtitles
飲み会 nomikai - drinking party
例文 reibun - example sentence
面接 mensetsu - interview (for something like a job or school)
音読み onyomi - “sound reading” way of reading kanji
訓読み kunyomi - “meaning reading” way of reading kanji - original Japanese word
漢字圏 kanjiken - countries that use Chinese characters
入学式 nyugaku shiki - school entrance ceremony
卒業式 sotsugyo shiki - graduation ceremony
聴解 chōkai - listening comprehension
資格 shikaku - qualifications
専門学校 senmon gakko - vocational/training schools
奨学金 shogakkin - scholarship
貧乏ゆすり binbou yusuri - unconsciously shaking your legs
条件 jōken - conditions
手話 shuwa - sign language
お疲れ様です otsukare sama desu - good job, you’ve worked hard
References/sources:
We referenced Go! Go! Nihon a few times, the service Ariana used to find a school. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for assistance finding a school to study at full time! https://gogonihon.com/en/
For people who’ve lived in Japan 10+ years but never learned Japanese, how do you feel about it?
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1n606w3/for_people_whove_lived_in_japan_10_years_but/
Time stamps
00:00 hello
03:09 language study background
04:59 full vs part time language school, classes, visa, etc
23:44 average costs
36:30 JLPT
41:12 worth it? Putting in effort irl
48:10 other listener testimonials
55:13 why people don’t learn Japanese
In the wake of recent elections and even Japan making history with their first female prime minister, let’s chat very simply about politics. We’ll talk about some silliness with last year’s Tokyo governor election, and some other odd politicians that’ve made their mark on meme history and caused a stir on social media. THE EPISODE IS MEANT TO BE LIGHTHEARTED, and just a general overview of how politics works here. We are not looking for a political debate.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
References:Rep. Shiomura Ayaka Pushes Against Teenage Pornography; Colleagues Laughhttps://unseen-japan.com/rep-shiomura-ayaka-pushes-against-teenage-pornography-colleagues-laugh/
Who is Japan's 'Iron Lady' Sanae Takaichi?https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkj5e73xkmo
Japan’s “Iron Lady” faces a fractured political landscapehttps://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/japan-s-iron-lady-faces-fractured-political-landscape
Japanese Joker Yusuke Kawai Fails Miserably in Xenophobic Election Campaignhttps://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/japanese-joker-yusuke-kawai-fails-miserably-xenophobic-election-campaign/#67201a4981320
How Japan’s “Far-Right” Fooled Millions (But It’s Already Falling Apart)https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=35&v=K5R69XlhxcE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F
How Japan's Biggest Idiot Singlehandedly Destroyed a Political Partyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZG95grO-vc
JAPAN'S Politics are UNHINGED.... and I LOVE IT!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iv4lCUijTk
Nonomura Ryuutaro The Meme of Japan's Most Embarrassing Manhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76UbRfD9JBw
Japan Joker Party Tokyo Election Public Address | Full Translation [06/25]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfpWqK586Oo
Professionally Annoying Man Tries To Kick All Tourists From Japanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ5u16NUKMU&t=906s
Time stamps
00:00 hello/overview/disclaimer
02:29 politics 101 (no money, govt systems, parties, etc)
05:53 LDP - Japan’s ruling party
07:38 Tokyo 2024 governor chaos
08:50 Joker guy
13:53 “Destroy the NHK” party
22:37 Caught embezzling and became a meme
24:42 laughed at for caring about young women’s safety
28:00 queen of contradiction
31:58 nuisance youtuber turned politician
36:04 Japan’s first female PM
43:02 ultra-nationalist party
By request, we have a part 2 to this year’s Halloween/spooky stories episode! Hopefully you’re able to sleep after hearing some of these chilling stories. Check out last year’s 4-part spooky series as well if you want more!
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
外国人 gaikokujin - foreigner
外国 gaikoku - foreign country
〜あるある (something aru aru) - things (like foreigners things, etc)
味 aji - flavor, taste
ペコペコ pekopeko - hungry
Time stamps
00:00 hello/city hall horror
3:51 middle names, foreigner things
7:24 creepy hotel in Nagano
11:42 The Young Salaryman (story from J)
15:23 Why Me?
22:09 My Grandmother’s Warning
27:01 bonus: The Barefoot Child (from Cebu)
32:47 Peko chan lore
Overtourism is always a heated topic, but what about Mt Fuji and its World Heritage status that is at stake? Let’s chat about Mt Fuji’s climbing season and stricter measures in place, the danger of the off season, the last time Fuji erupted in the 1700s, the fear of the mega earthquake which could trigger the next eruption, and more!
