Matcha Mum's

Tamara

Matcha Mum’s is a podcast for international families raising children in Japan.

This podcast explores the everyday realities of building family life in a different country, understanding the Japanese system for children and families, adjusting to social structures and expectations, and finding your own rhythm between cultures.

Hosted by Tamara, a German working mother living in Japan with her Japanese husband and their daughter, the podcast combines personal experience with thoughtful reflections on parenting abroad.

Across episodes, you’ll hear about:

Navigating Japan’s structures for families
Everyday parenting in a cross-cultural context
Mindful working parenthood and balancing career and home
Conversations with international mums and dads sharing their journeys

Whether you are already living in Japan, preparing for the move, or simply interested in raising children between cultures, Matcha Mum’s creates a space to connect, reflect, and explore new perspectives.

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12 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 26 min
English

Episodes 12

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S1 · E11
Yesterday · 15 min
Born Abroad & Returning to Japan with a Newborn: Passports, Paperwork & Citizenship
Returning to Japan with a Newborn: Passports, Paperwork & Citizenship What does it actually take to move to Japan with a newborn who was born abroad? ☕ Welcome back to Matcha Mum’s — a podcast about raising kids and navigating family life in Japan as an international family. In this episode, I’m sharing our experience of returning to Japan with our three-month-old son after giving birth in Germany. From getting his German birth certificate and passport to registering his birth in Japan and Japanese citizenship including what didn’t go according to plan and why I recommend starting the process as early as possible. I’ll also share how we prepared his health checks and vaccination records for Japan and what we needed before travelling to Japan with our baby. Topics: moving to Japan with a baby, newborn in Japan, baby born abroad, Japanese citizenship, birth registration in Japan, German-Japanese family, passport for a newborn, vaccinations in Japan, international parenting in Japan.
S1 · E10
July 18 · 36 min
Interview with Katheryn Gronauer: Between Motherhood and Entrepreneurship - The Hidden Reality
My guest of of this episode is with Katheryn Gronauer: executive coach, corporate trainer, and founder of the Tokyo-based networking community Leadership Latte. Her work focuses on supporting professionals through transitions, from career shifts to leadership growth. This conversation explores her personal transition into motherhood while running her own business. Katheryn shares what it really looked like to navigate pregnancy, self-funded maternity leave, and the pressure to maintain business momentum as a solo entrepreneur. She speaks openly about the gap between expectations and reality and how quickly plans can fall apart once a child arrives. Listeners can expect honest insights into: The challenges of balancing client work, income stability, and early motherhood Why “doing it all” often comes at a hidden cost How redefining work structure from full-day trainings to more flexible formats created a better long-term fit The role of community, and how her initiative Leadership Latte grew out of a personal need for connection This episode offers a grounded look at ambition, identity, and how priorities — and definitions of success — can shift in a new life phase. Link to Katheryn's Homepage: https://www.katheryngronauer.com Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E9
July 4 · 42 min
Interview with Tracy Northcott: A Mother's Journey - Hospitals, Paperwork & Life with a Newborn
What is it really like to give birth in Japan as an international parent? In this episode of Matcha Mum's, I'm joined by Tracey Northcott, who has called Japan home for more than 25 years. Together, we look back on her journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and the first weeks of motherhood in Japan. Tracey shares her personal experience of navigating the Japanese healthcare system, the moments that surprised her, and the practical realities that came after her son was born. From the importance of finding a supportive community to handling paperwork for a two-week-old baby, this conversation is filled with honest reflections and valuable insights for anyone expecting a child in Japan or simply curious about what the experience is like. In this episode, we talk about: Tracey's experience with pregnancy and prenatal care in Japan Giving birth in a Japanese hospital The surprises and challenges she encountered along the way Why building a support network is so important The administrative process after birth, including applying for a newborn's visa What she wishes she had known before becoming a mother in Japan Her advice for expectant parents navigating the Japanese system Whether you're currently pregnant, planning to start a family in Japan, or simply interested in life between cultures, this episode offers a thoughtful, personal perspective on one family's journey. 🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following Matcha Mum's, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E8
