Queers with Accents

In this episode, Masaki catches up with Kinoko right after her return from a whirlwind ten days at Burning Japan, where she was deep in the mix building the Temple, performing nightly fire shows, and leading the naked camp. Kinoko explains the delicate boundary of managing a naked chill space versus an orgy space, detailing how she had to shut down covert play behind her back to keep the communal camp strictly non-sexual. The atmosphere shifts as Kinoko shares an emotionally charged reunion with her ex, who arrived in a brand-new RV with another woman, reigniting a rollercoaster of...

Masaki and Kinoko begin by comparing their sleep habits, contrasting Kinoko's early-bird routine with Masaki's late-night schedule, lack of jet lag, and tendency to fall asleep anywhere—including waking up one station too early on Japanese trains. The conversation quickly shifts as Kinoko shares her excitement about taking a lesson on non-penetrative sexual techniques, prompting a critique of traditional sexual scripts that treat intercourse, erection, and ejaculation as the sole metrics of successful intimacy.

The hosts explore broader perspectives on pleasure, relationship roles, and communication across different dating spheres. From defining gay culture terms like "side" and "va...

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko catch up on Kinoko's haircut, leading to an entertaining exploration of hair grooming vocabulary and the French origins of the Japanese word barikan. The hosts contrast the detailed vocabulary for hair removal, trimming, and fashion in Japan with more casual Western naming conventions, highlighting how beauty standards and appearance expectations are deeply ingrained in Japanese daily life.

The discussion then evolves into a candid reflection on physical attraction, self-esteem, and shifting dating preferences. Masaki shares his personal transition from demisexuality toward appreciating specific physical features and body textures...

In this episode, Kinoko checks in right after returning from Burning Man in Nevada to share her experiences inside the festival's famous sex domes. She details the strict safety rules and "Principle Zero" consent culture enforced before entry—including mandatory ID checks, sobriety requirements, and a minimum two-person entry policy. This leads into a lively discussion with Masaki about the eroticism of clear verbal consent, how upfront communication removes anxiety, and why expressing boundaries makes sexual encounters safer and more fulfilling.

The conversation then explores the multifaceted nature of human expression at Burning Man, co...

In this episode, Kinoko debuts a drastic new haircut in preparation for Burning Man, where desert conditions and scarce water make showers a luxury. This sparks a natural dive into English grammar, as Masaki breaks down the causative structures behind having something done, from getting a haircut to managing complex sentence patterns. The hosts also touch on the quirks of countable nouns in English, contrasting how native speakers count insects but not sheep.The conversation then shifts from drive-thru culture in regional Japan versus Tokyo's crowded metropolitan area to a deep discussion on language and society. Exploring the Japanese...

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko catch up over breakfast updates and changing personal habits. Kinoko shares a cozy morning story about a sharehouse guest preparing a traditional Japanese breakfast of sunny-side up eggs, cabbage salad, miso soup, and barley tea. This leads Masaki to reflect on his recent decision at age 41 to change his eating habits and treat his body with more care, sharing a humorous story about his 96-year-old grandmother's late-night fried chicken appetite and how eating less has already yielded health benefits.

The conversation then shifts into a deep exploration of...

In this episode, Kinoko updates Masaki on a shocking plot twist regarding her recent breakup: her ex revealed he was actually divorced prior to meeting her and lied about being married for their entire half-year relationship. He claimed he lied to protect himself from being played as a "toy boy," leaving Kinoko baffled by the absurdity of his logic. Masaki and Kinoko dissect this major breach of trust, highlighting how a six-month lie fundamentally violates the consent and transparency required in ethical polyamory.The conversation then broadens into a lively linguistic and philosophical debate about honesty, relationship categories, and...

In this episode, Kinoko checks in from Fukuoka after receiving a post-breakup text message from her ex-partner asking to "be friends." Kinoko and Masaki discuss the ambiguity of staying friends with an ex, especially when navigating shared community spaces like Burning Japan. From examining the need for face-to-face closure to defining what "bare minimum" boundaries look like, the hosts explore the emotional work required to transition out of romantic partnerships healthily.The conversation then deepens as Kinoko envisions her ideal polyamorous scenario—one built on open family communication rather than secrecy. This prompts a reflection on how children perceive te...

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko wrap up their three-part guest series with sociologist Kasumi (Rero-san) to explore the complex intersection of mental health and queer identity. Kasumi shares her personal journey dealing with adjustment disorder and depression, describing how physical and emotional burnout disrupted her research and daily life. The trio dives into the frustrating realities of seeking psychological care, discussing the harm of encountering uninformed or prejudiced therapists who dismiss non-normative relationship styles or gender identities as immaturity.The conversation then expands to address broader systemic barriers, from overt ableism in dating app bios to accessibility challenges...

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko continue their three-part series with sociologist Kasumi (Rero-san) to explore the intersection of being queer and neurodivergent in Japan. The trio opens up about their personal identities and neurodivergent traits, ranging from Masaki's undiagnosed ADHD and Kasumi's gray-area WAIS test results to Kinoko's ASD diagnosis and disability ID card perks. Together, they reflect on how existing outside societal norms of neurotypicality made accepting their queer identities feel like a natural extension rather than a leap.The discussion deepens into the challenges of navigating queer social spaces while neurodivergent. From sensory overload and non-verbal...

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko welcome their very first podcast guest, Kasumi (also known as Rero-san), a sociologist specializing in culture and gender, and the author of the Quoiromantic Manifesto. Kicking off the first installment of a special structured three-part discussion, the trio dives straight into a fundamental question: what actually makes a relationship romantic? Kinoko and Kasumi break down the definitions of polyamory and quoiromanticism, exploring what it means to feel unsure of or disconnected from traditional romantic attraction.

