Just Japan Podcast 3p5g40

In the latest episode of the Just Japan Podcast, I welcome back returning guest Kurt Bell, better known as Softypapa on YouTube. When we last spoke, Kurt was in the U.S. with his Japanese wife, preparing for retirement and planning a move back to Japan. A year later, he’s made that dream a reality—retired, relocated, and now living in Japan full-time. Kurt shares his fascinating journey of purchasing and settling into an akiya (an abandoned house) in rural Japan and offers insights into his new lifestyle as a retired American resident. We also dive into his ongoing work as a well-known YouTube content creator and how his move has influenced his creative output and daily life.   Follow Kurt’s adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@softypapa     the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes): https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin   LISTEN to my other podcast, Supernatural Japan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498     Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551918404228&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email: [email protected]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin   NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/

Do you love true crime, ghost stories, and paranormal mysteries? Then you’ll love Supernatural Japan  — where Japan’s most chilling true crime cases collide with ancient folklore and eerie urban legends. Each episode uncovers a new mystery: unsolved murders with ghostly connections, haunted places locals fear to enter, bizarre disappearances, and encounters with yōkai — Japan’s mysterious spirits and creatures. It’s part true crime, part supernatural, and completely addictive. Whether you're fascinated by Japanese culture, love horror stories, or just want something seriously spooky in your podcast queue — Supernatural Japan has a story for you. Perfect for fans of Morbid, Lore, and Unexplained, this show blends immersive storytelling, sound design, and deep research to bring Japan’s darkest tales to life. Search Supernatural Japan Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or anywhere you listen — and hit follow before something follows you. 👻   Podcast website.  

The Hibagon (ヒバゴン) is the Japanese equivalent of the North American Bigfoot. Many believe that it inhabits the areas around Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In this episode, we talk to Canadian author Kyle Brink. He has been researching Hibagon for many years and is based in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the author of the book, “Hibagon: Japanese Bigfoot.” If you are a cryptids and Bigfoot lore fan, you’ll love this episode!    Kyle’s book:https://www.amazon.com/Hibagon-Japanese-Bigfoot-Kyle-Brink/dp/B08X6DX7KS Kyle’s YouTube channel with loads of Hibagon videos: https://www.youtube.com/@brinkbooks3492   FOLLOW the Supernatural Japan Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dedb712b-9800-4759-8158-e4af590710b4/supernatural-japan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2y?si=bd412e905adf45cc     Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551918404228&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email: [email protected]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com

Want to get away from the crush of tourists in Japan and see a less known side? If so, then Phillip Jackson is your guy! Phillip is the author of many books, including Hidden Paths Kyoto, Paranormal Kansai, and Paranormal Japan. He’s a tour guide, writer, musician, and someone who can tell some tremendous historical tales about Japan.   Find Phillip Jackson online: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/     Check out the Supernatural Japan Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498     Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff/ X: https://x.com/MadForMaple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

In this episode, we revisit Evan and Dani Benton from the Benton Homestead on Omishima Island in Ehime, Japan. They have purchased two akiya (abandoned homes) and turned one into the Benton Guesthouse. We first met them in episode 219. They have done so much since then. We chatted about their farming on the island, how their abandoned home renovations are going, beekeeping, appearing on American television and much more. This is another great episode for anyone dreaming of buying and renovating an old home in Japan.    You can learn about everything Evan and Dani are doing here: https://bentonhomestead.com/ Follow me on Social Media:  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff/ X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev  

Tony R. Vega ed us once again. Tony is an American podcaster and Japan content creator featured in episode 208. Last year, he walked the entire 500 km of the Old Tokaido Road, and this Fall, he walked from Kyoto to Yamaguchi Prefecture. That’s a fantastic feat for anyone, but even more so for Tony since he is legally blind. Listen to his amazing story and listen to his podcast, Japan Station. Tony online: https://japankyo.com Tony on X: https://twitter.com/thevegatony Japan Station Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-about-japan-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968     Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff/ X: https://x.com/MadForMaple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

Have you heard about the famed 88 Temples Pilgrimage on Shikoku? In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with his friend Kevin Tarpey. Kevin is based in rural Japan and is a walker and explorer. 2 years ago, he walked the entire 88 Temples Pilgrimage on Shikoku. Kevin is a born storyteller and adventurer and shares his amazing story with all of us. If you have a taste for adventure in Japan, then this is the episode for you!   Follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff/ X: https://x.com/MadForMaple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

In this episode Kevin chats with Tokyo-based entrepreneur, Joseph Tame. Joseph tells the story of how he created the successful media and creative agency, Wild Tame. Joseph also shares his amazing stories of being a pioneering live-streaming pioneer in Japan. He has live-streamed the Tokyo Marathon for 16 years and is well-known for his running art. Enjoy his awesome story!   Follow Joseph online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamegoeswild/ Wild Tame: https://www.wildta.me/     Follow Kevin on social media: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff/ X: https://x.com/MadForMaple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

In this episode we chat with Karune Walker, the host of the “Train-ing Japan” Podcast. This is the ultimate podcast for all fans of trains in Japan. If you are into trains and traveling around Japan via train, you’ll want to listen to this conversation and follow the “Train-ing Japan” podcast!   Train-ing Japan on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/train-ing-in-japan/id1568907812   Train-ing Japan on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2T3yBnUqfsGmXbxjcKZq67         Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

Meet John from the OHAZASSU podcast! John hails from Australia but has been based in Nagoya for some time. Kevin and John chat about life in Japan and his fantastic podcast that brings everyday practical advice about life in Japan.   Ohazassu Podcast (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/ohazassu       Listen to “Tales from Kevin”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563     Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

Tales From Kevin - a new storytelling podcast  Hosted by Kevin O’Shea. A mix of stories, thoughts, and experiences from a life lived in many places. Whimsical tales from a man from Canada with fingers and toes in many countries. -   Tale 1: I Got a Monkey Golden Shower A life currently lived in Malaysia can mean lots of different wildlife encounters. Kevin introduces the podcast and discusses having an endangered monkey release its bladder from above. Things get grim, but somewhat funny all at the same time. Welcome to the new storytelling podcast.   FOLLOW my new show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07HXqsUXmFCFLWUJ8RpaKZ   Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ac207b88-dbb6-4ca6-8e9e-34a1ecbf5289/tales-from-kevin  

In this episode we get to hang out with Okayama-based Dave Olson. This inspiring Canadian shares many amazing stories, insights, and worldly experiences. From his adventures as a youth to mushroom farming in Tottori, to internet startups in Vancouver, he's done so much. Now Dave lives in Okayama with his beautiful family and shares his experiences and thoughts on personal archeology and much more with all of us. You'll all want to follow Dave and see what he's up to next! https://daveostory.com/       Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin   Nature Talks Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nature-talks-podcast/id1579829311

Douglas Brooks is an American researcher, writer, teacher, and boatbuilder. He is ionate about preserving the disappearing tradition of Japanese boatbuilding. He has written 6 books on the topic and his book, “Japanese Wooden Boatbuilding” is the only comprehensive guide on the topic. He has apprenticed under 9 Japanese masters and shares his knowledge with others around the world. Douglas recently was hired as a consultant on the Hulu/Disney/FX miniseries “Shogun” to help construct boats and supply boats for the series. Douglas chats with Kevin about his story, preserving these disappearing Japanese traditions, and what listeners can do also to preserve disappearing traditions in Japan.     Photo credit (podcast art): Brett Simison See everything Douglas is doing: http://douglasbrooksboatbuilding.com/ Follow Douglas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasbrooksboatbuilding Boat building blog: http://blog.douglasbrooksboatbuilding.com/         Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Nature Talks Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

In this episode, Kevin chats with a returning guest and friend of the show, Kansai Pee Jay. Pee Jay talks about his life-long interest in Japanese castles and how he travels throughout Japan visiting them. He has some wonderful stories to share about his experiences at Himeji castle back in the early 1990s and becoming one of the first foreign tour guides in Japan! You’ll enjoy Pee Jay’s stories and learning more about some of the iconic castles in Japan.   Follow Pee Jay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kansai_pee_jay     Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

