Eat Your Kimchi
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 691 ratingsEat Your Kimchi on SBS PopAsia! Simon and Martina bring you all the latest on J-pop, K-pop and Asian pop culture. They take you on adventures through Japan and Korea, diving in to the culture, tasting the food and learning a lot along the way.
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Episodes
EXTRA: A fizzy drink that tastes like Vegemite; "it's just rank"
December 05, 2017 13:00 - 53 secondsSimon and Martina have stumbled on a restaurant in Japan that sells a drink that - in the words of Simon - "tastes rank." The duo think it takes the fun out of a soft drink. They describe it as something that tastes like Vegemite (but not in a good way)...
Is this the best Ramen in Tokyo?
December 03, 2017 13:00 - 24 minutesThis week Simon and Martina found two amazing eateries that you all need to try when you go to Tokyo. One place had the best Kimchi the duo have had in Japan so far and the other served up the best Ramen. When they first went in to the Ramen place, it was small (we're talking tiny), with the slowest moving line ever. You were squished next to an air-conditioning unit and everything looked black, grimey and oily. Then they saw the bowls of Ramen and thought they'd made a huge mistake. There w...
EXTRA: More in love than ever; relationship advice from Simon and Martina
November 28, 2017 13:00 - 3 minutesThis week Simon and Martina give solid relationship advice. The duo have been married for 10 years and they're more in love than ever. They say you should buy flowers, or something small, 'just because' and not just for special occasions, to show them you're thinking about them and you care about them. Buy a choccy bar and write a cute sticky note with it for when they get to work. It's the little things. It's nice to have someone appreciate you; everyone feels good when you know someone thi...
A neighbourhood party in Japan; it's $10 for everything
November 26, 2017 13:00 - 39 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about a neighbourhood party in Japan. They went in a hipster area. You could BYO meat, but they also paid $10 and food was provided. There was a DJ, games (which Martina won) and they met people from all over the world. Simon says he's never been in a room with so many different nationalities. Martina has lost her voice; the music was cranked up really loud and they had to shout to be heard. Simon met a girl from a Japanese hip-hop group and she talked to hi...
EXTRA Simon's been married to Martina for 10 years and doesn't need marriage advice
November 21, 2017 13:00 - 5 minutesThis week we're feeling all 'naaaw' and warm and fuzzy because Simon is talking about how in love he is with Martina after they've been married for 10 years. He loves being with her, she's his best friend. He's doing marriage right and doesn't need marriage advice from anyone. If women try to flirt with him he runs away. He had to separate from Martina for a few hours this week, which leads to a rather funny story at the Polish embassy in Japan...
The magical experience of thrift shopping in Japan
November 19, 2017 13:00 - 41 minutesWhile Simon had an adventure going to the Polish Embassy, Martina had an adventure of her own thrift shopping. Martina loves thrift shopping and well Simon hates shopping period! Also, Simon and Martina's neighbour gives them a plant, will they kill it like every other plant they've owned?
Inside Japan's Studio Ghibli museum
November 12, 2017 13:00 - 38 minutesThis week Simon and Martina went to the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan for the second time, and it was better than their first visit. This time they watched the movie, which they say you have to do if you go to the museum. There are movies that don't air anywhere else in the world. They got to see an extension of the Totoro Universe. It was incredible. There was a special food exhibition that was amazing too! They learnt that chopsticks are one of the hardest things to animate; the exhibition...
EXTRA: Why are Japan's police bikes so slow
November 08, 2017 13:00 - 3 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about police bikes in Japan. They're really slow because they're not automated bikes; the duo want to know why they don't have motorised bikes because they go slower than other bikes (like the ones Simon and Martina own). Police booths are also interesting. Have you seen them?
