Medical Student Life in JAPAN: Recent Episodes
Michael
Join us for an in-depth look into the life and experiences of a medical college student in Nara, Japan. We will discuss all kinds of topics including: medical colleges in Japan, student life, Nara and it's surroundings, and much more! We hope this podcast can be a source of information and entertainment for those who are interested in medical college and Japan. Thanks for listening!
Please leave reviews and share with your friends. We would love to hear from you!
If you have any comments or ideas for topics, contact us here: mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
We enter our 5th season of Medical Student Life in Japan. Yes, we are continuing to record new episodes this year, but they will come out less frequently than in previous school years. We still hope to bring you a lot of fun conversations and content. Thank you for always listening to our podcast.
In today`s episode, Takeshi returns to the podcast. Now, a 4th-year student and learning many new things.
We talk about Takeshis hobbies like murder mystery games and singing lessons, the teacher Michaels recent family trip to South Korea, and a deep dive into the system for recent medical school graduates to learn about the different medical specializations by rotating through departments for the first two years. It is always fun to chat with Takeshi. Enjoy!
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In today`s episode, Teacher Michael and 4th-year nursing student Yuka talk about her final research project as a nursing student, upcoming graduation, and the start of her professional career as a nurse. This is the last episode of the 2023-2024 school year and our last time to have Yuka on the podcast as a student. What a great conversation! Enjoy!
Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity
License code: N0XO4RSTXSGFSTEY
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In this episode, now 4th-Year Medical Students Takeshi and Kento and 5th-Year Medical Student talk about the fun things they have been doing during winter break including: singing lessons, temp. work at a Japanese hotel, and a first-aid study trip in New Zealand. Apologies for the sound. It appears the microphone was not turned on. Enjoy!
Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity
License code: N0XO4RSTXSGFSTEY
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In today's episode, Michael (the teacher) and Takeshi (3rd-year student) have a great chat about Takeshi`s recent trip to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand during his school break. On his longest overseas trip to date, he talks about the great food he ate, hotel changes with a special upgrade, and some of the highlights in each country. As always, Takeshi brings along some funny stories. Enjoy!
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In today 's episode Michael (the teacher) and 5th-year medical students Momoko and Satoshi sit down for an unplanned free chat. We dive into the world of cold therapy and whether the cold (ice baths, cold showers, etc.) are good for your health depending on your age. It was a fun conversation and we think you will like it too. Enjoy!
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In today's episode, 5th-year medical students Momoko and Satoshi recap the autumn school festival at our university. The 5th-year medical students and 2nd-year nursing students are in charge of organizing the two-day school festival, so both Momoko and Satoshi were busy. They talk about the different festival activities in detail including what they were in charge of. This is a great insiders look into the very unique cultural phenomenon known as the Japanese school festival. We think you are really going to love this one. Enjoy!
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In today's episode, 4th-year nursing student Yuka and 3rd-year medical students Kento and Takeshi talk about the different kinds of colleges in Japan including nursing, medical, dental, and economics. This is a really fun and enlightening discussion as two of these students had studied previously at different universities prior to choosing medical college. Enjoy!
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We had a funny and lively conversation in today's episode. Michael (teacher), Satoshi (5th-year medical student), Momoko (5th-year medical student), and Takeshi (3rd-year medical student) talked about what they did this past weekend including Takeshi's somewhat embarrassing, but hilarious Crocs story. We then talked about the process for applying to clinical clerkships overseas including all of the challenges to make it happen. Enjoy!
Glamping
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glamping
Crocs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocs
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In today's episode the teacher (Michael) and 4th-Year Nursing student Yuka and 3rd-Year Medical Student Takeshi get together for a chat about the students' summer vacation. Yuka was busy studying while Takeshi traveled all over Japan by train. Some fun and interesting stories by both students. Enjoy!
Kasuga Shrine in Nara
https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/en/about_en/
Izumo-taisha in Shimane
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izumo-taisha
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We are back! After a two-month break, the podcast is back and better than ever. In today's episode, the teacher (Michael) and three 5th-year medical students Satoshi, Haruka, and Momoko talk about their travels during summer break. Satoshi and Haruka both visited Europe and Momoko went to California. It was a lot of fun to catch up. Enjoy!
