In a continuation of the discussion from the previous episode, Rhonda Shimano talks with Dave about various aspects of being a long-term resident of Japan, including child raising and the Japanese education system, as well as community involvement.

Today's guest, for Episode 38 of The Japanofiles Podcast, is Rhonda Shimano, another long-time resident of the Matsumoto area. Rhonda originally came to Matsumoto to study music under Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the originator of an approach to teaching known in Japan as Saino Kyoiku (Talent Education), and better known overseas by the name "Suzuki Method". After talking with Rhonda about her experiences, Dave then chats with visitors to the Saino Kyoiku Summer School, and then visits the Shinichi Suzuki Memorial Museum in Matsumoto.

While many of the English-speaking foreign residents in Matsumoto are language teachers, some have come here for other reasons.  Today's Japanofiles Podcast guest, a doctor from Iraq, talks about the motivation behind her sudden decision to move to Japan, and about the help she received from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She also discusses her work in Japan, as well as her plans for the future.

In the center of Matsumoto city, clustered around Matsumoto Castle, there are several dozen public wells, including the historic Genchi no Ido. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment recently listed the water from this artesian well among the "Hundred Famous Waters of Japan".  Today's guest on the Japanofiles Podcast, David Ockert, first explains his reasons for moving to Matsumoto. He then talks about the various fresh-water wells in town and, to conclude, he leads a group on a walking tour of the downtown wells.

Today's Japanofiles Podcast explores the pleasures and challenges of bicycling in Japan. After talking with Colin Willimott about some of his experiences, Dave speaks with seven other people, including an Olympic athlete who lives in Asama Onsen, about cycling in the Matsumoto area.

Today's Japanofiles Podcast features two women. The first guest is Ann, who lives to the south of Matsumoto in Shiojiri City. Ann explains why she came to Japan and then discusses a few of the challenges she has faced living in Shiojiri.  Today's second guest is Karen Ricks, who visited the show last year for Episode 8 and talked about the many activities she's involved in here in Matsumoto. Today Karen shares information about a big change that has taken place recently.

August was a month of goodbyes and hellos.  Episode 33 of The Japanofiles Podcast begins with a farewell event at Studio Sonic.  Next is a conversation with a recent visitor to Matsumoto, Matthew O'Neill.  Matthew is a musician who spent a month in Matsumoto participating in the Saito Kinen Festival. The final segment is a chat with Peter, another recent visitor to Japan.

After discussing the Obon Festival, Dave visits the Bon Odori dancing in his neighborhood.  He then introduces Matsumoto Bon Bon and talks with some of the participants.  The second half of the podcast features a discussion with Jesse Holyoak, who came to Matsumoto to be an exchange student at Shinshu University.

Episode 31 of The Japanofiles Podcast features an interview with Milton Beattie, a long-time foreign resident from New Zealand.  Dave then takes a train ride up to Nagano City to visit the immigration office and check on his visa status.

Jonathon Adams drops by The Japanofiles Podcast to share the story of how he became interested in Japan and why he moved to Matsumoto.  He then discusses some of the challenges of being a vegetarian in Japan.