Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
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26 recent
January 25, 202646 min
Startups, Struggles, and AI Chatbots: The Kotae.ai Story | PPJ#26
🤖 First Tech Startup to be featured on the PPJ! ❤️🔥On a warm day just before Christmas, the PPJ team visited Tokyo Techies — a fast-growing IT consulting and product development startup founded by a Vietnamese engineer in Tokyo 🗼🎄Every step of their journey felt like a struggle or an irrelevance, yet each challenge pushed them forward. From a small IT tutoring service to a full-fledged IT solutions provider, Tokyo Techies has now grown into a company that not only serves clients, but also builds and researches its own products — including their AI chatbot, Kotae.ai, designed to make customer support simpler and smarter 💬🧠
November 3, 20251 hr 0 min
Urban Ikigai: The Art of Living in Tokyo | Best Cafés, Life Concepts, Random Thoughts... | PPJ #25
In this episode of Passion Project Japan, PPJ and Emma - one of our dearest friends, an aspiring writer and healthcare advocate - dive into the art of living in Tokyo — from discovering the best cafés and reflecting on life concepts like Ikigai and confidence, to just… wandering thoughts that come up in a city that never slows down 🗼It’s about balance, self-awareness, and finding calm in the chaos — one cup of coffee at a time ☕️
July 29, 202547 min
Is Studying in Japan Worth It? | Passion Project Japan #24
Job hunting is just… HARD.Fighting people in Japanese is quite… ENTICING.From language battles to culture shocks, life as an international student in Japan is no joke — but it’s also full of omoshiroi (面白い: interesting) moments.In this episode, we chat with Nicole, a seasoned international student turned full-time pro at JPort, a startup dedicated to helping global talent navigate the maze of Japanese shukatsu (job hunting).🔥 Why did she choose Japan for university?🎯 How did she overcome the toughest hurdles?🌏 And what advice would she give to YOU?Whether you're dreaming of working in Japan or just curious about the journey, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk.
April 23, 202549 min
She Built a Creative Community in Japan (ft. @anniehoangcreates ) | Passion Project Japan #23
What does it take to start a community? 🧠We speak with Annie Hoang, a talented designer, educator, and career coach based in Japan! She's also the founder of CREABA a community that builds creative confidence through a host of diverse programs to upskill their members.We had a great chat about how she found her career path in Japan, the interesting hobby she has, and how community starters need to be clear on the problem they are trying to solve.❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects. Follow us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjpTheo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespursGia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/Listen to us:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQMApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204Follow Annie:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniehoang/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anniehoangcreates/Website - https://bento.me/anniehoangCreaba - https://www.creaba.org/#japanlife #workinginjapan #podcast #designthinking #career
January 27, 202536 min
CV Tips That'll Get You Hired in Japan ft. Paul Roberts | Passion Project Japan #22
🔥 Roasting CVs with Paul! 🔥
In our previous episode, we dove deep into the Japan Tech Job Market in 2024 with Paul, unpacking key trends and opportunities. This time, we’re taking it a step further! 💼✨
Join us for a CV evaluation session, where we highlight the strengths of CVs and share actionable tips to help you stand out in the job market in Japan. If you’re serious about landing a job in Japan, this episode is a must-watch! 🚀
🔗 Don’t miss your chance to optimize your CV and open doors to new opportunities!
Link to our previous episode: https://youtu.be/69bOwSQgEzw?si=TRjz8deoqycO-I_C
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp
Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs
Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrobertstokyo/
Website - https://paulroberts.jp/
How to Write a Tech Resume for Japan – https://paulroberts.jp/how-to-write-an-it-resume-for-japan-a-guide/
#japanlife #workinginjapan #podcast #softwareengineer #resume
00:00 Fresh Grad CV
02:52 Tailor your resume
04:44 Portfolio Site
06:26 One Page CVs
07:46 Skills Based CVs
10:00 Mid-level CV
11:15 Write quantifiable results
13:27 Connection to Japan
16:56 Nice round number fallacy
18:00 Set the context
19:27 Avoid self-evaluation
24:00 One Bullet Point Principle
25:09 Be careful with resume builders
28:16 5S Framework
33:06 Final Thoughts
January 14, 202538 min
Breaking down Japan's Tech Job Market in 2025 | Passion Project Japan #21
We’re back! Another 2 months of hibernation, but this time, we’re bringing a fresher PPJ starting from Paul Roberts, a tech recruiter in Tokyo helping connect thousands of people dreaming of working and living in Japan 😍 We have a living coaching session coming next Monday as well, so please make sure to check it out!
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp
Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs
Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrobertstokyo/
Website - https://paulroberts.jp/
October 28, 202448 min
How Your Leftover Cash Can Change the World | Passion Project Japan #20
Did you know that 65% of cash is held outside the countries that minted it? In this episode, we talk with Quinn Ryder, the co-founder of Global Coin Solutions (@globalcoinsolutions). He reveals fascinating insights about the hidden power of foreign currencies and how he is channeling this underutilized cash into fundraising and charitable initiatives— while generating profit!
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp
Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs
Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
Follow GCS:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-coin-solutions
Website - https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GlobalCoinSolutions
Sources:
https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/current_issues/ci16-1.pdf
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000005078.html
https://blog.moneykit.net/2016/06/money-32.html
https://www.lionsclubs.org.nz/foundations/lions-clubs-new-zealand-charitable-trust/heads-kids
#japanlife #podcast #foreigncurrency
July 22, 202435 min
How We Survived Mount Fuji... | Passion Project Japan #19
In today's episode, we recount our (mis)adventure climbing Mount Fuji overnight in the rain and the misery/beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime trek!
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp
Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs
Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
#japanlife #podcast #mountfuji
July 17, 202432 min
Japanese Techniques To Fight Procrastination | Passion Project Japan #18
Gia and Theo discuss five techniques to combat procrastination and ensure you stay on top of time management! ⏰
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp
Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs
Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
#japanlife #podcast #timemanagement #procrastination
May 27, 202425 min
Is Cleanliness in Japan a Myth?
🎙️ We went to r/japanlife to discuss some of the top posts... and the conversation got pretty unhinged.
❤️🔥 Passion Project Japan a bi-weekly video podcast about inspiring self-starters living in Japan who are turning their dreams into reality. From entrepreneurs to community starters, freelancers to side hustlers, we uncover the wisdom, tactics, and resources they’ve used to chase their passion projects.
Follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passionprojectjp/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@passionprojectjp Theo - https://www.instagram.com/theothespurs Gia - https://www.instagram.com/stayhomewlinh/
Listen to us:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6hxty6AGEZnj0HS4sGQM
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/passion-project-japan/id1712056204
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