Miyagi Prefecture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyagi_Prefecture
Tashiro Island (Cat Island)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5031.html
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We have reached the end of the spring semester! In today's episode, the teacher (Michael), 5th-year students Momoko and Satoshi, and 3rd-year student Takeshi have a friendly chat outside the university reflecting on the spring semester and discussing our upcoming summer break plans. Enjoy the episode and we will be with you again in late September!
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In this special long episode, 3rd-year Medical Student Takeshi hosts our Japanese Karaage & Fried Chicken end-of-semester party. We tried seven different kinds of convenience stores and fast food fried chicken. All the while, Takeshi shares interesting facts and quizzes us on our Japanese Fried Chicken knowledge. We had a blast! We hope you enjoy this special extended episode!
Japanese karaage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaage
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In today's episode, 4th-year nursing student returns from her recent one-month nursing clerkship. She talks about the experience and the important lessons she has learned both on the clerkship and in her four years of nursing college. Enjoy!
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In today's episode, our three 5th-year medical students (Satoshi, Haruka, & Momoko) talk about their experiences working at the hospital over the past year. This leads to a discussion about lifestyle diseases, their causes, and some possible solutions as they consider their future as medical doctors in Japan. Enjoy!
Lifestyle diseases
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifestyle_disease
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In this fun episode, Takeshi and Kento talk about their favorite way to travel throughout Japan - the Shinkansen (bullet train). They even dragged Michael (the teacher) into the conversation to talk about other fun ways to travel in Japan. Enjoy!
Shinkansen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen
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In today's episode, the entire podcast team tries our hand at making "Chikugashi" which are Do-It-Yourself Candy Sets. We made all kinds of sets including: hamburgers & fries, sushi, bento (lunchbox), matsuri (festival), and spherical gummies. These incredibly intelligent medical students had their minds and skills put to the test in this episode. We had an especially good time making this podcast episode! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it.
Please leave a great review wherever you listen to podcasts
and/or contact us with comments/feedback/topic suggestions at: mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
Examples of "Chikugashi" (Japanese DIY Candy Sets)
https://www.japancandystore.com/collections/diy-candy?gclid=CjwKCAjw-b-kBhB-EiwA4fvKrJX-nhG-QVIIc6hiKfbYjRpuuJInVISRQ9A0XLFriJfugweFbWYFsxoC9H8QAvD_BwE
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In today`s episode, 4th-Year nursing student Yuka and 5th-Year medical student Momoko discuss gender roles in nursing, medicine, and in Japan. These two outstanding students are so thoughtful and articulate! Enjoy!
Edo Period
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period
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In this episode, 5th-Year Student Satoshi talks about his recent trip to Thailand to participate in a clinical clerkship at Chiang Mai University. He shares stories about working in the emergency department, similarities and differences between Thailand and Japan, and finally how he was inspired to improve his life and create an international student group back at his own university. Enjoy!
Chiang Mai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai
Chiang Mai University
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai_University
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In this episode, we introduce the final two members of our podcast team. 3rd-Year Students Kento and Takeshi bring a lot of fun and humor to the class. In this conversation, they share some interesting facts about themselves. For example, they are both transfer students, both like walking, and both like travel. And of course, they love karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). Enjoy!
Some info. for today's episode
Ehime Prefecture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehime_Prefecture
Matsuyama City
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuyama
Dogo Hot Springs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dōgo_Onsen
Shinkansen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen
Karaage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaage
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In this episode, our regular listeners may recognize the voice of 5th-Year Student Satoshi who has joined the podcast a couple of times in the past. He is now an official member of the podcast team! Also, we introduce the wonderful 5th-Year Student Momoko. In this conversation, the two students interview each other and we get to know them a little bit better. Satoshi talks about travel and Momoko talks about the unique Japanese Giant Salamander. Enjoy!
