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
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 and documentaries for major U.S. and [...]
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 wonderful and diverse expertise they've brought [...]
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 moved to New York City to [...]
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 stage. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Fujiko [...]
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 gripping 2024 Philippine-Japanese action thriller. They’ll [...]
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 Dress (2023), the Filipino youth-oriented series, [...]
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 film A Samurai in Time (侍タイムスリッパー)—a [...]
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 interest in subcultures and social trends, [...]
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! For the Love of Sake,” which [...]
A Lifelong Journey Through Japanese Cinema
Mark Schilling is a reporter, critic, and author who specializes in Japanese films and popular culture. Since 1989, Mark has been a regular film critic for The Japan Times and has [...]
Finding Japanese Culture in New York City
In the fourth episode, we’re excited to welcome Susan Miyagi McCormac, the founder, and Editor-in-Chief of JapanCulture•NYC, a website that introduces New Yorkers to Japanese culture and promotes Japanese-related events. In [...]
Conversation about Japanese Film & Television
In the third episode of Showtime at Japan Expert Insights, we’ll chat with Tetsuki Ijichi about his extensive experience in the entertainment industry and the valuable advice he has for [...]
The Intersection of Data, Media and Technology
In the second episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Douglas Montgomery, founder and CEO of Global Connects. Douglas will share his insights on the urgent need for Japan to leverage more data [...]
The Future of Japanese Entertainment & Culture
In this premiere episode, guest Waka (Konohana) Ikeda will discuss the rise of Japonism in the 20th Century and the problems facing Japan that have been revealed through recent international [...]
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.