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
横入り yoko hairi - cutting the line/queue
インスタ映え insta ba e - instagrammable, photogenic
References/sources:
As Tourists Flood In, Kamakura Battles Vandalism and Public Urination
https://unseen-japan.com/kamakura-tourists-vandalism-urination/
City finds mutual solution to deal with hordes of Mt. Fuji tourists
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15863480
'Traffic jam on Mt. Fuji': See the scene as Japan's highest peak is facing overtourism
https://edition.cnn.com/videos/travel/2023/09/11/mount-fuji-japan-overtourism.cnn
The Last Time Mt. Fuji Erupted… And What Might Happen Next
https://unseen-japan.com/the-last-time-mt-fuji-erupted/#The_Great_Mt_Fuji_Eruption_of_1707
Overtourism brings headaches for hosts of Mt. Fuji
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/3336/
Overtourism Helps Revive Retro Ghost Town Near Mt. Fuji
https://unseen-japan.com/mt-fuji-ghost-town-revival/
Don’t Climb Mt. Fuji Offseason, Shizuoka Police Warn; Mountain Saw 4 Deaths Last Year While Trails Closed
6 die on Mt. Fuji in first month of season, topping last year’s total
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15391016
Time stamps
00:00 hello/intro/line cutting incidents
7:17 overtourism chaos in Kamakura
12:13 ever climbed Mt Fuji?
14:11 Fuji-san 1707 eruption
18:07 the inevitable mega earthquake
21:44 overtourism on Fuji, environmental damage
26:58 Fuji’s climbing season, new measures
31:33 climbing off season - no!
36:41 rescues during the hiking season
38:35 comparison to Everest
40:34 positive tourism outcome around Fuji
A recent case of stalking and femicide has reignited the conversation about Japan’s stalking laws. What was the case that led to the creation of the Anti-Stalking Act in the year 2000? How have things changed, if at all, in the past 25 years? What type of self defense is permitted in Japan?
TW (whole ep) stalking, DV, homicide
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
nampa - picking up people, catcalling
交番 koban - police box
References/sources:
Japanese s*x pest jailed for stalking pop idol Ena Matsuoka using reflections in her eyes
Stalker 'found Japanese singer through reflection in her eyes'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50000234
Japan police admit mistakes in dealing with stalking that led to woman's death
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250904_14/
Stats from tell Japan
https://telljp.com/resources/stalking/
Parents of murdered stalking victim remain resolute 25 years later
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/27/japan/crime-legal/stalking-murder-victim-father/
Japan’s stalking crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbNJoxhkG8
Ladies & The Law: The Murder That Resulted in Japan’s Anti-Stalking Act
Japanese Police Consider Changing Anti-Stalking Law After Murder
Stalker enters house, what self-defense options are legal?
Time stamps
00:00 hello/intro
02:19 TW (whole ep) stalking, DV, homicide
3:51 singer’s stalker found her through the reflection in her eye
4:49 personal experiences and that of friends
10:10 recent stalking/femic*de that’s reigniting the convo
15:25 stalking statistics
17:39 Japan’s anti-stalking act
19:05 case that led to the anti-stalking act
25:30 reporting to the police
27:07 consequences for stalking offenses
27:33 revisions to the anti stalking act?
33:13 stalking documentary
38:39 therapy for stalkers?
40:00 is stalking worse in Japan?
43:09 self defense
From decades long hauntings to sleep paralysis demons, these terrifying listener stories will have you clutching your blanket and unable to sleep!
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
助けてください tasukete kudasai - please help me
満席 manseki - full (as in there are no spaces left, like in a restaurant or theatre)
怖い話 kowai hanashi - scary story
霊感 reikan - the ability to sense the supernatural
実家 jikka - family home
中間テスト chukan testo - midterm exams
金縛り kanashibari - sleep paralysis
お祓い oharai - purification, exorcism
自販機 jihanki - vending machine
神 kami - god(s)
氈鹿 kamoshika - serow (antelope or goat-like mammal)
祭り matsuri - festival
References/sources:
Review eyed as anger continues for Japan-Africa ‘hometown’ plan
Time stamps
00:00 it’s spooky season
1:46 news - Africa hometown program backlash + update
7:10 story 1 - it lurks in the stairwell
11:28 story 2 - a haunting in Okinawa
28:06 story 3 - an unexpected visitor
31:45 story 4 - what’s hiding in the locked room?
