x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Rambling Ramsbothams

Zeb & Annie Ramsbotham

Ever wondered what it"s like living as a foreigner in Japan? We"re Annie & Zeb Ramsbotham, and while our Japan journey might be rambling, we hope this podcast isn"t! Join us as we move from the United States to Ishikawa Prefecture, work in the JET Programme, explore Japan by bike, and navigate our new home. We"re looking forward to having you along for the adventure. If you"re enjoying the podcast we"d appreciate you subscribing and reviewing it on your preferred podcast platform! And as always

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

53:21

Taking the JLPT Language Test, Funerals in Japan, &...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/12/05

December is here! Is it ok to talk about Cremation and Christmas in the same episode? This time we're talking about funerals in Japan vs. the US, taking the JLPT language test (and what Annie would do differently next time), and festive illumination events. It's time to settle in and get cozy for the arrival of winter in Japan!The JLPT mock test Annie used to study: https://www.unagibun.com/jlpt-online/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week,"

en-us

55:30

Camping and Biking in Wakayama, Kumano Kodo...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/11/28

Today we’re talking about our first time camping in Japan! We went to Wakayama Prefecture for a camping and cycling trip - we'll talk about some scenic gravel biking, seeing parts of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, how a construction worker saved our ride, three-legged crows, important Shinto shrines, and yogurt lids inspired by leaves. More about the Kumano Kodo: https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and

en-us

43:13

Model Photoshoot in Kaga Onsen, Kintsugi, & Lolita...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/11/21

Annie had a "modeling" opportunity to promote tourism in the Kaga Onsen area of Ishikawa Prefecture! This week we talk about the places where she was photographed, including Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Kakusenkei Kawadoko river cafe, Korogi Bridge, and The Museum of Snow and Ice. We also talk about the Japanese art of kintsugi, or repairing broken pottery and glass with lacquer and gold. Annie was able to see master artist Yagi Shigeki in Kaga repair bowls with kintsugi. Finally, we

en-us

31:01

The Not-So-Useful News Report: Fun Facts From Life in...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/11/14

This week we're sharing a slightly shorter episode, featuring some recent news & fun (but maybe not so useful) facts about recent life in Japan! We'll talk about musical roads, silk making, Godzilla, Japan's first school, island names, nighttime heritage views, and more. Godzilla movie: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15047829Mystery Tsunami: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15049677New Island Emerges:

en-us

55:05

Noto Peninsula, Salt, and Coastal Cycling in Wajima

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/11/08

We joined a monitor tour to help bring more cyclists and travelers to the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture! This week we'll talk about what makes Wajima great for biking, some of the cons of visiting the rural coastline of Japan, salt farms, ama divers, cliff-side rice paddies, and morning markets. We also got to hang out with four friends from our hometown in North Carolina, who were all visiting Japan! Where did we take them during their time in Kanazawa?More about Noto's history

en-us

55:43

Halloween in Japan, Cat Yokai, Yurei Stories, and...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/11/03

What's Halloween like in Japan? This week we're talking about Halloween security measures in Tokyo, Japanese yurei (ghost) stories, and the Tokugawa Ieyasu's grave in Nikko. We also talk about three different kinds of Kaibyo, or cat yokai. British Institute of Film’s top 10 Japanese “Ghost Stories” https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/10-great-japanese-ghost-storiesMore about Okiku: https://yokai.com/okiku/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese

en-us

53:07

TeamLab in Kanazawa, Silvervine, and Tourism Stats in...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/10/25

en-us

54:29

Pocket Money, Persimmons, & Horumonyaki

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/10/17

It's persimmon season and we're discussing different kinds of the fruit (both Shibu-gaki and Ama-gaki), as well as where the first sweet persimmon tree came from in Japan. We're also talking about husbands getting monthly pocket money, and what "horumonyaki" is on the Yakiniku restaurant menu.Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos.Have a question or

en-us

57:30

Eating Konjac, Goshuin Stamps, and Gunma's Onsen Water

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/10/12

This week we're talking about collecting Goshuin (御朱印) seal stamps at shrines and temples, unique ways to eat konjac (konyakku or こんにゃく), and the different onsen (hot spring) water in Gunma Prefecture. We specifically discuss the mineral-rich water in Shima, the sulfuric water in Kusatsu, and the iron-rich water in Ikaho. Finally we'll mention a couple recent articles about mystery tsunamis and the plea for Japanese residents to eat more scallops.Thanks also to Sandy, Steven, and Elijah

en-us

54:57

Date Day in Kanazawa, Conveyor Belt Sushi & Bike...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/10/03

en-us

52:05

Japanese Weddings, Talking to Neighbors, and What...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/09/27

