シーズン2の開始
Hello, and welcome back to Audio Japan Season 2.
This is a podcast where I explore Japanese culture, trends, and some niche information
all through the lens of curiosity and self-discovery.
I'm your host, Taike Arai, and it's really good to be back.
So, it's been about a year since I last recorded an episode.
To be honest, I didn't plan for such a long break.
I kept telling myself, maybe next week, maybe next month,
but my main job got busier and busier, and podcasting slowly dropped lower on the to-do list.
Still, the idea of restarting never left my mind.
I kept thinking about this show, the process of recording, and the joy of sharing thoughts.
So, this month, I've decided to restart Audio Japan as Season 2.
So, let me start with something new I'm trying this season.
From now on, I'll be recording each episode in both Japanese and English.
Season 1 was mostly in Japanese, and I got great responses from people who understand the language.
ポッドキャスト再開の理由
But there were also people, especially non-Japanese speakers,
who told me they were interested in the topics but couldn't really follow along.
And that made me realize, if I want to share Japanese culture more widely, I should speak in English too.
Another reason is a bit more personal.
To be honest, I've noticed that my English skills have started to slip a little.
I don't use English as much as I used to.
These days, most of the conversations in English are with ChatGPT or either an AI in an English learning app.
And I've realized something important.
When I rely only on AI, the information doesn't stay in my head.
It feels convenient in the moment, but I don't remember it later.
But when I move my hands, my eyes, my feet, when I explore, write, visit places, that's when I think realistic.
That's when things realistic.
That's when learning becomes real.
But if I had to name the biggest reason for bringing this podcast back, I'd say it's this.
好奇心の再発見
I want to reconnect with my curiosity.
I've been focused on responding to what others need, deadlines, client work, urgent tasks, and so on.
But not enough time for what I want to explore.
Those random thoughts like, why is this happening, or I want to learn more about that.
I think curiosity is fuel.
Not just for learning, but for living.
It gives energy to our thoughts, our creativity, and our connection with the world.
Even if a topic is well-known, if I dive into it myself, it becomes mine.
That's why I'll be exploring topics from my own perspective this season.
Sometimes serious, sometimes random, but always curious.
I also hope to create more interest-based connections.
Right now, most conversations are online.
That's okay, but it's not enough.
I want to talk about the things I love.
The things that excite me.
The things I want to share out loud.
I believe that chance encounters can change everything.
新シーズンの開始
Maybe one day, I'll move to a new place, or work on something I never imagined.
Maybe one day, I'll move to a new place, or work on something I never imagined.
And maybe, just maybe, it'll all start from something I say in this podcast.
So, here's what you can expect.
I'll be releasing one episode per week.
Tuesdays for the Japanese version, Fridays for the English version.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.
Please follow the show to get notified when new episodes come out.
And if you'd like to share your thoughts or questions, there's a Google Form linked in the episode notes.
So, Season 2 has begun.
Thank you so much for listening.
I'm excited to see where this journey takes us.
This was Taika Rai, and you've been listening to Audio Japan.
Take care, and I'll talk to you again next week.
Bye.
