The Salty Gaijin
The Salty Gaijin Podcast shares the lifestyle of a Christian missionary who seeks to meaningfully engage with Japanese culture and the greater global cultural moment. The host, Brittany, discusses various topics (from anime to Japanese culture to the American church) as mini "culture studies" through a Christian perspective.
Wed, January 01, 2025
2024 Reflections: The Year of God's Provision
Send us a text Happy 2025, everybody! In this special New Year’s episode, Brittany gives a little life update while reflecting on the past year. 2024 was a year of change, full of challenges and blessings. But more than that, it was a year of God’s provision. Brittany shares how God worked in her life this past year, and how blessing can be born out of trials and hardship. The lesson: when you step out in faith, God shows up for you. Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, October 01, 2024
Overwork is Overrated: Work Culture in Japan, the U.S., and Ministry
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany addresses the issue of overwork in Japan, the U.S., and ministry. While some of the statistics may seem a bit distressing on the surface, there’s also hope for work. As always, Brittany looks at how the Bible talks about work and explores how God has redeemed work for us. Work is good! Overwork is what’s unhealthy for us. -------------------- Show Notes and References: How overwork is literally killing us - BBC Worklife American Work Habits People in Other Countries Resist (businessinsider.com) Japanese Work Culture: Here's How to Survive | Japan Dev (japan-dev.com) Four-day week: Which countries have embraced it and how’s it going so far? | Euronews Should Christians Keep the Sabbath? (bibleproject.com) 3 Reasons to Practice Sabbath Rest | Theology of Work Laziness or Overwork: for Church Staff, Which Is Worse? | JD Greear Ministries 5 SURPRISING REASONS PASTORS OVERWORK - Converge Coaching Books: Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again (Ruth Haley Barton) Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work (Timothy Keller) -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by <a href='https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22
Tue, September 12, 2023
"Demon Slayer," Season 3: Femininity, Disability, Trauma, and Jesus-Archetype 2.0
Send us a text We're back with my friend Rei to discuss Demon Slayer (again)! The most recent season was jam-packed, full of new characters and new troubles. But we were most surprised by the discussions that season 3 stirred up. Rei and Brittany get deep with some hard-hitting topics: female expectations in media, addressing disability and the treatment of disabled people, and defining clinical trauma and its characteristics. Plus, have we found a new Jesus-archetype in Demon Slayer ? **Spoiler Warning** Rei and I are very explicit on the storyline, characters, and details of Season 3. If you have not yet seen Season 3 of Demon Slayer/Kimetsu no Yaiba (Swordsmith Village Arc) and DON'T want to be spoiled, skip this episode and give it a listen after you've seen Season 3. Otherwise, please enjoy! -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, August 01, 2023
Crazy Summer and The Importance of Sabbath Rest
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany shares a little bit about what’s going on in her life this summer. Her church has been hosting two college interns, and extreme heat has overtaken the Kansai area. Plus, after 3.5 years, Brittany finally caught COVID-19. Being sick at home for a week gave her a lot of time to think, especially about Sabbath rest. Take a listen to find out some of the reasons why keeping the Sabbath is so important (for Christians and non-Christians alike). --- Show Notes and References: Mentioned Book --> Spiritual Disciplines Handbook (Adele Ahlberg Calhoun) Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi and Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay . Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, May 16, 2023
AI Generators and the Relationship Between Creation and Creator
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany discusses the recent boom in AI generators. She shares her perspective on the pros and cons of AI generators from the perspective of a writer and content creator, walks through some of the legal and ethical questions surrounding AI-generated content, and addresses the ultimate question: will AI take over the world? Looking at the biblical concepts of God and creation in Genesis 1 and 2, Brittany makes her case for humanity over AI. Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi and Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay . Show Notes and References: Links: OpenAI Introducing ChatGPT (openai.com) Pros and Cons of AI-Generated Content | TechTarget AI Generated Art Is A Copyright, Ethical And Working Dystopia (kotaku.com) New AI classifier for indicating AI-written text (openai.com) Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from <a href='https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referr
Tue, October 18, 2022
Is Putin a Christian?? : The Russian Orthodox Church and a Christian response to the war in Ukraine
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany tackles a rather serious topic this time around: Putin and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Putin’s actions are a mystery to many of her English students, prompting them to ask, “Is Putin really a Christian?” Putin seems to have strong support from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, so what does that mean for the Church? Are Christians okay with this invasion of Ukraine and the commencing war? After some research, Brittany attempts to address these questions through her own understanding of the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity. Music by Lesfm from Pixabay. --- Show Notes and References: Click here to support me by donation --> Buy Me a Coffee! “Why is Russia’s church backing Putin’s war? Church-state history gives a clue” (The Conversation) “Why Did God Command the Invasion of Canaan in the Book of Joshua?” (The BibleProject) “Russian Orthodox Church cuts ties with Constantinople” (The Guardian) “Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam announces split with Moscow” (The Guardian) Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by <a href='https://pixabay.com/users/mondayhopes-22948862/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=refe
Bonus · Tue, August 09, 2022
Special Episode: Sado and Shalom
Send us a text In this special bonus episode, Brittany shares one of the many messages she has given as a missionary. In July, Brittany had the privilege of speaking at a tea ceremony event ( sado or chado in Japanese) held by her church in Japan. After studying the Zen Buddhist roots of Japanese tea ceremony, she considers the main principles of sado with a Christian, biblical perspective. And that led her to the concept of shalom , or “peace” in Hebrew. --- Show Notes and References: Click here to support me by donation --> Buy Me a Coffee! Books and Resources on Japanese Tea Ceremony: Zen and the Art of Tea by D.T. Suzuki (audiobook) --> View on Amazon for Audible The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura (book) --> View on Amazon The Omotesenke Tea Culture (website) “4 Principles of Chado” ( Zen Wonders ) (website) “An Introduction to Chado” ( Urasenke Konnichian ) (website) ** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ** Music by Lesfm from Pixabay. Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from <a href='https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=
