Showtime at Japan Expert Insights
“Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” is an exciting new podcast that brings listeners up close and personal with the leading figures of Japan’s dynamic industries, from technology and business to entertainment and culture. Each episode features live interviews with top Japanese professionals, offering insider perspectives and expert commentary on the latest trends and innovations shaping the nation.
Co-host Maya Matsuoka and I explore the multifaceted world of Japanese entertainment, culture, and industry trends. We feature in-depth discussions with leading experts who offer valuable perspectives on the latest developments and timeless aspects of Japan’s entertainment landscape.
Our podcast aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s entertainment industry, including everything from television and anime to gaming, film, and beyond. The format is conversational, very similar to the current Japan Expert Insights programming, and we aim to keep the discussions engaging, yet informative, allowing our audience to gain deeper knowledge about Japan’s dynamic cultural scene.
Showtime at Japan Expert Insights is now streaming on
A Rising Star In Japanese Movies and Television
This week's guest is Stefanie Arianne, an accomplished actress with roots in both the Philippines and Japan. After moving to Japan to pursue acting, she [...]
Creating a Card Game for Japanese Business
This week we have Kanako Horii. Born in Chicago, she spent most of her life in Tokyo before returning to the U.S. decades later to [...]
Need to Know: Crafting Japanese Entertainment
This week, we feature Jeffrey Rowe, a Canadian actor, voice actor, and producer. He splits his time between Okinawa, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Rowe has [...]
Covering Hollywood in Japan While Making Movies
This week have Daniel L. Smith, an award-winning director, producer, and journalist, and co-founder of Aurora Borealis Entertainment. He has produced numerous TV series [...]
Mid-Year Wrap-Up & From Chicago to Osaka
Get ready for a special recap episode of "Showtime at Japan Expert Insights" as we highlight our most renowned guests and dive back into the [...]
Challenges Independant Filmmakers Face in Japan
This week, we have Mayu Nakamura, a lifelong traveler and storyteller from Japan, who left home at 16 to study in the U.K. and eventually [...]
Stand Up Comedy: From Osaka to Chicago
This week’s guest is Fujiko, a vibrant and rising Japanese comedian based in Chicago who brings laughter, insight, and a unique cross-cultural perspective to the [...]
Making the film Crosspoint
This week, we welcome Donie Ordiales and Sho Ikushima—two dynamic voices in contemporary Japanese cinema. The duo will delve into their latest collaboration, Crosspoint—a [...]
The Life of a Japanese/Filipino Actor in Tokyo
This week, we have Kei Kurosawa, a Filipino-Japanese actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and content creator. She is known for the Japanese indie horror film, The Red [...]
In Person: An Interview with Jun’ichi Yasuda & Yuno Sakura
We are thrilled to share that Michael recently sat down with director Jun'ichi Yasuda and actress & assistant director Yuno Sakura to discuss their breakout [...]
Boys’ Love & Girls’ Love: Thai Boom & Japanese Revival
This week, we have Moeka Iida, a reporter and researcher at The Economist’s Tokyo bureau, covering Japanese politics, society, business, and culture. With a keen [...]
How to Direct, Produce and Distribute Japanese Movies
This week, we have Chiaki Yanagimoto, a Japanese-born, Los Angeles-based producer. After producing a series of genre films, Chiaki switched gears to documentaries, including “KAMPAI! [...]
Alongside interviews with professionals in the Japanese entertainment industry, the podcast delves into the world of Japanese-centric cinema, television, and new media, with special episodes dedicated to in-depth reviews, hidden gems, and deep dives into iconic films and filmmakers. Whether you are a Japan enthusiast or a newcomer, “Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” is your go-to source for all things Japan, wrapped in engaging conversation and expert analysis.