Chiang Mai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai
Nagano and the Japanese Alps
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Alps
Japanese Giant Salamander
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_giant_salamander
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This is the start of our 4th season! We have some new faces or should I say voices to the team this year. It is a great mixture of upperclassmen with both medical and nursing students. In this episode, 4th-Year Nursing Student Yuka and 5th-Year Medical Student introduce each other. Enjoy!
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_calligraphy
Radiology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiology
Brain as Food
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_as_food
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The tables are turned in today`s episode! Rather than students interviewing each other or the teacher (Michael) interviewing the students, in this episode a 4th-year student decided to interview Michael. Enjoy!
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In this episode, 1st-year student Kai who happens to work at a pizza delivery shop in Japan talks about all things pizza including Japanese pizza, Pizza Day, and a unique pizza campaign involving tattoos. Enjoy!
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What a treat! Itsuki first joined the podcast for an interview back in December 2020. One of our most listened-to podcast episodes of all time! And now he is back to tell us about all the interesting things that have happened in his 4th and 5th years of medical school. He is such an intelligent person and a wonderful conversationalist too. Enjoy!
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This is a 2-part episode. In the first conversation, 1st-year student Daichi talks about role models with 1st-year student Mahoko. In the 2nd conversation, 1st-year student Kenta explains to Michael (teacher) about birthday celebrations around the world including Japan. Enjoy!
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2nd-Year Student Yuzu returns to the show for her 3rd time! In this episode, the teacher (Michael) and Yuzu talk about movies and shows. Yuzu recommends some English-language movies and shows and some recent Japanese movies and shows. Michael also shares a few of his Japanese favorites. Minor spoiler alerts if you have not seen these shows yet. But we don`t give a way too many details. It was a really fun chat. Enjoy!
Yuzu`s recommendations:
The Transporter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transporter
Home Alone 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Alone_3
Hannah Montana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Montana
K.C. Undercover
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.C._Undercover
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Want_to_Eat_Your_Pancreas_(film)
Gokusen
https://asianwiki.com/Gokusen
Michael`s Recommendations
Shall we dance?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shall_We_Dance%3F_(1996_film)
Kikujiro
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kikujiro
Die Hard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard
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In today`s episode, first-year student Junta shares some tips for those who want to travel to places in Japan that Japanese people like to visit. Most foreign tourists tend to stay on the "Golden Route" which starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka/Kyoto However, there are several other places Junta thinks you should check out. Enjoy!
Okinawa
https://visitokinawajapan.com
Shisa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shisa
Hokkaido
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkaido
Kanazawa
https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/
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In this episode teacher (Michael) welcomes 4th-year medical student Tomotaka. We cover everything under the sun, including his study, club activities (English and Tea Ceremony), research in the cardiology lab, 4th-year hospital visits, and his recent experience as a patient. This was an enjoyable conversation. Enjoy!
Nara Medical University ESS club
https://naramed-ess-2015.jimdofree.com
Tea Ceremony
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony
Vestibular Neuritis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15227-vestibular-neuritis
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We continue the series with 1st-year students. We have two great conversations packed into this one episode. First, Mahoko introduces Christmas in Japan with the help of Daichi. In the second conversation, Hagumi talks about Oshogatsu (New Year Holiday) with Misaki. As usual, there is a lot of talk about yummy Japanese food! Enjoy!
Fried chicken on Christmas in Japan
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/kfc-christmas-tradition-japan/index.html
New Year`s things
kadomatsu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadomatsu
kagami mochi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagami_mochi
hatsumode
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatsumōde
osechi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osechi
nanakusagayu
https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2023/01/nanakusa-gayu-new-years-porridge-explained/
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In this episode, 1st-year student Hana introduces famous Japanese sweets from Nara to 1st-year student Junta. Enjoy!
Manju
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manjū
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We would love to hear from you!