The conversation then moves into a comparison between alo-romantic experiences and non-hierarchical relationship...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Masaki catches up with Kinoko, who has just returned to Fukuoka and is processing a fresh emotional heartbreak. Kinoko opens up about ending things with a married partner after half a year due to his refusal to be honest or transparent about his situation. This leads to a candid discussion about the stark difference between genuine polyamory and simple infidelity, as well as the emotional toll of unfulfilled promises.

The conversation naturally shifts toward the complexities of human attraction, sexual fluidity, and relationship structures. Masaki shares his own personal evolution...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Masaki catches Kinoko off guard right as the camera turns on, leading into a highly relatable chat about memory lapses and chaotic schedules. Masaki is in a rush to catch a train for a mandatory restaurant sanitary management lecture, which sparks a debate on the difference between a "license" and a "qualification."

From there, the hosts exchange stories about their most forgetful moments. Kinoko reveals how she accidentally let her driver’s license expire for over five months after moving from Fukuoka, while Masaki shares his own anxiety-inducing tale of dr...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Masaki and Kinoko catch up after a long, relaxing event from the previous day. Kinoko shares updates on moving into her new sharehouse, prompting Masaki to reflect on his chaotic history of moving 18 times throughout his life.

The conversation shifts to minimalism, book collections, and the transition from physical copies to ebooks. Masaki then opens up about a surprisingly heavy BL (Boys' Love) manga on his shelf set in the Kamikaze air strike era, which sparks a deep dive into the English vocabulary used for storytelling, artistic intent, and human...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Kinoko kicks things off with some unfortunate news—she has lost her wireless earphones yet again! This sparks a deeper conversation about the pros and cons of wired versus wireless gear, leading into a fascinating discussion on audio feedback, speech habits, and language learning.

Masaki opens up about his personal journey of overcoming a strong childhood lisp in Japanese (but oddly, not in English) and explains the different psychological and anatomical reasons behind speech impediments. The hosts also explore English idioms, the evolution of accents, and wrap up with an ex...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

Kinoko's runny nose and the rainy season being her least favorite season – and the strange gap in English: we have "favorite" but no direct antonym like "hated" (we say "least favorite" or "I ha...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

Kinoko attending Tokyo Pride for the first time in 5–7 years, marching with poly-friendly friends and holding up a polyamory flag (infinity heart symbol).

The explosion of LGBTQ+ flags – too many to reme...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

Kinoko arriving late due to a typhoon, closing her curtains, and her usual routine as a morning person (waking at 6 AM, bed by 11 PM at the latest) – despite enjoying underground night events, she always...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

Kinoko's crowdfunding campaign for her new sharehouse in Minowa, Tokyo (LGBTQ+ friendly, poly-friendly), with 9 rooms and 7 still empty. She needs both financial support and new residents.

Why she runs a sharehouse...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

Kinoko's new hairstyle, cut by a friend during a camping trip on a deserted (uninhabited) island, including the difference between "desert" and "deserted."

The social pressure on women (especially Asian women...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Masaki’s restaurant gas tank running out, the difference between piped gas and tank gas, and what “full-fledged restaurant” means.

* Kinoko’s exhausting move to the new sharehouse, dealing with old furnitur...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Kinoko’s frantic search for a new sharehouse, signing a contract without seeing it first due to high demand, and the rent being almost twice as expensive as her current place.

* Th...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Kinoko’s three-day fire performance workshop in Gunma, including fire eating, fire breathing, vapor tricks, contact staff, sword fighting, and a burnout competition, with about 100 participants and top performers from Japan.

* Th...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Kinoko’s excitement about receiving a ticket to Burning Man through the aid ticket program for people with lower income (under 5 million yen), and how many Japanese people are eligible.

* The ap...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Forgetting appointments and daily tasks

* The difficulty of multitasking and context-switching

* Working on laptops in trains: what are they working on?

* How clothing and hair color affect...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* The speaker’s excitement and anxiety about reuniting with a long-term partner after two years of forced platonic distance due to his monogamous relationship with someone else.

* The “musical chairs” dynamic of aff...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* Changing hair color with products like color shampoo and treatment, and reminiscing about having vivid hair colors in the past.

* The social perceptions of having unconventional hair, particularly how it can...

Kinoko is one of my ESL students and the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

We publish archived videos of our lessons as a podcast. Today, our conversation covered the following topics:

* The benefits of practicing English in various real-life environments, not just in a quiet, ideal setting.

* Personal stories about how accents can change unconsciously when moving to different places or spending...

Kinoko is the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, a ground-breaking book in Japanese about polyamory, as well as the organizer of Poly Lounge, a series of events for polyamorous and questioning people and allies.

In today’s lesson with Kinoko, we covered the following topics:

* What Kinoko loves about Georgia (the country)

* Georgia’s political landscape

* What is it like to be queer in Georgia?

* The cultural connotation of the phrase 'I met someone'

* Traveling in the time of war

* Drea...

The other day, Kinoko-san, a student in my private lessons (currently closed to new students), suggested: “Why don’t we turn the lesson archive videos into a podcast!?” It sounded like so much fun that we got excited and decided to start publishing from this lesson onward.

* Kinoko-san’s X: https://x.com/kinoko1027

* Kinoko-san’s blog: https://ameblo.jp/kinoko1027ameba/

Kinoko-san is the author of I Have Two Partners: Living the Polyamorous Life, and at the end of last year, her interview article went viral.

* Her book: https://amzn.asia/d/0gu...