Trapped in Japan: A Chat w. Kevin O’Shea of the Just Japan Podcast | Japan Station 58

Posted on February 1, 2021

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On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony Vega talks to Kevin O’Shea, host of the Just Japan Podcast, about the unique experience he had in 2020 when he got stuck in Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic.

About Kevin O’Shea

Kevin O’Shea is a content creator, educator, and longtime resident of Japan. Aside from producing over 200 episodes of the Just Japan Podcast, Kevin is also known for his work on YouTube and various podcasts and blogs. His latest podcast is called the Munzee Maniacs Podcast and is about the mobile game Munzee.

Topics Discussed

When and why Kevin lived in Kobe
Life on Kobe’s Port Island
Some places to visit in Kobe
The nice and convenient aspects of living in Kobe
Working at an international school in Japan
Working as a teacher in Japan versus working in other countries
How many international schools in Asia outside of Japan are offering better salaries and benefits than those in Japan
The intangible allure of Japan
Living in Beijing and having to deal with air pollution
Living and working as a teacher in Shenzhen, China
The benefits of lifing and working in rural Japan as opposed to cities
Being in China during the start of the COVID19 global pandemic
The regulations put in place in China during the beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic
Deciding to leave China and go back to Japan in February of 2020
Arriving in Japan during early 2020 before entry restrictions and quarantines were put into place
The challenges Kevin faced when trying to get back to China during the pandemic
What Kevin had to go through in order to enroll his kids in school in Osaka
Arriving and quarantining in Shenzhen, China during the coronavirus pandemic
Dealing with internet trolls
Kevin’s first podcast: Looks Like Canada
Kevin’s decision to start the Just Japan Podcast
The Making Better Teachers Podcast
Kevin’s interest in geocaching and the mobile game Munzee
What Munzee is
The Munzee Maniacs Podcast
Kevin’s interest in nature photography
And much more!

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Links, Videos, Etc.

Here’s all the social media channels you can find Kevin O’Shea on.

To listen to the Munzee Maniacs Podcast, look it up on your podcast app of choice or use the links below.

You can find the Just Japan Podcast on just about any podcast platform. If you would like to check it out, you can use the links below.

Here is a video Kevin shot while still in China during early 2020.

To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn’t actually a bear? (About Hole Bears, Bag Bears & More) | Ichimon Japan 35

To get your own “tree climbing bag bear” t-shirt, use the link below. T-shirt sales are used to help fund this show and other JapanKyo.com projects.

Buy the Tree Climbing Bag Bear t-shirt from KimitoDesigns.com

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.

Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.

Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke

Featured image: Courtesy of Kevin O’Shea