If you have any comments or ideas for topics, contact us here:
mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In today's episode, we welcome 4th-Year Student Satoshi to the podcast. Satoshi is a very active medical student. Not only is he a great student, but he also is president of the school's ESS (English club) and participates in stem cell research in one of the university laboratories. In this conversation, we cover topics like school life, English club, stem cell research for COPD, and travel in Japan and the U.S. Enjoy!
Stem cell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell
COPD
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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December has arrived! We are nearing the end of the year and the holiday season in Japan. Starting with this episode and continuing in the coming weeks, each first-year student has chosen a theme/topic to research and introduce to our podcast audience. We start this round of episodes with Misaki (and Hagumi) introducing the world of Japanese public baths and saunas. Enjoy!
We hope to hear from you! Please send us an email at mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp Or leaves us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5
Japanese public baths
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentō
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this episode, we welcome 2nd-Year student Yuzu back to the podcast. She talks in detail about her research at the university lab, her upcoming research clerkship in Tokyo, basketball club adventures, and more. Enjoy!
Immunology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immunology
Ise Shrine sightseeing and food
https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/
https://okageyokocho.com/main/en_okage/
https://www.akafuku.co.jp/en/
https://foodinjapan.org/kansai/mie/ise-udon/
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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Boo! A couple of weeks ago the Podcast Team had a small Halloween Party after researching Halloween in America and Japan. In this episode, Daichi and Mahoko talk about how Halloween became popular in Japan and some recent customs associated with Halloween. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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This is part 2 of our School Festival Recap. We have two fun and lively conversations. The first conversation is with 1st-year students Kenta and Kai. The second conversation is with Junta and Hana. The students really show their friendly and fun personalities in these two fun conversations. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In today`s episode, we have two fun conversations about the recent school festival (culture festival) at Nara Medical University. School festivals are a unique part of Japanese school culture, and the one at this university has some great aspects. The students talk about all the food booths, games, activities, and entertainment. You will surely enjoy this episode. Part 2 coming next week.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_festival_(Japan)
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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Wow! We have now created 50 episodes. It has been great to see all the students contributing to our podcast. We hope to continue for at least 50 more. In today`s episode, we have two conversations about the recent summer holiday break. First, we have Mahoko and Hagumi, and then Koshiro and Daichi. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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Welcome back to Medical Student Life in Japan. We have returned from summer break and the students are back to studying hard this fall semester. In this episode, we introduce our five newest podcast team members: Hana, Misaki, Junta, Kenta, and Kai. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this episode Michael (the teacher) chats with 2nd Year medical student Yuzu. Yuzu talks about a lot of fun topics and best of all shares how she became such an excellent English speaker. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this episode, 1st-year student Daichi takes us on a walking tour of Imai Town located down the road from our university. The episode includes Daichi's introduction to the historical ImaiTown followed by a tour of some sightseeing spots there with Teacher Michael and students Koshiro, Daichi, Mahoko, and Hagumi. Enjoy!
Imai Town
https://www.city.kashihara.nara.jp/kanko/en/imaicho.html
Shounenji Temple
https://www.imaicyou-syounenji.com/en.html
Imanishi Ke
https://www.japanese-wiki-corpus.org/building/Imanishi-ke%20Jutaku%20(Imanishi%20familys%20House).html
Unomachi Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057594993993
Inondo Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/inondcafe/?hl=ja
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this episode, the teacher (Michael) has a good chat with 2nd-Year Student Koshiro shortly before the summer break. They talk about Koshiro`s studies, upcoming exams, summer break plans, and the current situation with the pandemic in Japan. Enjoy!
Tokyo Disneyland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Disneyland
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In today`s episode, 1st-year students Hagumi and Mahoko introduce some food specialties from Nara where our university is located. After that, the podcast team enjoys trying some of the foods. A lot of laughs in this one. Enjoy!
