The GLocal
By Kwansei Gakuin University (TMC)
関西学院東京丸の内キャンパスと関学生による英語インタビュー番組。
ホストの関学Taro(エキスパート)とTamago(ビギナー)が、世界的なニュースからローカルなトピックスまで、
気になる話題について世界中からゲストを迎えインタビュー。
様々な環境や背景、多種多様な人々のストーリーを聞きながら、世界をより身近に感じませんか?
The GLocal is a bi-monthly podcast about people and events from around the world. Visit us at theglocal.carrd.co
The GLocalMay 04, 2021
34. What Ukrainian Refugees Can Expect in Japan
We spoke with Dora Tamari-Tutnjević, a Japanese-Croatian intercultural navigator working on building a sustainably multicultural society. With a special emphasis on refugee and migration issues, Dora has educated and engaged both minorities and host communities in dialogue and co-creation through lectures, corporate trainings and events at companies and universities including Aoyama Gakuin, Chuo University, International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM), Yamaha Motors or Konica Minolta. Her passions include civic engagement, and public private partnerships. She firmly believes in the power of ordinary citizens to create lasting change, and lead the way in transforming societies.
Dora grew up in Croatia, and spent 4 years in Japan during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s as a child. Together with her family, she was an evacuee (refugee) in Japan though she is a Japanese national. Since her late teens, she has lived in 8 countries, a ship and an island over 10 years - a background relatable to migrants on a short notice and minimal resources.
Below are some of the Japanese organizations that support asylum seekers:
Japan Association for Refugees (JAR)
Help with basic lifeline necessities (shelter, medical care, clothes, food bank tickets, and more)
Japan Evangelical Lutheran Association (JELA)
https://www.jela.or.jp/refugees/
Shelter for asylum seekers until the government support becomes available, scholarship.
WELgee (Welcome + Refugees)
https://www.welgee.jp/about/english
Employment of highly skilled asylum seekers. Switching to stable visa.
Catholic Tokyo International Center (CTIC)
https://ctic.jp/en/activity/self-reliance/#hongo
Daily life consultation, volunteer Japanese lessons for asylum seekers in Japan for less than 1 year.
International Social Services Japan (ISSJ)
International social services (including pregnancy-related matters), counselling on health, welfare, and social integration.
Arrupe Refugee Center
https://arrupe-refugee.jp/english/
Shelter, counseling and cultural services.
For more, please see the full list of organizations here: http://frj.or.jp/member
33. How Measuring Heart Rate Variability Can Improve Your Health
Ken Persen is the founder and CTO of LIVMOR, an American Digital Health company. Ken has worked nearly his entire career in the medical device industry, working for companies such as Guidant and Boston Scientific before founding LIVMOR.
Ken has a passion for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs through the large scale adoption of digital health technology across the world.
32. Exploring "New Religions" in Japan
Erica Baffelli is a Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Her research covers "new religions" in Japan. You can read some of her publications in the links below.
Note: at some point, Taro compared Japanese new religions to the American Christian Science. He meant Scientology, not Christian Science.
Music credit: Ai IMAZATO from the Senri International High School of Kwansei Gakuin.
Erica Baffelli publications:
31. How to Cook Good Food at Home
In this episode, we speak with Carolina Zeledon from Costa Rica, about how and why you should make good, simple and tasty food at home whenever you can.
Music credit: Ai IMAZATO from the Senri International High School of Kwansei Gakuin. Thank you Ai!!!
30. The Treatment of Refugees in South Korea
We spoke with Joseph Kim, an American writer based in Seoul, about refugees in South Korea and why South Korea has the lowest refugee acceptance rate among developed countries.
Joseph Kim has covered the Korean Peninsula for the past 10 years, and was previously a Reuters correspondent. He is now a researcher focusing on climate change.
29. Luke Lozier and Wearable Health Devices
We spoke with Luke Lozier about the value of wearable health devices and how to use them to optimize personal health practices.
