Best Michael Ketchum Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 80– Demsky, Triphop Beatmaker & album review of “Jugaad” 1:15:18

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1M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

To quote the poet, Robert Frost, “ Two roads diverged in a wood and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” I’m back once again with another musical artist who has took the road less traveled. Meet Demsky, a Canadian beat maker based in Tokyo yet traversed the globe and soundscapes in life. I’m fired up to promot…

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Ep. 79– Michael Parker, Pro Basketball Player of the Japanese B. League 44:24

2M ago44:24

44:24

It’s been awhile posting up an athlete worth showcasing but growing up from a US state that injected basketball at such a young age, I’m hyped to introduce you to Michael. He’s been making a name for himself on the court in this country even before the inception of the Japanese B. League, Japan’s top men’s pro basketball league. This is the story o…

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Ep. 78– Keagan Raphael, Artist, Singer and Producer. 1:23:32

3M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

To quote Maya Angelou, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Meet my new “Boet”, Keagan. He arrived to Japan with an arsenal of songs waiting to be unleashed. Little did I know that he would be the minstrel bird this country didn’t know it deserved as well as humor that I didn’t expect. He channels bards of…

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Ep. 77– Lucas and Nayokenza of Moondahlia 56:29

4M ago56:29

56:29

Sweet dreams are made of these and who am I to disagree. I’m back with a fresh new band dropping in the Tokyo scene. Meet Lucas and Nayokenza, two artists/musicians that have unbreakable musical synergy which led them to create Moondahlia, a lo-fi, chillout project which I’m happy to promote. Unsurprisingly we all had similar tastes and I felt thes…

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Ep. 76– Brandon Matsumoto, founder of Tokyo Vibes 58:57

5M ago58:57

58:57

There’s an old Japanese proverb “ennoshita no chikaramochi” (縁の下の力持ち), “the powerful person that holds up the house“ or “the unsung hero”. Meet Brandon, I don’t know if he can carry a house but he is the founder of Tokyo Vibes. An event/ community space which brings together art and music lovers in the Tokyo area. This social gathering is a wonderf…

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New Podcast: Emissaries from the Void trailer 3:04

8M ago3:04

3:04

Hey, y'all. I do still plan to come back to this project, but I have started another podcast with a friend in which we examine odd, oblique, obscure, or opaque cinema. We've recorded seven episodes so far, and it seems to be going really well. I'm excited! The first episode drops May third. If you're interested in weird movies and pulling meaning o…

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Ep. 75– Made (and Served) in Japan— Kousuke and Tomomi Chujo, owners of Nihonbashi Philly 37:49

9M ago37:49

37:49

On the seventh season of Made In Japan Podcast, we start with equating the first capital of the U.S. , Philadelphia with the OG downtown center of of commerce in Edo/Tokyo , Nihonbashi. Meet Kousuke and Tomomi, who’ve glued both city areas from opposite ends of Earth with a hoagie; the Philly cheesesteak. To my surprise yet unsurprisingly, they’ve …

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Grandfather Clock 6:02

10M ago6:02

6:02

Written and Performed by Michael Ketchum.By Michael Ketchum

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Thoreau's Pumpkin 7:28

10M ago7:28

7:28

Written and Performed by Michael Ketchum.By Michael Ketchum

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Beyond the Blue 6:32

10M ago6:32

6:32

Written and Performed by Michael Ketchum.By Michael Ketchum

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Daedalus Fish 6:41

10M ago6:41

6:41

Written and performed by Michael Ketchum.By Michael Ketchum

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Never Say Never 3:52

10M ago3:52

3:52

Never Say Never, written by Michael Ketchum. All instruments and vocals by Michael Ketchum.By Michael Ketchum

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Ep. 74– Kei Nagata , Model and Baker at Brownies.shots 1:03:24