Foods introduced:
kakinohazushi
https://food.nara-oman.org/en/kakinohasushi/
yomogimochi (see video of the famous shop!)
https://travel.gaijinpot.com/nakatanidou-mochi-shop/
Miwa (Sakurai) somen
https://foodinjapan.org/kansai/miwa-somen/
Matcha Runando (Japanese cookie - matcha flavored)
https://suposaka.net/from-bourbons-popular-confectionary-lumonde-comes-the-new-luxurious-rumando-uji-matcha-cacao-for-a-limited-time-only/
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In this episode, the four first year students talk about club activities at Nara Medical University. It is a really common thing to join some sort of club at medical college in Japan. Listen and find out about clubs at our school. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this fun episode, 1st year students (Yuki and Daichi) introduce Japanese Manga and talk about their favorites. We also hear from 1st Year Students (Hagumi and Mihoko) and 2nd Year Student (Koshiro) on what their favorite manga are. Enjoy!
Manga introduced in podcast:
Captain Tsubasa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Tsubasa
KochiKami
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KochiKame:_Tokyo_Beat_Cops
ONE PIECE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Piece
Haikyu!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haikyu!!
Hatarku Saibo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cells_at_Work!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In this episode, we have two conversations about Golden Week. First, we have 1st-year students Daichi and Yuki who talk about Showa Day (Greenery Day) and their recent fun on Golden Week. In our 2nd conversation, 1st-year students Hagumi and Mahoko focus on Children`s Day. Enjoy!
Golden Week: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
Showa Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shōwa_Day
Children`s Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Day_(Japan)
Koi-no-bori: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koinobori
Kashiwa Mochi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashiwa_mochi
Shobu Yu: https://www.japanese-wiki-corpus.org/culture/Shobuyu%20(bathwater%20with%20iris%20petals).html
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In today`s episode, the teacher (Michael) welcomes back Koshiro (2nd-year student) to have a chat about what he has been up to since the end of 1st year. They talk about his final exams, the long break before 2nd year started, exercise, Japanese healthy food, part-time jobs, and the popular topic for 2nd-year students, Human Anatomy class and cadavers. Enjoy!
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We are back this week with some more new 1st Year students that have joined the podcast team. In this episode, we meet Yuki and Hagumi. Enjoy!
kakinohazushi (persimmon leaf sushi)
https://livejapan.com/en/in-kansai/in-pref-nara/in-nara_ikoma_tenri/article-a2000162/
Kagawa udon
https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/travel-ideas/gourmet
shiba-ken (Japanese breed of dog)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiba_Inu
tamago-kake-gohan (raw egg mixed with soy sauce on rice)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamago_kake_gohan
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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We are back! The new school year has started here at Nara Medical University in Japan. We have some new 1st Year students that have joined the podcast team. In this episode, we meet Daichi and Mahoko. Enjoy!
Sento (Japanese Public Bath)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentō
Washoku (Japanese cuisine)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisine
Yokai Share House (TV Drama)
https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Youkai_Share_House
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We made it to the end of the school year and the end of Season 2! In this episode, we welcome special gueset 6th-year stuent Shuhei. At first I (teacher Michael) catch up with Shuhei. Next, Yuriko (3rd-year) interviews Shuhei about USMLE, a licesneing exam to become a doctor in the U.S. Finally, a couple of questions from Koshiro and Suguru (1st-year). It was a real plesure to have Shuhei come in and share all his tremenous knowldege with the podcast team. Enjoy!
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In this episode, Gento (2nd Year Medical Student) interviews Stella ( 6th Year Medical Student in Taiwan). This is the 3rd interview in a 3-part series of interviews with students in Taiwan. Gento and Stella had a great conversation covering all kinds of topics including study, hospital training in 6th Year, similarities and differences between Japan and Taiwan medical schools, and also travel & food. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
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In our final episode of 2021, I (teacher Michael) and two first-year medical students (Koshiro & Suguru) reflect on the year. They talk about entering medical college, their success and challenges this year, and some of their good memories. We finish up the episode talking about their winter break and holiday plans. Enjoy!
We would love to hear from you! Please contact us at:
mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this special episode, Koshiro, 1st-year medical student, interviews Tomo, a 6th-year medical student in Taiwan. They covered all kinds of topics ranging from medical student life in Taiwain, Tom's strategies for practicing and improving his English skilss, and their hobbies and interests outside of sutdy. Gento (2nd-year student), Suguru (1st-year student) and Michael (the teacher) join in at the end of the chat. Enjoy!
