バイリンガル カフェ (Bilingual Cafe)

In this episode, we reflect on the term “double standard.” After briefly discussing its definition both in English and Japanese, we reflect on racism in Japan. We specifically refer to Naomi Osaka, a…

In this episode, we focus on the English word ‘celebrity.’ As a continuing discussion of loanwords in Japanese, we first discuss the historical origins of ‘celebrity’ while understanding its connotat…

In this episode, we reflect on the controversial remarks made by Yoshiro Mori, who recently resigned as the head of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee. Not only do we discuss societal attitudes …

In this episode, we discuss earthquake preparedness and whether people have a fatalistic attitude towards natural disasters. As Japan experienced a major earthquake last week, luckily with no major c…

In this episode, we discuss the expression “coming out of the closet”. Although the expression is a metaphor to describe LGBTQ people’s self-disclosure of their sexual orientation or of their gender …

In this episode, we focus on the English word 'fight,' which is also a Japanese loanword. However, just like the other numerous words borrowed from the English language, the meaning of 'fight' in Jap…

In this episode, we discuss COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in general. Countries worldwide are slowly starting to vaccinate their citizens, and Japan is planning to do so in the coming months. How…

In this episode, we discuss sperm banks and donor insemination. Although such service and practice are not new in many parts of the world, it is a novelty in Japan. Japanese women do have access to s…

In this episode, we reflect on work reform. Considering the effects the pandemic has had on our work, we took this opportunity to discuss whether work culture has been changing in Japan. 

エピソード2のトピックは…

This is our first ever episode! To kickstart this journey, we decided to discuss whether or not the Japanese are obsessed with learning English. We hope this podcast will suit both English and Japane…

In this episode, we discuss infidelity in Japan and how celebrities who commit infidelity are portrayed in the media. Even during this pandemic, infidelity is widely reported in the news, and it gets…

In this episode, we reflect on Shiori Ito, who is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. She was also named in the Time's '100 Most Influential' list. We took this opportunity to discuss her actions…