1y ago1:03:24

1:03:24

From the volcanic region of Bicol, Philippines to the quiet shores of Shizuoka, Japan, meet Kei, who exemplifies the fire and water of Philippines and Japan. I’m honored to share her story of blending roots as well as her discovering new shades of her identity as she starts her modeling career in Japan. She also happens to be an excellent brownie b…

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Ep. 73– Tatsumi Kyo, Freelance Artist and the pursuit of the Manga Career 1:08:52

1y ago1:08:52

1:08:52

To be or not to be, that is the way of the “Manga-ka” or Manga artist. I’m back diving deep into the business of what it means to strive as a successful Manga artist. Meet Tatsumi, whom at a young age found passion and with his talent which caught the attention of the giants of the manga publishing world. I was grateful he took time to come and cha…

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Re-Gifting Murder 1:01:03

1y ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Brock pleads for Ash's forgiveness, and then it's back to thrilling pokemon violence as Saphire Ketchum puts the smack-down on another traitor, Max Maple, who, since we learned his last lame, we naturally give a Canadian accent. Then, the faeries Nereza and Urielle deal with the death of their mother at the hands of a fire tribe raid, and one of th…

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A Cat Without a Can Opener 1:00:56

1+ y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

After the death of the faerie sisters' mother, Nereza confronts Morwen about her complicity, and Morwen lets loose a torrent of bullshit to cover her ass. Then, in “Ultimate Betrayal…” the big tournament begins, and Misty loses her shit battling Ash’s daughter Jade. Finally, we close with an auto-generated story about Pepe LePew that turns out dark…

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Keep Reading Until Somebody Gets Murdered IRL 55:35

1+ y ago55:35

55:35

In "Ultimate Betrayal…" Ash muses about the dark emotions he feels towards those who told him he would never be the very best like no-one ever was, and, when they meet again in a heated confrontation, he doesn't need words to let them know exactly where they stand. Then, in the Neopets epic "Faerie Wars I: The Six Kingdoms," dark faerie Nereza lear…

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Ep. 72–Made (and Served) in Japan— Davido, head brewer and owner of Yggdrasil Brewing 50:45

1+ y ago50:45

50:45

On this episode, let’s head out to a quaint but comfortable beach town of Hiratsuka, Japan. About ninety minutes southwest of central Tokyo, lies a craft beer bar/brewery blasting heavy metal on some days and showing matches of its local soccer club on other days. Converging different types of crowds in one place for the love of craft beer and supp…

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Absolute Law 59:01

1+ y ago59:01

59:01

After Ash Ketchum was betrayed by his friends and family, who told him to give up on his dream of ever winning a championship, Ash fled to Mt. Silver. This next chapter starts with a fifteen-year time jump. But, despite more time passing than he had previously been alive for, starting a family, and mastering the use of his "aura" to literally talk …

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Ep. 71– Matt Ketchum, co-founder of AKIYAZ 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

What do you get when you mix punk rock, Emperor Go-Daigo and the rise of abandoned property in rural Japan? Meet Matt, co-founder of AKIYAZ, a real estate brokerage and Akiya lifestyle services firm helping clients purchase an Akiya (abandoned property) in Japan’s countryside as well as helping connect to the local community to ensure a seamless in…

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Ash Ketchum F*cking Snaps 1:10:11

1+ y ago1:10:11

1:10:11

In our inaugural episode, we read the accurately titled if not accurately spelled “Junko Enoshima Abducts Evey Fireside Girl Except Katie and Isabella,” which was submitted to us by the author, Taeko Yasuhiro, a.k.a. MyNameIsCelestiaLudenberg. The sentence structure may be poor, and there may be only a handful of punctuation marks and capital lette…

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Fanfiction Theatre Podcast Trailer 3:50

1+ y ago3:50

3:50

Coming soon! Fanfiction Theatre in podcast form! Since 2020, we've been streaming the show on Twitch; since 2022, we've been putting edited videos on YouTube; now, Tristan has reworked the show for a new medium, including lavish sound design and music to accentuate key moments. We read fanfiction, provide voice acting, and crack jokes, and we invit…

