Daniel Kahl: A Life of Discovery in Japan as a seasoned Expert in Japanese Culture and Media. Reference Video: https://youtu.be/MMYDhQBxpUo Chapter 1: A Journey Spanning over 40+ Years Leo: Daniel, you’ve spent over 4 decades in Japan. What initially brought you here? Daniel: My journey began when I was 17. I came as an exchange student because of my fascination with martial arts like karate and judo. Growing up in Southern California, I was surrounded by Japanese American and Korean American friends, which sparked my interest in Japanese culture. When I arrived in Japan, I fell in love with the language, the traditions, and the daily rhythm of life here. Leo: How did you adapt to life here as a teenager? Daniel: It was challenging but exciting. I didn’t know any Japanese when I arrived, but having studied German in high school, I knew how to approach learning a new language. I started by picking up vocabulary from conversations around me, writing down words like sensei and umai, then looking them up later. My Japanese was rough at first, and people laughed, but I didn’t let it bother me. Immersing myself fully was the key. Chapter 2: Building a Career in Media Leo: You’ve had an incredible career in the Japanese media industry. How did it all start? Daniel: It was pure luck. I was running a translation company in Tokyo and got invited to appear on a TV program. The producers loved that I spoke Japanese with a Yamagata dialect, which they found unique and entertaining. That led to more opportunities, and before I knew it, I was part of an agency managing foreign talent. Over the years, I’ve done everything from food shows to serious news reporting. Leo: You’ve even been in movies! Daniel: Yes, I’ve appeared in two films. The first was Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in 1991, where I played a U.S. Navy officer. The second was Fukushima 50, about the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster. I portrayed an American military officer in “Operation Tomodachi”. Both were incredible experiences, especially working with renowned actors like Ken Watanabe. Leo: What kept you passionate about your work for so long? Daniel: The variety. One day I’d be reporting on Japanese elections, and the next, I’d be filming a travelogue in a remote village. I love exploring Japan’s diversity, meeting new people, and sharing those experiences with an audience. Chapter 3: Deep Love for Yamagata Leo: You’ve mentioned a special connection to Yamagata. What makes it so dear to you? Daniel: Yamagata is my second home. I lived there early in my career and fell in love with its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm people. The dialect is fascinating, and the local dishes, like imoni (a hearty potato and beef stew), are incredible. Yamagata’s cherries and rice are also some of the best in Japan. Leo: What’s your favorite aspect of Japanese culture? Daniel: I deeply admire the care people put into their surroundings. For instance, in Yamagata, you’ll see locals gathering by rivers to cook imoni in the fall or planting flowers along public walkways. This attention to detail and sense of community is something I treasure. Leo: You’ve lived in various parts of Japan. Would you ever move back to Yamagata? Daniel: Absolutely. My wife is from there, and we’ve talked about returning someday. The peace and quiet, combined with the rich cultural heritage, make it a perfect place for retirement. Leo: What do you think sets Japanese culture apart? Daniel: Japanese people are incredibly considerate and emotional, though they often hide it. This contrasts with Americans, who are much more expressive. I also find the senpai-kohai relationship intriguing. While it can teach valuable lessons, it’s sometimes misused, leading to unnecessary hierarchy. Leo: Daniel, thank you for sharing your fascinating story. Daniel: Thank you! I hope audience can learn something new about Japan and feel inspired to explore its unique culture. Reference Video: https://youtu.be/MMYDhQBxpUo