Tue, May 31, 2022
The Gifts (and Challenges) of Bilingualism
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany takes on the topic of bilingualism, addressing some of the benefits and difficulties of being bilingual. What’s the difference between translation and interpretation? How could God use bilingualism for His kingdom purposes? Brittany tackles these questions, throwing in a few anecdotes about her own experience being bilingual in English and Japanese. -------------------- Show Notes and References: Walter Benjamin, "The Task of the Translator" --> translation theory View on webpage View as PDF -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, April 12, 2022
Mochitsuki, Food and the Gospel
Send us a text In this episode, Brittany shares her experience pounding out mochi (glutinous rice), and discusses the influence of food in bringing people together. She also delves into the role of food in the Bible and its deep connection to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. -------------------- Show Notes and References: Nakatanidou → mochi shop in Nara City, Nara, Japan Interview with Kendall Vanderslice → “The Gospel Is a Story of Meals” (John Hawbaker) We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God (Kendall Vanderslice) --> View on Amazon -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, March 15, 2022
Women are AWESOME: Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day
Send us a text March is Women's History Month, and with International Women's Day having just passed, it's the perfect time to celebrate WOMEN and their contributions to the world. Brittany investigates the history of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, spotlighting some famous women in U.S. history, as well as recent times globally. She also spotlights several women that she looks up to (though the list is by no means comprehensive). Let's take this opportunity to remember all the amazing work and accomplishments done by women throughout history, and to appreciate and support the women in our lives today. -------------------- Show Notes and References: The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr --> View on Amazon History of Women's History Month --> womenshistorymonth.gov International Women's Day --> internationalwomensday.com #BreakTheBias Spotlighted Women: Kaitlyn Schiess (seminary student) Leah Boyd (seminary student) Madoka and Yukari (pastors) Cassey Ho (entrepreneur) Victoria Garrick (mental health advocate) Simone Biles (Olympic gymnast, USA) Sunisa Lee (Olympic gymnast, USA) Miho Nonaka (Olympic sport climber, Japan) Akiyo Noguchi (Olympic sport climber, Japan) Phoebe, Junia, Priscilla/Prisca, Deborah, Hannah, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha of Bethany, the woman at the well (women of the Bible) -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by <a href='https://pixabay.com/users/mondayhopes-22948862/?utm_source
Tue, March 01, 2022
Let's Talk Anime: "Demon Slayer" and Special Guest!
Send us a text We're getting a little nerdy today. Let's talk anime. The ever-popular anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba ( Demon Slayer , in English) just finished season two a few weeks ago. As an avid anime fan, Brittany is joined by her friend, roommate, and fellow missionary Rei to discuss their impressions of Kimetsu no Yaiba . Demons vs. ogres, the problem of sin and humanity, and Tanjiro as a Jesus-archetype? (Plus a little bilingual fun!) -------------------- Show Notes: Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia) --> Learn More -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, February 15, 2022
Wordle and the Importance of Community
Send us a text It seems like everyone is playing Wordle these days. Why is it so popular? Brittany takes a look at how Wordle provided a sense of community for thousands around the world--something that many have been lacking since the pandemic started. Brittany also discusses why community is so important for people, as well as how the Christian community (i.e., the Church) is supposed to function as the ultimate, transcendent community through Jesus. -------------------- Show Notes: Bible Verses: ・Romans 12:5 ・1 Corinthians 12:26 ・Leviticus 25:4 (Give the land rest every 7 years) ・Ephesians 1:5 (We are adopted as God's children) Articles: "Temperance and Play: The Weird and Wonderful World of Wordle" (K.B. Hoyle) "Young adults hardest hit by loneliness during pandemic" (Colleen Walsh, The Harvard Gazette) -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, February 01, 2022
Communication Styles in Japan, the U.S., and God's Kingdom
Send us a text Brittany discusses some key differences between Japanese and Western communication styles, pulling from linguistic knowledge and her own cross-cultural church experience in Japan she addresses the questions: Which style is better? Is there really one best way to communicate? How should Christians communicate with one another, cross-culturally or otherwise? Brittany tackles these questions, bearing in mind the biblical standard for communication in God's kingdom. Show Notes: Bible Verses Mentioned: ・Acts 9:31・Revelation 7:9・James 1:19・Proverbs 11:9・Proverbs 13:3・Proverbs 18:8・Proverbs 19:5・Proverbs 14:25・Proverbs 27:5・Ephesians 4:15・1 Thessalonians 5:11・Ephesians 4:29・Matthew 12:34・Matthew 12:36-37 -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, January 18, 2022
Lake Biwa, Outdoor Bouldering, and Noticing the Things God Has Made
Send us a text Brittany shares a little bit about her day trip to Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, bouldering on Mt. Kitayama, and how nature actually glorifies God, pointing towards a greater understanding and appreciation of God's power and creativity. -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
Tue, January 04, 2022
Salty Gaijin's First Podcast!
Send us a text Welcome to the Salty Gaijin podcast! But what does "salty gaijin" mean, exactly? Brittany discusses the origin of her blog, "Salty Gaijin," and gives an introduction to her journey as a missionary in Japan, as well as what this podcast is going to cover. Salty Gaijin depicts the lifestyle of a Christian missionary who seeks to meaningfully (and respectfully) engage with Japanese culture and the greater global cultural moment. -------------------- Support the show Become a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee! Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay . Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay .
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