How accessible Japan's transit system is
November 08, 2017 13:00 - 39 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about how accessible Japan's transit system is. A friend of the EYK duo, is visiting them in Japan and she uses a mobility aid at times. Simon and Martina have noticed what it's like getting around on public transport in Japan when you need assistance - phenomenally well (from their experience so far). When catching a train, there's a ramp set up so you avoid the gap when boarding, and when you arrive at your destination the train staff have called ahead; the...
EXTRA: The different kinds of bells in Japan and how they work
October 31, 2017 13:00 - 2 minutesThis week Simon made an observation (by himself) so he needs to share. Once he woke up at 7 am, without an alarm, feeling awake and like he didn't need more sleep, which is weird for him. So he got up and went for a walk to see what 'normal' people do in the mornings. In Japan, they have certain bells that ring at different times, with different sounds. They have bells at 8:20, 8:40 and 8:45 - in Kichijoji at least. Very interesting. There were people everywhere until 8:45 and once that time...
Coffee culture in Japan; explain the mystery to us
October 29, 2017 13:00 - 35 minutesThis week Simon and Martina want someone to explain to them how people survive in the morning without having a coffee. In Japan coffee places don't open until 10 or 11 am, and no one seems to drink coffee before work. Not a single coffee shop is open on the way to work and the duo want to know why. There's a lot of hand-drip coffee in Japan, it's not like North America where you can grab a quick drip coffee before starting your day. But Simon and Martina really want to know how people get th...
Ordering ice-cream sundaes at a steamy, dapper bar in Japan
October 22, 2017 13:00 - 44 minutesThis week Simon and Martina went to a secret bar in an alleyway, and ordered chocolate kisses and ice-cream sundaes. It was off Harmonica Alley and was really dark except for some blue fair lights inside. You paid to sit down, and they sat next to two businessman who looked very well dressed and fancy. Looking at the menu and they were surprised to see chocolate kisses, and an ice-cream sundae so (of course) they ordered them both, and they were delicious! A chocolate sundae at a steamy, dar...
The 'underbelly' and 'seedy side' of Japan
October 15, 2017 13:00 - 40 minutesThis week Simon and Martina checked out a nearby neighbourhood, Koenji, and they discovered a grungy, seedier - but amazing - side to Japan. They found a bar that had a lot of penis statues on the outside, but when they went inside they had the best night ever! Simon says it was his favourite night in Tokyo so far. It was about the size of a big walk-in closet (so, tiny). The lady running it was 81 years old and the lady serving them was 87 years old. They drank a lot with the elderly locals...
What it's like to be the star at a fan meet-and-greet
October 08, 2017 13:00 - 45 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about doing a fan meet-and-greet and explain what the experience is like for them. It's exhausting, but they absolutely love it and appreciate their fans "so so so much." On the day, they have breakfast (just a green smoothie) at about 10am, then they get ready - thinking about clothes that won't show sweat marks, comfy shoes etc - then they head to the event. They have something to eat that won't make their breath smell bad and guests arrive. They are riddle...
Why Japan is safer than other countries; an interesting tale
September 28, 2017 14:00 - 42 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about how amazing Japanese people are when it comes to being kind and genuine. As the duo put it; Japanese people are taught not to be 'jerks' to other people from a very young age. There's no petty crime in Japan. The couple tells a story about a man who came back to their house two days after he'd delivered them curry because he had short-changed them the equivalent of $1. One Dollar! He drove all the way back to their house, two days later, with a receipt...
The 'darker' side to Japan
September 24, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about a 'darker' side to Japan. They discovered a place in their Japanese suburb, that they've never explored before. At about 10pm, they decided to walk down a sketchy street and they found a Chinese restaurant that was a bit dingey inside. Outside the restaurant there were two possible prostitutes and no condiments on any tables, only cigarette trays. There were men in suits slapping a guy, and a man with bleached-blonde hair smoking in front of a no-smokin...
What happens after midnight in a Japanese neighbourhood
September 17, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about a very interesting experience they had in their Japanese neighbourhood. It was raining, but they chucked on rain coats and went outside to explore. They stumbled on an amazing Thai restaurant, then went to another restaurant before walking home. It was past midnight and they thought they'd found a dangerous group of youths but instead saw someone rapping and a group of guys doing double dutch, with skipping ropes. There's no sense of danger in Japan. Th...