We would love to hear from you! Please contact us at:
mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this special episode, Suguru, 1st-year medical student, interviews Chang, a 6th-year medical student in Taiwan. They covered all kinds of topics ranging from medical student life in Taiwain to more serious topics like healtcarre in Taiwan and how they are dealing with the pandemic. Michael, the teacher, jumps in at the end to join their chat. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
This is a very special episode as I (teacher Michael) had a chance to meet one of my former students. Sho graduated from Nara Medical University in the spring (March 2021) and is now an intern at a hospital here in Nara Prefecture. We talked about his time as a student and his experiences as a new doctor. Enjoy!
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this part 2 of a 2-part series, the students recommend some podcasts based on their own interests. This time we have 2nd year medical student Gento and 2nd Year nursing student Yuka. Yuka shares her ideas on good podcasts about Halloween and Kimonos and then Gento shares his on foreigners living in Japan. Following that conversation, we have Taika and Taiga, 2nd year medical students, sharing their recommendations for English learning and sports topics podcasts. Enjoy!
Gento's recommendation:
Abroad in Japan
https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/abroad-in-japan/id1338558972?l=en
Taika's recommendation:
Kevin's English Room
https://anchor.fm/kevinsenroom/episodes/Kevins-English-Room-Podcast-efb404
Taiga's recommendation:
Pardon the Interruption
https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/pti/id147232181?l=en
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this part 1 of a 2-part series, the students recommend some podcasts based on their own interests. This time we have 1st year medical students Koshiro and Suguru. Koshiro is a fan of kung fu and Marvel movies. And shares a podcast based on those interests. Suguru loves horror stories. And his podcast recommendation reflects that.
Koshiro`s recommnedation
MBEC Podcast
Suguru's recommendation
Horror Nights
https://open.spotify.com/show/17nBTS57iZ7isTV1GLm2WG?si=b38b005b0a304cab
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
It was a difficult start to the 2nd semester as most of Japan was experiencing a state of emergency starting in the end of August and continuing through September. But things have started to calm down on the corona front, and students are looking forward to student life once again. In this episode Yuriko, Yuka, and Gento talk about joining club activties and Suguru, Misaki, and Koshiro talk about their favorite places to travel in Japan.
Travel:
Tottori
https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en/
Kyushu (food)
Fukukoka - tonkotsu ramen
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/rwc/deep-fukuoka/tonkotsu-ramen/
Kumamoto - basashi (raw horse meat)
https://foodinjapan.org/kyushu/kumamoto/basashi/
Miyazaki - mango
https://www.miyazaki-city.tourism.or.jp/en/special/Rich_Miyazaki_Mangoes
Kagoshima - kurobuta pork (black pig)
https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/destinations/kagoshima/kurobutapork
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In part 2 of this 2-part series, Yuriko leads a discussion with Taika, Misaki, Gento, and Taiga about some fun convenience store snacks. They even pull Michael into the mix. They share the snacks they bought and everyone tries the snacks and gives their reviews. Today`s snacks
Taika: mini chocolate chip cookies
Misaki: Choco Ball - https://www.morinaga.co.jp/company/english/about/products/chocoball.html
Gento: Jagarico - https://www.calbee.co.jp/en/products/select/?cid=3
Taiga : Soft fired squid
Yuriko: pickled plum
Michael : budosansho flavored potato chips
Intro music: Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith
https://freemusicarchive.org
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this episode, 1st year students Suguru and Koshiro and I (teacher Michael) talk about Japanese snacks! For snack lovers Japan is a real treat. Not only do they have many traditional sweets and snacks, but they also take snacks from around the world and add a Japanese flare. This is part 1 of a 2 part show. Stay tuned for part 2 next week, where 5 other students share snacks and we talk about them! Enjoy!
