Last updated: November 24th, 2007
About Me
I’m never one to write anything terribly auto-biographical in text form, but I hope to give the reader of this site some concept of where I am coming from.
Currently, I am an International Masters of Business Administration graduate student at a United States business school. My program has a specific regional focus. As such and being interested in Japan, I am now living in Japan for a year and a half as part of my program’s requirements. This is to both learn the language as well as experience the Japanese business environment.
I was born and also raised on the eastern coast of the United States. In the time around the turn of the century, I noticed the world around me beginning to change. From that point forward, I had set my sights firmly on an agenda of personal growth. This journey first began with creating music and accomplishing some personal artistic goals.
However, in the past three years with some additional travel and culture experience, my personal growth path has transformed in a more practical sense. I truly feel that one cannot fully appreciate one’s own culture and values until you experience a culture or value set that is skewed from your own. For this reason, and the need to continually satisfy a creative urge, I have decided to pursue a path of experience living in a different country and doing so while continuing to educate myself.
And now, over 30 years old and a bit wiser, I am convinced that “Finding Japan” is actually more about “finding myself” in Japan.
About This Site
This site is structured as a textual blog, an audio podcast, a video podcast, and a combination of all three. You can use the RSS feeds in the right hand menu to subscribe to what interests you. Just use your favorite pod catching client (iTunes or otherwise) to subscribe and get these postings, audio files, or videos automatically. Or, you may also subscribe via the iTunes Music Store directly to get the video and audio files only.
Thank you and welcome to Finding Japan.
Friday, October 13th 2006 at 9:44 pm
I am having problem viewing the videos on Itunes. The little viewing window turns green and the Itunes asks if I want to submit a error report. I can send you some screen captures.
Saturday, October 14th 2006 at 11:21 am
Yes please do. I’ve sent you an email. Hopefully I can figure out what’s going on.
Monday, March 26th 2007 at 9:27 am
Hello Christopher,
I came across your site / podcast courtesy of one of your listeners who mailed me saying you’d mentioned A Year in Japan - a quick search in iTunes lead me to your feed, and then here. I feel honoured to be included in your recommended podcasts lists - thank you very much!
I’m just in the process of downloading your podcasts, and look forward to listening to them over the coming few days.
Anyway, must be off to bed. Spent 10.5 hours on 10.5 trains today in a bid to get back to Tokyo from Kobe on 1300 yen. Absolutely shattered!
Oyasumi
Joseph
Friday, April 27th 2007 at 10:53 am
Hey Chris!
Long time no see. Now I know why! Kanichi-wa! I lived in Okinawa for a short period of time and my favorite dish was, and still is, Yaki-soba.
If you get a chance, drop me a note.
Roseann
Sunday, April 29th 2007 at 8:25 am
Hey, I just wanted to drop you a line to say that I love the podcast. I’ve listened to every one that you have listed on iTunes. My friends and I are going to be coming to Japan in a few weeks and listening to your show at work has kept me focused on the trip…especially when my boss gets on my nerves. It’s kept me slapping the shit out of him on a few occasions. Haha. Hey, I need the job to have the money to eat while I’m over there. Anyway, I just wanted to say “Keep up the good work!”
Sunday, April 29th 2007 at 12:33 pm
@Roseann: Thanks. Yes, I’ve been working in Japan for about a month now at our Japanese offices. Its been great fun and an amazing experience. I’m happy I’ve been able to help them so far. I hope you are well!
@Brian: Thank you very much. I’m glad the podcast assists in such restraint on your behalf. I know the feeling though. There have been times when podcasts in the past have gotten me through the daily grind. Even today, the ones I listen to help make the commute go by so quickly. I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan and I’m glad you find what I do informative.
Saturday, May 26th 2007 at 9:32 pm
I’m very envious of your website! I had high aspirations for my blog site, but a combination of the site going katywompus, getting sick a second time, and a killer second semester “nipped it in the bud,” so to speak.
I’ve kept taking pictures, so maybe someday it will come together…
Anyhow, it sounds like you are really getting to experience the tastes and textures of Japan - ganbatte!
–Scott
Monday, June 18th 2007 at 10:28 pm
Dear Christopher,
I found your podcast via Scott Lockman, and I am now listening to all the episodes from the start. I’ve just finished episode 7.
You seem to have a really great attitude to all you encounter in Japan, which will stand you in good stead throughout your time there. I hope we can meet up when I move back to Tokyo in August.
All the best,
Karamoon
Monday, June 25th 2007 at 3:54 am
I have that scan of your podcast in Newtype if you want me to send it to you. Take care.
Matt
Tuesday, June 26th 2007 at 9:13 pm
I love your podcast/blog. I have been listening to it for several months now. You inspired me to record my experiences in Japan by attempting a podcast/blog. I am doing an internship for 3 months near Nagoya. Just wanted to say hi and say thanks for sharing your experiences.
Wednesday, June 27th 2007 at 11:24 pm
@Scott: Of course, BTW, I keep going to that Tonkatsu place we found when you helped move us in. If you are ever in the area, let’s go back, ne?
@Karamoon: Thanks. I’m glad you enjoy it. Yes, please send me a note when you arrive in August and hopefully we can meet up.
@Matt, thanks. I’ve posted a short article on it. Wasn’t sure if you wanted your website up there, but if so, let me know and I’ll add in the links.
