No Ginger (しょうがない）

Why Japan’s Summer Heat Will Break You (Deodorant can save us all!)

Listen. It’s hot. Unreasonably hot. Hell’s sauna on discount. And the deodorant? A lie. On this week's episode of No Ginger (しょうがない), Ash and Samar heroically risk heatstroke and social cancellation to investigate why Japan’s summer turns us all into sweaty swamp goblins. Samar gets electrocuted for science (and dry feet). Ash yells about parasols and smells to save her eyeballs and nose. The internet's advice is Taisho era old, and why are people wearing 3 jacekts when it's 35 degrees? We're tackling some seriously critical questions like: Is ¥6000 deodorant a scam or salvation? Why aren't pharmacies doing us all a solid with their marketing campaigns? Honestly, it’s just two foreigners trying to solve Japan’s heat crisis armed with sarcasm, trauma-bonding, and electrolytes. Join us. Bring ice cubes. BYO deodorant.
Have a problem? We need stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Or if you prefer DM's, find us on Instagram or Tiktok and share your story.
Thank you for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe.
As always, stay genki :) 

Akiya, Yokai, and Tire-Slashing—Oh My! The Real Cost of Life in Japan

On this week’s No Ginger （しょうがない）, Samar and Ash break ground on old houses and old revenge plots. They dig into the too-good-to-be-true world of cheap abandoned akiya in Japan—complete with earthquake risks, ghostly yokai, and remote living challenges no influencer reel ever shows you. Then it’s on to the real drama: neighborhood justice, bike tire-slashing, and Samar’s increasingly creative (and mildly incriminating) plans to deal with her own noisy neighbor. It’s the real cost of life in Japan—with plenty of laughter, side-eye, and just enough true crime energy to make you reconsider buying that ¥3,000 fixer-upper.
Have a problem? We need stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Or if you prefer DM's, find us on Instagram or Tiktok and share your story.
Thank you for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe.
As always, stay genki :) 

Visas, Vibes, and the Japanese Dream: A Myth-Busting Take on the Realities of Moving to Japan

Can you really move to Japan with just a thousand bucks? (Spoiler: kinda... but also, absolutely not.)
This week on No Ginger (しょうがない), Samar and Ash break down the real costs of starting life in Japan—from dodgy sharehouses and prepaid rent to commuter pass drama and the painful truth about when your first paycheck actually arrives. Along the way: nicotine-flavored café confusion, budgeting fails, and the joys of carrying trash across Tokyo.
It’s chaotic, honest, and way too relatable.
Have a problem? We need stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Or if you prefer DM's, find us on Instagram or Tiktok and share your story.
Thank you for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe.
As always, stay genki :) 

Finding Friends in a City that won't Text Back: A Crash Course in Emotional Endurance

Is Tokyo really that lonely? Or are we just bad at making friends? In this episode of No Ginger (しょうがない), Samar and Ash get real about what it’s like trying to build genuine connections in Japan’s infamously reserved capital. From scheduling culture shock to introvert survival tactics, we unpack why friendship feels like dating… but without the drinks. Whether you’re new in town, stuck in the group chat with no replies, or wondering why everyone disappears after one hangout—this is your crash course in emotional endurance and how to not lose your mind in the process.
Have a problem? We need stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Or if you prefer DM's, find us on Instagram or Tiktok and share your story.
Thank you for your support. We hope you'll join us in search for friendship making skills during this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe.
As always, stay genki :) 
 

Kiss your Homies, Not Your Wives: LGBTQ Dating Culture and Perceptions of Cheating in Japan

This week on No Ginger (しょうがない), we read a listener email that left us speechless:He went on dates with two different men in Japan… both of them turned out to be married, with wives, and no remorse. 
We’re joined by our first-ever guest: Soichi from @So_English_Gay and That's So Carrot podcast!  He is an openly Japanese gay man who’s here to break it all down. Why are queer relationships still stuck in secrecy? What is the difference between the idea of open relationships in the West and Japan? And how does one navigate the LGBTQ+ dating scene in Japan?
Ginger or no ginger? You decide.
Check out:  https://juerias.wixsite.com/juerias-lgbt-wedding or find juerias on X to join their monthly events!
We need some new stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at nogingerpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!
If you like what you hear, follow, rate, and leave us a review. If you want to see our faces, find us on YouTube or Spotify.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nogingerpodcast
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As always, stay genki :) 
 

