Konnichiwa and Akemashite Omedetō! Happy New Year 2026!

I’m so excited to welcome you to the first episode of the year and Season 6 of the podcast! This month, I’m diving into a wonderful movie called " Rental Family" (2025). It follows an American actor who takes on a pretty unique job with a Japanese agency, where he plays stand-in roles for strangers. As he steps into the lives of his clients, he begins to form real connections that blur the lines between acting and reality. This journey leads him to confront the moral dilemmas of his work, helping him rediscover purpose, belonging, and the beautiful simplicity of human connection.

I can't wait to chat about this film with all of you! Enjoy the episode!!!!

Don’t forget to check out all the info links to my podcast episodes, social media, and some cool podcast merchandise right here: https://linktr.ee/Smoothtokyothepodcast!

Merīkurisumasu Minnasan My Christmas gift to you listeners is the Rerunning episode of this year Episode of the year Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing (2025) Anime Movie Review In this week's episode, I'm doing another anime review of the first feature movie, Hatsune Miku! Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing (2025). Teen musician Ichika encounters virtual singer Hatsune Miku in Shibuya. They collaborate to help Miku create emotional music and form deeper connections.

I have watched this movie and want to discuss and review this anime with you, the listeners. Especially if you're a Hatsune Miku Fan, you will enjoy this episode!!!

Enjoy this episode and Merīkurisumasu see you listeners back on January 9th 2026

Here are all the Info Links to my Podcast episodes, Social Media, and Podcast Merch https://linktr.eeSmoothtokyothepodcast

Konnichiwa Minnasan & Merīkurisumasu!!! Welcome to Episode 223 of the podcast. This week's episode is the Finale episode of the year! I'm calling "wrapped up & vibing out" SZEN5 Holiday edition. We're simply unwinding in the dojo, and I'll be discussing catching up and recapping SZEN5 while sharing my favorite episodes and moments, and more!

Merīkurisumasu, happīnyūiyā Minnasan! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!! See you in 2026 with SZEN6

Here are all the Info Links to my Podcast episodes, Social Media, and Podcast Merch https://linktr.ee/Smoothtokyothepodcast Follow me on Twitter @SmoothTokyo