Advertise on podcast: Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

The craft beer scene in Japan has avalanched into a diverse yet enriching scene in Japan; the OG’s encourage the promising, the promising spark interests to the unaware. Then there are spaces and platforms that not only want to bring in customers but more importantly create and sustain communal warmth that is inviting to anyone feeling loneliness, disillusion and isolation especially the behemoth of a megalopolis that is Tokyo. Meet Kyle, the co-owner (and along with his wife, Yuki) of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky. Their love of craft beer and a fun community space sparked them to open their bar during the pandemic in hopes sharing their love to those around them as well as bringing the fun and joy to whomever dares and has curiosity to step into their doors. You can check out and follow Pintology here on IG: pintologytokyo 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:  [email protected]

There is a Japanese proverb, “十人十色” which literally translates to “10 people, 10 colors” or familiar in English, “Different strokes for different folks”. Meet Nahnah, who came to Japan equipped with all ten colors painting bold, vibrant strokes on a blank Japanese social canvas. Aside from founding his fashion/fragrance house, Klaass, He brings different communities together through his inviting and warm personality. From Ghana to Japan, this is a story of having a big appetite and the pursuit of neverending joy in creativity. You can find Klaass Fashion House on Shopify IG: @klaassfashionhaus @nahnah_kofi 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:  [email protected]

I’m back and starting the eighth season, we’re visiting a small Vietnamese joint celebrating its 5th anniversary this month. Meet Hung, a charismatic, soft spoken owner and chef of Hung’s Kitchen. Nestled between Izakayas and Pachinko parlors near Kamata Station, this welcoming restaurant attracts those craving authentic Banh Mi and Pho. Even though his food speaks volumes, Hung’s excellent service and constant effort to be part of the community invokes tangible warmth that brings locals and visitors together. If you’re in Tokyo and want some Vietnamese deliciousness, visit Hung’s Kitchen. 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:  [email protected]

On my final episode this season we revisit a guest that has been the Puerto Rican ambassador of Japan through the lens of his music. Eto, (@boicuaenjapon) has been spearheading and showcasing the essence of Reggaeton in Japan while collaborating with local like-minded artists expressing their love for Puerto Rican music and culture. I was fortunate enough to have Eto on before our New Year holiday to catch up and continue to bring the fiesta vibes en Japon. You can listen and catch up what Eto’s up to here: IG: @boricuaenjapon and YouTube: https://youtube.com/@boricuaenjapon?si=vokh14yQKwMwidrw Check out Eto here: boricuaenjapon.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:  [email protected]

To quote the poet, Robert Frost, “ Two roads diverged in a wood and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” I’m back once again with another musical artist who has took the road less traveled. Meet Demsky, a Canadian beat maker based in Tokyo yet traversed the globe and soundscapes in life. I’m fired up to promote his latest album, “Jugaad” as well as he being the co founder of a one day festival held at a Tokyo public bathhouse called @sentosensations , celebrating the culture of independent artists at a Japanese public bathhouse. We sit down together at the @nakamegurotaproom to listen to his story while I do a breakdown review of his album track by track. If you’re interested in Demsky’s music , check out https://linktr.ee/Demsky?utm_source=linktree_profile_share and his IG: @demksymusic For info of Sento Sensation events including the album release party on Nov.22nd check out their IG page here: @sentosensations 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:  [email protected]

It’s been awhile posting up an athlete worth showcasing but growing up from a US state that injected basketball at such a young age, I’m hyped to introduce you to Michael. He’s been making a name for himself on the court in this country even before the inception of the Japanese B. League, Japan’s top men’s pro basketball league. This is the story of one of Japan’s most successful professional athlete imports and it doesn’t sound like he’s hanging his sneakers up yet. We both come from a generation of the same invigorating cloth and his accomplishments will fire up the future generations of Japanese basketball prospects. You can check out Michael’s basketball and fashion brands here: Mp3international 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:  [email protected]

To quote Maya Angelou, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Meet my new “Boet”, Keagan. He arrived to Japan with an arsenal of songs waiting to be unleashed. Little did I know that he would be the minstrel bird this country didn’t know it deserved as well as humor that I didn’t expect. He channels bards of the past and present and I’m sure ears will perk when they hear his music. Keagan’s charm and aura are forces we should all embrace. To check out Keagan’s music and his debut album 1DK: Who I AM, you can listen here : https://linktr.ee/keaganraphael?fbclid=PAZnRzaANCFpNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7n4h8kGE-giKenrZvl3evWiPLz6VGJC8Xnbkh2O3RzOaMTETT4AnMCjQi8s_aem_-6-tU5tz8t9dFQJ9G-j23A 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:  [email protected]

Sweet dreams are made of these and who am I to disagree. I’m back with a fresh new band dropping in the Tokyo scene. Meet Lucas and Nayokenza, two artists/musicians that have unbreakable musical synergy which led them to create Moondahlia, a lo-fi, chillout project which I’m happy to promote. Unsurprisingly we all had similar tastes and I felt these were two rad dudes with vision, purpose and creativity worth sharing. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I had “talking shop” with other like-minded musicians. Here is their passion on a musical plate. Bon appétit. To check out Moondhalia’s first ep, “The View on Midnight” you can find it on all music streaming platforms as well as their YouTube channel : https://youtube.com/@moondahliamusic?si=DGozxvDzixvudKnu Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1GwUm01fS5mAOD1YVpUoWV?si=DfRyOn4-T0qUdfSIw4gzNw Apple: https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/moondahlia/1810533462?l=en-US Website: moondahlia 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:  [email protected]

There’s an old Japanese proverb “ennoshita no chikaramochi” (縁の下の力持ち),  “the powerful person that holds up the house“ or “the unsung hero”.  Meet Brandon, I don’t know if he can carry a house but he is the founder of Tokyo Vibes. An event/ community space which brings together art and music lovers in the Tokyo area.  This social gathering is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to network, make new friends and give artists from all mediums a platform.  This episode is for those who feel let down to create as well as for those in Japan who want to connect.  Brandon is the wizard behind the curtain urging you to never give up.    You can find more info on Tokyo Vibes through their Instagram, here. 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:  [email protected]

On the seventh season of Made In Japan Podcast, we start with equating the first capital of the U.S. , Philadelphia with the OG downtown center of of commerce in Edo/Tokyo , Nihonbashi. Meet Kousuke and Tomomi, who’ve glued both city areas from opposite ends of Earth with a hoagie; the Philly cheesesteak. To my surprise yet unsurprisingly, they’ve managed to make this beloved Philly sandwich a magnet for both locals and tourists visiting Japan come to their welcoming bar/ restaurant and teleport them to the city of brotherly love. This is their story and love through the food. Go Birds! 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 You can follow Nihonbashi Philly on Instagram here @nihonbashi_philly IG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcast Email:  [email protected]

From the volcanic region of Bicol, Philippines to the quiet shores of Shizuoka, Japan, meet Kei, who exemplifies the fire and water of Philippines and Japan.   I’m honored to share her story of blending roots as well as her discovering new shades of her identity as she starts her modeling career in Japan.   She also happens to be an excellent brownie baker with her new business called “ Brownie Shots”.  This was definitely a treat to have her on, speak her truth and meditate on the perfect brownie bite.   Check out Brownie Shots on IG: @brownie.shots 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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]