Luke has wide knowledge of implantable medical devices, which he gained over 25 years of professional experience. Luke has specific knowledge of the neurological systems related to heart health, breathing and sleep. He is a self-described "geeky engineer", into outdoor fitness like hiking and climbing, and has worn a health/sleep monitoring ring for over 2 yrs
Click to learn more about the The Best Fitness Trackers of 2022: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-fitness-trackers
28. Sayako Hatano, Founder of KidSprout Therapy Tokyo
We spoke with Sayako Hatano, founder of KidSprout Therapy Tokyo, about occupational therapy for children.
Sayako has over 15 years of clinical experience in a variety of fields, including occupational therapy for children diagnosed with developmental delays, physical and congenital diseases, acquired diseases, cerebral palsy, gray zones and developmental disorders.
Learn more https://www.kidsprouttherapytokyo.org/
27. The Peculiar History of Christmas in Japan
We spoke with Malcolm Foster about Christmas celebrations, Christianity and religion in Japan.
Malcolm was born and raised in Hokkaido as the son of American missionary parents, he worked as a reporter and editor for 17 years for the Associated Press in Japan (including during the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster), Thailand and the United States. He’s also worked for Reuters and Bloomberg. He also loves to oil paint, and recently started selling his art online (malcolmsart.com). He lives with his wife and son in Mitaka, near Inokashira Park.
Here is Taro's favorite Japanese Xmas song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYP_1MZyWBM
26. Understanding Iraq
Iraq is often in the news, but few understand this ancient society. We spoke with Erik Gustafson, the founder and executive director of Enabling Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC), an independent non-profit organization in Washington DC, to help us understand some of the dynamics that are rarely reported in the news.
Learn more and follow updates at https://enablingpeace.org/
25. Understanding the Climate Conference (COP26)
The United Nations climate negotiations in Glasgow, Scotland, or COP26, concluded earlier this week. We speak with Molly McGregor, a climate and economics policy specialist formerly with the New Climate Economy (NCE) Project, to help understand the key outcomes from the summit.
24. What's Happening in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia has been in the news lately with reports of armed conflicts around the country in addition to tense relations with some of its neighbors.
We speak with Braden Fuller, Senior Researcher at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), to help us shed some light on the country and help us understand the origins of these conflicts.
Learn more about ACLED and the Ethiopia Peace Observatory (https://epo.acleddata.com)
23. Megumi Moss and Succeeding as a Woman Entrepreneur in Japan
We spoke with Megumi Moss, CEO and co-founder of CareFinder, which connects babysitters and parents. Prior to becoming a mother, Megumi worked in Business Planning at Sony and Sony Mobile Communications. She saw co-workers and friends struggle with the challenges of working while raising children. Megumi realized there was a serious lack of childcare services in Japan. Inspired by this experience, Megumi quit her job at Sony and founded CareFinder in May 2013.
Find out more about CareFinder: https://www.carefinder.jp/ja
22. Japan and the Digital Gender Gap
We spoke with Malcolm Foster about his recently published article in the New York Times on Japan's digital gender gap.
Malcolm is a Tokyo-based freelance journalist who has written about business, culture, religion, society, education and travel for a range of publications. Born and raised in Hokkaido as the son of American missionary parents, he worked as a reporter and editor for 17 years for the Associated Press in Japan (including during the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster), Thailand and the United States. He’s also worked for Reuters and Bloomberg. He also loves to oil paint, and recently started selling his art online (malcolmsart.com). He lives with his wife and son in Mitaka, near Inokashira Park.
Click to read Malcolm's article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/business/japan-tech-workers-women.html
Check out the following links for more information:
Code Chrysalis, a programming boot camp in Japan for both men and women: https://www.codechrysalis.io/
Waffle, offers programming courses for girls to close the gender gap: https://waffle-waffle.org/
Ms. Engineer, a women-only programming boot camp in Japan: https://ms-engineer.jp/
Technovation Girls, "a global tech education nonprofit that empowers girls to become leaders, creators and problem solvers":
https://technovationchallenge.org/
CareFinder, babysitting matching service: https://www.carefinder.jp/en
Astroscale: https://astroscale.com/
The UNESCO Science Report, chapter on women and technology: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375429.locale=en.page=4
21. Shinji Maeda, the Blind Pilot Who Flew Around the World
In celebration of the Paralympics, we invited Mr. Shinji Maeda, a Japanese man who was told he could never accomplish his dream of becoming a pilot due to his blindness in one eye.
