Checking In...with Chris (Daves Cousin from Japan)

This week, Steve and Dave catch up with Dave’s cousin Chris, who’s visiting from Japan! Chris has been living in Japan for years now, and he’s got some great stories to share about life in Nagano, teaching English, and the cultural differences he’s experienced after moving from Cornwall to Japan.

The lads chat about everything from the local food and foraging adventures in Nagano to the unique aspects of Japanese society—like communal bathing and the strict respect for rules and appearances. Chris also opens up about the challenges of finding certain ingredients in Japan and his journey to becoming a writer, including the importance of having multiple pen names and expanding into international markets through translations.

Steve, Dave, and Chris dive into the quirks of living as a foreigner in Japan, the ever-present risk of earthquakes, and the intense work culture. They also discuss mental health issues in Japan, including the high rates of suicide and the societal pressures that contribute to these challenges.

Whether you’re fascinated by Japanese culture, interested in the life of an expat, or just love a good chat about food and travel, this episode has something for everyone!

Keywords: Cornwall, Japan, teaching English, Nagano, culture, food, foraging, writing, pen names, self-publishing, translations, cultural differences, communal bathing, earthquakes, mental health, work culture, expat life.