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.