Listen to find out how he proved everyone wrong, and the journey he went through to succeed.
Click to Learn more about the Paralympic Games (or copy/paste this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_Games)
Follow Shinji Maeda through his website https://www.aerozypangu.com/
20. Manchukuo's Kenkoku University and its Pan-Asian Influence
We speak with Ernest Ming-tak Leung, a PhD Candidate at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. We discuss his article, The School That Built Asia, which explores the role of Kenkoku University in Japan's wider Pan-Asian ambitions.
Notes:
Ernest would like to note that the Edo-era scholar, Sato's given name, should be read instead as 'Nobuhiro', an unusual pronunciation for that word. Also, Tsuji Masanobu died in 1968, not 1961.
19. Refugees And The Dark Side of Denmark
We discuss the challenging situation facing refugees in Denmark, where government policy aims to deport them back to their home countries. We spoke with:
Alysia Alexandra, a Danish-American human rights activist and anthropologist. You can follow her updates on Syrian refugees in Denmark on Twitter at @AlysiaAlexndra
Lisbeth Zornig Andersen, a Danish economist, activist, author, and former chair of the Danish Children's Council. Her focus is on marginalized people, especially children. Click to read her article, When Denmark Criminalised Kindness, about her experience with Syrian refugees in Denmark.
Mikael Lindholm, a Danish business consultant focusing on innovation and growth. He was formerly a journalist and editor.
Find out more about Guernica 37, a a London-based legal organization working to challenge the Danish government's policy on refugees as a violation of the Geneva convention principle of “non-refoulement”.
18. Dealing With Anorexia in Japan
We interviewed Suzu, a university student fighting anorexia. Her experience dealing with anorexia alone made her realize that young people suffering from eating disorders need more help from others. Since then, she has used Instagram to share her thoughts and experience about how patients and people around them should face eating disorders.
Now, she is about to launch a new project, “Yorisoiya”, to create a safe place for students who are suffering from eating disorders. She is crowdfunding to start an online salon and set up space for patients to gather.
Click for Suzu's instagram, fundraising project, and to learn more about the Japan Association for Eating Disorders.
17. A World Without Nukes
We speak with Haruka Adachi, a student at Kwansei Gakuin University who is passionate about solving environmental problems. While living in Berlin, she was very impressed with the high German environmental awareness, so she decided to study environmental issues at university.
She is very interested in humanitarian activities such as disaster volunteering, international exchange programmes, and acting for social change.
In 2019, she had a chance to learn about nuclear weapons at a youth forum in Hiroshima, and then share her finding with leaders in Geneva, Switzerland: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/nuclear-weapons-appeal-humanity
She is now planning new annual events in Osaka on the elimination nuclear weapons.
16. How to Stay Healthy and Fit When You're Super Busy
Join us for an informative conversation with Ben Silverman, founder of Flx-Fit in Tokyo. Learn valuable tips around the mindset, diet and exercise required to be healthy.
Find out more at flxfithealth.com and here.
Ben Silverman is an American who came to Ishikawa, Japan in 2010 to practice Kyokushin Karate. After some success, he moved to Taekwondo where he became the national champion of Japan. He participated in the All Asia Games, where he received a silver medal. He then started his fitness and nutrition business to help people scientifically lose weight and build muscle.
15. The Status of Women in Rwanda
Ms. Teddy Umurorwa was born and raised in Rwanda. She's a survivor of the Rwandan genocide of Tutsis. She worked for the United Nations in Rwanda before moving permanently to London UK. She's a mother of two.