How to control burnout as a YouTuber; getting that worklife balance
September 10, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutesThis week Simon and Martina are talking about how to strike a healthy work/life balance and control burnout as a YouTuber (with advice you can take even if you're not a YouTuber). The duo are in Melbourne because they've just been at a YouTube Creator's Summit. They listened to a monk talk about how to incorporate meditation into your every day life, and heard from YouTuber Hank Green about preventing burnout. We all want to know how to get that perfect work/life balance, ammiright?
What it takes to be a successful YouTuber
September 03, 2017 14:00 - 43 minutesThis week Simon and Martina are coming to Australia for a YouTube Creators Summit! The top YouTube creators are invited to the event - this one is for creators from the Asia Pacific region. There's different panels, and sessions for YouTubers to get to know each other, and to know more about what's happening on the YouTube platform. The EYK duo will be talking about keeping a healthy life-work balance when you're a YouTuber. When they started out, they would work until sunrise and didn't loo...
Get in the game; how Japan's sport events are so different to Canada
August 27, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutesThis week Simon and Martina are talking about how different sporting events are in Japan and Canada. In Japan you can bring your own food and drink to a sports game, you can buy fresh beer from a keg that's not ridiculously expensive, Japanese fans clean up after themselves with plastic bags after a sporting match. Every baseball batter has their own theme song. And that's just the beginning...
What it's like to be on a Korean TV show
August 22, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about their experiences being on Korean TV shows like Running Man and Star King. It's not as glamorous as you'd think, and it's definitely not something you should do if you want an ego boost. The duo give advice to YouTubers about going on TV to increase their online audience. Hint: it doesn't work.
What are some handy Japanese hangover cures?
August 16, 2017 14:00 - 44 minutesThis week, Simon and Martina tackle an 18+ topic this week - beer! Local beers are sold cheaply in their home country, but are sold at a premium overseas (hence everyone else's fascination of Foster's beer - except Australians!). This in turn leads to some interesting ways in which beer is marketed overseas, and the advertisements are generally considerably more memorable than the beer itself! While on the topic of beer, Simon and Martina also share some Japanese secrets in curing a hangover...
Why it can be difficult for foreigners to rent an apartment in Japan
August 06, 2017 14:00 - 42 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about why it can be hard for foreigners to rent apartments in Japan. Their discussion is based off an article that talks about one girl's experience trying to rent an apartment and getting turned down for being a foreigner. EYK think the article's most interesting point (that doesn't go into enough depth) is that Japanese culture puts great value on social harmony. Anyone who doesn't follow the rules, like separating rubbish, and keeping noise to a minimum, i...
Hanging out with renowned chef Yosuke Suga and eating the best Parma ham in Japan
July 30, 2017 14:00 - 37 minutesThis week, Simon and Martina take off to Gifu with renowned chef Yosuke Suga (who is really, really, ridiculously good-looking) to eat amazing Italian food, discover the local produce, and explore artisan prosciutto. Aside from the (slightly exaggerated) 2000% humidity in Gifu and slight uncomfortableness over the couple's tattoos during a visit to an onsen, it was quite an interesting trip filled with delicious sake, beautiful farms, and mouth-watering food (including the best Parma in Japa...
Are the effects of ranking systems in Korean TV shows contributing to bullying in teens?
July 23, 2017 14:00 - 35 minutesSanrio characters get ranked (think Hello Kitty!). Is a 'ranking' attitude now ingrained in Korean culture among teens and Simon and Martina talk about quirky observations in Japan.
Why going back to your home country is more of a burden than anything
July 16, 2017 14:00 - 33 minutesWhy going to your original home country can be a burden. Simon and Martina make sense of Japan's recycling system and Kichijoji is Japan's number 1 place!