Dango (dumplings) :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dango
Japanese Kit Kat:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Kats_in_Japan
budo sansho (pepper):
https://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/prefg/071700/an_nai/kaigai_d/fil/BudoSansho.pdf
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In today's episode, we hae two fun conversations. We start off with 3rd-year student Yuriko and 2nd-year student Misaki. They talk about the upcoming school festival and previous school festival experiences. In our 2nd conversation, 1st-year students Koshiro and Suguru talk about club activities and which ones they want to join. Club activies will start to reopen for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
School festival (Cultural festival) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_festival_(Japan)
Club activiies at universities in Japan https://univinjapan.com/bukatsu/part01.html
As always, we are eager to hear from you! Please let us know how we are doing and what topics you want to hear about in future episodes. It would mean a lot to get an email: mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp or a voice message (available if listening on Anchor). Thanks!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this episode, a handful of students from our team talk about their summer break. A little travel, family time, and you guessed it, even study. Enjoy the discussions!
Also, we are interested in hearing from our listeners! The students are eager to connect with people around the world in a real way. We would even like to possibly interview you on a future episode.
Please contact us by:
leaving a voice message on Anchor
or
email : mwblodgett@naramed-u.ac.jp
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
This is a special episode, part 2 of a series where we interact with a medical student studying in Cuba. Her name is Emz and is originally from Belize. In this episode, she answers a handful of questions from Yuriko (3rd year medical student) and Taika (2nd year medical student). If your interested in medical school, studying abroad, culture, and life you will surely enjoy this show!
Emz also has very own podcast. Please have a listen here! https://anchor.fm/emperfectus
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In this episode, Yuriko and Michael catch up during the university summer break. We talk about the crazy weather, Yuriko's study for the USMLE, our leisure time, and our upcoming conference presentations. Enjoy!
USMLE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Medical_Licensing_Examination
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In this special episode the whole podcast team answer questions that they received from a wonderful medical student from Belize now studying in Cuba. Her name is Emz. In part 2, to come in the near future, we will listen to her responses to our students' questions. Enjoy!
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This is a special 2 part episode. In the first part Yuka (2nd Year Nursing) and Misaki (2nd Year Medical) discuss their upcoming final exams and their plans for summer break. In the 2nd part, four medical students (Yuriko, Taika, Gento, & Koshiro) have a spirited discussion about Anatomy class and their experience working with cadavers. Enjoy!
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We have a special episode this week. The students have a lively discussion about their favorite Studio Ghibli films. Enjoy!
Studio Ghibli is a famous animation studio here in Japan. Their most famous director Hayao Miyazaki has directed many world famous feature animation films including "My Neighbor Totoro", "Spirited Away", and Princess Mononoke".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_Ghibli
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In this episode, there are two parts. In the first part, Michael and Yuriko discuss their recent presentation at a national (online) conference. Michael and Yuriko presented about creating a podcast as a class during the pandemic. In the second part, Taika (2nd year student) and Taiga (2nd year student) introduce themselves to our audience. They share why they became medical students and discussed their "ideal" partners. Enjoy!
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In this episode, the students discuss the recent Weekend Intensive English Program that they attended. There were 6 different classes with 6 different themes. The classes were designed to give the students a chance to have some fun while using English. They did all kinds of activities and recap their fun here. Enjoy!
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With the 2021 school year starting, we have opened up the class to new members. Koshiro (1st year medical student) and Yuriko ( 3rd year medical student) interview two of those new members in this episode: Gento and Koichi Enjoy!
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In this episode, Yuriko (3rd-year student) and I (Michael the teacher) talk about the start of rainy season (Tsuyu). Yuriko then leads a discussion with Taiga (2nd-year student) and Koshiro (1st-year student) about the recent start of the Coronavirus vaccinations at our university and in Japan.
About "Tsuyu" - rainy season: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html
intro. music: https://www.bensound.com
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With the 2021 school year starting, we have opened up the class to new members. Yuriko (3rd year medical student) and I (Michael the teacher) interview four of those new members in this episode: Yuka, Suguru, Misaki, and Koshiro. Enjoy!