June 20 · 23 min
The Japanese Birth Experience: What Surprised International Parents Most
In this episode of Matcha Mum's, we explore what childbirth in Japan is really like: from choosing the right hospital or maternity clinic to creating a birth plan, understanding the role of midwives and doulas, and navigating the postpartum period. In this episode, we cover: • The different birth options in Japan: private clinics, public hospitals, university hospitals, and international hospitals • How to choose the right facility for your pregnancy and priorities • The role of midwives and doulas in Japan • What a birth plan is and how Japanese hospitals approach birth preferences • Epidurals, natural birth, and pain management options • Partner involvement during labor and hospital policies • The famous Japanese maternity hospital stay, recovery support, and postpartum care Whether you're expecting a baby in Japan, planning a future pregnancy, or simply curious about how childbirth differs across cultures, this episode offers practical insights and real stories from international families navigating the Japanese system. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E7
June 6 · 24 min
Pregnant in Japan: My Experience with Check-Ups, Paperwork, and Cultural Surprises
What is it really like to navigate pregnancy in Japan? In this first episode of my Japan pregnancy series, I share my personal experience with the Japanese prenatal care system—from the first positive pregnancy test to completing my check-ups at 35 weeks. Along the way, I explain how the system works, what surprised me, and some of the cultural differences I noticed. In this episode, we cover: • Registering your pregnancy and receiving the Boshi Techo (Maternal & Child Health Handbook) • The maternity mark and public transport culture • Financial support, coupons, and birth allowances • How prenatal check-ups are structured in Japan • Frequent ultrasounds and routine screenings • Weight management and nutrition advice • Language barriers and navigating appointments as a foreigner • Why I changed hospitals during my pregnancy • What I appreciated about the Japanese system—and what I found challenging This episode combines practical information with my own experience as a foreign mother navigating pregnancy in Japan. Whether you're expecting a baby in Japan, planning a move, or simply curious about how pregnancy care differs around the world, I hope this episode gives you a helpful and honest insight into the journey. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E6
May 23 · 44 min
Interview with Katie Hurd: Building a Business During Maternity Leave in Japan
In this episode of Matcha Moms, I’m speaking with Katie Hurd — coach, entrepreneur, and mother of two — about the realities of building a business while raising children in Japan. Katie shares her journey from corporate life into entrepreneurship, what it was like to grow a business during maternity leave, and how her life and work changed after becoming a single mother of two sons. We talk openly about the challenges behind the scenes: navigating the Japanese childcare system as a self-employed mother, balancing financial pressure and family life, creating structure in everyday chaos, and learning when to ask for support. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, self-organization, motherhood, and the emotional and practical realities of building a career while raising a family abroad. In this episode, we cover: Building a business during maternity leave Entrepreneurship and motherhood in Japan Life as a single mother of two Outsourcing, support systems, and self-organization Advice for mothers considering entrepreneurship The importance of resilience, mindfulness, and self-care Link to Katie's Homepage: https://neurofitglobal.com Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E5
May 9 · 22 min
Are We Doing This Right? Raising Bilingual/ Multilingual Children in Japan
In this episode, I explore what research really says about raising bilingual and multilingual children and how it compares to our own experience raising a German-Japanese child in Japan. We talk about common myths, language dominance, daycare, a third language, and why language development is often less about exposure and more about relationships, interaction, and everyday life. Key learnings in this episode: Why children are fully capable of learning multiple languages from an early age The difference between language exposure and real interaction How language dominance can shift depending on environment and input What our experience in Japan taught us about daycare and bilingual development Practical language options for families raising children in Japan Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E4
April 24 · 44 min
Interview with Denitsa: The Balance Mothers Actually Need — Lessons from Wabi Tabi Living