Listen to her speak about the status of women in Rwanda, why they consistently rank in the top 10 in the Global Gender Gap Reports, her thoughts on the Rwandan regime, and her own incredible story of survival and resilience.
In this episode, Natsuki, a student at KG University, joined us for the discussion.
14. A Japanese Man in Ethiopia
We speak with Shota-san about his two years in Ethiopia as a volunteer for JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Shota was based in Ethiopia's second largest city, Bahir Dar.
Click the links to learn more about delicious injera, and the Blue Nile.
13. The Sustainable Development Goals
In this episode, we interview two Japanese women working for organizations involved in issues related to SDGs.
First we speak to Noriko Shindo, co-founder of Ekolocal, who are on "a mission to empower everyone to make the right decisions for their health, their local community and the environment". Find out more by clicking here. And check out their TV appearance here!
Then, we talk to Asuka Kaneko, one of the students behind the "SDGs Diary Project", which managed to raise almost 2 Million Yen for their project. Click HERE to learn more.
12. Reporting from Inside Myanmar
We speak with a researcher inside Myanmar, Mr Sai Tun Aung Lwin, and with Victor Maung, a journalist from Myanmar based in Washington DC.
Learn about current events in Myanmar, how the generals are reacting to the popular uprising, and whether Myanmar will see a resolution to the conflict or become another Syria.
This is our second episode covering developments in Myanmar. To hear the first episode, which included a discussion on the history of Myanmar and the root causes for the coup and the protest movement, click here.
11. The Harvard Model United Nations Winners of the Best Delegation Prize
Join us for a conversation with university students from Lebanon who persevered through great obstacles and won the Best Delegation Prize at Harvard World Model United Nations competition - which was supposed to be held in Tokyo this year.
Find out how they prepared, what exceptional challenges they faced due to conditions in Lebanon, and how they overcame each obstacle, worked hard and won this global prize!!!
We spoke with the team's President Mounia El-Khawand, Vice-President Stephanie Nassar, and Sarah El-Abd, Mark Nourallah, Nour Mouaness and Maurice Haddad.
10. Costa Rica, Coffee, and Following Your Passion
In this episode, we speak with Carolina Zeledon, of Tamarindo Coffee Roasters in Costa Rica.
Fun Fact: Japan is the 5th coffee consumer per person in the world.
Carolina is a native Costa Rican who is a Certified Culinarian, Certified Health & Life Coach, business administrator, consultant and fully bilingual in both Spanish and English. She understands the multicultural experience of living abroad very well as she has spent time living in Costa Rica, Italy, Hawaii, Colorado and New York City. Places that not only gave her an 20 year long career in Culinary Arts and other different types of business, but also invaluable personal insight on how the world works from different perspectives.
She is an avid cook, fitness enthusiast, nature lover, lifelong learner enjoys all things nerdy in wellness, travel, film and reading. When she isn’t passionately working on her professional projects, she enjoys cooking for and being with her friends and family. Her cooking style gravitates towards wholesome, fresh, real food with strong Mediterranean accents.
Find out more about Tamarindo Coffee Roasters on Instagram
9 Climbing Everest and Overcoming Personal Challenges
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Zed Alrefai, "The Godfather of Arab Mountaineers". Zed is one of the leading figures and role models for Arabs in the climbing community. He has personally mentored and motivated many Middle Eastern athletes and adventurers in many expeditions across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. He is a man of many talents but his main passion has always been mountain climbing.
His journey to the top was not an easy one. A near death experience on Everest in 2001 didn’t deter him and his triumphant return in 2003 resulted in him making history as the First Arab man to climb Everest. His determination didn’t end there. He continued to acquire titles for the first Arab to climb the seven summits - the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.
Zed’s favorite quote is ”Push yourself beyond what you believe your limit is”. His long list of achievements are a reflection of this.
In 2012, Zed was chosen to be one of the nine regional Olympic torchbearers and experienced the once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic flame in the London 2012 Olympic torch relay in the UK.
