Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

To be or not to be, that is the way of the “Manga-ka” or Manga artist.  I’m back diving deep into the business of what it means to strive as a successful Manga artist.  Meet Tatsumi, whom at a young age found passion and with his talent which caught the attention of the giants of the manga publishing world.  I was grateful he took time to come and chat with me about what it takes to live and die in this hyper competitive yet internationally loved artistic medium.   You can check out Tatsumi’s portfolio here:  https://tatsumikyo.com For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

On this episode, let’s head out to a quaint but comfortable beach town of Hiratsuka, Japan.  About ninety minutes southwest of central Tokyo, lies a craft beer bar/brewery blasting heavy metal on some days and showing matches of its local soccer club on other days.    Converging different types of crowds in one place for the love of craft beer and supporting its community, meet Davido and Yggdrasil Brewing.  Davido and his beer making passion placed him and his family face to face with a quiet shoreline community that never knew they needed but quickly grown to love and support.   Yggdrasil Brewing: Instagram  Facebook   Yggdrasil Brewing online shop:   For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: Ko-fi IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

What do you get when you mix punk rock, Emperor Go-Daigo and the rise of abandoned property in rural Japan?  Meet Matt, co-founder of AKIYAZ, a real estate brokerage and Akiya lifestyle services firm helping clients purchase an Akiya (abandoned property) in Japan’s countryside as well as helping connect to the local community to ensure a seamless integration to rural Japan life.  Post-Covid, the rise of investing and purchasing Akiya in Japan has been on the rise and I was curious to what this is all about.   Matt’s once  hobby turned business brought me to a world that I didn’t know existed; just like an underground music scene. To  learn about Akiya real estate check out:  AKIYAZ You can find out more about Matt’s projects here:  mkultraman.com  For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

I’m back and this time the sensei has become the student about life inside and away from Japan. Meet Hiroe, a “Kikokushijo”, or commonly in English, a returnee. Hiroe belongs to the first wave of Japanese children that relocated overseas due to orders from their parents’ companies during the 1970’s. Her story is a unique personal lens to life going back and forth to Japan. She also happens to be long time interpreter and translator in her company. This episode is for listeners curious about this profession and to those who have what it takes (or doesn’t take ) to pursue this career. She can help you bring out the real “nihongo” on these streets. For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Warning:  Do not listen to this episode on an empty stomach.  Meet Jeremy, a born and raised New Yorker, reggae head, and former Brooklyn based record store owner.  Along with his wife Maiko, opened “Freeman Shokudo” in a quaint yet hip neighborhood in Shibuya city ward.  Specializing in barbecue, pastrami sandwiches, falafel and whatever Jeremy feels like smoking or pickling, I get the sense this is the kind of establishment that helps accentuate if not revitalize a local community.  This is a story of Jeremy, Maiko and their family taking a huge risk of leaving what they had in New York to bring his passion  of barbecue to Tokyo.  With help along the way as well as awkward yet funny circumstances, the restaurant works. In my opinion, it will continue to thrive. You can follow Freeman Shokudo on FB and IG : @freemanshokudo For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the first episode of my series, “Made (and Served) in Japan”, which I will showcase restaurateurs, cafe/bar owners and any small business establishment in the hospitality industry in Japan. To kick off, meet Thomas, chef and co-owner to a popular bar/brewery in the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Coaster Tokyo attracts both locals and foreigners visiting Japan with a variety of party events while showcasing their own microbeer, Kaigan Brewery. Thomas brings his own arsenal of delicious comfort food which keeps customers coming back for more. It is an inspiring story of 8 friends gathering and sharing a vision. French Avengers Assemble! You can find Coaster Tokyo and Kaigan Brewery on IG here: @coastertokyo @kaigan_brewery For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Mel finally sits down with one of the most intriguing and unabashed guests of this podcast.   Meet Felisia,  who’s been creating content based on her ever-evolving journey of life with and without Japan.  As an outlet, her platform quickly became a conduit for her fans to embrace self-acceptance.  Felisia is a testament for those seeking a life outside their home country that there is pain; but through struggle and ambition, everything will be ok. You can feel Felisia’s vibe on Instagram:  @iamfelisiag For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Fire fights fire,  iron sharpens iron and in our darkest hour, talent has the potential to be unleashed.  Meet Lisa, a recent transplant to Japan who didn’t waste a moment during the outbreak of Covid to capture through photos what the average Japanophile dream to encapsulate life in the streets and nature of Japan.  Currently the Digital Content Director at Tokyo Weekender, Lisa is just getting started in capturing the everyday moments and cinematic landscape this country has to offer.  After having chillout chat before she heads out to one of her recent gallery exhibitions, my presumptions were confirmed.  She is a force that will benefit other aspiring shutterbugs as well as conduit for attracting curious foreigners to the lesser known parts and their communities.  You can see all of Lisa’s work on Instagram:  @lisainjapan For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

It’s been awhile MIJ listeners! After attending the 15th anniversary of the Nakameguro taproom , I decided to revisit one of my first episodes of this podcast to give it a little polish and have new listeners know about Baird Beer, one of the pioneers of Japan based craft beer. It’s still one of my favorite chats I’ve had on this pod and for new listeners, I hope you feel it too. To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: Kofi . IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

“It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle.  His quick strides into the local community brought my attention to his art and most importantly his passion.  I appreciate DJ taking his time to share his story as he will undoubtedly make his mark in Japan. For commissions or checking out DTD, please visit his Instagram:  whoisdtd For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB:  madeinjapanpodcast Email:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community.  Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta.  He was one of my first students I’ve taught in Japan that soon became my brother from a Nihon-Jin mother.  Ryuta, his wife Nao, along with their precocious toddler, Umi-chan joined me for a catch up and reminisce.  Seeing  Ryuta now, these words come to mind:  “Open your hearts, Stay grounded.” For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit here  To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast, check out my Ko-fi page . IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast For Inquiries, Questions and Comments, email me here.

Dear Listeners,  Season 4 is a wrap.  Thank you all for sticking around and listening!   Stay tuned. To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page.   To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree.

It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene.  Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with.  Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an international neo-soul and experimental jazz quintet, they are making waves in their scene domestic and internationally.  Chloe is also on the brink of launching her solo career.  Join us as we kick back to talk shop as well as sharing the sentiment of “how it feels to be somewhat emo”. You can listen as well as go see Chloe and Pajaumi live here  and through her Instagram For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, check out their website.   To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast, check out my Ko-fi page You can contact me and listen to all the episodes here.

Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば）has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well as a charming, sought-after Tokyo ramen tour guide. Frank has built enough street cred to bring tourists to some unknown tasty ramen joints as well as the Michelin star heavyweights in the Japanese Ramen Scene. I felt it was time to have Frank sit down and talk about his undeniable passion for a bowl of umami noodle bomb goodness. You can check out more amazing ramen shops at https://www.5amramen.com If you’re interested in joining Frank’s tours: https://www.tokyoramentours.com For ordering some amazingly tasty instant ramen: https://www.instantramen.jp For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic Seagulls, one of Japan’s top pro football teams in the X-League. Making a name (and threat to rivals), BJ helped grow the sport to where future generations of Japanese players have aspired to outside of Japan’s other classic pastimes, baseball and soccer. For me, it was second nature to kick back and talk about what happened on and off the field as well what the future holds for BJ and his contribution to expose more interest for football in Japan. You can follow BJ through his IG: @buffalosoja For more info on the X-League: xleague.jp (site in Japanese) For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway collection, Eli sat down and had a chat with me about her story as a Latino Nikkei (日系人) representing her roots with Japanese technique through her love of fashion. Whether on the runway or on the streets of Tokyo, Eli’s pieces will surely add some “oshare-picante”. You can contact and find more of Eli’s clothing designs and artwork on Instagram: @_elitamo_ For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely resembles Inca tattoo designs. Ken was gracious enough to take time from his hectic schedule to sit down with me and chat about his family background as well as his creative process. He encompasses that persistent adage of “art is life”. However Ken’s values and art are much more in depth than being encapsulated in a three word slogan. Check out Ken’ s work here: www.kenfrog.com If you’re in Japan this summer, you can see Ken’s pieces here at Harry’s Sandwich Co. , Harajuku/Omotesando, Tokyo from June 11-July 2 here: https://linktr.ee/harryssandwichco Ken will also have an exhibit at INCredible Coffee in Koenji, Tokyo from July 11-July 18th. For more info check out on Instagram: @inccoffee2020

Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and talk about her career in the (at-times) constricting Japanese entertainment industry. From reflection on her early years to her transition to the stage, Mina truly shows her versatility in her craft and her unapologetic sincerity. Kick back and share a drink with us. You can check out Mina’s performances here: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1659615/ Asian Wiki: https://asianwiki.com/Mina_Shimizu For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese culture and the language. After his study abroad program was cut short due to Covid-19, he started a YouTube channel dedicated to practicing Japanese while reacting to Japanese music. He managed to return back to Japan after graduating in hopes to pursue his dreams. I hope his story can be a beacon of light for those who are afraid or for those who need that spark to believe in themselves. 🤘🏼🐼🤘🏼 Ace of Shaq YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/AceofShaq2 For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it comes to living and breathing within the Japan underground metal scene and has the chops to make an impressionable debut album. Meet Swazönd, a new band comprised of members who’ve made their mark within the scene and decided it was their “destiny” to get together, jam and make an album that makes you wanna groove and headbang at the same time. In my opinion, the true metal heads I’ve encountered are some of the nicest and most genuine people I know and Swazönd reaffirms this. To learn more and check out their latest album, visit: https://swazond.bandcamp.com All song clips used are from Kanako’s former band, FID: https://open.spotify.com/track/1451us8cSrTWDZV4xiwiv4?si=hCwfdjDGSWucR0-EklZjDA&context=spotify%3Aartist%3A2yEApW7JfjtoukJhohpLOp And Swazond’s 1st album, “Cursed Inheritance”. Special thanks to Senna Min for sharing her voice for the English overdubs. For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit: http://Bairdbeer.com/ To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast: https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcast IG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcast Email: japanmademepodcast@gmail.com