This is the newest Bento Bureau Podcast format! Last week, we sat down on a rainy day and had a small discussion about life in Japan. Some topics we talked about were: (1) what have we been doing? (2) Buzz's trip to a cafe in Tokyo; (3) Our small community in Saitama; (4) Buzz's experience disposing a "fridge"; and (5) how he often use the nearby convenience store's bathroom.

#18: Cafe, community, and conbini - Casual talk about life in Japan with Buzz, Long, and Ly.

On Jun 8, 2018, the 44th G7 Summit began in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada. For us audience, the story of this event could be summed up through the renowned photo depicting Chancellor Angela Merkel staring at the seated arm-crossed President Donald Trump before other world leaders such as France's Emmanuel Macron or Britain's Teresa May. However, one cannot help but notice the standing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was captured standing with his arms crossed while looking at President Macron. What was the meaning behind Abe’s posture? In the broader sense, what could it tell us about Japan’s role in the G7 summit, and how can we explain the international relations of Japan through these high-level meetings? 

In today’s episode, we invited on board Professor Hugo Dobson to help us explore these questions further. Prof. Dobson is the professor of Japan’s International Relations and the Head of the Department of the School of East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on the one hand on Japan’s role in international relations, multilateral organizations, and global governance while conversely, he explores the role of images in shaping our understanding of international relations and Japan’s global role.

#19: Explaining Japan's international relations through the G7 and G20 summit with Prof. Hugo Dobson

We had the opportunity to sit down for a talk with Professor Tsuneo Nishida, who has occupied various key positions in multiple countries during his illustrious career with the Japanese Foreign Ministry. He is also the former Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations. 
First, we discuss how Japanese Foreign Policy has evolved through the eyes of a former representative of Japan. Second, we discuss how Japanese Foreign Policy has evolved through the eyes of a former representative of Japan.

Learn more about Prof. Nishida here: http://www.international.ucla.edu/japan/people/advisors/1648

#20: Japan's Foreign Policy - The Past, Present, and Future w/ Prof. Tsuneo Nishida

*CASUAL EPISODE* Edwin from Indonesia joins the Bento Bureau team to discuss how he was inspired to come to Japan because of his admiration for idol groups. Please excuse the audio quality this time around as we were limited to using a portable microphone. 

Some of the topics we mentioned:

- Edwin's background
- Idol groups in Indonesia and Japan
- Japan life from an Indonesian's perspective
- Choir music
- Why Indonesians are drawn to Japan (from Edwin's point of view)

(Side note: Our banner is now white to distinguish casual episodes from our main content) 

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#21: I Came To Japan For AKB48 - Confession of An Indonesian Student In Japan

How do the Japanese practice religion? How does it compare to others around the world? With us today is Professor Edward Drott, an Associate Professor at Sophia University who has conducted more than 20 years of research on Japanese religions. 
In today’s episode, Professor Drott will introduce five approaches to understand religions in Japan.

Topics include: 
- Why religion is important to understand
- What type of religions are there in Japan
- The two major forms of religion in Japan: Buddhism/Shinto
- Historical overview of evolution of Confucianism 
- Five approaches to understanding/studying Japanese religions
- How religious elements continue to impact modern-day society
- How Christianity made its way to Japan

(Intro music by Timmy Holiday: https://youtu.be/3cBTIF7zjo4)

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#22: Five approaches to understanding Japanese religions w/ Prof. Edward Drott

Our good friend Taka introduces us to the world of Japanese music by giving us a taste of a few select, diverse tracks.

Here are the songs we listened to if you would like to check them out:

- Selfish Love by Miyavi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQwpdY3Fz9c
- Omega by Crystal Lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvJQ1pFBi8A
- Luv(sic) Part 6 (feat. Shing02) Remix by Nujabes/Uyama Hiroto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9qXqsfPrY
- Loop Loop by Asian Kung Fu Generation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUtnzOPkC4A
- Nichijou anime OP1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B65efQ-6Wrg

(Outro music - Luv(sic) part 2 by Nujabes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2DrarHpLrE)

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#23: The Absolutely Essential Japanese Music Starter Pack w/ Taka

Bento Bureau is a podcast about Japanese society from an international perspective. Each episode is a different discussion on a different topic related to Japanese society, politics, or culture, with participation from experts, authors, activists, or just normal individuals who have something interesting to share about Japan.

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