Episode 7:
The Bottom Line is Respect
In our seventh episode, we welcome David Caprara, an award-winning multimedia journalist based in Japan. His documentary work has ranged from covering Nepali honey hunters in Himalayan foothills, to reconstruction efforts after the 2011 Tohoku disaster, to uncovering the mysteries of a WWII B-29 crash on a Buddhist holy mountain. He lives in a kominka (traditional Japanese house) that he bought in the Yoshino region of Nara. We discuss how he jumped into international journalism by reporting recovery efforts after a major earthquake in Nepal; how he builds rapport with people around the world, especially during interviews; how he’s succeeded as a freelance journalist living abroad; and why he appreciates life in rural Japan.

(Feb. 28, 2025)

Episode 6:
Hometowns Everywhere
In our sixth episode, we welcome Yuri Akahira, who’s worked in multiple locations around the world, and is now a Tokyo-based director at a global IT company. A strong advocate for women, she has a background in social work and leads the women’s employee resource group in her company. She’s even taken part in the Mrs. Universe Japan competition and placed first in the 40s category! We discuss how she became interested in different cultures, how she built her confidence after overcoming challenges like bullying, and how she befriends people from all different backgrounds.

(Jan. 30, 2025)

Episode 5:
Finding Joy in the Struggle
In our fifth episode, we welcome Yuko Watanabe, a strategy & operations consultant based in Seattle. She’s worked all over the world supporting everything from big companies to nonprofits, and has also built various online communities that allows participants to connect in unique ways. We discuss how she first came to the United States, what led her to create those communities, and how it’s best to stop planning and instead find joy in whatever comes our way.

(Dec. 30, 2024)

Episode 4:
Culture as a Foothold
In our fourth episode, we welcome Robert Holloway. His mother was adopted from South Korea. He did not grow up speaking Korean, but not only has he become fluent enough to serve as a simultaneous interpreter, he also supports other Korean adoptees by building a community and teaching them the Korean language. We discuss his family history and the challenges many Korean adoptees face, as well as how identity is deeply intertwined with our own culture.

(Nov. 30, 2024)

Episode 2:
Embracing Our Own Differences
In our second episode, we welcome Grace Kim, who grew up in Korea, Japan, and the U.S. She now runs an event planning company in the Washington, DC area using her multilingual skills. She is also pursuing several artistic side projects. We discuss how her identity has changed over time, how she and her sister have adapted differently to similar upbringings, as well as her entrepreneurship.

(Sep. 28, 2024)

Episode 1:
Always Adaptable
In this first episode, we welcome Sayuri Romei, who grew up in Italy speaking Italian, French, and Japanese–but is now based in the U.S. (she also happens to be an expert on nuclear deterrence!). We discuss how she’s adapted to multiple cultures as she grew up, how she expresses herself in different languages, and how her interests have evolved over time.

(Aug. 31, 2024)