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Ep. 70– Hiroe Foster, OG “Kikokushijo”: So you wanna be a Japanese Interpreter? 1:05:56

1+ y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

I’m back and this time the sensei has become the student about life inside and away from Japan. Meet Hiroe, a “Kikokushijo”, or commonly in English, a returnee. Hiroe belongs to the first wave of Japanese children that relocated overseas due to orders from their parents’ companies during the 1970’s. Her story is a unique personal lens to life going…

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Ep. 69 Made (and Served) in Japan - Jeremy Freeman, co-owner & pitmaster of Freeman Shokudo 1:06:49

2y ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Warning: Do not listen to this episode on an empty stomach. Meet Jeremy, a born and raised New Yorker, reggae head, and former Brooklyn based record store owner. Along with his wife Maiko, opened “Freeman Shokudo” in a quaint yet hip neighborhood in Shibuya city ward. Specializing in barbecue, pastrami sandwiches, falafel and whatever Jeremy feels …

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Ep.68– Thomas Kim, chef & co-owner of Coaster Tokyo/ Kaigan Brewery 47:08

2y ago47:08

47:08

Welcome to the first episode of my series, “Made (and Served) in Japan”, which I will showcase restaurateurs, cafe/bar owners and any small business establishment in the hospitality industry in Japan. To kick off, meet Thomas, chef and co-owner to a popular bar/brewery in the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Coaster Tokyo attracts both …

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Ep.67– Felisia Gunawan, Content Creator/ Unapologetic Motivator 1:09:58

2+ y ago1:09:58

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Mel finally sits down with one of the most intriguing and unabashed guests of this podcast. Meet Felisia, who’s been creating content based on her ever-evolving journey of life with and without Japan. As an outlet, her platform quickly became a conduit for her fans to embrace self-acceptance. Felisia is a testament for those seeking a life outside …

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Ep. 66– Lisa Knight, Photographer/Videographer 42:13

2+ y ago42:13

42:13

Fire fights fire, iron sharpens iron and in our darkest hour, talent has the potential to be unleashed. Meet Lisa, a recent transplant to Japan who didn’t waste a moment during the outbreak of Covid to capture through photos what the average Japanophile dream to encapsulate life in the streets and nature of Japan. Currently the Digital Content Dire…

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Bryan Baird of Baird Beer (Recast) 40:40

2+ y ago40:40

40:40

It’s been awhile MIJ listeners! After attending the 15th anniversary of the Nakameguro taproom , I decided to revisit one of my first episodes of this podcast to give it a little polish and have new listeners know about Baird Beer, one of the pioneers of Japan based craft beer. It’s still one of my favorite chats I’ve had on this pod and for new li…

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Ep. 65– DTD, Artist/Illustrator/Apparel Designer 1:05:28

3y ago1:05:28

1:05:28

“It’s a fairytale “, according to my friend, DJ aka DTD, an artist who developed and prospered in the Atlanta, Georgia art scene who eventually brought his talents to the Tokyo jungle. His quick strides into the local community brought my attention to his art and most importantly his passion. I appreciate DJ taking his time to share his story as he…

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Ep. 64– Ryuta & Nao Kato, a reunion with my first Tokyoite Friends 37:25

3y ago37:25

37:25

When I look back to my first few years of Japan, there is one Tokyo native that helped shape my identity and feel accepted in the local community. Meet my kindred spirit and one of my oldest Japanese friends, Ryuta. He was one of my first students I’ve taught in Japan that soon became my brother from a Nihon-Jin mother. Ryuta, his wife Nao, along w…

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Season 4 Wrap. It. Up! (長いお休み) 4:42

3y ago4:42

4:42

Dear Listeners, Season 4 is a wrap. Thank you all for sticking around and listening! Stay tuned. To donate for the production of this podcast check out my Ko-fi page. To contact and listen to all the episode check out my Linktree.