This week we'll read an email from a listener about his interactions with a neighbor, talk about what weddings are like in Japan (both traditional Shinto style and "white" weddings) , and describe the unexpected things that Annie brought back to Japan from the US. (Hint, one thing could be described as the southern US version of edamame!)Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see

en-us

48:09

Kanazawa Itinerary, Asheville North Carolina, &...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/09/21

Tune in to this episode to hear about what Zeb did with his brother & sister in-law when they visited him in Kanazawa, Annie's trip to Asheville's River Arts District, and more. Thanks for sticking with us through all the travel and remote episode! Next week Annie returns to Japan and we'll finally be back to recording in our home. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see

en-us

51:20

Jet Lag, JLPT, Golden Cubes, & Silver Cups

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/09/14

For the first time, Zeb and Annie aren’t recording from the same room! Zeb flew back to Japan and Annie has a little more time in the US - this week we’re talking about jet lag, taking the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), respect for the aged day (Keirō no Hi - 敬老の日), and gifts that centenarians receive in Japan. You can find more information about the online customs forms here: https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web-enListen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese

en-us

43:06

What If Our US Hometowns Had Character Mascots Like...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/09/06

This week we've been enjoying some time in our North Carolina hometowns with family and friends - it got us thinking about the character mascots that some towns and regions have in Japan. These laid-back characters are called "Yuru-kyara" (ゆるキャラ) and advertise the specialties and attractions that an area is known for. What would the Yuru-kyara be like in our hometowns? We also talk about the Yuru Grand Prix, which was a huge mascot convention, and describe the two endearing mascots

en-us

45:29

Getting A Japanese Driver's License On The First Try...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/08/30

Annie is now licensed to drive a car in two countries! This week we'll start by talking about the process in Japan, memorizing the course for the driver's license test, and differences that surprised us. We're also recording this episode from North Carolina, because we're back in the USA for the first time in over a year! It's been fun to catch up with family, drive around familiar places, and eat our favorite foods. What kind of foods did we miss the most? Listen to the end

en-us

94:36

7 Day Bike Trip Around Japan! Cycling from Kanazawa...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/08/22

This one is all about our summer break bike touring trip! We cycled around 4 prefectures in Japan (Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu, and Nagano) for 7 days, covering 430 Miles and 34,824 feet (or 690 Kilometers, 10,601 Meters ).Our cycling route took us from Uchinada (outside Kanazawa) to Hida to Kanayama to Tsumago-juku to Matsumoto to Shirakawa-go and back to Uchinada. We talk about riding on the historic Nakasendo road, staying with a host who is the 14th generation to live in his house, seeing two

en-us

50:09

How to Plan a Cycling Trip & Japan’s 72 Seasons

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/08/15

Happy Mountain Day! We’re recording this in advance because we'll be heading out towards the Japanese Alps on our biggest bike touring trip yet. How do you plan a cycling trip? Zeb shares his tips on setting your goals, mapping your route, and finding lodging. Let us know what trips you've been on, or where you plan to ride! Also, did you know that Japan has 72 seasons? You can see them all and here: http://www.usjapanctn.net/72seasons.htmlListen to the end of every episode to hear our

en-us

54:18

Japan-iversary Episode! One Year of Living in Japan:...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/08/08

Earlier this year we hit our 1-year "podcast anniversary", but this week was our "Japan-iversary" which was more special! Join us as we celebrate one year of living in Japan, share some of our favorite sounds from life here, hit the highlights of each month, and touch on the hardest parts about life abroad. Thanks for listening to our ramblings so far, here's to the next year! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to

en-us

53:46

Japan Driver's License Process, Shimano Biker's...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/08/01

This week we talk about our first appointment to convert our International Driver's Licenses to a Japanese Driving License, Annie's first bike race in over a year at the Shimano Biker's Festival, and cycling into the alps and across the Utsukushigahara Highlands in Nagano Prefecture. The 31st annual Shimano Biker's Festival was at Fujimi Panorama Resort, and it was a ton of fun with a huge variety of events. The area around the Venus Line road was a beautiful place to ride bikes

en-us

54:23

Workplace Health Exams, Painting Kutaniyaki, & Flea...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2023/07/25

This week we talk about some summer break activities at Zeb’s workplace, including his upcoming annual employee health check. What’s included in the standard yearly health exam? (Called Ippan Kenko Shindan or Ippan Kenshi 一般健康診断・一般健診)Annie talks about some art opportunities in Japan this past week, including a kutaniyaki (九谷焼) painting experience, and participating in a local flea market. How do you paint or make kutaniyaki? Where can you search online to find craft fairs and flea markets in

en-us

120 results

Similar Podcasts

The Daily Horoscope

The Daily Horoscope

The Michael Decon Program

Michael Decon

Kalimera Koveos

Andrea Koveos

The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

Smarter leben

DER SPIEGEL