The other day, NHK came, filmed around the office and followed Kelly the editor of the magazine on her rounds. I’m in the video for about 2 seconds trying and failing to not look like a complete idiot speaking Japanese.

Some of the Japanese in this isn’t too challenging so this might be good practice for you budding students of the language. NHK was also kind enough to provide subtitles for our interviews so there is some reading practice for you too.

Enjoy.

For those of you interested in Tokyo and possibly planning a trip here you should check out Tokyo Weekender Magazine.

What is it?

It’s a lifestyle magazine and website aimed at the foreign community living in Tokyo. It covers various topics including fashion, parties, events, products and a lot more. It was traditionally aimed at the expats but the website might have an appeal to a global audience who are interested in what’s happening in Tokyo.

When did it start?

It started in 1970 back in the days before the internet, twitter and even the Sony Walkman. A lot has changed since then and with the recent updates to the website it could morph into something quite different. After the 40th Anniversary watershed there is even talk of video and audio podcasts but we’ll have to wait and see.

Blogs

One really good recent feature is the inclusion of blogs written by the editorial staff. They cover different aspects of life in Japan and are updated regularly. They include:

Tokyo Designed: A blog on cool design from Tokyo and looking for interesting new products around the metroplis

Tokyo Foodspotting: This is a great little blog with information on random culinary discoveries made in Tokyo.

Tokyo In Heels: Not all blogs on Tokyo are written by nerdy men who collect plastic dolls. This is a great blog on fashion for women in Tokyo. Check it out ladies.

Some useful Links

The Tokyo Weekender Website

The 40th Anniversary Issue

The Tokyo Weekender Facebook Group

Subscribe to this podcast via iTunes

Download the MP3

Today’s Podcast Location

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This week’s podcast was recorded by the fountains in Yoyogi park in Tokyo with Karamoon and myself. Here are some of the topics we talked about with some useful links.

1) The Learn Japanese Pod Facebook group, Mixi community, Twitter and the Forums.

2) Useful websites and blogs about Tokyo: Tokyo Heels which can be found at Tokyo Weekender

3) Tame goes wild

4) Tokyo Marathon

5) Japanese Pod Get Together.

This is a great chance to meet new people, learn some Japanese and hear some traditional Japanese music for free. This event is being held in conjunction with The Japanese Lounge at The Pink Cow on 7th December from 7pm.

6) Baird Beers Tap Room

This is a micro brew pub with some awesome little beers just off Takeshita Dori in Harajuku. The “Yabai yabai” beer is excellent.

7) Oriental Bazaar

8) Kiddy Land

9) Japanese Language Proficiency Test

Other topics included were
Yoyogi Park, Harajuku and Omotesando.