Why does everyone in Japan suddenly have the exact same keychain? And why do we all look like aliens in our latest Purikura photos? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are taking a deep dive into the fast-paced, glittery, and sometimes bizarre world of Japanese fads and trends.

From the "Seal Book" (sticker book) obsession of the 2000s to the high-tech photo booths of today, the girls explore why Japan is so good at creating "booms" that capture the nation's heart. Misato gets nostalgic about her childhood sticker trades, while Cherine reacts to the sheer intensity of Japan’s seasonal trends.

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Imagine going from the neon-soaked, ear-splitting chaos of a Japanese Game Center to... a dark, dingy, and surprisingly depressing police station. This week on Spill the Matcha, Cherine tells the full story of the night she lost her wallet and her subsequent "adventure" with the law.

Forget the high-tech Japan you see in movies; Cherine takes us inside the Umeda Police Station, which felt more like a 70s detective drama set than a modern office. Between the flickering fluorescent lights and the mountains of paperwork, she and Misato discuss the reality of the Japanese police system and the grueling process of getting your stuff back.

It’s a story of panic, paperwork, and the unexpected dinginess of the Osaka underground. Grab your Matcha and get ready for a very real look at life in Japan.

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Japan is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, but there is one issue that many women face every single day: Chikan (痴漢), or train groping. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine have a serious and necessary conversation about the reality of navigating Japan's crowded public transport.

From the "Women Only" carriages to the viral safety apps, the girls discuss the cultural and social factors that make this issue so persistent and what is being done to stop it.

This episode aims to break the silence on a difficult topic while providing support and information for our listeners. We’re spilling the matcha on the parts of Japanese life that aren't always easy to talk about, but are vital to understand.

Stay Safe on Your Commute: If you or someone you know has been affected by chikan, please know there is support. Download the Digi Police app for a silent way to call for help on crowded trains. For professional support, call the nationwide sexual crime hotline at #8103 or the Yorisoi Hotline for English support at 0120-279-338. Your safety matters!

Is it actually "reality" if everyone is being too polite to argue? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are diving into the addictive, confusing, and sometimes cringey world of Japanese Reality TV.

While the rest of the world obsessed over the "chill vibes" of Terrace House, the girls are finally speaking their truth: they aren't fans. They break down why the show feels more like a staged commercial for influencers than a real look at life in Tokyo.

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It’s time for a heart-to-heart. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are opening up the listener mailbag to tackle a vulnerable and tough question: "What do I do if I feel like I love my partner more than they love me?"

Feeling like the "over-giver" in a relationship can be lonely, and the girls dive deep into why this happens and how culture plays a massive role in how we express (or hide) our feelings.

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Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Grab your heart-shaped boxes! This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are breaking down the fascinating "reverse" tradition of Valentine’s Day in Japan.

Unlike in Europe or America, where it's all about cards and flowers (often from the guys), in Japan, the pressure is entirely on the women! The girls discuss the complex hierarchy of chocolate giving and why February 14th can feel more like a strategic mission than a romantic holiday.

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How close is too close? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are getting into the awkward, sweet, and sometimes confusing world of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Japan.

In a country where "reading the air" (Kuuki wo yomu) is a national pastime, showing affection in public can be a major taboo. The girls break down why you rarely see couples kissing on the street in Tokyo and how even holding hands can feel like a "big statement" to some locals.

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Ninja Wifi (use Code MATCHA10 for 10% OFF)

Is your personality determined by your blood type? Should you avoid moving house this month because the stars say so? This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine are peering into the crystal ball to discuss the massive culture of Uranai (Fortune-telling) in Japan.

In Japan, fortune-telling isn't just for fun—it's a serious business that influences everything from career moves to dating compatibility.

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