Real Gaijin

Mark Kennedy hosts Real Gaijin, a biweekly podcast that examines Japan through the lens of business, culture, and the daily realities of foreign residents. With 48 episodes and new installments dropping regularly, the show stands out for its candid, no-stereotypes approach to covering how Japan is changing in real time. Mark interviews entrepreneurs, innovators, community leaders, and longtime residents who share honest stories about work culture, immigration policy, regional revitalization, and the economic shifts reshaping the country. For travelers, this podcast provides essential context that most travel shows skip. Understanding Japan's labor shortage, the boom in regional tourism, or how small towns are reinventing themselves to attract visitors gives you a much richer frame of reference when you actually visit. Episodes on tourism trends are particularly useful, covering topics like overtourism in Kyoto, the push to direct visitors toward lesser-known prefectures, and how local governments are investing in making rural areas more accessible to international travelers. The conversational interview format keeps things engaging, and Mark asks the kinds of follow-up questions that pull out the details most hosts miss. Published on Substack, the show also comes with written companion pieces for those who want to read more. If you are interested in understanding modern Japan beyond temples and cherry blossoms, this podcast provides a grounded, informed perspective that will change how you think about the country.