36:07 story 5 - haunted childhood home in Osaka - Tasha’s story
56:23 stories 6-8 fallen torii gate, apt haunting and sleep paralysis - Aerial’s stories
So we’re canceling baths now? Let’s chat about some of these ~~ cancel kaiwai (team/community) in Japan, like bath and eating “cancel” and see if it’s just rebellion or maybe some deeper mental health issues going on. We also have an update about Saikyo chan, one of Japans’ hikikomori idols.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
ガチ gachi - seriously, for real?
まじ maji - ^ seriously? Really?
本当 hontou - really, truly
エモい emoi - moody, emo, sad, in your feels, melancholic
~キャンセル界隈 kyanseru kaiwai - community (maybe online), team
風呂 furo - bath
めんどくさい mendokusai - troublesome, pain in the butt
食事 shokuji - meal, food
タイパー taipa - time performance, how well you manage time
ゴミ屋敷 gomi yashiki - hoarder/trash-filled home
死ね shi ne - die
ことわざ kotowaza - proverb
漫才 manzai - 2 person comedy act, often skits
References/sources:
Slang - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/05/16/language/slang-emotional-japanese/
What is furo cancel - https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/54754ecabb573fdeb8b7bcee0eb0d0a3da1d5446
Who is participating - https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/d790121c796b45f0b0e7fcc55b728725
Gen Z movements - https://www.bcnretail.com/market/detail/20240927_457226.html
Saikyo chan lawsuit - https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e5cc7e0579896eb0c9322a3e2e0f5f24288b19cd
Furo Cancel Kaiwai song by チョコレートプラネット
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkclH7G7S4&list=RDKrkclH7G7S4&start_radio=1
Time stamps
00:00 life updates, dental spa
12:53 gen z slang
14:23 cancel baths? Hair wash debate
17:08 what is team “cancel baths”
28:11 cancelling…food?
32:01 Saikyo chan update - lawsuit
39:21 mental health
42:35 furo cancel song
From nose pickers, folks openly reading p*rn on the train, and barf on the bus, we thought we had seen it all until we heard these stories… Get ready for a wild ride. Thanks to those who submitted stories!
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
痴漢 chikan - groper, pervert
盗撮 tousatsu - sneaky photography, non-consensual photography
仕方ない shikatanai (another way to say shoganai, can’t be helped)
駅員 eki-in - train staff
Time stamps
00:00 life updates, visa stuff
7:48 disclaimer
10:38 train chaos
22:23 Rosa’s bizarre train adventures
33:25 listener stories
43:29 reddit chaos
TW - CA, child abandonment, infanticide, stillbirth, and other troubling topics. Viewer discretion is advised.
After reading Ryu Murakami’s novel Coin Locker Babies, we wanted to learn more about this phenomenon and speak about recent cases of children left in lockers, other well-known cases of child abandonment, and find out a bit more about what options people have, like foster care and adoption. Please be respectful in the comments.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
間引き mabiki - thinning out, pruning, also Edo period word for infanticide of second or third sons
遊郭 yuukaku - red light/entertainment district
References/sources:
Child abuse and neglect in Japan: Coin-operated-locker babies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0145213494001087
Editorial: Japan needs legal protections, support for confidential births, baby hatches
Japan's only 'baby hatch' sees record high inquiries 'due to pandemic'
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201128/p2a/00m/0na/005000c
Southwest Japan hospital shelters woman seeking to give birth without family knowledge
Mother arrested for leaving baby's body in locker - 26 September 2018
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/7579
Baby’s body found in shopping center locker - June 6, 2021
Japan Children Support Association
https://npojcsa.com/en/index.html
Infanticide in Japan: Sign of the Times? - NYT 1973
33-year-old woman arrested in Osaka for abandoning newborn baby's body in coin locker
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR3N3R59R3NPTIL004.html
Time stamps
00:00 TW - whole episode
00:43 life updates, books
6:32 coin locker babies
10:08 recent cases
17:32 similar cases through the ages
20:21 orphanages, foster care, adoption overview
23:55 does Japan have baby hatches?