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Ep. 63– Chloe Kibble, Neo Tokyo Soul and Jazz Singer/Songwriter 38:39

3y ago38:39

38:39

It’s time once again to showcase an up and coming singer who’s been getting a lot of buzz in the Tokyo Jazz and R&B scene. Meet Chloe, establishing herself in Japan as a musical force to be reckoned with. Alongside with her group Pajaumi, an international neo-soul and experimental jazz quintet, they are making waves in their scene domestic and inte…

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Ep. 62– Frank Striegl, founder of 5am Ramen and Tokyo Ramen Tours 56:50

3y ago56:50

56:50

Ramen (or as the purists will say, “Chuka-soba” 中華そば）has been the trendiest cuisine exporting out of Japan after sushi. Meet my homie, Frank, a die hard Ramen enthusiast who’s made a sudden career change becoming a popular ramen blogger as well as a charming, sought-after Tokyo ramen tour guide. Frank has built enough street cred to bring tourists …

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Ep. 61– BJ Beatty Jr, Retired Defensive End of Obic Seagulls 1:07:50

3+ y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Down, Set, Hut! ‘Tis the season of my favorite sport, (American) Football. I’d like to share a story of a Hawaiian native raised from the North Shore of Oahu. A man born and raised with the gridiron game literally in his bloodline. Meet BJ, a professional footballer playing 10 years with Obic Seagulls, one of Japan’s top pro football teams in the X…

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Ep.60– Eli T’Amo, Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer 39:24

3+ y ago39:24

39:24

Charisma and tenacity goes a long way in any profession and it’s crucial in the world of fashion. Meet Eli, a Bolivian-Japanese Fashion Designer who’s just graduated from one of Japan’s prestigious fashion schools, Bunka Fashion College. Just on the wake of finishing her graduation runway collection, Eli sat down and had a chat with me about her st…

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Ep. 59– Ken Tanaka aka Kenfrog, Japanese Artist 57:11

3+ y ago57:11

57:11

On this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a rising artist in the Tokyo art community. Meet Ken, aka Kenfrog, an artist that specializes in intricate floral drawings which in my eye resembles a juxtaposition of a Japanese washi paper backdrop with exquisite, controlled sketches that closely resembles Inca tattoo designs. Ken was gracious enough to …

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Ep. 58– Mina Shimizu, Japanese Film & TV Actor 1:15:38

3+ y ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Welcome back, dear listeners. This was a longer than usual MIJ episode because I was excited share a relaxing catch-up with my friend, Mina. She’s been in the Japanese film/TV industry since the pre-digital film days of the early 2000’s. This was actually the first time for me to sit down and talk about her career in the (at-times) constricting Jap…

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Ep. 57– Ace of Shaq, British YouTuber: New Beginnings, New Homeland 1:02:01

3+ y ago1:02:01

1:02:01

One love, One heart. I’d like to introduce you to a man that has grit determination to plant new roots in Japan. A determination shaped from overcoming depression, grief and classism in the midst of a pandemic. Meet Shaq, aka Ace of Shaq, a UK YouTuber who unexpectedly found solace in Japanese culture and the language. After his study abroad progra…

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Ep-56 Swazönd, Crusted Black Metal band from Tokyo 1:07:19

3+ y ago1:07:19

1:07:19

This was an episode that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Brace yourselves as we dive head first into the underground Japanese Black Metal scene. I’ve been waiting because I was looking for a band that has that “it” factor when it comes to living and breathing within the Japan underground metal scene and has the chops to make an impressiona…

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Ep. 55– Mimi, Embroidery Artist of Mimi Hana Threads 45:43

4y ago45:43

45:43

Spring is upon us! How fitting it would be to have an episode showcasing my friend Miko, who is a self taught embroidery artist handcrafting unique and customizable 3D embroidered accessories and jewelry. When I learned that she will be having her first gallery exhibition this month at the Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku, I knew I had to whip up a…

