Japanese culture

  • Sado and Shalom: Special Podcast Episode

    Perhaps you’re unfamiliar, but sado is the Japanese word referring to the traditional Japanese “tea ceremony.” I had the privilege of participating in a tea ceremony event at my church this year, and was also invited to give a Bible message. But how on earth do I connect a traditional, originally Zen Buddhist ceremony to…

  • What do I need to be a missionary in Japan?

    Thinking of being a missionary in Japan? Great! There’s a huge need for mission work in Japan. Christians make up a mere 1% of the Japanese population. And unlike the U.S., most Japanese people know very little about Christianity, if anything. Some Japanese people even think Jesus was a bad guy! (I mean, since he…

  • Episode 5 | Let’s Talk Anime: “Demon Slayer” and Special Guest!

    There’s nothing more natural to me than talking about anime in my living room with my roommate, Rei. That’s basically what happened when I recorded this episode. But go ahead and listen to episode 5 for our interesting commentary on the anime, Demon Slayer. We talk about demons, our favorite (and not so favorite) characters,…

  • Episode 3 | Communication Styles in Japan, the U.S., and God’s Kingdom

    As an English teacher living in Japan, it’s rather commonplace to discuss the differences in communication styles between the U.S. and Japan. And let me tell you, there are many. But, I feel like most of my students (and fellow teachers) talk about these differences as if one is better than the other. So, in…

  • Episode 1 | Salty Gaijin’s First Podcast!

    You guys…I have news…I MADE A PODCAST! AHHH!!!! I know….what are you thinking, Brittany? Well, I had some time this winter break, and I kind of started a podcast! I’m actually pretty nervous about announcing it. While I’m used to posting blog posts and have been doing so in some form or fashion since high…