Japan | Expert Panel
We’re shaking it up today with a panel of local experts from Japan! Together we’ll explore the bustling capital of Tokyo, learn about Shugendo and the Yamabushi monks, and dive deep into the cuisine of this fascinating country.
Our guests today are:
Wataru Takahashi, CEO of Wondertrunk, our partner in the region. Marc Matsumoto, an author, TV Personality, and Japanese cuisine expert, and Takeharu Kato, a Yamabushi Monk who is dedicated to promoting his culture in a way that can help people around the world.
What I love about this episode is hearing each of these experts speak about their passions and seeing how similar threads in Japanese culture continue to arise. Whether it be patience and expertise in all arenas, or a focus on beauty, or a simple mantra to stay in the present – it’s a portrait that will certainly make you want to uncover all that is Japan.
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Cozy Earth.
Listen to hear:
- 02:17 – About Takahashi’s view from his favorite spot
- 04:01 – Why you should put Japan on the top of the list
- 05:53 – What the less known regions in Japan that are great for traveling are
- 08:00 – How you can learn from the different aspects of a culture
- 10:58 – Why Japan is such a special destination for food
- 19:45 – About the up and coming trends in Japanese cuisine
- 20:25 – What the best way for a visitor to Japan to truly experience Marc’s food is
- 24:22 – How you can learn more about Shegundo and the Yamabushi Monks
- 30:59 – About the three Sacred Mountains in the region
- 32:47 – What some of the custom made programs for travelers to Japan are
- 35:55 – How you can learn more on trends in pop culture, and a few hidden ones
- 40:14 – About our guests’ personal favorites in the country
- 46:40 – What you will learn about the world and humanity after visiting Japan