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Ep. 54– Kei Katsuno, MD, MPH, Senior Director at the GHIT Fund 44:54

4y ago44:54

44:54

Hi! Made in Japan Podcast year four kicks off with the smartest and the most insightful person I know in Japan. Meet my old friend Kei. He’s the Senior Director of Investment Strategy & Business Development at the GHIT Fund.The Japan-based GHIT ( Global Health Innovative Technology ) Fund is an international public-private partnership fund for glob…

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Season 3 Wrap Up! 1:50

4y ago1:50

1:50

To donate and buy drinks for the guests of my podcast:ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB: @madeinjapanpodcastEmail: [email protected]

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Episode 53– Sach, radio DJ at LoveFM Fukuoka 1:11:50

4y ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Let’s take a trip to southwest Japan to a city with a name that could literally be translated to “blessed hill”. Fukuoka City is the second largest port city that’s probably not on your to-go visit list but it ought to be. Meet Sach, a Fukuoka native, established radio DJ and vocal coach. She’s graced her presence to come on the mic with me to shar…

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Episode 52 — Rachel Ferguson, co-founder of Ryozan Park, writer, singer & voice artist 47:02

4y ago47:02

47:02

Community is Everything. Meet Rachel, a mother of many talents. Along with her husband, they’ve built and grew a share house project called RYOZAN PARK which empowers families in Tokyo to build a community with workspaces, accommodation and childcare. It is one of Tokyo’s first ever integrated urban communities of this decade. However, this concept…

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Episode 51 — Brandon & Mari Wash, Rising Shutterbugs in Japan 56:19

4+ y ago56:19

56:19

Japan is one of the most sought after places in the world to snap a photo or capture a video. This episode focuses on two individuals from completely different paths merging in pursuit for that perfect shot.I highly recommend to check out and if you’re re looking for a collaboration with Brandon (@smallworldphotovideo) and Mari (@mari.wash) on Inst…

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Episode 50– Two Emails and the Best 3 52:07

4+ y ago52:07

52:07

I’ve been waiting to tell this story of a man that has truly Made it in Japan. He was also my mentor when it came to the unglamorous yet self-sacrificing job; an ESL teacher in Japan. I dedicate this 50th episode to him, Douglas Forrester. If you are interested in becoming an English Language teacher, check out this website: https://esllibrary.com …

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Episode 49– Mayowa, The next Black J-POP singer 1:01:17

4+ y ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Here’s a story of a person riding a tornado on a road less travelled. Not only does he have one of the coolest names, but brings a voice that will make waves in the J-Pop scene. Meet Mayowa. If you haven’t yet, you’ll surely will. Ariana Grande might have something to do with it. You can check out Mayowa here:Instagram: @mayowasenseiYouTube: https:…

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Episode 48– Hiro Umetani, Kyomai Japanese Traditional Dancer 56:07

4+ y ago56:07

56:07

On this episode we’re gonna examine a notable Japanese traditional dance that is often peformed by the Geisha and Maiko. Meet Hiro, (or her stage name, “Zuiou Shinozuka”). She is a traditional Japanese dancer/instructor trained from the oldest Kyomai dance school in Kyoto. She is currently an ambassador to promote her art form as well as collaborat…

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Episode 47– Tim Bunting, The Kiwi Yamabushi 46:49

4+ y ago46:49

46:49

To quote J.R.R. Tolkien, “He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away…” Meet Tim, a Yamabushi; a Shinto ascetic mountain monk who aims to share the values of what the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture offers. I want to help him open up an ancient custom that he has dedicated his life …

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Episode 46– Divafresh Yuri, Japanese Songwriter/Artist/Singer 48:59

4+ y ago48:59

48:59

Yuri caught my attention not only by her flawless control in her singing but also her tasteful approach in crafting songs through respecting musicianship. Although our paths crossed in an unexpected way, the power of strong music appreciation will overcome any genre, label and culture. You can listen, follow or contact Yuri here: YouTube: https://y…