In this episode, Kevin welcomes Riki Ohkanda (PaprikaGirl) back on the podcast. Riki talks about how to cope with the summer heat in Tokyo and some life updates. They chat about breaking out of the expat bubble in Japan to find more happiness in life, health, and fitness as well as the recent news all about overtourism in Japan.   Follow Riki on Twitter (X): https://x.com/PaprikaGirl_JP     Check out my other podcast on YouTube (Nature Talks Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@naturetalkspod     Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin   My new Instagram about my health journey…from bad to good! https://www.instagram.com/turnaround_strength

Just Japan Podcast - 222: Saving Trees and Environmental Activism in Tokyo In this episode, Kevin chats with Tokyo-based marketing specialist and consultant, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle has spent more than 30 years living in Japan and working in the business world. She is also a ionate environmental activist focusing on saving trees and parks in the Tokyo area. In a time when we are feeling the burn or climate change more than ever, we need trees, but many in Japan don’t think that way! Listen to Rochelle’s story and how you can help protect trees across Japan.   Follow Rochelle Kopp on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JapanIntercult LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/   Change.org Petitions to save trees in Japan:   Jingu Stadium Zenpukuji Hibiya Park Osaka City Kobe's Oji Park   More links on the podcast's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff     Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes

In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with returning guest Brian Waters. When Brian moved to Japan permanently from the United States his children were 5 and 3 years old. Now his oldest is in university and his youngest near completing high school. Brian reflects on his experiences as an American parent watching his children navigate the Japanese public school system.   Follow Brian on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MyTwoYen   Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Email: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes  

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin Chats with Joseph Fowler, host of the Ishikawa: Summit to Seas Podcast. They talk about Joe’s Japan origin story.  He talks about his podcast as well as about the J-Pops Podcast. Joe also talks about becoming a new father in Japan and buying a house there. Learn about life in a part of Japan you don’t hear about so often.   Ishikawa: Summit to Seas Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ishikawa-summit-to-sea/id1528933719     J-Pops Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-j-pops-attempting-parenting-in-japan/id1595489571     Follow Joe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KumaYama100   Instagram (Joe’s Father): https://www.instagram.com/john_fowler_art             Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff   X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes

In this episode, Kevin chats with Evan and Dani Benton who have renovated two Akiya (empty homes) on the island of Omishima in Ehime Prefecture in Japan. They have a wonderful website and YouTube channel called “Benton Homestead” that documents their journey. They have renovated these two buildings, turning one into a guesthouse and the other, their home. They are also diving into the world of natural agriculture and bee keeping. They discuss the process of buying and renovating these old hoes as well as how they were able to get visas to stay in Japan to complete this project. Benton Homestead: https://bentonhomestead.com/ Follow their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bentonhomestead       Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes   My new Instagram about my health journey…from bad to good! https://www.instagram.com/turnaround_strength

In this episode, Kevin chats with Emily Bell about returning to Japan. Emily was born in Santa Barbara, but at the age of 2 moved to Shizuoka, Japan. She grew up in rural Japan and at the age of 14 returned to the United States. She faced challenges such as lacking English fluency and starting high school in a very different culture, but she persevered! She just graduated from university and is about to move to Tokyo. She decided to accept a job offer and will soon start a new adventure, this time as an adult and instead of the Japanese countryside, in the biggest of big cities! Listen to her fascinating story!   BTW….Emily’s father is Kurt Bell, aka “Softypapa.” He was our best on episode 217!   You can learn a lot about Emily’s adventures by following her father, Kurt Bell: X: https://twitter.com/softypapa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/softypapa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LylesBrother     Follow the Just Japan Podcast and Kevin: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justjapanstuff X: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev https://www.instagram.com/japannightscenes     My new Instagram about my health journey…from bad to good! https://www.instagram.com/turnaround_strength