29:27 movies based on abandonment cases
38:20 what options are there
What makes a good neighbor? How thin are the walls in Japanese apartment buildings? Imagine living near someone who held a grudge against you and tried to make your life hell for 10 years, or a neighbor who reported you to building management for making noise, even though they are the noisy ones. Let’s get into some of these wild stories about navigating neighbors here in Japan. It’s not all bad though! We’ve got plenty of wholesome stuff too to cleanse your palate.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
密着 mitchaku - close adhesion, sticking firmly to
地面師 jimenshi (Tokyo Swindlers tv show)
アパート apaato - apartment building (usually a cheaper wooden building)
マンション manshon - apartment building (usually made of concrete and is a bit newer)
ホスト host
田舎 inaka countryside
粗大ゴミ sodai gomi - oversized garbage
ボロボロ boro boro - run down, falling apart
やだ yada - no, don’t, I don’t like it (could be childish)
迷惑 meiwaku - troublesome, a burden
不動産 fudosan - real estate (agency)
References/sources:
Dolphin behind rash of swimmer attacks found dead off Fukui
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15965662
Woman arrested for throwing raw eggs at neighbor's house in Gifu Prefecture: https://japantoday.com/category/crime/woman-arrested-for-throwing-raw-eggs-at-neighbor's-house-in-gifu-prefecture#:~:text=According%20to%20police%2C%20Yoshiko%20Kakamu,a%20window%20of%20her%20house.
Family of 3 slaughter in Saitama - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14815543
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14804706
More details if you’re curious: https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/1dmbh3f/slaughter_in_saitama_adds_to_list_of_foreigners/
Japanalysis video on Mrs. Noisy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2bnM3NdECg
Reddit stories:
Japanese neighbor gives me food?
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanese/s/poDOd3J41w
“A crazy interaction happened when I confronted neighbor about burning trash. What to do?”
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/s/SDkoYYLvun
Another neighbor issue
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/s/IbU63Dfmw5
Extremely dirty neighbor advice?
Time stamps
00:00 hello
1:43 alpha dolphin update + life updates
13:49 bad neighbors..Mrs. Noisy
17:54 kinda related movie
20:30 the egg thrower
24:10 Christmas Day massacre - TW m*rder
27:58 general etiquette for apartments
41:10 sorting trash wrong
44:22 Frankie’s nice neighbors
45:52 Cheyenne’s screaming neighbor
50:32 neighbor feuds - reddit
59:22 listener stories
1:08:10 tw - death, cancer
1:09:51 wholesome palate cleansers
Feels like everyone’s getting canceled these days right? From idols breaking “no dating” rules, extramarital affairs, and tweets about people stinking in the summer, let’s chat about some sad and bizarre incidents that sparked backlash in Japan. Did it go too far???
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
女子力 jyoshi ryoku - woman's level of motivation in fashion, makeup, etc., femininity
野球少年 yakyuu shonen - baseball boys/youth
推し活 oshikatsu - idol culture in Japan
空き家 akiya - empty (abandoned but not always) home
偉い erai - excellent, great remarkable
迷惑 meiwaku - troublesome, burden, nuisance
References/sources:
Osaka buildings charred in deadly fire had code violations: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15973475
Yuri Kawaguchi - freelance tv anchor loses jobs over remarks about men’s body odor
Voice Actress Rie Takahashi encourages fans to shower with cute drawings
https://www.businessinsider.com/anime-actress-hand-drawn-guide-fans-bathe-before-concert-2023-3
AKB48 members shaves head and apologizes for breaking the no dating rule
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21299324.amp
Becky and Enon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/08/downfall-japan-tv-becky-industry-sexism
https://decider.com/2019/03/13/terrace-house-enon-kawatani-scandal/
Yuzuru Hanyu https://japan-forward.com/yuzuru-hanyu-announces-divorce-citing-media-harassment-and-stalking/
More recent idol story:
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/s/4nLOPVdXPg
Time stamps
00:00 hello
2:53 sad news for Osaka
6:08 fired for saying dudes need deodorant
16:19 opposite - praised for caring about fans
23:36 Yuzuru Hanyu marriage and divorce
29:51 idols and strict no dating rules
39:49 extramarital affairs
51:02 unfunny joke
57:54 nuisance youtuber rebrand
There’s been a lot of news lately about increased traffic accidents involving foreign drivers in Japan, and that’s prompted some new rules and regulations regarding driving and getting your license. With the aging population, there is also an increase of accidents involving elderly drivers.
Let’s break down some of these confusing new rules and chat about our own experiences driving here and getting our license. We’re also got some listener stories and recent news stories.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
Zainichi means “residing in Japan”, but the term has become synonymous with the ethnic Korean population in Japan.