About "Kakizome" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakizome
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this episode, Michael & Yuriko have a quick chat about adding new members to our podcast team and discuss the upcoming Golden Week holidays in Japan.
About Golden Week:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
In this episode, Michael and Yuriko catch up after a 3-week break. We talk about spring break and some trips we took. We also talk about starting the school year (school starts in April in Japan), online classes, the corona virus vaccine, and more. And with a new school year, we have added several new students to our podcast team. You will start to hear some fresh voices in the coming weeks!
About yamaneko (mountain cat) form Iriomote Island in Okinawa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iriomote_cat
About theme park (Huis Ten Bosch) in Nagasaki Prefecture with a Dutch village theme: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huis_Ten_Bosch_(theme_park)
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In this episode, Yuriko takes over the interviewer role and welcomes 4th-Year Student Yu to the podcast. They talk about all kinds of interesting things including: club activities, English activities, research, study, and more! We hope you enjoy it!
We also have started a Youtube channel to increase our listenership. Please feel free to listen there. We also welcome encouraging comments and suggestions for future topics. We would love to hear from you.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC01eX9eXiEvEb-AHJsehgHg
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michael-blodgett5/message
After a break, we are back! Yuriko (Nara Medical University student) and I (Michael the English Instructor) are excited to start the 2nd season of Medical Student Life in JAPAN. In this episode we catch up after our break, talk about our plans for the 2nd season, and even brainstorm some interesting topics to discuss going forward. We appreciate all of you listeners!
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This is our Season 1 finale episode! Yuriko (medical student) and I (Michael the teacher) talk about New Year's traditions in Japan, details about how Yuriko spent her New Year's Day, Karuta (Japanese card game), new year resolutions, and the Coming-of-Age holiday in Japan.
We will take a short break (a month or so) to recharge, and then will be back with Season 2. Thanks for listening and sharing!
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We made it to 10 episodes! Thanks to all our listeners! In this special holiday episode, Yuriko and I (Michael) discuss Christmas and Oshogatsu (New Year's Day) in Japan. We hope you enjoy it!
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In our 9th episode, I (Michael) continue my interview with 3rd year medical student Itsuki. We talk about several topics including: research clerkships, continued research in the lab., club activities such as ESS (English Speaking Society), and his plans for the upcoming winter holiday season. Enjoy!
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In our 8th episode, I (Michael) welcome a special guest to the podcast. The guest is 3rd year medical student Itsuki. He is an incredible young man who not only studies hard, but also tells great stories. We talk about several topics including: 3rd year studies, research in the laboratory, human dissection, and parasitic worms in the BRAIN! This is part 1 of a two-part interview. Enjoy!
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In our 7th episode, we start with some small talk about Yuriko's winter vacation after some hard exams. Following that, we decided to try something different this week. We talk about vending machines in Japan and then sample several interesting items and give our reviews. Enjoy!
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In our 6th episode, we start with some small talk about an interesting art exhibit in Kyoto and what Yuriko has been up to recently. Following that, Yuriko goes into detail about what kind of part-time jobs medical collage students have. She also shares her volunteering experience at the hospital. Enjoy!
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In our 5th episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko (Nara Medical University student) about the purpose and benefits of joining club activities at medical college. Yuriko shares all kinds of fun and interesting information. Thanks for listening!
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In our 4th episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko ( Nara Medical University student) about the start to her medical college life. We talk about the entrance ceremony (unique to Japan?), 1st year classes, clubs, and welcome parties.
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In our 3rd episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko ( Nara Medical University student) about the path to medical college. She gives insightful answers into cram schools, the Center Test (imagine the Japanese version of the SAT), entrance exams, and getting accepted to medical school. Enjoy!
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In our 2nd episode, I ask Yuriko about how she first decided that she wanted to be a doctor. We also discuss the Japanese educator system, cram schools, and the path to medical college in Japan.
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In our first episode, we introduce ourselves and our podcast. I am Michael Blodgett, an English Instructor at Nara Medical University. And Yuriko is a current student at Nara Medical University.
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