Trains or Trauma? Getting Lost in Japan’s Stations

A listener missed their train because there were literally no signs. We rant about the confusing reality of Japan’s train stations (we’re looking at you, Shibuya), whether locals even understand the signs, and how these platforms feel more like a boss level than public transport.
PLUS — Game Master Toffee is back with a brand new round of the No Jouzu quiz. Will we finally be jouzu at something? (Doubtful.)
We need stories! Become a part of the No Ginger community by emailing us your “shouganai” story at: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Or if you prefer DM's, find us on Instagram or Tiktok and share your story.
Thank you for your support. We hope you'll join us in screaming into the train void during this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe.
As always, stay genki :) 

ASMR or Assault? Our Verdict on Loud Eating in Japan

On this week's episode, a Japanese listener messaged us because she's working with foreigners who chew with their mouths open, and she’s losing her mind. She wants to know if it’s okay to say something, or if she just has to accept it. We discuss the bigger question: when you’re sharing a space with people from different cultures, how much should you adapt, and how much should you speak up?
Do you have a story that is burning a hole in your heart? Send it to us at nogingerpodcast@gmail.com so we can “しょうがない” together. 
If you like what you hear, follow, rate, and leave us a review. If you want to see our faces, find us on YouTube or Spotify.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nogingerpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogingerpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nogingerpodcast
 
Stay Genki :)

Izakayas Are Closing, Resignation Agencies Are Booming, and Japan’s Last Again…

This week on No Ginger, you are invited to tea.
Samar covers The Guardian’s story on Japan’s dying drinking culture. Ash takes us through the Mainichi 2024 year-end roundup until she gets stuck on the resignation agency boom. Join us as we rack our brains on:
Why are izakayas shutting down all over Japan? Why are resignation agencies (What's that? 👀)  getting more popular? And why does Japan keep coming in last on every world survey? 😭 
Do you have a story that is burning a hole in your heart? Send it to us at nogingerpodcast@gmail.com so we can “しょうがない” together. 
If you like what you hear, follow, rate, and leave us a review. If you want to see our faces, find us on YouTube or Spotify.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nogingerpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogingerpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nogingerpodcast
 
Stay Genki!

You Can Leave Japan, But Can Your Money?

Can you really take your yen with you when you leave Japan? Or does the country keep a little piece of your paycheck forever?
This week, Samar kicks things off with a shouganai about a friend who got mad that people weren’t liking our reel... even though she watched it, enjoyed it, and didn’t like it either. Make it make sense. Then Ash tells the story of landing in Korea with no cash and getting her debit card hacked immediately. Perfect timing.
Then we get into a DM from someone who tried to leave Japan the responsible way—pay bills, collect their last paycheck—but ran into trouble when their bank told them to handle everything before leaving. Even though the bank exists in their home country. The math isn't mathing. 
We’re talking about international banking confusion, emotional goodbyes, and the little things that can trip you up when you're just trying to move on.
Got a story like this? Something that made you say “shouganai”? Send us a DM or email—we’d love to hear it.
All submissions are anonymous. 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogingerpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nogingerpodcast
Email us: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Stay Genki ;)

Izakaya Horror Story: Left to Rot in the Yokohama Bathroom

In this episode, Ash and Samar's friendship is tested. They’re joined by their friend and game master, Tof, as they dive into a wild listener story that’ll make you rethink who you trust.
A first-year university student went out for a fun night at a cozy Japanese izakaya in Yokohama. Everything was great—until she got locked in the bathroom… and her friend didn't notice for TWO hours.  Would YOUR friends come to the rescue, or would they just assume you died and move on?
🔻 In this episode, we get into:
🚩 How long is TOO LONG before your friend should start looking for you?
🆘 Would Samar come to Ash and Tof’s rescue? Or are they doomed?
🇯🇵 'Are You Jouzu?'—Japan trivia where we embarrass ourselves once again.
Would YOU have checked on your friend? Or are you that friend? Drop a comment! 👀
Got a しょうがない moment you'd like us to discuss? We are waiting for your No Gingers either through DM or email. All submissions are anonymous. 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogingerpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nogingerpodcast
Email us: nogingerpodcast@gmail.com
Stay Genki ;)