In this episode, I’m speaking with Denitsa, founder of Wabi Tabi, a holistic health and wellness practice rooted in the idea of balance. As a certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, she combines principles of Eastern healing, nutrition, and mindful living to support individuals in creating sustainable well-being. Originally from Europe and now based in Tokyo, Denitsa brings a cross-cultural perspective to health, family life, and personal growth. Her work is deeply influenced by the philosophy of finding simplicity and authenticity in everyday life. What we talk about: Why “balance” is often misunderstood, especially for mothers How children can mirror the emotional state of their parents Navigating motherhood and identity across different cultures The role of imperfection and why letting go of perfectionism matters How Denitsa structures her daily life to create a more grounded rhythm Key takeaways for listeners: Balance is not something you achieve once - it’s something you continuously adjust Emotional awareness as a parent directly shapes the family environment Small, consistent lifestyle choices often matter more than big changes Letting go of perfection can create more space for connection and ease Cultural perspectives can influence how we approach parenting, health, and work More Infos of Denitsa: Webside: https://www.wabitabime.com Alongside this episode, Denitsa is hosting an intimate two-day retreat by the ocean on April 25–26 — with more retreats planned in the future. The experience includes a one-night stay in a four-star oceanfront hotel, shared meals, a boat trip to an uninhabited island, a tropical garden picnic, onsen and relaxation time, guided reflection sessions, gentle Do-In exercises by the sea, a temple visit, and a few thoughtfully curated touches throughout. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E3
April 10 · 19 min
Strollers, Stations & Playgrounds: The Reality of Family Infrastructure around Tokyo
What changes once you have a baby in Japan? In this episode of Matcha Mums, I talk about everyday family infrastructure in the Tokyo area — from navigating trains with a stroller to baby rooms in shopping malls, child-friendly restaurants, and hidden playgrounds across the city. I also highlight Kosodate Hiroba (Child-Rearing Support Centers) — free community spaces where parents with young children can meet, play, and get advice from childcare professionals. This episode is especially helpful for: New parents in Japan Families who recently moved here Expecting parents wondering what daily life with a baby looks like A practical and honest look at getting around Japan with a baby or toddler. https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/20200325105507586.html https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUKUSIA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kodomo/kosodate/hiroba?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0 Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E2
March 27 · 23 min
Getting a Daycare Spot in Japan: Our Hoikuen Experience
How does the childcare system in Japan work? In this episode, I explain the main types of childcare facilities and how parents apply for daycare. I walk through the differences between Hoikuen, Yōchien, and Nintei Kodomoen and private daycare options. I also share our personal experience applying for daycare, including the point system, the application timeline, and what daily life in a Japanese daycare looks like. What you’ll learn in this episode: An overview of the different day care facilities: private vs. public options How the application process works (and why timing matters) And what daily life inside a Japanese daycare actually looks like Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
March 14 · 2 min
Matcha Mum's Intro
Welcome to Matcha Mum’s, a podcast about raising children in Japan as an international family. Matcha Mum’s explores the everyday realities of parenting in a different country, understanding the Japanese system for families, and creating balance between career and home. This podcast is a space for honest reflections, personal experiences, and conversations about what it means to raise children between cultures. You can expect: Personal stories about building family life in Japan Reflections on navigating structures and expectations Conversations about identity, belonging, and mindful working parenthood Guest perspectives from other international mums and dads If you are an international parent in Japan this podcast aims to connect, inspire, and open perspectives. 🎧 The first full episode is already online, where I share our story and what brought us here.
S1 · E1
March 14 · 15 min
Back to Japan with a toddler - Our Story
Moving countries is one thing. Moving countries with a small child while working full-time across time zones is something else entirely. In this first episode, I share our story of returning to Japan as a family: arriving in February 2024, starting work immediately, bridging two months without childcare, and navigating the cultural shock of Japanese nursery life. I talk about: The reality of restarting work on a German contract while living in Japan The emotional and cultural differences between German daycare and Japanese hoikuen Watching a child learn a new language almost overnight The quiet social codes of everyday life around Tokyo and Yokohama And why building community as a working mother abroad can take longer than expected This episode is an honest starting point about transition, identity, work, motherhood, and rebuilding a sense of belonging between cultures. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com

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