An American airbase in Japan; what it's like
July 09, 2017 14:00 - 30 minutesSimon and Martina went to the American airbase in Japan, to watch the new Spider-Man movie with their friends. It was fascinating to go there. It was like being transported back to America; the buildings, the signs and the roads. They went to a Chilli's restaurant (which is an American restaurant) and they paid with American money, and had to tip like you do in the U.S. They follow American laws there, and have some laws unique to the base. The Eat Your Kimchi duo go in to more details durin...
Japan's commuting culture; why it's better on buses and bikes
July 02, 2017 14:00 - 28 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about Japan's commuting culture and why they love riding on buses and bikes. People in Japan are so honest, and it's the small things they do on public transport that warms your heart - making it fuzzy. It's a good place to bike ride too. The duo want to know what the bike riding culture in Australia is like. Let them know what you think...
HIGHLIGHT: When online fame goes to your head
June 26, 2017 14:00 - 10 minutesSimon and Martina talk about a food review site in Japan called Tabelog, and a reviewer called Mr Udon, who became very well known for his food reviews. While the EYK duo were in Canada, they were sent a translated article from a tabloid publication about Mr Udon. Nothing is confirmed, because it is a tabloid, but being in the publication will effect his reputation. The tabloid said he'd been taking bribes to write good reviews, and if he wasn't treated really well he would write bad restaur...
Simon and Martina talk about T.O.P and online netizen culture
June 25, 2017 14:00 - 35 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about T.O.P and online netizen culture; about how online communities need to be less harsh at accusing people for their actions, whether they're famous or not. The online culture is becoming toxic and it needs to stop being so negative. T.O.P has done so much for Korea with BIGBANG and as a huge K-pop star. They also talk about drinking cultures in different countries.
Secrets to a successful marriage; why Simon and Martina haven't fought in 10 years
June 18, 2017 14:00 - 24 minutesThis week Simon and Martina talk about the secret to a successful marriage. They're celebrating their anniversary, and they haven't fought in 10 years...want to know how? A guy in Japan drew a comic about his marriage, which explained how he and his wife hadn't fought in 7 years - it went viral. Also, there's a train in Japan that costs between $2,000 and $10,000 for a ticket. Why is it so expensive?
Best Of - What really happens in Japanese High School's, Japan's crazy work culture and foreigner butler cafe's
June 11, 2017 14:00 - 34 minutesGet some of the best bits from Simon and Martina this year! You'll hear stories about new technology in Japan that will help dementia patients, butler cafe's that only employ foreigners, Japan's crazy work culture and more!
Reverse culture shock, going back to Canada
June 04, 2017 14:00 - 22 minutesThis week Simon and Martina are back in Canada and they've had culture shock. They've forgotten to tip in restaurants, and forgotten that it's impolite to lift your bowl to your mouth and shovel food in when outside of Japan. They don't like certain Canadian food that they used to love, mainly because it's too salty. Typical Tokyo outfits stand-out in Toronto, there's a lot of exposed boobs and Simon feels small compared to all the buff men.
The 7 most undesirable traits for women, that make them undateable in Japan
May 28, 2017 14:00 - 25 minutesSimon and Martina have found out about the seven most undesirable traits for a woman, that make them undateable in Japan. These include speech and body language being too masculine, talking about being unhappy, only being considerate of the person they have a crush on, selfish princess-like mentality, looking like they have fun when talking badly about others, poor money management, and poor hygiene.
Why you're never too old to learn from travel; what to do with your parents in Japan
May 21, 2017 14:00 - 21 minutesSimon's parents visited Simon and Martina in Japan; the duo have some advice about what to do when your parents visit Japan to ensure they enjoy it. Simon's parents don't usually like trying new things and it was his mum's frst time visiting Japan, so Simon and Martina made sure his parents felt comfortable in a new country. They booked them into an airbnb so they could take their time getting to know the Japanese cuisine and culture. They eased them into the local food, which they ended up ...
Why are Japanese and South Korean teens so sad
May 14, 2017 14:00 - 22 minutesThis week Simon and Martina ask why Japanese teens are so sad. A recent report shows that young people in Japan have the lowest mental wellbeing out of 20 major countries, with South Korea and Turkey the only countries rating lower. There are shifts in Japanese culture, where the youth don't want to be 'salary people,' they don't want to follow in their parent's (especially their father's) footsteps. Some kids, now, barely see their family because of the hours they spend on schoolwork, and t...
Why you need to experience a private onsen (without getting your butt stung)
May 07, 2017 14:00 - 21 minutesSimon and Martina go to a hotel where each room has a private onsen. It's a great way to experience the Japanese hot tub culture, and there's no rules (like not allowing people with tattoos in). At the hotel there's a hidden staircase in each room that takes you to a big private hot tub where no one can see you. There's a hair dryer and fridge down there too; the room's completely decked out. Simon got stung on his butt by a bug (so avoid that). The duo think private onsens are a great was t...
Adult Karaoke, Anime high schools and work culture in Japan: the best bits of Eat Your Kimchi
April 30, 2017 14:00 - 35 minutesThis week Simon and Martina are a bit sick, so we've rounded up the best bits from Eat Your Kimchi so you can indulge. They're talking about Anime high schools; the difference between what people see in Anime compared to what actually happens in Japanese high schools. Adult karaoke; singing just got a whole lot sexier. Work culture in Japan and the crazy hours people work. Japan making their bidets for the 2020 Olympics, and the Yakuza; how they've evolved their crime work. Time for binge li...
Japans potato chip crisis; they're running out of chips
April 23, 2017 14:00 - 21 minutesSimon is sick today, so Martina is talking about her struggle to learn the Japanese language and about Japans potato chip crisis. Most of the chips in Japan are made from potatoes grown locally. Last year the region that grows potatoes was hit by a record number of typhoons, which affected a lot of the potato crop. Potato chip producers had to apologise because they don't want to use imported potatoes. Before getting potatoes from overseas, the companies are asking Southern farmers to harves...
Why the new Chinese boy band (who's members are girls) is so fascinating
April 16, 2017 14:00 - 21 minutesSimon and Martina talk about the new band to come out of China recently: FFC-Acrush. It's a boy band made up of members who are girls, and they launched at a husband expedition. They're not allowed to disclose their sexual preferences, so they maintain ambiguity. They can be whatever you're attracted to; male or female. They haven't released a debut music video yet but they've done some covers and have gained international interest already. The duo also talk about why the Yakuza are going un...
What really happens in Japanese high schools; they're not the same as in anime
April 09, 2017 14:00 - 22 minutesHigh schools in anime verse high schools in real life; Simon and Martina talk about what really happens in Japanese high schools compared to what happens in anime. Japanese students were surveyed about the differences between anime and real life schools. The results showed four things that happen in anime high schools that don't represent reality. Students don't live by themselves, roof tops are inaccessible, student councils are less important, and finding heaps of attractive students? Ha, ...
A Twitter storm erupted over Japan's work culture
April 02, 2017 14:00 - 19 minutesSimon and Martina talk about a Twitter storm that erupted after a tweet was posted about the workplace culture in Japan. An image from a book was posted on 'Japanese Twitter,' attempting to create an understanding about people who have Asperger's. The book teaches people why others may be a little different. They used an example of someone leaving work on time. It caused a big online debate about why people can't leave work on time without being made to feel bad. The duo thought it sparked a...
K-Pop bands are going to Japan to make money
March 26, 2017 13:00 - 21 minutesSimon and Martina talk about all the K-Pop groups going to Japan because they're not making money in Korea, and they're making a lot of money in Japan. There's bands they haven't heard about in Korea for ages but are everywhere on billboards in Japan. Also a very popular clothing brand in Japan (GU) has created really cheap Sailor Moon clothes and Martina wants all of it (pants, dresses, bags...) Would you buy it?