He was also a part of the First Gulf Extreme team that completed the Marathon Des Sables and he is the founder of AMAC (Arabian Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing Club). Zed is an honorary member of the Pakistan Alpine Club due to his climbing and humanitarian work in Pakistan.
And lastly, Zed is also a published author. His book, Summit Glory, is a personal account of his climbing journey and his story is now taught in schools across Kuwait.
8. What's Happening in Myanmar?
Join us a for a conversation on Myanmar with Victor Maung and Peter Morris.
Victor Maung is a Burmese journalist and scholar with dedicated knowledge on press freedom, Burma and LGBT rights.
Peter Morris began his career as a writer/editor for Asia Times and other news media organizations. In 2011, Myanmar opened up after decades of military rule, so in 2012 Peter went back to Thailand and Myanmar to assist with Myanmar's development. Currently Peter is working as a lawyer in LA, but he hopes to go back to Myanmar some day.
7. Samia Alduaij on Environmental Sustainability in Kuwait
Join us for a conversation with Samia Alduaij, a senior environmental specialist from Kuwait with almost 20 years experience in international development, environmental management, policy analysis and in scientific/ research institutions.
Samia has worked for the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, as well as the Scientific Center in Kuwait. Her work focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources, pollution control, environmental legislation, marine conservation and sustainable development in Kuwait and across the Middle East. She recently launched an initiative to promote sustainable and ethical consumption in the region which highlights some of the negative impacts of certain consumer choices while offering more sustainable alternatives.
Follow her and her work on Instagram @sustainablelivingkw and online www.randb-kw.com
6. Martin Tilman on Education Abroad and Career Development
Martin Tilman is a nationally recognized author, thought leader and expert on the linkage of education abroad to student career development and employability. He is President of Global Career Compass, an international consulting practice and an Affiliate to the Gateway International Group. Previously, he retired as Associate Director of Career Services at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. In his distinguished career over a forty year period as an international educator, he has held senior leadership positions with pioneering international education programs in the U.S. He is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright Award to Japan for international education administrators.
Learn more at globalcareercompass.blog
5. Teresa Ha, founder of Basis Nuts
Join us for an informative discussion with entrepreneur Teresa Ha, founder of Basis Nuts.
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Basis Nuts sources and imports unique varieties of nuts - like almonds and pine nuts - that have been carefully cultivated for centuries in Central Asia. Find out why Teresa chose to work with farmers in Afghanistan and how her business helps them export their unique products to Europe.
Follow her work and get more information at basisnuts.com
4. Corona and Education: Lebanon and Argentina
In this episode, we travel first to Beirut, Lebanon, to talk to Dr Hana El-Ghali, a senior lecturer and academic researcher at the American University of Beirut, and Ms Nour Jeha, an elected first-year student representative at the same university.
Then, we travel to Argentina, where we are joined by Ms Micaela Orfali, a university student in Buenos Aires, studying multi-media technology.
3. Corona and Education: South Africa and Colombia
We talk about the impact of the corona virus on university education in South Africa with Mr Pitso Tsibolane, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Cape Town, and Ms Nomfundo Zulu, a student leader at the same university.
In our second segment, we continue the discussion with Ms Sofia Meza, a student of law in Colombia.
2. Sailing from Russia to Japan
In this episode, we speak to Colin Rowat, a Canadian living in London. Colin recently sailed from Russia (Vladivostok) to Japan (Fukuoka). Find out why he embarked on that journey; how he spent 14 days at sea; the golden heart of Russian bears; the Russo-Japanese naval battle at Port Arthur; Korean wifi connections at sea; and much much more.
1. USA
In our first podcast episode, Taro was in Washington DC this week. Tamago called to learn about DC during the corona pandemic.
Later, Taro and Tamago call award winning American journalist, Mark Tarallo, to talk about the US elections and much more. As they were talking, the New York Times announced that Joe Biden had won the US presidential election.
Sound Editor: Natsuki Ueda
Music: www.bensound.com