Alexander Bennett from Kyoto joins Ben and Burke to share the wisdom he has gained about Japanese culture, and also himself, after having lived in the country for over 30 years. Alex is a professor at Kansai University, holds two PhDs in bushido-related subjects, has appeared in an NHK documentary on Miyamoto Musashi, and has published multiple books related to Japan, including The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works in Hardback or Kindle and Japan The Ultimate Samurai Guide in paperback or Kindle. He is most well known for his accomplishments in martial arts, attaining top ranks in multiple disciplines, and especially for his dedication to kendo, in which he is 7th dan, coaches the New Zealand national kendo team, and is the editor in chief of the magazine Kendo World. Alex is a very humble person with an underlying intensity, and it was a real pleasure to hear his story and his thoughts on Japanese culture and life in this country.Sponsors:Bearfoot Bar12 different types of Japanese made craft beers, both bottles and on tap. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Tapas style menu and burgers. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Open 7 days a week. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbarRed HouseLocated in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000. https://theredhouse.jp/Rusutsu LodgesOpen all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, free pick up available from the bus stop, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.comHokkaido GuideEstablished over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. hokkaidoguide.com.Support the show