A K-Pop group promoting plastic surgery isn't good for Korean culture
March 19, 2017 13:00 - 21 minutesSimon and Martina talk about the new plastic surgery themed K-Pop music videos, by girl group Six Bomb, called 'before' and 'after.' The first video shows the girls 'before' plastic surgery and the second shows them 'after' going under the knife. The EYK duo are pretty outraged by cosmetic surgery being promoted through the music industry. Some people think it's ok because it's 'part of Korean culture.' Simon and Martina say it shouldn't be; people should be happy with the way they look. Als...
Karaoke just got sexier there's a new 'adults only' scoring system in town
March 12, 2017 13:00 - 20 minutesSimon & Martina talk about the new karaoke game in town that gives you rewards or punishments based on your performance with their ‘adult scoring system’. If you perform well with perfect pitch and rhythm, there will be all scenes of sexy women or men that show up on the screen (including ‘boobies’). If you suck, you get pics of old men dressed up as women and more. They also discuss the most popular names for cats according to a national survey and the state of AirBnB in Japan; will the gov...
Food poisoning in rush hour, second-degree fun and overcoming language barriers
February 26, 2017 13:00 - 21 minutes- Japan has nine islands - Fukuoka has amazing ramen and street food stalls - It's close to Korea - Simon and Martina met a lot of people from different backgrounds - Overcoming language barriers and making friends was great - Martina got food poisoning from tempura and the duo had 'second-degree' fun - Simon and Martina were stuck in peak hour traffic while Marina really needed the bathroom - badly! - Got home and had no gas or hot water - Forgot to pay the gas bill before they went...
Cultural appropriation in Vogue and fake news about the Fukishima nuclear plant
February 19, 2017 13:00 - 19 minutesCultural appropriation: - Vogue magazine cover featuring models of many nationalities (now dubbed the ‘Diversity' issue) - Karlie Kloss' outfit was inspired by the geisha culture - Causing controversy online - Online outrage is calling it ‘yellow face’ and cultural appropriation - Simon and Martina don't agree - Karlie kloss has apologised - Simon and Martina say it's not her fault and it's not a bad thing Fake News/Click Bail (and nuclear reactors) - Fukishima nuclear plant radia...
Japan's drinking culture, changing generations and expensive wristwatches
February 12, 2017 13:00 - 22 minutes- People go out drinking every single day in Japan - Millennial males don't drink as much as older generations (39% of millennial males don’t drink) - They also buy less cars and less wrist watches - Simon’s friend has lots of watches, some of them are worth $20,000 - Watches used to be a sign of status - Phones are the new status symbol and many males don't have a watches - Less divide because majority of us have one of three phone types - Expensive bags are the equivalent status sym...
Tattoos in Japan, Oranges in Ehime, the Iron Chef of France and the oldest Onsen
February 05, 2017 13:00 - 22 minutesAn amazing trip to Ehime province in Japan Planned to film at a high-end restaurant, but the Chef said they had to see where his produce is grown, to have a better understanding of the food Travelled with the chef, Yōsuke Suga; the Iron Chef France Visited a citrus farm in Ehime - the oranges were amazing The area was inspiration for the film “Spirited Away” Martina had a Valencia Orange Latte in a town nearby They met a photographer (and coolest guy ever) named Yohe He lives in his ...
Nintendo's lawsuit against Mari Car and Japan's exclusive restaurant culture
March 05, 2016 13:00 - 24 minutes- New music in Japan - How music is different in Korea and Canada compared to Japan - Nintendo's lawsuit against Mari Car - Wanting to launch Mario Kart go-kart track - When is it ok to copy, and to what extent? - Exclusive restaurant dining in Japan - Impossible to get a table - A website has been set-up to help foreigners get in the restaurants - Is it just a money-making scheme? Seems a bit suspicious - If chefs are aware then not as suspicious but still not good