運転免許 unten menkyo - driver’s license
田舎 inaka - countryside
初心者マーク shoshinsha mark - beginner mark (in this case for new drivers)
ウィンカー winkaa - turn signal
Nikkei - Japanese person living abroad
原付 gentsuki - one word for moped or motorbike
まぶしい mabushii - bright (like the sun or the lights)
Kei car - small, lightweight vehicle that is cheaper and offers tax and insurance benefits, but in an accident I (Frankie) personally feel they are not the safest
References/sources:
Foreign drivers in Japan to face tougher license conversion rules from October
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/10/japan/crime-legal/npa-drivers-license-conversion/#:~:text=The%20National%20Police%20Agency%20on,car%20accidents%20by%20such%20drivers
Guide: learning how to drive in Japan
https://mailmate.jp/blog/learning-how-to-drive-in-japan
Japan to bar foreign tourists from converting driver's licenses
Seniors Make Up Over 50 Pct of 2023 Traffic Deaths in Japan
https://sp.m.jiji.com/english/show/33754
Elderly driver who killed 2, injured 9 in 2019 dies in prison
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15524048
Two sisters, aged 5 and 7, killed in bus-car collision in Fukuoka
Photo: https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/1ev561v/two_sisters_killed_fukuoka_car_accident/
Japanese Drivers Practical Test (Hiroshima) is kicking my ass! Any suggestions appreciated!
(r/Japan 12 years ago)
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/xqyks/japanese_drivers_practical_test_hiroshima_is/
All cars in Japan to have systems preventing accidents from gas/brake pedal mistakes by 2028
Elderly driver’s panic: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/154wtes/japan_elderly_drivers_panic/
2024 marks 3rd-lowest year on record for traffic deaths in Japan
Despite Law, Many in Japan Fail to Belt Up in the Back Seat
Time stamps
00:00 Cheyenne is back
2:47 increased accidents involving foreign drivers
7:10 new regulations/rules for changing your license
11:10 converting your license in Japan/driving test
39:09 driving school
40:48 driving age
42:46 listener stories about driving/getting license
53:56 traffic accidents involving the elderly/ no seatbelt
How does maternity care and giving birth differ between the US and Japan? Spoiler alert: the bar is so low for Americans that everything here seems pretty awesome. Cheyenne shares her birth story in this episode and we chat about maternity clinics, postpartum care, epidurals, government subsidies, paternity care, and more in this special episode.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
和痛分娩 watsuubunben - delivery with pain-reducing medication
無痛分娩 mutsuubunben - pain-less childbirth/delivery
迷惑 meiwaku - bothersome, trouble, annoyance
文化の違い bunka no chigai - cultural difference
産後ケアホテル sango kea hoteru - postpartum care hotel
立会い tachiai - presence, observer, witness
年休 nenkyuu - yearly paid vacation
里帰り出産 satogaerishussan - going back to one’s hometown to give birth
References/sources:
Japan set to fully cover childbirth costs possibly from April 2026
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/53841
Leading Japanese hospital suspends childbirth pain relief
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2622/
Father not involved after birth. Is this tradition? (8 years ago)
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/76sapd/father_not_involved_after_birth_is_this_tradition/
Time stamps
00:00 Cheyenne is back
9:02 birth chat/intro
12:29 hospital/Cheyenne’s birth story
28:45 general birth costs, hospital system
39:43 after birth expectations and experience
46:07 hospital visitation
52:23 culture shocks
56:54 paternity leave
1:03:18 listener stories/other perspectives
1:09:38 leading hospital suspends epidurals
Sometimes real life is stranger than fiction. We asked you guys what are the most strange and unhinged things that’ve happened to you while in Japan, or that you’ve witnessed. The stories did not disappoint.
Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com
Frankie - @franklinthewoman
Cheyenne - @lostwithlow
Words mentioned/useful words
田舎 inaka - countryside
butsukari otoko - bumping/shoulder ramming dude
ロリコン lorikon - person attracted to young girls 🤢
ナンパ nanpa - hitting on girls, picking up girls
痴漢 chikan - groper, m*lester, perv (especially on crowded trains)
貧乏 binbou - poor
アホ aho - dummy (Kansai dialect)
Our tiktok:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHpEEGffvgsX-pBBeT/
Time stamps
00:00 hello
2:20 TW - whole episode
3:19 unhinged stories