Today's show features a discussion with Charles Ward, better known to his friends as Charlie, and increasingly well-known as the creator of the manga character Fukuro-chan. Charlie discusses a wide range of topics -- from his year-long bicycle journey around Japan to the many interesting activities he's been involved in since moving to Matsumoto.

This episode of The Japanofiles Podcast begins at "Ame Ichi" , an annual Matsumoto event with close to 450 years of history. The second segment of today's show features long-time resident Herb Leisenfelder, who talks about his experiences living and working in both Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures.