Episode 6
Diesel Books — LA — Dexter Thomas
Craig Mod in conversation with Dexter Thomas at Diesel Books in LA, chatting for fifty-seven minutes on May 16, 2025
Dexter Thomas — ex-Vice News reporter and Japan scholar — and Craig discuss Craig's experiences and observations living in Japan for over 25 years. The discussion touches on the complexities of Tokyo's topography, cultural nuances, and the socioeconomic contrasts between Japan and the U.S. Craig also reflects on his journey as a writer, the influence of his upbringing in a post-industrial American town, and his unexpected rise to media attention following a New York Times article recommendation. The talk ultimately delves into themes of social infrastructure, adoption of culture, and the significance of fostering full, rich days.
Guest Links
Chapters
- 00:00 — Introduction and LA Struggles
- 00:58 — Memories of Japan: Takadanobaba
- 02:22 — Life at Shibuya House Commune
- 03:50 — Book Reading and Reflections
- 06:18 — Southern Accents and Personal Stories
- 13:35 — Exploring Japanese Dialects and Adoption
- 19:02 — Cultural Misunderstandings and Language Learning
- 29:49 — Discovering Shared Interests
- 30:52 — Reflections on Hometowns
- 32:22 — Economic Disparities and Opportunities
- 39:44 — Media Spotlight and Unexpected Fame
- 46:19 — Q&A Session
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Craig Mod is a writer and photographer based in Japan. He's the author of the books Things Become Other Things and Kissa by Kissa and is a MacDowell, Ragdale, and VCCA writing fellow. His essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, Eater, The Atlantic, California Sunday Magazine, Wired, Aeon, New Scientist, Virginia Quarterly Review, The New Yorker, The Morning News, Codex: Journal of Typography, and elsewhere.
He writes newsletters, oh yes, newsletters: Roden & Ridgeline.
The work on this site is supported 100% by paid memberships and book & print sales.
Whatever you do, don't follow @craigmod on Bluesky or Instagram.