Just Japan Podcast

Kevin O'Shea has been hosting Just Japan Podcast since 2014, making it one of the longest-running English-language podcasts focused on Japanese life and culture. The interview format is the backbone of the show: each week, Kevin sits down with someone who has a unique connection to Japan, from longtime expats and business owners to musicians, artists, and academics. Over 260 episodes have built up a massive library covering topics as varied as samurai history, the Japanese music scene, working as an English teacher, anime culture, and regional food traditions. Kevin's interviewing style is relaxed and curious, letting guests share stories at their own pace without rushing to fill time. The show holds a 4.8-star rating from 86 reviews, with listeners frequently praising how the range of guests keeps things fresh even after hundreds of episodes. What makes Just Japan especially valuable for travelers is the ground-level perspective: guests often share specific recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences that only come from actually living there. The show also touches on practical matters like navigating Japanese bureaucracy, understanding social customs, and finding your footing as a foreigner. Kevin also hosts the companion show Supernatural Japan for those interested in folklore and the stranger side of Japanese history. With a deep back catalog organized by topic, you can easily find episodes relevant to wherever you are headed in Japan.