What does working on the original iPod have to do with falling in love with Japan? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

Xander Soren spent more than 20 years at Apple, working on products including the iPod and GarageBand. These days, he's a California wine producer with a longtime connection to Japan, curating wines designed specifically with Japanese food in mind.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Xander takes us back to his years at Apple and working closely with Steve Jobs, including Jobs's own connection with Japan and the recommendations that helped shape Xander's early experiences in Kyoto. Xander has returned to Japan regularly since then and has watched international tourism here change dramatically along the way.

We also talk about getting beyond the usual "best of" lists, connecting with people in restaurants, learning enough Japanese to open a few doors and paying attention to the craft behind what you're eating. And we get into sushi, why the rice deserves a lot more attention than it usually gets and Xander's growing appreciation for sake around Japan.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Xander, coming soon!

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Intro & Overview

(01:32) Meet Xander

(07:51) Steve Jobs & Japan

(16:25) Xander's Early Days in Japan

(24:01) Avoiding Overtourism & Other Tips

(29:45) Dining in Japan

(38:12) Sake 日本酒

(45:13) Closing Thoughts

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Music:

Island Travel - by Anonyment

旅ゆけば - by Tinymemory

Investor Night - by Anonyment

(all tracks with Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)

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Xander Soren Wines:

https://xandersorenwines.com/

NHK Documentary on Steve Jobs & Japan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDerjbyqYMs