Real Gaijin Launches "Read My Lips" Podcast Series
Listen to the author tell his own stories in his own voice. If you wish, you can follow along by reading the original post at the same time - great for English learners!
Real Gaijin has some big news to share on May Day 2024, a celebration of spring and new beginnings.
“Read My Lips” Podcast Series
Starting today, a news series of video podcasts called "Read My Lips" will be available. Selected posts will be narrated by the author, so you can hear him tell the story in his own voice. If you wish, you can follow along by reading the original post at the same time, which is great for English learners1.
Here are links to the first 3 episodes:
Real Gaijin | Read My Lips Podcast #1 (Narration of "Population of Foreign Residents in Japan Growing")
Real Gaijin | Read My Lips Podcast #2 (Narration of "Costco Expands Reach Across Japan with the Support of Mini Resale Shops")
Real Gaijin | Read My Lips Podcast #3 (Narration of "World's Longest Public Road Test of a Self-Driving Vehicle Now Underway in Japan")
Introduction of Some Paid Content
While the vast majority of future content will continue to be available to everyone for free, in order to offset the costs of primary and secondary research, Real Gaijin will begin offering paid subscriptions today in conjunction with the launch of the "Read My Lips" podcast series. Paid subscribers will receive
Full access to the "Read My Lips" podcast series
Access to subscriber-only discussion threads (aka "Beers with Real Gaijin")
Access to the limited number of subscriber-only bonus posts
Access to the full archive
The price for a monthly subscription is US $5, which is about the cost of a cup of brewed coffee at most coffee shops. An annual subscription is only $50.
Everything Always Free for Loyal Early Adopters
For all the loyal early adopters (aka those who have subscribed to Real Gaijin by the end of April 20242) for whom I am grateful, there is no need to worry. Your account is already "comped" forever! That's right, all content - including some of the new content that will be limited to paid subscribers - will still be accessible to you for free.
What They Are Saying about Real Gaijin
"Although I have lived, studied, and worked in Japan for decades, Real Gaijin often presents aspects of life in Japan that are new to me. Real Gaijin is well written and gives its readers a concise idea of what it's like to live in Japan - especially as a long-term foreigner." - Kate Elwood, Professor, Waseda University, School of Commerce and author of the Cultural Conundrums Substack
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ご支援ありがとうございました。今後もよろしくお願いします。
Mark Kennedy, the author of Real Gaijin, is a native of Chicago. He speaks what some people call the "standard Midwestern dialect" version of English. Historically, the Midwest has been associated with a pronunciation close to General American English, which lacks strong regional characteristics and is often used by American newscasters on TV and radio.
Why is this relevant to you? If you are a student of the English language - especially "American English" - you may find it relatively easy to follow Mark's "Read My Lips" series of podcasts due to his easy-to-understand accent.
We are aware that it is May 1st in Japan at the time of this posting, but it is still April 30th in other parts of the world where many of our subscribers live. Therefore, subscriptions received during normal business hours on May 1, 2024 (Japan time) will still be "comped" forever. See, Real Gaijin has got your back!
Congratulations, Mark! The podcasts look great!
Congratulations on this excellent new venture, Mark - and thank you for the grandfather subscription. I like the way you think, write and do business and will certainly recommend your 'stack to others. May you live long and prosper!