@Carl: I’m glad I inspired you to do your own podcast. I just subscribed to yours as well. Very well done so far. Please keep it up. I’m impressed you are able to do that every day. I’ve added your podcast as a Japan Podcast on my site here.
Monday, July 2nd 2007 at 6:55 pm
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to find my old japanese friend.Her name is “Yoko Matsumoto”.She stayed at Saitama,Tokyo last 10 years ago.At that time,she was an English language teacher for children.I cann’t contact her saitama address and her phone no. too.Now She is 38 years old.Pls let me know how to find her.Thanks a lot.
Best Regds
thetmoeshein
Monday, July 2nd 2007 at 9:33 pm
Mr. Shein, I’m sorry. I’m not quite sure I can help you out there. That’s a pretty common name and 10 years is a while to try to hire someone. If I hear of a way in the future, I will certainly let you know. Sorry.
Saturday, August 25th 2007 at 4:17 am
I just found your podcast and it is very interesting. I download all the episodes and have really enjoyed your take on Japan. My friends just recently visited and loved it. I am considering now teaching english there. I think your episodes are interesting and very informative and look forward to future ones.
Thanks,
Melanie
Friday, October 5th 2007 at 12:46 pm
I was wandering through the podcasts on iTunes, and stumbled across yours. I am very interested in Japan, and will be there next year! I was wondering if you could do a video show on train travel in japan, how to buy tickets or SUICA, and how to use those tricky ticket gates. I am looking forward to listening to your podcast in the future!
Good luck with your studies,
Chris
Wednesday, October 10th 2007 at 3:27 am
Chris Just happened to experiement and came upon this site.
With this new lap top I havent learned how to work it but Im trying at least Im able to get your site in. It has too much spam and I dont know what to do with it. I really miss your expertise. Dave and Eli stop by once in a while and try to set me straight. Will be leaving for my trip to northern Italy switzerland Italian Riveria for 16 days. Probably my last trip overseas as I will be 85 years old in Dec. Really enjoy you Finding Japan. Love Gram
With this
Sunday, October 21st 2007 at 7:01 am
Hey:)
I’ve been exploring your website and podcasts! love it!
I am going to Japan in the Spring to wrap up my degree program…
I was planning on keeping a blog/photoblog for it,
Would you be available to give me a few tips?
For instance, what do you use to create the slideshows? not the video episodes
but just the slideshows with music?
Any feedback or info you can give while i try and get the blog up and running would be much appreciated!!
Sunday, January 6th 2008 at 8:00 pm
Greetings Christopher,
I hope you are still enjoying a long holiday with your family and future wife back in the US. I could not find an email address to send you the formal notification of your selection as a recipient of one of the new Japan Podcaster Awards. The awards were announced at the first of the year on the recently launched JapanPodcasters.com website. I decided to write to you here to make sure you are aware of being selected for recognition.
Click on the Japan Podcaster Awards link on the site for more information about the Japan Podcaster award categories and winners. You will also find a more thorough review of Finding Japan on the Main Directory page.
If you send me an email, I will forward you the official announcement message of the site’s launch and your award notification.
.
Wishing you the best in this new year,
Dan Savage
http://www.JapanPodcasters.com
Dan@SavageSnow.com
Thursday, January 10th 2008 at 11:25 am
The JapanPodcasters awards based on one man’s opinion. What a joke!
Well, here’s my opinion…
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WhatsHappeningInTokyo/~3/212922876/WHIT-01-08-2008.mp3
Sunday, January 13th 2008 at 7:37 am
Hello,
I’ve been listening while I work. Keep it up.
What’s the song that plays at the intro to your podcast? That’s a good riff.
Sunday, January 13th 2008 at 10:28 am
It’s the greatest song ever
Hologram Jesus by Pthalo!
Monday, January 14th 2008 at 2:30 pm
San, thanks! Looks like its up to you to start a petition for a reunion show. Lol!
Sunday, February 10th 2008 at 11:43 pm
Nice job on the podcast I enjoy them for I am coming to japan in a bout a month, I will be in Shibuya, Shinjuku and maybe another spot I havent mapped it out yet. But I was interrested in the type of recorder you use for you podcast, the sound quality is nice… From what I am told most people use their MacBook and through Garageband mix it down but it seems you have a digital voice recorder. So please respond soon..
Monday, February 18th 2008 at 12:28 pm
Hey Chris it’s Moriah. I miss you so much and I am just now listening to your podcasts and videos and that are amazing, keep it up and I miss you lots!!! Oh by the way, what is your e-mail so I can e-mail you with some pics!!
Friday, March 7th 2008 at 10:50 pm
What a great little podcast cast you have here Chris. I just discovered it a few weeks ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Who would have guessed that commentary recorded over the sound of boots trudging through snow in route to McDonald’s could be so compelling? Keep it up!
Wednesday, May 14th 2008 at 4:48 am
Chris
Love the podcast. Im visiting Japan in a few months. Do you know if there is any Jusco Aeon malls around Tokyo?
Thanks
Sunday, May 25th 2008 at 1:39 pm
Rob: I’m not sure, I’m not quite sure what type of store that is. It sounds familiar though. Where are these types of stores normally?
George: Thanks, glad you enjoy the show. Hopefully I can keep up with the demand for new episodes!